Barb Graduated

So many have written me to say they are praying for my friend Barb that I wanted to write to let you know she passed away during the night, about 1:00 a.m.

She coded again last evening (Monday night) and afterward she was nonresponsive, her pupils did not respond to light. The doctors explained that the ventilator and medications were the only thing keeping her alive. Around 10 p.m. the equipment and medicines were removed, and she passed away about 3 hours later. It was the toughest decision the family ever had to make. We didn't know they had disconnected the equipment, and went to bed thinking someone would call us when the end was near. We had 3 phones by our bed (my cell, Russ's cell, and our home phone). This should show you how eager we were to know whatever news was going on.

We did not hear about it until this morning. I had an appointment scheduled for an MRI near the hospital. After the test, we went to the hospital to visit with the family again and to check in on Barb. We didn't know the equipment had been removed. You can imagine our heartache as we searched waiting room after waiting room to find the family, and they were nowhere to be found. I was starting to feel frantic, wanting to see a face I recognized. None were to be found. Our gut told us what our heart didn't want to hear. We asked information for help, and they were unsure of Barb's location. Then we called the operator, and she said Barb was not listed as a patient. Our hearts sank. Then Russ called Pastor and confirmed the information I just shared with you above.

I have to admit to you that it was hard not to hear the news when it happened. Finding out by basically seeing and empty hospital bed (figuratively speaking) is no way to find out. We are used to pastoring when we are called right away, and being a staff position is hard when it comes to things like this and we don't get called, especially since we have been there so much with the family. The grieving husband felt HORRIBLE when he found out we weren't called-he thought someone else was going to let us know. These things happen. So, that meant our people didn't find out until later this morning, because I'm the contact person for getting the prayer chain going. But our pastor was with Greg when Barb passed away, so that was the important thing. They have attended that church with Pastor as their pastor for about 32 years.

We went to visit with Greg as soon as we heard this morning, and he is doing as well as can be expected, staying busy with plans and getting stuff together. He said they had a good time together as family last night remembering some special things about Barb, and he wants us all to focus on our memories for her rather than our pain at her passing. They were meeting as a family at 11:00 to talk about details for the funeral, and then with the funeral home later today.

Thank you again for praying. Barb is no longer suffering, and that is an answer to prayer, even though we already miss her. Continue to pray for the family during this time of loss.

You all are the BEST at caring and praying!