Do I pawn off my child on everyone else and spend every available minute with the most important person in my life or do I build as normal a life as I can for my son and leave my wife to someone else?
Peter and I visited Gretchen on the way up to do the Brook Trout work (yes, we decided to go even though we didn't get enough sleep). We had good day. There were a bunch of kids (younger than Peter) who were probably helping with the stocking so Peter decided to help survey Sugar Cove Branch. He was confirmed in that decision when I told him that I helped stock Brook Trout in Sugar Cove Branch almost 20 years ago.
Unfortunately, because I was seeing to the needs of my son I missed talking to the doctor about Gretchen. I found out moments ago that Gretchen was unresponsive this morning when they tried to do Physical Therapy. I also found out that her neurosurgeon stopped in and the CT scan showed no change (in a good way) and that he is considering putting a new drain in. That concerns me because the last time he spoke with me he said they may have to put it back in but I got the impression it was if things got worse. On top of everything else, she is still battling a fever and her white count is elevated. Please keep her in prayer!
So, where is the balance point? God has entrusted Gretchen and me with raising Peter to be a Godly man. Gretchen has done most of the work and has done it admirably (anyone care to challenge me on that?). God has let Gretchen be unavailable at this point so it is now up to me. And yet, the love of my life, the other half of me, the one that I hope to spend my remaining years with, lies alone in a hospital bed in need of my comfort and encouragement. Do I abandon my wife or do I abandon our son, the work that she has begun? Please keep me in prayer!
I'm so sorry that this is even something you have to think about at all. It is difficult to balance the needs of the two most important people in your life. We'll certainly pray for wisdom for you and a clear direction for the doctors on this fever that persists. If you think your mom could be of help at this time, please let me know so we can try to make that happen.
ReplyDeleteAll our prayers for you.
Tammy & Mike
Brian, it is a comfort and encouragement to Gretchen that you are being a great dad for Peter. I know that it has been a long time since Gretchen and I have been a part of each others lives...but I keep praying that Gretchen's enormous depth of determination will keep her pressing forwards. I don't really know what she is taking in right now, but please tell her I am praying for her...all of you. Tell Gretchen I have thought of her so often as the years pass by.
ReplyDeleteCarol (Essenburg) Grube
Oh, Carol! I was just finally getting around to reading Brian's blog tonight, and, to my surprise, I found your message on there. I was so happy! I had tried to send you a message when I got out and was first functioning, but I probably had the wrong address. Anyway, please get in touch with me. I don't want to post my info on this public site, so call my parents if you need my contact info. I hope you have their number. If not, look online for my phone info. I'll bet it's there! I'll call you right back! Please call!!!!! I want to talk to you!
Delete