Posts
Hi,
I would like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. (Better late than never) Wow what a year. Dec 6th marks a full year all ready. On Thanks giving one usually gathers with friends or family and takes turns on what they're thankful for as they review their past year. On that note I'm forced to make a choice. How does one review such a year. Yes there were blessings amongst the horrors. I cry for my Bruce and yet knowing he is holding me through this I laugh as I draw my strength through God and my memories. Remember how Bruce would have me open a gate or door and his mystery Turkey would travel the room and then would slip out again? If he got away with it, he proudly smile and guide me to our next victims of child like play and pleasure. My Bruce is dear in my heart. My pain is only deep because I've been blessed with great love, friendship and memories. When life challenges us, take the challenge and face anything asked of you armored up in Gods love and protection, but it is normal to hurt when their is such a great lose as with a love one. Holidays can be rough but I hold on to the traditions that Bruce and I shared and rise above the hurt with the warmth of his love and memories we shared. Happy Thanksgiving everyone and give each other a hug and say that's from Shelly and Bruce. I Love You All and hope to see my Az family and friends sometime this year.
God Bless
Love Shelly
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Howdey Everyone
I thought I'd take a minute to write you. Thank you for all the prayers and support. As you have all ready heard the surgery took 3 hours longer then planned, but all went well. Do to the rebuilding of my femur bone the surgery was done without a tourniquet. Therefore I was given 5 units of blood over the next two days following. I did consider becoming a vampire for Halloween, but then realized I also would make a good Mrs. Frankin Stine with my new 54 staples on my leg. Decisions, decisions.
It was rough at first but resting and renew in the palm of God's hand, the strength is coming back. Thank you all being my leaning pole as I renew and heal. The surgery was Monday and by Thursday I was moved to Mary Free Bed. This is a Hospital for rehabilitation. I had 6-8 hours of therapy a day, lots of naps in between and many happy pills.
The first day therapy started at 7:30 am. I was grumpy to think so much was asked of one so soon that truly was hurting but I grumped my way through and was ready by 7:20 and ready for a nap already.
When the first therapist came at 7:30 she explained I did what they had scheduled to help me with and were amazed I did so much without assistance. 7:30- 8:00 was to get help on bathing, 8:00-8:30 was eating therapy, which I have not been hindered in any way in that department. Then 8:30-9:00 was to learn to get dressed using the hip kit and many other aids, following with 9:30-10:00 was make-up hour. Now my work was cut out for me to achieve all that was necessary in 30 minutes. And that was how each day started after that. No more of doing it on my own and being done by 7:30. The grumping stopped.
Then you get a 1 hour nap and believe it or not, the simple tasks in life that we so easily do without thinking truly is a work out for me now. Yes I could easily cry on how my life has totally changed but I am seeing a world that I never stopped to watch in a long time. It either makes you or can break you. It won't beat me cause I will do what ever God asks of me.
Then I headed down stairs to the work out room. There they had an apartment for you to practice transfers, and home tasks. As I stumbled in my attempts, the therapist saw me through many ways until we found what worked best for me. I learned and they costumed made me equipment to help me through my new life. I'd work 2-3 hours in the afternoons, nap and more happy pills.
But you know what? As I waited for my turn for therapy I met others that had there own stories. Victims of drunk drivers, People that rolled their cars dodging deer and even someone that went on vacation, sat on the bed by the window of an hotel room visiting with her family while outside sat a man in his car. He was angry with his hotel bill so he chose to run his car through the hotel window back it up and run it through the other room across the road, running over this lady that sat there visiting with her family. This woman buried two family members and now is left paralysed from the armpits down. This woman has the warmest smile and a forgiving heart. She too lives for God and not for her wants or needs. How does anyone handle such changes without God? I've seen the Hurt I lived the Hurt, I've had great lose in loosing my Honey and I've seen and heard so much in these hospitals and therapy rooms. People, it doesn't always happen to the other guy. It can happen to you. Please don't wait until tomorrow to met God. He'll wait but do you have the time? Please stop taking chances by putting off to the tomorrows when your mind is with you today. I love you enough to want to share God with you. Can I help? This is a journey that I just couldn't do without God's promises and fellow Christian's praying me through.
I'm back home now. I can't walk for 2 months then if the bone has healed I can add weight slowly as I begin to walk again. I am 1 month away from when this all began. I've lost so much this year yet witnessed allot of blessings that is seeing me through this. I will be playing soon, I pray.
For the record I dressed my roommates, that I sit and have dinner with for Halloween. Betty, about 85? wore black and a sign that said pepper, Ilah 93 wore white and a sign that said salt,
Wanda 87? wore pink and a sign that said cinnamon and I middle age wore brown and a sign that said brown sugar and my mom, older than middle age wore green and a sign that said "The spice Girls" I made them silver hats and full blown hooker like make-up we shared allot of laughs that after noon.
I still need my happy pills. This surgery really has been hard and allllooottt!! of pain but I am making progress. I love you all and I am thankful of each and every one of you.
Love
Shelly Rose
It was rough at first but resting and renew in the palm of God's hand, the strength is coming back. Thank you all being my leaning pole as I renew and heal. The surgery was Monday and by Thursday I was moved to Mary Free Bed. This is a Hospital for rehabilitation. I had 6-8 hours of therapy a day, lots of naps in between and many happy pills.
The first day therapy started at 7:30 am. I was grumpy to think so much was asked of one so soon that truly was hurting but I grumped my way through and was ready by 7:20 and ready for a nap already.
When the first therapist came at 7:30 she explained I did what they had scheduled to help me with and were amazed I did so much without assistance. 7:30- 8:00 was to get help on bathing, 8:00-8:30 was eating therapy, which I have not been hindered in any way in that department. Then 8:30-9:00 was to learn to get dressed using the hip kit and many other aids, following with 9:30-10:00 was make-up hour. Now my work was cut out for me to achieve all that was necessary in 30 minutes. And that was how each day started after that. No more of doing it on my own and being done by 7:30. The grumping stopped.
Then you get a 1 hour nap and believe it or not, the simple tasks in life that we so easily do without thinking truly is a work out for me now. Yes I could easily cry on how my life has totally changed but I am seeing a world that I never stopped to watch in a long time. It either makes you or can break you. It won't beat me cause I will do what ever God asks of me.
Then I headed down stairs to the work out room. There they had an apartment for you to practice transfers, and home tasks. As I stumbled in my attempts, the therapist saw me through many ways until we found what worked best for me. I learned and they costumed made me equipment to help me through my new life. I'd work 2-3 hours in the afternoons, nap and more happy pills.
But you know what? As I waited for my turn for therapy I met others that had there own stories. Victims of drunk drivers, People that rolled their cars dodging deer and even someone that went on vacation, sat on the bed by the window of an hotel room visiting with her family while outside sat a man in his car. He was angry with his hotel bill so he chose to run his car through the hotel window back it up and run it through the other room across the road, running over this lady that sat there visiting with her family. This woman buried two family members and now is left paralysed from the armpits down. This woman has the warmest smile and a forgiving heart. She too lives for God and not for her wants or needs. How does anyone handle such changes without God? I've seen the Hurt I lived the Hurt, I've had great lose in loosing my Honey and I've seen and heard so much in these hospitals and therapy rooms. People, it doesn't always happen to the other guy. It can happen to you. Please don't wait until tomorrow to met God. He'll wait but do you have the time? Please stop taking chances by putting off to the tomorrows when your mind is with you today. I love you enough to want to share God with you. Can I help? This is a journey that I just couldn't do without God's promises and fellow Christian's praying me through.
I'm back home now. I can't walk for 2 months then if the bone has healed I can add weight slowly as I begin to walk again. I am 1 month away from when this all began. I've lost so much this year yet witnessed allot of blessings that is seeing me through this. I will be playing soon, I pray.
For the record I dressed my roommates, that I sit and have dinner with for Halloween. Betty, about 85? wore black and a sign that said pepper, Ilah 93 wore white and a sign that said salt,
Wanda 87? wore pink and a sign that said cinnamon and I middle age wore brown and a sign that said brown sugar and my mom, older than middle age wore green and a sign that said "The spice Girls" I made them silver hats and full blown hooker like make-up we shared allot of laughs that after noon.
I still need my happy pills. This surgery really has been hard and allllooottt!! of pain but I am making progress. I love you all and I am thankful of each and every one of you.
Love
Shelly Rose
Monday, October 12, 2009
Shelly is Out of Surgery
Hello everyone! Back to the "guest author" until Shelly gets near the Internet again. She went into surgery around 11:00 today and got out about 3 hours later. Things were complicated by the fact that the doctor couldn't find the part of the screw that broke off and did not want to leave it in there. He eventually got it, so Shelly no longer has a screw loose . . . in her knee. :-)
For those of us trying to figure out what exactly they were doing, we have some more drawings. As you may recall from one of the early posts Shelly's femur was broken in so many places they put a plate next to her femur and screwed the pieces of bone in place so they could grow together. Well, they never did. So today they removed the plate, the screws and the broken pieces of bone and extended the unbroken part of her femur (thigh bone) with a metal rod down to where her knee is. The new artificial knee is built right into that rod. It looks like this:
Typically, they will also run a rod down the shin bone for more stability. Although this is a lot more invasive than they typically prefer for a normal knee replacement, this gives Shelly the best chance for a very strong and stable leg going forward. In fact the doctor hopes that the strength she will eventually get in this leg will take some pressure off the right leg where she still has to deal with a dead talus bone in her ankle.
Shelly will be in the hospital (St. Mary's) only a few days, but she will be limited to only about 25% weight baring on that leg for about 6 weeks so the cement they use can dry. Losing the freedom she fought so hard to get back will be difficult. But we are hopeful this will be a key step toward even more freedom later. So please keep her in your prayers for a speedy and thorough recovery.
For those of us trying to figure out what exactly they were doing, we have some more drawings. As you may recall from one of the early posts Shelly's femur was broken in so many places they put a plate next to her femur and screwed the pieces of bone in place so they could grow together. Well, they never did. So today they removed the plate, the screws and the broken pieces of bone and extended the unbroken part of her femur (thigh bone) with a metal rod down to where her knee is. The new artificial knee is built right into that rod. It looks like this:
Typically, they will also run a rod down the shin bone for more stability. Although this is a lot more invasive than they typically prefer for a normal knee replacement, this gives Shelly the best chance for a very strong and stable leg going forward. In fact the doctor hopes that the strength she will eventually get in this leg will take some pressure off the right leg where she still has to deal with a dead talus bone in her ankle.
Shelly will be in the hospital (St. Mary's) only a few days, but she will be limited to only about 25% weight baring on that leg for about 6 weeks so the cement they use can dry. Losing the freedom she fought so hard to get back will be difficult. But we are hopeful this will be a key step toward even more freedom later. So please keep her in your prayers for a speedy and thorough recovery.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
My Dr Visit Results
Hi good People,
Well It's official, I have a screw loose. Well not just that, I broke one. About three weeks ago I jumped up to help Bruce and I heard and felt a snap. I have had a lot of pain and swelling ever since, because we all know I'm truly a size 3.
The first plan was to strengthen my femur bone by placing hip bone, from my hip, into the four inch area of femur bone that has died. Recover over a 2 month period, wait one year for it to strengthen, add a rod through the femur and do a knee revision. Well that no longer is the goal. We both think it will probably won't take, plus I would be weakening a good hip bone. So after realizing the snap I heard and felt was the femur bone breaking and snapping the screw in half, the Dr is trying to get me in as soon as possible. The plan now is to replace the knee using an extension shaft and cutting up the femur bone to a good bone area, about 4 inches above the knee.
In case this leg becomes shorter, I've already figured out a solution so I don't end up walking in circles. I plan to weigh done the opposite leg pocket with winnings from nickle jackpot or with the casino winnings. So here we go . Please pray for my recovery. I prayed for a break so the good news is our prayers truly are heard. But we must always remember to pray specifically and with detail. We serve a loving God, that can take a joke, and is use to me. So sorry if my humor shocks you. I'll keep you posted if you still want to hear of this journey. I truly feel it is coming together and there is joy within our sorrows if you choose to see it. I'm running around, I mean I'm rolling around in my new 2008 town and country van. Bruce told me to get a Chrysler because they take the best impact. When the time came to look for a car, Brother Ed did his home work with love and time once again. Then when we saw this on the Craig's list, it only had 17,000 miles on it and had a power chair lift in it too. Two days later I took my first drive in 9 months. (Sept 17th I went through a drivers road test to see if it was possible for me to drive again with my new limitations. I past and I can go Junkin' again).
Oh, I thought you might like to know, I decided what to do with the gift money sent to me from the funeral. I took this love gift and went to the jeweler. I am having my band of my previous wedding ring welded into Bruce's and then having a cross welded over the two rings and putting a loop on the top so I can wear it as a pendent on a chain. The three of us made a wonderful marriage. God, Bruce and Myself. I will hold that time of my life dearly forever in my heart. Thank you for the gift that will symbolize that.
Love, Hugs and Kisses
Shellyrose
Well It's official, I have a screw loose. Well not just that, I broke one. About three weeks ago I jumped up to help Bruce and I heard and felt a snap. I have had a lot of pain and swelling ever since, because we all know I'm truly a size 3.
The first plan was to strengthen my femur bone by placing hip bone, from my hip, into the four inch area of femur bone that has died. Recover over a 2 month period, wait one year for it to strengthen, add a rod through the femur and do a knee revision. Well that no longer is the goal. We both think it will probably won't take, plus I would be weakening a good hip bone. So after realizing the snap I heard and felt was the femur bone breaking and snapping the screw in half, the Dr is trying to get me in as soon as possible. The plan now is to replace the knee using an extension shaft and cutting up the femur bone to a good bone area, about 4 inches above the knee.
In case this leg becomes shorter, I've already figured out a solution so I don't end up walking in circles. I plan to weigh done the opposite leg pocket with winnings from nickle jackpot or with the casino winnings. So here we go . Please pray for my recovery. I prayed for a break so the good news is our prayers truly are heard. But we must always remember to pray specifically and with detail. We serve a loving God, that can take a joke, and is use to me. So sorry if my humor shocks you. I'll keep you posted if you still want to hear of this journey. I truly feel it is coming together and there is joy within our sorrows if you choose to see it. I'm running around, I mean I'm rolling around in my new 2008 town and country van. Bruce told me to get a Chrysler because they take the best impact. When the time came to look for a car, Brother Ed did his home work with love and time once again. Then when we saw this on the Craig's list, it only had 17,000 miles on it and had a power chair lift in it too. Two days later I took my first drive in 9 months. (Sept 17th I went through a drivers road test to see if it was possible for me to drive again with my new limitations. I past and I can go Junkin' again).
Oh, I thought you might like to know, I decided what to do with the gift money sent to me from the funeral. I took this love gift and went to the jeweler. I am having my band of my previous wedding ring welded into Bruce's and then having a cross welded over the two rings and putting a loop on the top so I can wear it as a pendent on a chain. The three of us made a wonderful marriage. God, Bruce and Myself. I will hold that time of my life dearly forever in my heart. Thank you for the gift that will symbolize that.
Love, Hugs and Kisses
Shellyrose
Sunday, September 20, 2009
A Note to Clear up some Confusion
Hi Dear Friends and Family,
During the recovery of this stay, I have become a Michigander again. I'm living in an assistant living home that is like an apartment. What I like about it is there is in house therapy, house keeping and emergency pull cords for help in each room. Which by the way do trigger off with bad cooking, or burnished cooking. I'm forced to stay here at least until I get through my surgeries. My next one is in the second week of Oct. If the Dr. has success on bone transfer, I still need to wait 1-1 1/2 years for the femur bone to strengthen for the next surgery of double knee revision. That is a 4 month recovery for each knee. After this first surgery in Oct. I will have a 2 month recovery time. So I was thinking 2 months and 1 day, I should visit my AZ family. I have no idea for how long and if I can even face it with out my Honey. I do have a peace that he is at rest and even feel his heartbeat from afar, but who am I without my Honey? I know I'm one of God's children, therefore I know I'm loved, watched over and protected. God loves me yesterday, today, and tomorrow, but I do need to take a deep breath and re plan my goals as an individual serving God rather than a partner to a better half.
I'm forced to live here for now do to this accident and recovery and to be with the Dr.'s I know. But I love AZ and my family there too so in time I will do more of what I want instead of the life this accident has forced me to live. But the good news is, when God is in your heart and therefore you're never alone, it doesn't really matter what four walls you're asked to stare at. Her is may temporary new address:
Shelly Steegstra
Lincoln Square #135
3121 Lake Mi Dr. NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Love Ya All,
Shelly
During the recovery of this stay, I have become a Michigander again. I'm living in an assistant living home that is like an apartment. What I like about it is there is in house therapy, house keeping and emergency pull cords for help in each room. Which by the way do trigger off with bad cooking, or burnished cooking. I'm forced to stay here at least until I get through my surgeries. My next one is in the second week of Oct. If the Dr. has success on bone transfer, I still need to wait 1-1 1/2 years for the femur bone to strengthen for the next surgery of double knee revision. That is a 4 month recovery for each knee. After this first surgery in Oct. I will have a 2 month recovery time. So I was thinking 2 months and 1 day, I should visit my AZ family. I have no idea for how long and if I can even face it with out my Honey. I do have a peace that he is at rest and even feel his heartbeat from afar, but who am I without my Honey? I know I'm one of God's children, therefore I know I'm loved, watched over and protected. God loves me yesterday, today, and tomorrow, but I do need to take a deep breath and re plan my goals as an individual serving God rather than a partner to a better half.
I'm forced to live here for now do to this accident and recovery and to be with the Dr.'s I know. But I love AZ and my family there too so in time I will do more of what I want instead of the life this accident has forced me to live. But the good news is, when God is in your heart and therefore you're never alone, it doesn't really matter what four walls you're asked to stare at. Her is may temporary new address:
Shelly Steegstra
Lincoln Square #135
3121 Lake Mi Dr. NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Love Ya All,
Shelly
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
A Note From Me, Shellyrose
Thankyou so much for all the support and lovely cards. The outreach of love is so so kind. I'm so glad Bruce and I had his last month of life together 24/7. We had some wonderful talks and many of laughs, I don't regret staying with him. But, now I'm home alone, no Bruce and no more visits. It is hitting me hard now that I know I'm left with memories only and yet I'm so glad I have some wonderful memories to forever hold on to.
Did you know if you go on the enternet and type in: mlive.com then grand rapids MI then obitauaries then Bruce Steegstra then search, it will bring you to our personal guest book. I would love it if you took the time to write a story of Bruce and or something that you experienced by reading our story on the blog. This sure will help fill the void of my alone time. I am trying to get creative on how to keep busy. Writting our story in book form, crafts, and taking my motorized wheel chair out and about garage saleing. On a good day I can make 18 miles. But it is a challange when the bags pile up on your lap to when the uncoming traffic thinks of you as a mound of bags sitting curb side waiting for trash day. Oh the looks you get when you supprise them when the pile of trash moves. Hey thats life for now until I get one again.
Love ya
Shellyrose
Did you know if you go on the enternet and type in: mlive.com then grand rapids MI then obitauaries then Bruce Steegstra then search, it will bring you to our personal guest book. I would love it if you took the time to write a story of Bruce and or something that you experienced by reading our story on the blog. This sure will help fill the void of my alone time. I am trying to get creative on how to keep busy. Writting our story in book form, crafts, and taking my motorized wheel chair out and about garage saleing. On a good day I can make 18 miles. But it is a challange when the bags pile up on your lap to when the uncoming traffic thinks of you as a mound of bags sitting curb side waiting for trash day. Oh the looks you get when you supprise them when the pile of trash moves. Hey thats life for now until I get one again.
Love ya
Shellyrose
Monday, September 7, 2009
The Other Story
For some time now, all the posts have updated you about Bruce. Of course, Shelly's story is not complete. We will update you soon on some of the things she has postponed since Bruce took a turn for the worse. But she still needs our prayers and she still has an incredibly inspiring story.
So to pump her up for the comeback, and to remind us all of what we are praying for, please enjoy this video:
So to pump her up for the comeback, and to remind us all of what we are praying for, please enjoy this video:
Funeral Recap
For those of you who couldn't join us, Bruce's funeral was a fitting tribute to a wonderful man. Pastor Lee from the Hospice celebrated the occasion to a packed room at the funeral home. One of Bruce's nurses, Virginia, shared 4 songs a capella she used to sing for Bruce at his bedside, including his favorite, In the Garden. Wow! What an amazing voice. After the funeral, guests enjoyed a luncheon and continued sharing stories for about 2 hours.
Bruce was laid to rest at Resurrection Cemetery. The Air Force honored Bruce's service in Vietnam by providing an Honor Guard detail for the burial service. Shelly was presented with the flag at a touching and beautiful ceremony.
Shelly did very well. She wants to thank everyone for their time, cards, flowers and most especially their prayers.
Bruce was laid to rest at Resurrection Cemetery. The Air Force honored Bruce's service in Vietnam by providing an Honor Guard detail for the burial service. Shelly was presented with the flag at a touching and beautiful ceremony.
Shelly did very well. She wants to thank everyone for their time, cards, flowers and most especially their prayers.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Funeral Details
Bruce's funeral and visitation will be at:
Stroo Funeral Home
1095 68th St. SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49508
616-455-9280
Thursday September 3
Visitation 2:00 - 4:00 pm
Visitation 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Friday September 4
Visitation 2:00 - 4:00 pm
Visitation 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Visitation 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Saturday September 5
Funeral 10:30 am
Luncheon Immediately Following
Burial Service 2:00 pm at
Resurrection Cemetery
4100 Clyde Park Ave.
Wyoming, MI 49509
God Took Bruce by the Hand Today
Bruce Andrew Steegstra1946-2009
Today, September 2, 2009 at 6:00 am, God called Honey's name and he answered. Bruce fought to hang on and tried to survive with all his might. His love for me was obvious - he tried so hard to extend our journey.
My Honey, My Love
You leave joy in my heart.
I will never forget your touch.
I ran from the car stroking the casino slots hoping for the big win before you could park the car.
But you are greater than any Grand Prize.
You made my life rich.
As I limped for years trying to find recovery with these knees,
You escorted me to any sale, bargain or craft item rejoicing with me when the hunt was a success
You were my strength when I was weak.
We traveled many roads, hand in hand, seeing God's country.
We applauded God viewing his scenery, storms, waters, and lands with praise and worship -
The three of us intertwined together making the perfect marriage.
I won't allow this final chapter
to cloud our journey, memories and love toward one another.
The refining fire of life has purified us, my love.
God has blessed us through this journey - hasn't he, Honey.
He restored our minds and speech when everything else was broken.
Through his love and grace we shared our hearts, memories and goodbyes.
As my lips give you that last kiss and our hands leave that last touch,
I close my eyes and feel and hear your heart beat in my hand
and will always remember how you said it will beat with love for me from afar.
Now as I . . . . . . . . . . . . .love you
enough to let you . . . . . . . . go , know this :
You will always be my husband, my best friend,
and great lover. We have survived many storms of life
together throughout these 11 years. Hand in hand,
heart to heart, through the happy times and tears.
No matter where life leads us my dearest
Bruce, know it's true, I will spend a
lifetime of tomorrows loving
you. Sweet dreams my
love until we meet
again with all
my love
Dear,
Your
Shelly Rose
Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful
and endures through every circumstance.
1 Cor. 13:7
Today, September 2, 2009 at 6:00 am, God called Honey's name and he answered. Bruce fought to hang on and tried to survive with all his might. His love for me was obvious - he tried so hard to extend our journey.
Rest now my love. You have shown great strength and love for the Lord, your friends, your family and me. Now rest in his peace until our journey picks up once again.
Here is a poem I wrote and shared with Bruce recently:
My Honey, My Love
I love you enough to let you go,
But before I say goodbye let me
tell you how I love you so.
You held my hand as we walked,
And you wrapped your arms around me until we became one.
That is the safest place in my world.
You brushed my hair from my eyes
as you pronounced your forever love for me.
You gave me value as you restored me.
We joked and kidded around from sunrise to sunset
Often realizing we were the only ones still awake.You leave joy in my heart.
We heard each other snort because we couldn't hold back the laughter any more.
And we took turns drying each other's eyes as the tears flooded from our hearts.I will never forget your touch.
I ran from the car stroking the casino slots hoping for the big win before you could park the car.
But you are greater than any Grand Prize.
You made my life rich.
As I limped for years trying to find recovery with these knees,
You escorted me to any sale, bargain or craft item rejoicing with me when the hunt was a success
You were my strength when I was weak.
We traveled many roads, hand in hand, seeing God's country.
We applauded God viewing his scenery, storms, waters, and lands with praise and worship -
The three of us intertwined together making the perfect marriage.
I won't allow this final chapter
to cloud our journey, memories and love toward one another.
The refining fire of life has purified us, my love.
God has blessed us through this journey - hasn't he, Honey.
He restored our minds and speech when everything else was broken.
Through his love and grace we shared our hearts, memories and goodbyes.
As my lips give you that last kiss and our hands leave that last touch,
I close my eyes and feel and hear your heart beat in my hand
and will always remember how you said it will beat with love for me from afar.
Now as I . . . . . . . . . . . . .love you
enough to let you . . . . . . . . go , know this :
You will always be my husband, my best friend,
and great lover. We have survived many storms of life
together throughout these 11 years. Hand in hand,
heart to heart, through the happy times and tears.
No matter where life leads us my dearest
Bruce, know it's true, I will spend a
lifetime of tomorrows loving
you. Sweet dreams my
love until we meet
again with all
my love
Dear,
Your
Shelly Rose
Thank you my dear, dear friends, family and prayer warriors for all your support. We will post funeral information here this afternoon.
Love,
Shelly
Monday, August 31, 2009
Keeping You informed
Bruce is still with us. He is comfortable and on very little to no meds. He doesn't even need the comfort meds that allot use to endure this type of journey. He sleeps comfortably the pass 3 days. A nice hand squeeze is most of our communication now. Pray with me as we prepare our hearts in saying our goodbyes. Anyone that knew my Bruce has shared a laugh and has enriched their life by knowing him. He truly has gone through it all and yet kept a gentle heart. We thank you all for your support and prayers and if I could ask one more thing from you all is to help me adjust to living without my Honey.
My knowledge excepts Gods decision without question, but my emotion wants to never let go of Honey's hand. Our hearts have truly become one and now mine is breaking in half. Let us remember that we are because God decided, and we live to fulfill His plan and purpose not ours. We have been blessed to know Bruce and to have shared in his life while he fulfilled his purpose with God and His plans for Bruce. We truly our blessed people for had having our time with Bruce.
So, Thank you God for our time with Bruce and it was a great blessing to watch his life unfold from a child to a full adult as he developed his knowledge of You. Although it is very painful to say good bye to the lifestyle we knew with him in it, we rest in the comfort that we shall meet again. Thank you dear Heavenly Father for never wavering on your word. You are the same yesterday, today and tomorrow, therefore, we know we will share our eternity together. It helps to let our loved one go knowing our good bye is only temporary. We love you Bruce and together we lift you in shielded prayer as we prepare our hearts for this transition of your life to eternal living.
Thank you for your support,
ShellyRose
My knowledge excepts Gods decision without question, but my emotion wants to never let go of Honey's hand. Our hearts have truly become one and now mine is breaking in half. Let us remember that we are because God decided, and we live to fulfill His plan and purpose not ours. We have been blessed to know Bruce and to have shared in his life while he fulfilled his purpose with God and His plans for Bruce. We truly our blessed people for had having our time with Bruce.
So, Thank you God for our time with Bruce and it was a great blessing to watch his life unfold from a child to a full adult as he developed his knowledge of You. Although it is very painful to say good bye to the lifestyle we knew with him in it, we rest in the comfort that we shall meet again. Thank you dear Heavenly Father for never wavering on your word. You are the same yesterday, today and tomorrow, therefore, we know we will share our eternity together. It helps to let our loved one go knowing our good bye is only temporary. We love you Bruce and together we lift you in shielded prayer as we prepare our hearts for this transition of your life to eternal living.
Thank you for your support,
ShellyRose
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Just Counting a Few of Our Blessings
Thank you Sister for all the room decorations as you sang," Hugs and Kisses" and all the other gifts that made this journey more comfortable!
Thanks Mom for all the trips to Target, Walmart, Dr's and to go see Bruce.
Thankyou Marilyn for all the flowers throughout many visits.
Thankyou Faith Hospice, Trillium Woods for caring throughout all the details.
Thankyou Deb from Lincoln Square for bring some joy to Bruce.
Thankyou, Thankyou Mark for fighting all the battles for Bruce and I. All the phone calls, meetings and decisions that you made for us so we could heal without concerns. You are a Saint!
Thankyou Ed, Mary, Kate, Heather, and Carrie. All the HOURS you have given us, with no complaints: Advice, pizza dinners, talks on the patios, shopping trips from needs to craft and more craft. Thankyou all so much.
Thankyou Faith for our new friendship. You have been great help and very thoughtful with all your kindness.
Thankyou Carol and Wally, AZ and MI friends, you bring us great joy.
Thankyou Virginia for all the Lullaby's.
Thankyou Paster Mike, and Mel for your visits and song.
True friendship with the joy of cars together,Thankyou Jim for the joy you bring Bruce.
Jim's cars.
Thankyou so much for the pedicures Val.
Thankyou Jim and Norene for all the visits.
Thanks Mom and Wendy for all the outings.
Thankyou Jack and Carolyn for the friendship and prayer blanket. We love you too.
Thankyou Jan for your love support and furniture as I set up house throughout this stay. WOW and also for the 1st cousin support/ Thankyou too Barb, Dan, John and Judy for all you retrieved for us from AZ.
Thankyou Craig and Steve and others for your Spiritual Support.Friday, August 28, 2009
Happy Hour Again?
Look what happens when I take a nap....Happy Hour.
Natural Beauty, again.
Come on Honey, I believe in YOU! Fight the fight!
Two hearts that beat as one.
We Believe!Monday, August 24, 2009
Bruce is Leaving Us
It has been an incredible journey since December 6, 2008, but now we see that Bruce is ready for the end. About 3 weeks ago, Bruce moved to a Hospice facility where he could enjoy sharing a room with Shelly, be free from some of the restrictions of a conventional hospital and enjoy some of the things you have seen on the pictures below. This time has given Bruce and Shelly a chance to be a couple again. To have visits that were not scheduled, and share time 24 hours a day. It has given them both a tremendous amount of peace.
They came to hospice willing to accept whatever path the Lord put before them. During these 3 weeks Bruce has shown some areas of incredible improvement. He has been eating and drinking food (within limits). One day he even had a little Dixie cup of beer! He showed an increase in urine output even though he has been off dialysis. So much so his doctors did a blood test to see if there was improvement in his kidneys. There was not. And now the bad days have started outnumbering the good ones. We see that he is preparing to pass.
A couple days ago his temperature was all the way down to 94. It's higher now, but still low. His heart rate is 118. His potassium level is rising. The blessing of all of this is that kidney failure is one of the most pleasant ways to pass on. As certain levels begin to rise he will begin sleeping more and more. (This has begun.) And then when the Lord is ready, his electrical system will just stop and he will be in Heaven. There will be no pain and no struggle.
Bruce and Shelly have talked a lot about what to do over the last month. They also talked about situations like this long before the accident happened. They are both at peace with how this is ending. Please be sure they both hope for and are willing to accept a miracle. But they will allow death to come, if that is God's will.
As things develop, we will let you know here. Thank you for your continued prayers.
So now we pray:
They came to hospice willing to accept whatever path the Lord put before them. During these 3 weeks Bruce has shown some areas of incredible improvement. He has been eating and drinking food (within limits). One day he even had a little Dixie cup of beer! He showed an increase in urine output even though he has been off dialysis. So much so his doctors did a blood test to see if there was improvement in his kidneys. There was not. And now the bad days have started outnumbering the good ones. We see that he is preparing to pass.
A couple days ago his temperature was all the way down to 94. It's higher now, but still low. His heart rate is 118. His potassium level is rising. The blessing of all of this is that kidney failure is one of the most pleasant ways to pass on. As certain levels begin to rise he will begin sleeping more and more. (This has begun.) And then when the Lord is ready, his electrical system will just stop and he will be in Heaven. There will be no pain and no struggle.
Bruce and Shelly have talked a lot about what to do over the last month. They also talked about situations like this long before the accident happened. They are both at peace with how this is ending. Please be sure they both hope for and are willing to accept a miracle. But they will allow death to come, if that is God's will.
As things develop, we will let you know here. Thank you for your continued prayers.
So now we pray:
- Go forth, Christian soul, from this world in the name of God the almighty Father, who created you, in the name of Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God, who suffered for you, in the name of the Holy Spirit, who was poured out upon you. Go forth, faithful Christian!
May you live in peace this day, may your home be with God in Zion, with Mary, the virgin Mother of God, with Joseph, and all the angels and saints.
May you return to your Creator who formed you from the dust of the earth. May you see your Redeemer face to face. Amen.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
God's Blessings on Our Difficult Journey
Thanks to Val and Mark and staff at Faith Hospice, we got Bruce outside to enjoy some fresh air. Just as we settled in we noticed that across the street sat a race car that brought great joy to Bruce. With his love of cars, racing and the sport, God blessed us with this moment of joy. Thank you my dear Heavenly Father for taking care of every thing down to all the details that expresses your love for us.
This is the day the Lord has made, let us be glad and rejoice in it!
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Bruce saw all the detail as his eyes opened wide with joy.
There is a family two doors down from us. Their dog Lynbee excaped and was no where to be found. We didn't know she was missing. We thought she was a theropy dog that came for a visit. Now that Bruce loved up on her, we made friends with Phylis the owner and see Lynbee dailey. Thank you Lord for new friends and the joy your design brings.
Nothing like a good shave. Let's see : down on the sides, up to the chin, but how do you do a chin? Is it left to right? North to South? Can I put my fingers in his mouth to push out the wrinkles? Personally I think it is time to concider a go-tee. Can I use nair hair removal? If I have to smell like after shave, I think Nair makes sence.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
P.S.,I forgot to tell you
Honey goes through so much and is still kind, patient and funny. He asked me to read from the Bible each visit, often requesting the book and verse. He shares that his favorite verse is John 14: 6-7. "Jesus answered, " I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him." 
Mom loves singing to Bruce on her visits. He and her get laughing often.
Bruce tasted some things yesterday. Tomatoe soup, white milk, coffee, water, and even some chocolate milk. Odd choices but who cares. He purred with each new taste. It has been about 6 months since he had any food or beverage by mouth.
Please keep the prayers coming and I would love to here from you too.
Love
Shelly and Bruce
Monday, August 10, 2009
Our First Date in 2009, Therefore we needed many Chaperones
Because I don't know what I'm doing on the computor the pictures came up in reverse. Here we are in the lobby. Brother Ed, Mom, and sister Wendy were with us. Bruce always enjoyed my playing yet somehow the others noticed the time and wanted to go. So was Bruce trapped or in enjoymentof my playing? We may never know.
Bruce shared the best part of his day was hearing me play again. Here is a quarter Honey!
Hey Ed, what was the best part of your day?Pushing Bruce up hill?
Getting your heels run over by my poor driving?
Or running to the back to see how Mom is holding up?
Or was it having to stop every 2 seconds so we could pose for Wendy?
Any how Bro, thanks a million you never complain and you we couldn't do this journey without our family support.
We're just enjoying nature together.
Boy that bird looks alot like the other one?
Two hearts beat as one!
I Love our Dates!
Marilyn, Bruce's sister, enjoys Sunday with us.Sunday, August 9, 2009
There's Always a Blessing
Bruce calls me to his bed side at 3:45 am this morning. He reaches for my hand and I make it to him in 10 mins. That's progress. As we hold hands and feel our hearts beat as one, he says he wants to renew our vows.
I said, "OK, how and when?"
He says,"now"
Holding hands I said, "Bruce, you are the love of my life. You are my strength and comfort. You have protected me and given me great love. I'll love you the same as today and always. You have filled my heart with love and have given me a lifetime of memories. I love you my Honey, past, present and future. Our love endures forever. Will you Marry me?"
He said ,"yes."
He says to me, "I've known no greater love. I'm nothing, I'm sick and all broken up yet I call your name and you still are here. Through thick and thin our love holds true. No one really knows love until it survives sorrow. Our Sorrow truly announces our love for one another. I love you. You are my all in all and I look forward to our love in our tomorrows. Will you marry me my Shelly Rose?"
I said,"Yes"
I said, "OK, how and when?"
He says,"now"
Holding hands I said, "Bruce, you are the love of my life. You are my strength and comfort. You have protected me and given me great love. I'll love you the same as today and always. You have filled my heart with love and have given me a lifetime of memories. I love you my Honey, past, present and future. Our love endures forever. Will you Marry me?"
He said ,"yes."
He says to me, "I've known no greater love. I'm nothing, I'm sick and all broken up yet I call your name and you still are here. Through thick and thin our love holds true. No one really knows love until it survives sorrow. Our Sorrow truly announces our love for one another. I love you. You are my all in all and I look forward to our love in our tomorrows. Will you marry me my Shelly Rose?"
I said,"Yes"
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Father and Son, Andrew share a moment.
It's a cuddle day. We truly are our happiest when we're together.
Two hearts beat as one.
We prepare Bruce to go to a car show in July.
My brother Ed helps as we enjoy the cars.
Carolyn and friends make Bruce a prayer blanket. We met Carolyn and Jack in AZ but they live in MI. They drove 180 miles to be with us. We love you guys.
The activity director, Deb, is from Lincoln Sq. where I live. She brought up a baby rabbit for Bruce and me to enjoy. Thanks Deb. Bruce really enjoyed that.
Ed, my brother, helped me get Bruce's war metals to him. Something Bruce always wanted to get. Now he has them. Thank you Ed.Well we postponed my surgery. Bruce has had a difficult time lately. He went in the hospital 4 times in July for feeding tube change and 1 more time for yet another port. I decided to wait and be with Honey. He said his good bye to me and I'm trying to find the strength to release him. Please pray for us.
Love
Shelly & Bruce
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