Two requests

[metalikhan]

I mentioned elsewhere that I work in a vet clinic. One of the harder parts of the job is when someone decides it's time to euthanize a beloved cat or dog that is suffering or simply worn out with age. When kids are involved in the final good-bye, it's even more difficult. Last weekend, a little boy had to say good-bye to his dog. The dog was 13+ and there was nothing we could do for it beyond making it comfortable for a couple more days. The boy is 10, mildly handicapped, and had lost his grandmother two months previously. While his mother discussed what to do over the phone with his father, the boy held his dog and kept asking if the dog would be in doggy heaven and would it get to play with his grandma and Jesus. I told him yes. The little boy is still having trouble dealing with this double loss.

Yesterday, one of my coworkers learned that her mother has multiple cancerous tumors all over her body. Most are inoperable or located in areas that rule out radiation; chemo alone would not be enough to stop their rapid growth. Prognosis for her is 6 months or less to live. My own father is in latter stages of cancer and I know how badly the initial news can rock a family, even when that family is Christian.

I ask that you wrap prayers of comfort and peace around both of these people and their families.

[Christian Soldier]

Being an animal lover myself, I understand where you're coming from. That's why I couldn't work in a vet clinic: I get attached. I couldn't work in a human clinic either for the same reason.

My prayers go out to you and the two families you mentioned. God bless you -- CS

[Jeff Gerke]

I offer my prayers as well.

And I couldn't work in an animal or human clinic, either. But if I had to go into medicine at all, I think I would choose obstetretics. It's the only wing of the hospital in which 90% of the time you're dealing with good news and healthy people.

Jeff

[rwley]

I thank God for all those who are called to the medical profession, whether human or animal. Not only would I get too attached, I don't like needles and the chemisty alone is over my head!

My prayers for both families. I know how hard it is to lose a loved one and to lose a beloved pet. It is so hard on children. I'm sure you are going to be a blessing to your co-worker as you both face similar situations. I pray that God shines through you and surrounds all of you.

Robi

[Teskas]

I was sorry to read this, Metalikhan. I'll definitely remember both families in my prayers.

[metalikhan]

Thank you for the prayers. The little boy is doing better -- kids are amazingly resilient. One of the many miracles in the way God designed us all.

My co-worker and her family still need prayer support. They're facing the longest few months of their lives, months that will grow increasingly harder to bear.

Thanks again.

[Jeff Gerke]

How are you still keeping in touch with the boy and his family? Are you in a small town?

I suspect he'll always carry this pain, even if he allows himself to enjoy things in the rest of his life. Something like this, especially at this age, marks you.

Jeff

[metalikhan]

Not a small town -- suburb of Kansas City, on the MO side. The mother works two buildings down the street from the clinic and is a friend of one of our techs. Our clinic is a long established one with both large and small animal practice (plus some exotics) and a devoted clientele. Most of the vets and staff are active in their churches as well as school activities with the kids, so there is broad community involvement. It's not totally unusual to see a tech or assistant offering a brief prayer over one of God's little creatures we're treating.

I wish more businesses were like this one.

[metalikhan]

The mother of my co-worker died. It was much sooner than her family was told to expect. From what little I've heard so far, an aggressive infection flared suddenly following chemo. The blessing in this passing is that she and her family was spared from the long wasting decline of her body; but it was still a shock to her family. I ask that you pray for them during this time of loss.

[Christian Soldier]

Prayers away, MK