Kathryn’s Uncle Paul and Aunt Judy with great uncle Msgr. Michael
This is such a difficult update to write. Our brother Paul died suddenly yesterday. His son Thomas wrote this:
“Yesterday February 13, 2014, my father left this world and is now with the almighty. He was the greatest father I could have asked for. I love him and miss him so much already. He was one of the kindest, smartest, musically gifted, and loving people I will ever know. He is so much a part of who I am and who I still will become. Being a teacher he not only touched his family’s lives but also hundreds of students. I know this great man will truly be missed by all who knew him. I love you Dad. Find peace with God. “
Our hearts are broken for Paul’s wife Judy and two sons, Chris and Thomas and for all of Paul’s loved ones who will miss him dearly. We are praying for our 97 year old uncle, Msgr. Chester Michael who lives in Charlottesville near Paul and Judy.
I cannot wrap my thoughts around my brother Paul not being alive on this earth anymore! My earliest memories are filled with waking up to Paul pouring out Beethoven on our piano at all hours, late night train trestles, and a house filled with bizarre cooking smells created by Paul let loose in the kitchen. Christmas and Thanksgiving without Paul’s piano and quiet presence (often hiding in the other room) cannot be imagined.
We are still with Kathryn in NC because we cannot stop this treatment in the middle. Kathryn cannot be told about her Uncle’s death while on this medicine nor can we let her see any disturbance in us; we have to stay very calm to help her stay calm and fight the horrible fears that plague the patient while on this drug.
This has been by far the hardest treatment that Kathryn has ever had to endure! We pray that she will not remember what she has gone through! It will be very hard for Dave, Joe and I to forget it.
I cannot describe the energy that we all, especially Kathryn, have had to muster to handle the side effects of this particular Ketamine treatment. As much as Kathryn needs the help it gives, we have come to loathe this drug!
Our Pastor and friend sent a much needed message from God’s word that expresses what we cannot.
Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,”
even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you. Psalm 139 NIV
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