PLEASE PRAY...

From David@Montreal:

beloved Giants

I've just had news that Paul has brought Mark home from the hospital after early morning surgery on the damaged eye. (retina torn twice since Christmas Eve and immobility of the head since then). Mark as you might remember is one of America's finest poets with what's got to be close to a dozen books published. Paul, his spouse is a excellent writer with two volumes (one novel, the other essays) published, and the two of them are both gifted, generous teachers and beautifully thoughtful men. I'd ask your prayers for both men please. Mark is in quite a bit of pain this evening, and it will be sometime before the outcome of the surgery is known.

Prayers for Frank and Carol as they continue their daily treck to and from the hospital to beat what for Frank is a life-threatening fungus in his lungs.

Prayers or healing, strength and energetic restoration for dear Paul the BB, who underwent serious sinus surgery at the beginning of the week. Thankfully Paul is at home recovering; but here too the outcome of the surgery is still to be determined.

Prayers for the people of Haiti, as they continue to suffer while waiting for their government to 'get real'.

thank-you Beloved Giants

love always-always Love

David@Montreal

And for Paul the BB's continuing recovery:

This morning [yesterday] I shaved for the first time since Saturday. That felt good. I have managed to remove the "nose bag" as blood has mostly stopped draining. I am taking pain pills but I am not hurting. I breathe more easily each day. Kathy and Bill both came by to see me. I watered my back yard (some of the bulbs are sticking up their little noses already). Bill helped me do some January organizing, since I am not allowed to lift or bend over. I got about seven hours of decent sleep last night (interrupted by three hours of wakefulness in the wee hours). This is huge progress and gives me hope for catching up on rest. Michal Anne and Gail sent me a cookie basket (can't eat flowers, ya know) and the palliative and restorative effects of therapeutic cookies is well known. Tonight I will finish up the lovely chicken soup Bruce made.

And pray for healing for Cathy, who was ill again yesterday and had to miss work - again. She said she was going to work today, no matter what.

UPDATE ON PAUL THE BB

From Paul:

Thanks again for all the prayers. Surgery is completed and I am home. About to take another analgesic. Bill is looking after me. I look awful, with a nosebag that holds the gauze for normal bleeding, but glad to be home. The doctor will remove the packing tomorrow afternoon.

Thanks be to God, the medical staff, and all who cared for Paul, and special thanks and prayers for Bill, his chief care-giver now.

Thanks for letting us know, Paul. Hugs, kisses, and more prayers for a speedy recovery.

PLEASE PRAY FOR PAUL THE BB

From Paul:

I have had three root canals in as many months. This Tuesday I will have sinus surgery to drain all the infection and repair a deviated septum at the same time. They will be working in three sinuses on my right side. It is day surgery and Bill will be with me that day and night. The doctor will remove plastic stents when I see him ten days later. So I will be out of commission for the next two weeks. Your prayers are requested and appreciated.

Between this and holidays and too many doctor appointments paychecks have been slim and medical expenses high. I give thanks that I am insured and still employed and think of those who lack work and seek it, those without insurance, those who are homeless. Let us hold them in our hearts also and seek to make our social systems better.

O God, the strength of the weak and the comfort of sufferers: Mercifully accept our prayers, and grant to your servant Paul the help of your power, that his sickness may be turned into health, and our sorrow into joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Three root canal surgeries for tooth problems, even as he suffered from sinus problems. Poor baby. Better times await him!

Still Paul doesn't forget those who are less fortunate, so let us join with him to remember them in our prayers.

As a bonus, if you click on the link above to Paul's blog, you will find a delightful picture of his large family of children.

UPDATE: JCF said...

I also have a Problem Tooth, about which "Something Will Sooner-or-Later Have to Be Done": if you can spare any, I'd love some prayers as I discern this...

Of course, we will include you and your Problem Tooth in our prayers, JCF.

OH NO! NOT AGAIN! PRAY FOR PAUL THE BB

That big lovable bear, Paul the BB, has a swollen jaw and a toothache now. Paul says he looks like a gopher, but we all know him as the Big Bear. What could I do but make another cartoon and ask for prayers? Poor baby is moaning over at Facebook.

Seriously, please pray for Paul to be relieved of his pain. You know a toothache is no fun.

O God, the strength of the weak and the comfort of sufferers: Mercifully accept our prayers, and grant to your servant Paul the help of your power, that his sickness may be turned into health, and our sorrow into joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

PS: The BB appears to be smiling throught his pain, but what you see is not a smile, but a grimace. The two sometimes look alike.

UPDATE: From Paul in the comments:

Update for you all: the endodontist said he cannot do a root canal until the swelling goes down. I trust him, especially after he said the anesthetic will not work in my current condition. A very convincing argument. He doubled the dose of the antibiotic, switched me to non-drowsy, non-narcotic analgesics (hooray) and we will wait a week. Scheduled root canal is next Monday. I can work the rest of this week but am going to spend today resting.

Thanks for all the prayers and good wishes, folks.

We'll keep praying, luv.