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This could be it. He's 94, and has had a great life, having done his part in WWII in the European Theater, then serving stateside all over the world, and raising 9 children, all of whom are (or were) in Christian service. (Two of my brothers have preceded him in death)
This has been a tough year for Dad - he had some health challenges, including the trip to New Orleans last year where he became so sick he was hospitalized, and I had to go bail him out. He experienced some dementia in the hospital, which was a bit scary, but they assured us that was not unusual for older folks, particularly when he was in there all stuffed up with severe allergy and his hearing aids weren't working.
We have seen several other bouts with dementia, then he would "return to normal" for a period.
A few weeks ago, he just seemed to "check out" - having periods of lack of cognition, and even anger. He was an incredibly calm and reasonable man, so these fits of anger are so out of character for him. This week, in the hospital, he became exceptionally combative, even trying to hit and bite the nursing staff that was taking care of him.
For the last 4 days, he hasn't eaten, hasn't opened his eyes, doesn't acknowledge family -- my baby sister is there (Marion OH) taking care of him -- and just doesn't want to be touched or messed with.
It's like he's just "giving up".
I'm torn between praying for healing, or praying for a peaceful passing. I don't know how to pray right now, so, fortunately, the Holy Spirit has me covered.
Your prayers are appreciated.
This has been a tough year for Dad - he had some health challenges, including the trip to New Orleans last year where he became so sick he was hospitalized, and I had to go bail him out. He experienced some dementia in the hospital, which was a bit scary, but they assured us that was not unusual for older folks, particularly when he was in there all stuffed up with severe allergy and his hearing aids weren't working.
We have seen several other bouts with dementia, then he would "return to normal" for a period.
A few weeks ago, he just seemed to "check out" - having periods of lack of cognition, and even anger. He was an incredibly calm and reasonable man, so these fits of anger are so out of character for him. This week, in the hospital, he became exceptionally combative, even trying to hit and bite the nursing staff that was taking care of him.
For the last 4 days, he hasn't eaten, hasn't opened his eyes, doesn't acknowledge family -- my baby sister is there (Marion OH) taking care of him -- and just doesn't want to be touched or messed with.
It's like he's just "giving up".
I'm torn between praying for healing, or praying for a peaceful passing. I don't know how to pray right now, so, fortunately, the Holy Spirit has me covered.
In the same way the Spirit also joins to help in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with unspoken groanings.
Your prayers are appreciated.
Paul was conflicted over the same thing regarding himself, so....
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