April

Well my week started on Monday, after my computer was not working for the weekend.

I found out Monday that Karen was taken to the hospital; I had just talked to her on Friday.  She said she had a sinus infection, went to see the doctor and got some medicine.  On Sunday night she called Eden (her daughter) to have her take her to the hospital.  By Wednesday; the medicine didn't seem to be working.  The doctor's thought she has run of the mill pneumonia.  On Wednesday night they put her on a ventilator; she had pre-determined that they would only keep her on it 4 days.  4 days will be up on Sunday night.  I left China quickly to see Karen and also support Eden, Kim, and Shane; Karen’s daughters and son, and get some myself.

We are praying for God’s will; however we don’t want her to die; it’s too soon.  I know she would be happy to be with Guy but we are selfish.  She never did stop missing him even after 16 months.

I arrived on Sunday late morning because of smog in China; my plane left late missing my connection in Detroit.  I went straight to the hospital; Karen was in ICU; she could write letters down, so we were able to communicate.  They had her on morphine and Propotol so she slept a lot.

The doctor advised another day on the ventilator.  On Sunday night, Karen decided to stay on the ventilator.  By Tuesday, the doctors said she was doing better; they took her off the ventilator.  Wednesday morning; she took a turn for the worse but didn't want the ventilator put back in.  By Wednesday afternoon; they took her off oxygen and she passed away at 6:53 PM.  We planned the funeral for Monday, April 21 at 11 AM with visitation at 10 AM.  Many people came to celebrate her home going; she is now with Guy, in Heaven.

The week after the funeral we spent the week cleaning out the house.  I left to come back to China on Friday, April 25 and arrived on Saturday night, April 26.

Dennis was happy that I was home.  We are continuing to teach and get ready for the end of the semester.  It will be summer break for the students.  Dennis and I plan to do some traveling.

Dennis was talking with our TA (teachers’ assistant) about Karen and her readiness and eagerness to get to heaven.  She asked how can you know?  I was very happy to explain the knowing comes from Jesus not ourselves.  She had never considered such an idea.  We are alert for another opportunity to explain God’s redeeming grace.  The news of God using Karen on her last day was a blessing and a reason to rejoice but for now the sadness seems to grip most that knew Karen.