Packing for the Journey: Notes from Jan on Returning to MGH. Jud's Journal Entry Ten.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT What to pack? What to leave behind for any lap or leg of a journey? Small stuff, or is it? Tomorrow morning, Jud and I’ll load up his suitcase—some books, computer, cell phone and two prayer shawls. You can’t have too many.
Oh, and his pillow. Those rubber cased rectangles on hospital beds may be easy to clean and germ resistant but hazardous to sleep. They’re unnatural. No tags. No confusing warnings of “under penalty of law do not remove this tag.”
We gathered for a family dinner. Salmon and rice. A loaves and fishes sort of meal. Blessed. So blessed. Jud said,” I feel like I’m going to the gallows and getting my final meal. A really good one.” Growing up, a plaque hung on Mama and Daddy’s dining room wall: “Jesus, the unseen guest at every meal, the silent listener to every conversation.” That should have shushed us more than once. Instead, it’s left me feeling that Jesus listens and laughs and cries. Jesus listens and loves.
Last suppers. Fare wells.
MGH called several times today to make sure we were ready for tomorrow.
How do you prepare?
Jud and Heather took a walk along Bass Rocks. I did laundry and sorted mail. Busy, busy. Buzz, buzz. Pray, pray. Chad and Maggie Blue came for dinner. Kristina and Poco stayed home….not feeling well. Kris Wood Reid, Heather’s best friend since 2nd grade, fresh from Uganda, joined us for dinner. Felt comforting to add more chairs. In about a month or so—we hope and pray—we’ll need only a table for two. Two’s good.
Handel and Haydn Society called last night to tell of upcoming concerts. I said we couldn’t come with a brief why. Instead of hanging up, he expressed sadness and hope for the future, then added, “You can listen to all the concerts on the radio!” Thoughtful. I packed a radio. Kindness from nowhere.
THURSDAY MORNING Jud just walked into the kitchen. Standing tall. Cane and able. Smiling like we’re heading to something wonderful. In a way we are. Amazing strides in medicine. Ten years ago, another, shorter story. We know we don’t go alone. Jud and I take comfort in our companions for this journey. We sense the prayers of family and friends. We trust the medical team at MGH. And inside, where fear lurks, hope nudges and peace stays seated. One big mystery. One big leap.
32 Comments
Jud and Jan, Your prose reaches deeply into all of us. Paula and I are with you from far away, praying and cheering you on.
Such a powerful verbal picture of all the mixed emotions and mixed events but filled with love, trust, hope. My prayers for you as you journey on.
Grace mercy and PEACE!! Praise be to the Lord, for he has heard my cry for mercy. Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song. The Lord is the strength of his people a fortress of salvation for his anointed one. Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their Shepherd and carry them for ever. Psalm 28: 6 - 9
Such powerful words expressed so beautifully!
You do not go alone.
II Chrinicles20... "So not be afraid! Don't be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours , but God's . ... March out... Take your positions..... he is with you. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go our against the. Tomorrow... For The Lord is with you. "
Praying from deep in our hearts. Sending love. Trusting God.
Jay & Barb
Our biggest hugs to you with lots of prayers. We are pulling for Jud, even more than the Cardinals!
You bring beauty and light into the darkness with your posts and His light and love will be with you. Sighing, smiling, crying and praying. Love and hugs
Oh what a sweetness to your story. In the midst of a huge battle you are still doing important family activites like making dinner. Harold and I will pray for you very often. We love you both!
Jud and Jan, I will be praying for you both throughout each day ahead. Love to you both!
Dearest Jud and Jan: "One big leap" brought to mind the children's Golden Book about the firemen. One picture show someone jumping from a burning building into the net that is held by a circle of firemen. I hope you know that your 'firemen friends' are holding the prayer net for you! We love you, David and Suzy
You certainly are going to stay in the best of hospitals…wise doctors, nurses and CNAs, , all people who whose calling is to be there when the going gets rough- kind, with gentle hands, and offering words of encouragement. I know how grateful you are for their care. We pray for your time there, filled with unexpected blessings- many evidences of God's presence to remind you that He is there, the silent witness along the journey ahead. We are amazed by your courage, and how graciously and so beautifully you have shared with us this transition from home back to hospital. We are continually praying for you. Our arms around you.
Steve and I have prayed together many times since Saturday, including this morning. We are both praying often on our own too. We sure love you. HUGS!!!
What a lovely, loving post, simply beautiful! we're praying for you both! be strong!!
Praying for you.
Praying, trusting, believing with you and for you!
Love, Becky & Will
We Are Praying!!
Love, David and Joyce
I follow you with love, respect and prayers.
Blessings and prayers for this leg of the journey. We love you!
Sue and Bob
Praying here...with hope and confidence in Jesus for all...Steve and Ruthie
"Peace stays seated." This is our prayer, that the peace of the Lord stays seated in your hearts! With our love and prayers.
We listen and love, too. And pray for peace and wellness and real-pillow rest.
Our prayers are with you all this morning. We love you all so much! So thankful we are able to keep up with this updates and follow you along your journey. Carey, Lori, Emily and Ali
We all pray for peace and assurance and hope (and godly realism and wit that signals rock-like faith) -- but who exhibits these gifts and virtues more than Jud and you (Jan). You're models -- even if you don't feel like that at the moment.
love from John and Susie
Keep on journaling for us, Jan. So uplifting. Praying for Jud's entry into the MGH bubble.
Jan, you and Jud minister to all of us as you share each step and thought with us. And lead us to intensify our prayers.
George and Darleen
Our prayers are with you! The BioLogos team is sitting down for our weekly prayer time right now. May God fill you with his presence and peace today -
Just hang on to Jesus' hand throughout the wild ride. You both are survivors :-). Look - it's a sunny beautiful day.
Oh, Jan; you write so well - I feel like I am with you in person, not just in spirit. Thank you.
May Jud go well; may you go well.
Hope Abides.
Wonderful. Thank you for this glimpse into the gift of yesterday and preparations for the 'morrows. May God's goodness and presence be felt in Jud's hermetically sealed room and in your faith-full hearts
I love you both. Be strong, be well, and in God's hands. Who knew you had the reservoirs of strength you've already shown? My unending prayers for His healing presence in your life, Jud. We don't know the future but we know it is good.
no adequate words to describe our emotions...just know we are in the group of MANY-- supporting with our prayers and much love-- from Westerlo NY
Many prayers from us.