[KathyM]

Five years ago today, my previously healthy neighbor collapsed from a massive heart attack at the age of 46 while working out at a health club. When he stopped jogging, sat down and slumped over, people thought he was just resting. After several minutes, they called 911 but never used those paddles on him.

He was rushed to the hospital and underwent surgery. Doctors fixed his heart, but he never regained consciousness. He was eventually transferred to a long-term facility, but his wife felt he was being neglected and became furious when they dropped him when transferring him to a chair. After a few weeks, she brought him home.

In the beginning we had a parade of people from their church coming by to help my neighbor care for her husband. That soon faded. My neighbor now cares for her husband and two daughters, with the help of her mother who lives down the street. His condition is no different than that woman in Florida - Terri Shiavo.

I support my neighbor because she loves him and swears she sees him in there. He was a good man who loved her dearly. My last conversation with him was after my son's high school graduation. I gave Christopher a nice photo I had of his wife and girls - he held it close and said "My angels."

After all this time, I doubt Christopher will ever improve but I know my neighbor will never give up on him.

I would like to ask for prayers for his wife Christine (yep, they are both named Chris). She needs all the strength she can muster, along with peace of mind to keep her balanced enough to be a good mother too. I've known Christine since she was a toddler. She's ten years younger than me, and I used to babysit her when she was a kid. It hurts to see all the stress and strain on her face, and she never gets a moments rest.

Thank you.

[DM]

Wow Kathy~ Chris was right; his wife is an angel. I will say a prayer for your friends.

[Victor H]

Absolutely being sent.

-Vic

[Kitty]

There is a special place in Heaven for people like her.

[Abbie]

May God hold you all in his ever gentle hands and graceful love.


Abbie

[Burntmarshmallow]

I have prayers to send to!
add me on this praying congo line.
Kathy I pray the one above hears all of our prayers for the 2 of them and for you and your family also.
Peace
BMW

[Chemar]

joining in the prayers being lifted for Chris and Christine and praying for you too Kathy....that you will continue to be a source of support and comfort and encouragement for your friend

[DejaVu]

forward to share!

You are a wonderful friend to request prayer and any/all forms of support available to your blessed friends!

It's so amazing to actually see (and to feel, or otherwise sense) the power that can be brought to any situation when requesting assistance like this!

It's unfortunate that churches and other social (and other spiritual) supports are not prepared to help in the "longer run." Many churches and other groups do well for short-term situations, but seriously "fall short" in long-term hardships.

I am not "criticizing," as much as thinking "out loud" on this... and realizing how very busy we all can be...how demanding life can be...and how challenging it can be to continue to be supportive in long-term situations... even when these are the situations that need our ongoing support the most! This story is reminding me to show more perseverance in such cases!

We are supposed to "stand by" our spouses (and other loved ones) this faithfully!

One of the reasons weddings are a "community affair" is so friends and family witness our vows and also demonstrate support for (and "honor") the union and the vows...as time passes (ideally).

While we deeply respect a person willing to be so loyal to a spouse, for instance, we sometimes (I sometimes) forget my role in lending them my ongoing support.

Kathy, I thank you for sharing this, for many reasons!

You have renewed/increased my own consciousness on these types of situations, for which I am also grateful!

It's too bad Christine cannot get more of a "break." You describe her as very "taxed." I have seen so many "sole caretakers" have sudden serious... if not deadly... health events, eventually. I am concerned for her welfare and hope she will have more help available to her soon!

I am also concerned for Chris.

I am placing Chirstine, Chris and you (and yours) on my long-term "list" for prayer, meditation, positive thoughts/energy. I think you will begin to see some changes with so many people offering on behalf of this situation and on behalf of the people involved!

I am excited to read...in time...about some of the changes that take place!

Happy to read an update whenever you feel so led!

Many blessings to all!