It’s been an emotional couple weeks in the Lund house which I’m going to go ahead and use as an excuse for my blog keyboard being quiet. That and there being no comments to the last effort which, for a sensitive writer like myself, causes considerable anxiety and self-doubt.
Anyway, regular readers know that few couples get along better than Linda and me (Linda and I?? Never did get that right) but we had a doozy of a dispute which resulted in words said..doors slammed..and a couple days of silence in separate corners of the house. I only share this because I sometimes write here so glowingly about us and all the fun times it seems only fair to let you know that even in the best of relationships, differences of opinions can and do arise; each are convinced they’re right and say so. Stubbornness and pride prevail until, weary of the standoff, somebody quietly knocks on the other’s door..apologies are offered and accepted..before long..thank God..everything is back to normal.
This time, though, our quarrel came to an abrupt end after a phone call from my nephew, Mitch who said his dad..my brother Denny..had been taken to the hospital and was in the ICU where he was about to undergo a procedure to stop internal bleeding. Denny is four years my senior and, even though I outwardly hated him growing up because of all the typical big brother teasing and tormenting…inwardly he was and still is my idol.
Denny has been dealing with erratic heart rhythm problems for years and, after a mini stroke in 2008, has been on a blood thinning medication. He’s also on medication for Parkinson’s and a bunch of other ailments. (Look up crest syndrome..it has nothing to do with toothpaste) In the hospital he underwent 3 procedures to deal with his problems and now he’s staring at the walls and little TV at Good Samaritan on 46th and Marion Road awaiting his next rehab session. There’s no prognosis and no time table for how long he’ll be there.
Judy, Denny’s wife, knows all about those husband/wife fights..having lived with my brother for..what will be 50 years this December..but even though she, herself, is in desperate need of shoulder surgery, has barely left Denny’s side through these tough times. She, like the rest of us, keeps looking for a silver lining in the dark clouds that keep drifting over Denny’s illness and hopes for recovery.
Spiritually speaking, I’ve been such a doubting Douglas lately that I hesitate to request others, who know me, appeal to the Deity on my brother’s behalf. But just like his illness allowed Linda and I to put aside petty differences and instinctively find agreement on what’s really important, I ask you to look beyond my perceived religious hypocrisy and lift Denny up by whatever means you feel will get the challenge met.
I really appreciate it, but there’s no need to comment or acknowledge your thoughts and prayers. I just hope you’ll really do it and that God will hear and God will heal my brother.
21 Responses
You know Doug it is especially during times of doubt that He is with you. Over the years I have had my rants, raves, and doubts when it came to believing, but I also realized He has broad shoulders and can take it. Continues prayers for Denny and your entire family.
Prayers for all of the Lunds that God will bless each of you with whatever it is you need the most right now.
God be with you and your brother. I know prayers help and I’ll remember you and Denny in mine
Thinking of you and Linda, know that our prayers are with you and your family!!
This news really saddens me…as I have been there, as you well know. “May our HEAVENLY FATHER be with you Denny and Judy and the whole family. May HE continue to give you strength, and help you recover from these terrible things that have taken over your body. Please GOD, give Denny strength to overcome what is going on in his body, please, hold him in your gentle hands, and comfort him, and Judy, during these hard times. I PRAY TO YOU GOD, to give him strength, to carry on, and make it through this. I pray to you, with all that I have, that you help Denny get through these rough times, and to be able to get home to his family real soon! I Jesus name………AMEN
I love you Denny and Judy, and will continue to pray for both of you. With love, sue
Prayers and hugs to you all.
We will keep all of you in our prayer esp. Denny.We know from prayers that help get me a kidney.Keep us posted
A prayer/poem that has comforted me in my periodic struggles has been Footprints in the Sand. http://www.footprints-inthe-sand.com/index.php?page=Poem/Poem.php. I pray for the same comfort for all of you that I’ve received on numerous occasions. Best of luck to all your family, Doug!
I will definitely say a prayer for Denny, Doug. And no comments to your blogs does not mean people aren’t reading it, we just don’t always feel we have anything to add. It doesn’t mean we don’t enjoy them, because we really do. It’s just too bad that we can’t hit a “like” button on your blog just so you know we are out here. I often times copy/paste the link to your blog and send it to my friends/family for their own reading enjoyment.
Let go of that “anxiety and self-doubt” that you report when your writing doesn’t generate the responses you expected. For every response you do get, there’s probably about a dozen other people like me who want to respond, but just don’t get around to it for whatever reason. You have a fine track record of selecting provocative topics to write about. And you have a loyal (albeit sometimes silent) audience.
Doug, have been reading your blog, (along with Steve’s, back in the day) religiously :), for years. Maybe, do not comment every time I think it should be necessary, but never doubt you have very loyal readers. Keeping you and Linda, and family in our thoughts.
My prayers go out for your brother Denny and Judy and the whole family.
I look forward to your writing but just don’t always comment.
May the Lord keep your family in the palm of His hands.
Doug,
Praying. Might I be so bold as to suggest a prayer you might use.
Dear God, it’s me again. Still doubting. Bur I do know you put me in one heck of a family. I’m gonna go spend time with Denny. I ask you bless our time together. Amen.
Then jump in the car, sing the Doxology a few times on the way, and tell Denny you love him.
I am praying for Denny and the family. I still remember many good times growing up in Volga. Judi
I am sorry to hear about your brother. I am sure no words can ease the pain of his passing. I went to school with his sons and his daughter-in-law- Jodi. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
Doug. Just read in the Argus about your Brother’s passing. Sending my sincere condolences. His work is done,, Rest in peace. God Bless!!
Have been checking every few days to see if there was an update on Denny. Today, I see that he has gone to be with his Lord. My sincere sympathy to you and all of the Lunds for your loss. You will never quit missing him but he will always be nearby when you need him. May God grant each member of your family the peace of knowing that Denny is now with God and also has been reunited with all those he loved who have gone before. Tell the old stories, laugh at the old jokes and let Denny live on in your memories.
RIP Denny…. Thoughts and prayers to you Doug.
Our condolences, Doug, to you and Linda on your loss of your brother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Doug–Denny would be so elated reading of your memories–I could feel the love in your heart–Denny feels it too!!
Fly on cardinals!!