on September 12th, 2017 by Rebeccca
Last week the song running through my head was “One Day at a Time.” The last few days it has switched to “Waiting for a Miracle” (see lyrics below). Since last Thursday, Galen has become weaker and weaker. I blame it on his out-of-balance sodium levels. Which is probably true, but then there is also the cancer, playing havoc in his abdomen. He can barely raise his right arm and his legs no longer want to support him. He does manage, occasionally, to eat a couple of tablespoons of the food I prepare for him. If we’re lucky it stays down.
So we are looking at our options. As nice as it is for him to be at home, he needs a proper bed and, probably soon, a lift. We talked about what to do and he was interested in getting the respite room at the nursing home where my mom is. Miraculously (I guess you could say this is the first miracle), the woman who had booked the room for a month and a half had just cancelled, so we booked it starting the 18th. Then this morning, after having a lousy night, he was quite adamant that he wanted to move into it ASAP. I kind of think his decision was made partly because he is concerned about me.
A couple of phone calls later and the amazing Mennonite Nursing Home staff are going to make it happen. He will sleep there tonight.
And then we will wait for the next miracle: the sodium levels to balance and the cancer to go slinking off in shame for having caused so much pain and discomfort.
“Waiting for a Miracle” by Leonard Cohen
Working and waiting in the hot sun
With all the rich saints, and the fallen ones
Working and waiting for the night to come
And the waiting for a
And the waiting for a
And the waiting for a miracle
Somewhere out there is a land that’s cool
Where peace and balance are the rule
Working for the future like some kind of mystic jewel
And the waiting for a
And the waiting for a
And the waiting for a miracle
You rub the palm of your hand on the grimy pane
In the hopes that you can see (when you’re waiting)
Stand up tall, pretend you’re strong
In the hopes that you can be (when you’re waiting)
Like the one’s that cry, like the ones that die
Trying to set the angel in us free
And the waiting for a
And the waiting for a
And the waiting for a miracle
You rub the palm of your hand on the grimy pane
In the hopes that you can see (when you’re waiting)
Stand up tall, pretend you’re strong
In the hopes that you can be (when you’re waiting)
Like the one’s that cry, like the ones that die
Trying to set the angel in us free
And the waiting for a
And the waiting for a
And the waiting for a miracle
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Galen
September 12th, 2017 at 12:48 pm
Oh, Becky, my heart just cries for you two! It seems like Galen is loosing strength so fast! Just a few months ago he was walking all over Rosthern at all hours of the day or night. I am so glad that you were able to get into the respite room and I am believing and praying for more miracles!
September 12th, 2017 at 1:03 pm
Stand up tall, pretend you’re strong.
Sending our best and most positive thoughts to you both,
September 12th, 2017 at 1:13 pm
Oh Rebecca, I just have that helpless feeling. I wish we could just say some magic word and a “MIRACLE” would be granted.I know you have a lot of very good friends and relatives that are sharing this pain with you and Galen but no one really knows the real pain for Galen and you. I guess we can kind of think that the availability of the “respite” room as some sort of a miracle in Galen’s need, although not the one we are looking for. Love you both.
September 12th, 2017 at 2:00 pm
We are just so sad for you! We are publicly praying for Galen, by name, at our church.
Never lies hope!
September 12th, 2017 at 2:10 pm
Becky I am so sorry. I do not know what to say other then I am sorry and praying for you both.
September 12th, 2017 at 3:02 pm
I pray daily (sometimes minute by minute) for you both! It was great to spend time with all of you this past weekend.
September 12th, 2017 at 11:27 pm
I am right beside you both praying for that miracle…with all my heart.
September 13th, 2017 at 10:16 am
Miracles do happen!, but sometimes they’re not the ones we’re hoping for. I pray that the miracle you want WILL happen. Think of you both a lot.
September 13th, 2017 at 12:40 pm
You are both in our thoughts and prayers!
September 13th, 2017 at 2:24 pm
Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers continue for both of you. Thank you so much for your effort in keeping everyone informed. We deeply appreciate it. Much love and hugs, Sandra and Les
September 13th, 2017 at 4:14 pm
Becky and Galen,
You two have been on my mind and in my prayers since your note of Galen’s illness, Becky. I shared many evening hours with Galen, Dick and others over paraffin lamps in the Mochudi, Botswana rondovel back 1970-72. Without making too much light of the “seriosity” of your situation, Galen, maybe we should have kept some of that Botswana gold! I still harbour a few blacksmithing tools here for one of your projects after recovery. Please find some peace in knowing that Karen and I are with you in mind and spirit in this difficult chapter of life. With our love and prayers….
September 13th, 2017 at 9:26 pm
Tenderly God watches over you & Galen! So glad Galen got a bed at RMNH. Miracles do happen! We are praying with many others for renewed health & strength for you both.
September 14th, 2017 at 2:20 am
We are praying for you. Thanks for keeping us loopified at a time when sitting down to write to all of us is probably the last thing you want to do! Peace.
Dave Heather and JACK
September 14th, 2017 at 12:58 pm
Very expressive song – holding on to hope yet very much aware of pain and threatening sorrow.
September 14th, 2017 at 8:30 pm
We are praying for that miracle right along with you. God is good – blessings and peace and may you find rest and joy together in these most challenging days.
September 15th, 2017 at 6:07 am
I think of you both numerous times a day. When being strong becomes too difficult call your friends and let them be strong for you. Love and prayers.
September 15th, 2017 at 10:23 pm
Dear Becky & Galen,
Our hearts ache for you. May peace & love surround you as wait for your Miracle in whatever form it appears. Thinking of you both each day
September 19th, 2017 at 9:56 pm
Is Galen in Rosthern nursing home. Can we come see you