Sunday, August 17, 2008

Spent the afternoon with Mom and Dad.


We went down today after church and took supper to Mom and Dad. We really enjoyed being with them, and while we were down, we celebrated my daughter, Anna's ,4th birthday. We picked GaGa up(Dad's mom who is 90 years old and lives out on the Ranch in one of the homes on the property) on the way down. It was nice to be together, to fellowship, and to try to enjoy some normalcy of life in the midst of this difficult time for Mom and Dad. All I can say is that it was good to be with them.

Mom is hanging in there, she is trying to keep her chin up, her mind on Christ, and her faith in all that the Lord is doing, that it is good even though she doesn't understand His, what seems like, silence, in the midst of this storm. She loves the grandkids, and they made her laugh, which was good.

Dad has not changed much. He has seemed to have a lower temp the last 2 days, but his heart rate is still elevated, breathing is labored and shallow, and the difficulty in speech is still there. He really didn't talk much today, but He enjoyed watching the Olympics with Jesse, and watching Anna open her presents. He smiled and tried to be pleasant, but was very quiet. He is so discouraged about this situation. We are all discouraged. Knowing God is working behind the scenes, yet feeling like nothing is happening. Not seeing any change, and wondering if and when things will get better. He is hurting, as well as Mom.

We know it is not a matter of if the Lord is able, it is if He is willing, if this is part of His perfect plan. We are praying that it will be pleasing to the Lord, and accomplish His purposes, in healing Dad, and helping him to recover soon.

Thank you again for all your comments. I have just printed out this entire blog from the beginning until present, and have put it in a scrap book for Mom and Dad to have with all your comments along with each blog entry. Mom has read all of them, but Dad has missed a few here and there, so now they will be able to go read back over all the wonderful encouraging words you have put on here. If you have wanted to send them a note, I will be printing out all the comments from this point on and placing it in their book, so go ahead and leave a comment if you wish.

Thanks again for traveling along this bumpy road with our family. We cherish all of you, and consider ourselves blessed to have you lifting Mom and Dad and all of us up during this time.

In Him, JJ and the Janszen Kids

7 comments:

Unknown said...

Jamie shared something about your Mom that has stuck with me for YEARS! She said that her favorite saying is "Lord willing." That has rang so true in my life and I have kept that in the forefront of my mind when going through difficult times. God knew that I would need to hear that and Jamie told me when I needed to hear it the most.
So with that being said...The Lord has willed all of this to happen. We aren't sure why but we must find comfort in knowing that He is in control. We are praying for your dad all the time and think of you guys often.
I am so thankful that your family was able to spend some time with them today. I know that probably brings them more joy that you can imagine. They are so blessed to have such wonderful children.
We love you guys!

Becca, Craig, Molly and Madeline Hill in New Braunfels

Anonymous said...

Mike and Jan, there is hardly a moment goes by that ya'll are not in our thoughts. It occurred to me that there is probably not a waking moment that someone is not lifting each of you in prayer. God hears the prayers of His people and he commands us to pray unceasingly. How we long to see Mike and Jan back in our midst. We love you. Stan and Freddia

Kristin said...

What a great picture of two very handsome guys! Loved seeing that sweet picture of Jesse and Mike. :)
JJ, you do such a wonderful job of allowing us to feel a part of this journey so that we can more specifically pray for all of you during this time - thank you for taking your time to do this.
Mike and Jan, you continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. I'm praying this morning that the Lord will show you many glimpses of Himself throughout this day! That He may comfort you like no one else can and that His love & care for you will be overwhelming. We know that your trust is in Him and I am so thankful for the Godly example you have both been in my life. Rest and know that many are lifting you up during this time, like you have done for so many over the years.
"Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you...." Psalm 143:8
Love you all and are thankful you are in His hands,
Kristin

Anonymous said...

Mike and Jan,

Kristen spoke such truth, in that you both have been such prayer warriors for so many of us over the years. It seems like we could never do enough to help you through a very tough season.
I am sure I speak for so many when I say ....if we all could we would be holding hands , surrounding your house and praying around the clock until the LORD delivered Mike. You are loved so much, because you have loved so much. We are blessed and thankful for both of you, and feel blessed and thankful to do whatever we can. Please do not be afraid to reach out and let your needs be known. Most of us feel very helpless in the situation, and would do whatever we could to make it more bearable for you.

WE WILL NEVER CEASE TO PRAY!!!!!!!

I love you both....Cindy Collins

Anonymous said...

Mike and Jan,
Just a little note to let you and your family know that I am thinking of you often and praying for your quick and speedy recovery. Mike, I know you are a tough guy and will get through this, just be patient. I love you guys as you are and have been like family to me for avery long time.
Get well soon.
Love Kathy Bergami

Dave and Beth said...

Mike & Jan,

Many times a day we pray for you. We treasure you both and your presence and fellowship is greatly missed! We continue to hope and trust that God will touch your body soon, Mike and eliminate the rapid heartbeat and restore your energy and your voice so you can once again be the encouragement to the body that you so often have been. And we pray for encouragement for both of you. The uncertainty must be hard, but we admire your continued faith in our mighty God.

-Dave & Beth

Anonymous said...

Mike and Jan......I watch the blog spot daily and you are always in my prayers. Mike, please know how much I treasure all our years as neighbors and friends. God be with you and your beautiful family.
With much love,
gail page steagall