Your Healing Progress

Meredyth, just wanted you to know that my family and I have been praying for you constantly. Your well-being is top of my mind--- whenever I am praying to the Father. I was glad to have prayed for you the other night with the group when you were still at Oconomowoc, and I am glad to hear things are improving.

Count on my continued prayers, and we miss you very much! Take care, and I hope to see you soon. "He is mighty to save." (Zephaniah)

Dagnall

Prayers from Nelsonville

Meredyth, You have been through so much. Just a note to let you know I and thinking and praying for you. Keep Warm and keep on getting better. Love Ya Jennie W.

Dear Meredyth,

As you may have gathered, Rusty and Nathaniel are in North Carolina. They've been there all week at the AMiA conference, leaving poor Abby and I to fend for ourselves. I'm happy to report that I haven't moped as much as Abby has, although their flight for tomorrow just got canceled due to a blizzard and I'm not happy about that!

Abby and I have been collecting your paper every afternoon. I'm not much of a newspaper-reader... they're piling up on the coffee table... but it has made me think of you, and it has made me glad to be doing some small thing every day for you.

I have been praying for you; we have all been praying for you. I'm sure you've gathered that much! As classes start back up again, your absence is certainly felt!

Sarah Kidd

P.S. I heard a rumor that you may be staying in Hallock for awhile while you recuperate. We would sure love to gain a (temporary) neighbor out of this mess. :)

Keeping F+W in the Loop

Just so's you know: I've been posting updates at Krause Publications from Carrie's news at Caring Bridge because so many people wanted to be kept posted. My guess is folks here have been following the Caring Bridge information on their own, but just in case ...

Many loving thoughts were wending your way last night from St. Mark's "Ladies' Night Out" - and my sign for the office today has clip art featuring someone in a hospital bed but eating ice cream. Or maybe it's gelato from Iola. Prayers that the clip art is soon close to reality!

Maggie Thompson

Good Morning, Sunshine!

Dear Meredyth,

With what joy the news was received on campus that you are awake and alert! I hope your transfer to Froedert was blessed, and that the cold, Wisconsin air was invigorating.

We all miss you very much here - you should know how much you are loved and cared for. Hardly any conversation I've had in the past weeks haven't contained the words "Any new news on Meredyth?" I'm so, terribly sorry how this "procedure" has extended over the weeks, but I pray that through it all you have felt all the love and prayers that have poured out from your friends and family in this community.

Many blessings and much strength to you, friend. I look forward to seeing you very soon.

-Jennifer Moore

My Friend

HELLO my wonderful friend,

Hope you are just fine today.

Just wanted to remind you,

I am here everystep of the way.

I looked to the sun this morning,

Sure reminds me of your smile.

Praying that it shines for you,

Lighting your way across the miles.

Just wanted you to remember,

I am close no matter how far.

Here with you throughout the day,

Praying the Lords presence shine from the brightest star.

Thinking of you today and everyday Meredyth. May your transfer to Froedtert go especially well and a new set of eyes and stethoscopes be successful in your recovery! Last night there were about 11 of us in your ICU room laying hands and praying for healing and begging God's presence and mercy on your behalf. It was a powerful experience. The nurses were very nice to let us all trample in for a few minutes in their hectic dept of critically ill. I hope they felt His presence too. Oh Meredyth, I pray that things open the way soon for your healing.

Love, Marcia

Hola Tía!!

Hey Auntie! I hope you can appreciate my use of español in the title. Guess what? Yesterday (Monday, Jan 25) was Locks of Love. My hair is short!!!!! They took off like, 10 inches, but when I had it styled, I probably lost another couple inches. Since I'm a senior, I could have a friend cut it, and my friend, Colleen cut it. I think you've met her, but I'm not sure. Anyway, she cut another girl's hair, and said it was just like snipping hair. But when she cut mine, she had to hack through it, and it took her a really long time to cut it. And, I was on TV (channel 5, to be exact, but it's not like I recorded every news channel waiting for the one I might be on or anything :P). So, it's really short, and everyone says that they love it. A lot of people keep telling me that I look grown up, which is new.

So, I'm kinda just hanging out, pretending to be productive...

Oh, I leave for Model UN next Thursday! Don't worry, I'm only going to Chicago, but just an FYI, I will be gone starting next Thursday til Sunday evening. I'm so excited!! I hope you can see me before I go. I love you!!!

-case

Raining in North Carolina

In five minutes it will be Monday morning here in North Carolina where snow and cold temperatures are merely a figment of ones imagination. Tonight as I drove to a friends house I had the windows down. Even with a slight rain falling I was delighted to find my gloves and winter coat things of a previous life. At the moment I'm at a friend's house, Carol. We taught together for many years and tomorrow I'm going to visit the school that I worked at before coming to Nashotah. It's strange being home where things once familiar are new again. I told someone recently that everyone should leave their homes for six months or so and then return because so many wonderful things happen. People hug you constantly and take you out to eat and won't let you pay. They have you over for dinner and spend hours talking and catching up on what's been going on in their lives. They take time to spend with you and sacrifice sleep just to spend an evening listening...how much we take each other for granted. It's much like the experience we are all sharing with you. Not having spoken with you for several weeks makes us all realize what a wonderful friend you are. I hope this blog is a reminder to you of that.
The weather here is warm...it was near 60 today. Went to church this morning and afterwards went to a coffee shop that a friend is opening. While sitting there talking with a group of friends a lady entered but we told her the store wasn't open yet. We offered her some free coffee and after we began talking and I found out she lived on the same street I did in Chicago...bizarre! I'm heading to bed now...and as always you are in my prayers! rusty

You are in my constant thoughts and prayers

Meredyth, God knows your goodness. He will guide you on the path that he choses for you.

"The Lord is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear?

The Lord is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid?

You have so many prayers in your behalf - God bless and strengthen you.

Jody Harkins

Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you

Hi Meredyth -- Nathaniel here.

I suppose it is time that I added a few words to this e-card. Rusty came over -- I think it was last week -- and I provided some advice and assistance in getting this website set up. I am amazed at the response!

Of course, while I helped to put it together, I haven't yet added my own words. I suppose my ministry is more easily expressed in technical assistance and silent prayers than in penning words of encouragement. Yet I think in such moments, God calls us to bring all that we have, even stepping outside of ourselves, in supporting acts of love. So here goes.

In the ecology of St. Mary's Chapel, I've been serving as the Bell Ringer for the past two weeks. This is not a particularly remarkable fact in and of itself, but it has given me an interesting vantage point from which to both offer my prayers for you, and bear witness the prayers of others on your behalf. I know, for instance, that you name has been on the top of the sick list for the prayers of the people. I've watched Roy pin updates to the corkboard in the chapter room. And I can testify to the quantity of flickering votives at the side altars.

Looking around both the chapel and this website, I can proclaim without doubt the vast quantity and fervor of prayers that are going up for you. And oh! what prayers we offer! If Christendom has the prayer, certainly it has been prayed on your behalf in the past couple of weeks at Nashotah House. Whether in tongues or in Latin, in poetry or lengthy liturgical form, with Anglo-Catholic circumstance or Charismatic enthusiasm, they have been ground up before the Lord and burnt before him as incense on your behalf.

I do not know if God is impressed by the variety and quantity of our prayers, or if healing is affected through them. But certainly these prayers and well-wishes are at the very least measure of love. The love you have from your family, friends, and community is very great; and even that only a dim reflection of the love God has for you.

Young and inexperienced in the ways of the world as I am, I do not know what connection there is between prayer and love and healing -- besides the fact that there is one. In any case, our love and our prayers is what we can provide, and they are what we offer in great quantity. They are with you, and they will remain with you.

Nathaniel

The Sister Speaks...

Hey Meredyth,

This is a great site! Thanks to Rusty and his creative mind.

I've been doing entries on the Caring Bridge, so this is my first venture here. Since I've been writing to everyone else, I thought it was time for you to hear from me.

WOW! You sure do have an incredible network of friends. I have had lots of communication with your connections in Bayfield (Claire), Rhinelander, Waupaca, Nashotah, Ripon, people spread all around, and of course our extended family. They sincerely care about you and with their help, I think most of the planet is praying for you and awaiting your recovery!

Mom was at our house a few days the week of the 11th. It was Casey's exam week, so she was able to drive her out to Oconomowoc. She came down with her friend Myra this past Tuesday. When you are up to a dramatic re-enactment of my conversation with mom, I'll be happy to tell you about the route they took to get back to Ripon! Casey and Logan have been to see you on numerous occasions. Perhaps you were aware, I don't know. It was typical...Casey, somewhat quiet when she is in the room with you. And Logan, with no tv to distract him, non-stop chatter. I have been doing my best to find out what is going on, what every IV line is for, what each beep means. Also in the process, I try to do a social history on as many staff members as possible. I haven't gotten to do the background checks yet:)

The nice thing about the ICU is that there is more continuity with the staff, and quite a few do 12 hour shifts. Your new friends include Betsy, Heather, Kevin, Wendy, Rhonda, Marie and April. (there are others, but I am not as "connected" to them). There is also a nurse manager (Jenny) and Care Coordinator-the top dog nurse (another Rhonda) who probably want to be in the Garden Club. You are somewhat unique because not many people are in the ICU as long as you have been. I was told yesterday that Betsy is working all weekend and she requested to be assigned to you. Another nurse said she really hopes she is working when you wake up because she is looking forward to meeting you.

I know Casey already wrote this, but she is a SECOND SEMESTER SENIOR!!!! Can you believe it?!?!?! Time is flying. Her school has the Locks of Love Assembly on Monday and she is cutting her hair. I think there are a total of 60 girls participating this year. She has an appointment with Kate for that evening for her to do the finishing touches.

Logan's big news for the week is that Coach Basham, head football coach at MUHS, is retiring. Logan thinks someone from the coaching ranks will move up and there will not be a big shake up.

I should probably get busy and get ready for work. It is a non-student day which should mean I get caught up on a lot of things. BUT...it tends to be more social, I probably won't get much done. Oh, Well. It is important to maintain relationships and if my colleagues distract me, I think I am obligated to engage.

I'll see later today.

Carrie

Love from Bonnie

January 21, 2010

Hi, Meredyth,
I finally got back into town on Saturday afternoon. Don and I stopped by to see about you, but you were "sleeping," so we said a prayer for you and left.

I had a very nice time in Texas visiting my family and friends and attending our home church. It was cold the whole time I was in Texas. What a disappointment! I wanted to gather some sunshine to bring back up here, but no go.

I told several of my friends and family in Texas to please pray for you, and they said they would. Some have asked how you are doing.

Once I tied yarn around my finger to remind me to pray for you often, but it fell off when I showered. I found I didn't need it. During this entire season you have never been very far from my heart and prayers. We love you and miss you very much. Nashotah isn't the same without you. I am looking forward to spending some time with you at your sister's house after you get out of the hospital, so I will certainly see you then if not before.
Much love,
Bonnie

A Shoulder to Cry On...

I wished you would have been around today as I'd have used your shoulder to cry on a time or two. I'm emotionally drained, attempting sleep but in the presense of memories that linger too close and keeping me awake. I'll link you to my blog...

http://seminaryrd.blogspot.com/2010/01/donner1996-2010.html

and am glad that you'll be back soon. rusty

I am lighting a candle for you dear one...holding unto your example of acceptance and praying for your wholeness and healing. We will be patient, but know that you are in our hearts and are eager for your recovery. Sara

Acceptance - by Ms. Glenna Mahoney

May I remember, dear God, that I belong in your arms.

It is there that I am healed, and there that I am whole.

May all impurities be cast from my mind, my heart, my body.

May every fiber of my being be filled with your light.

May my cells vibrate with your divine energy.

May my body and soul radiate your love.

You are my divine physician.

In you I trust.

I accept your will for me.

I accept your healing.

I accept your love.

I accept myself.

Amen.

Miss you much Meredyth! I am enjoying the last bit of Roy's attention around the house this week, before classes resume in a few days. ha ha Work is kicking my butt, however, I am prevailing. I've borrowed the sequel book of Same Kind of Different As Me, it is called What Difference Do It Make? I just started it, and so far it's good. It starts out with Ron giving examples of how the first book had made a difference in people and places around the country. I'll tell you all about it when you awaken. Take Care and blessed rest. Marcia

Sweet Meredyth: Your in our prayers

Meredyth;

just want you to know if you need anything. Sara Wait called me to see if I had
heard that you had another surgery. I wanted you to know you are in all of our
thoughts and prayers.

Jacquie Morton

thinking of you

Hoping for your speedy recovery. Our prayers are with you; You are an absolute joy and know that you are loved my many people

Joe Diedrich

This is just to say...

Meredyth-

I am sitting on a conference call right now. Somehow I can't concentrate... There was another earthquake in Haiti this morning, but more and more people are going down to help rebuild, provide food, and erect shelter. I am constantly amazed at the human spirit and people's ability to cast aside their own concerns and be selfless. It makes things like politics seem petty in comparison. =)

I'm not going to wax eloquent...what I really wanted to tell you was that you are loved and missed...and we don't want you to miss the last season of LOST, starting on February 2nd. Yes, you may laugh...many of us on campus are seriously addicted. But I won't name names (you know who you are)!

We love you and continue to pray for you. Get better and come back to us soon!

Laura Bartus

A Poem of Encouragement

Dear Meredyth,

Please know I'm thinking of you and praying for you way down here in Texas! When you are reading through these posts during your recovery time, I hope you realize how grateful the Nashotah community is for you.

I don't know if you're at all like me in this, but I always enjoy how poetry captures the mood so eloquently. One poem is by one of my favorites, TS Eliot, who in his poem "New Hampshire" describes the renewal of life. I hope you find it encouraging.

It is part of a series he did, and below the words is a recording of of Eliot himself reading it.

May God bless you during this difficult time and I'm looking forward to seeing you again soon!

In Christ,
Andy

Children's voices in the orchard

Between the blossom- and the fruit-time:

Golden head, crimson head,

Between the green tip and the root.

Black wing, brown wing, hover over;

Twenty years and the spring is over;

To-day grieves and to-morrow grieves,

Cover me over, light-in-leaves;

Golden head, black wing,

Cling, swing,

Spring, sing,

Swing up into the apple-tree.

Hi Meredyth,
Bonnie and I came by to see you the other day.
You were, of course, konked out and looked peaceful.

We miss having you here with us at Nashotah House, not to mention your wry wit.
It will be so good to have you back with us soon.

Many, many of your dear friends are praying for you, your sister, and your mom every day.
Rusty has been a saint as have others.

Please know how much you are loved, and missed.
Don.

Meredyth...

It's dark time for everyone at Nashotah. Just returned from the hospital and visited with Carrie and Casey. I brought a bag of pistachio nuts that Carrie and I downed rather quickly...but did you know that a hearty serving of 49 nuts has the same number of calories as 13 potato chips! Will wonders never cease. You had another surgery this afternoon and God is taking good care of you. If things go as expected you should be waking up sometime this weekend. While we were in the waiting room I got to share one of the Just for Laughs videos on Youtube. If you'd been awake you might have heard the laughter coming down the hall! In the news today it was noted that Glen Bell died. Who is that you wonder? If you've ever been to a Taco Bell it was all his idea...don't blame me.

Today was also the yearly announcement of the Caldecott and Newberry book awards. Rebecca Stead's book When You Reach Me won the Newberry and Jerry Pickney's The Lion and the Mouse won the Caldecott. Another book to add to your collection. I spent the day reading several books...one for class next term and the other a historical fiction story on the early life of Christ by Gerd Theissen titled The Shadow of the Galilean. For the remainder of this evening I'll be dining in with Progresso Chicken Noodle and writing a few more letters. We miss having you around us and are anxious to get together soon. Sweet dreams...rusty

Hi Meredyth - 19 January 2010

Hi Meredyth! Tuesday afternoon paying bills... trying to catch up after our class last week "Building Congregations That Thrive." Good class, pragmatic, Holy Spirit filled, biblically based.

Sure miss your smile and presence at chapel and around campus.

Nancy and I think of you often. I have been lighting a candle for you at the Blessed Sacrament everyday and praying for you there as well as sending out "flare prayers" many times the rest of the day. (you know like as Paul admonishes us, "pray without ceasing.)

Here is a good prayer from BCP 1979.....

Thanksgiving for a Beginning of Recovery

O Lord, your compassions never fail and your mercies are new every morning: We give you thanks for giving our sister Meredyth both relief from pain and hope of health renewed. Continue in her, we pray, the good work you have begun; that she, daily increasing in bodily strength, and rejoicing in your goodness, may so order her life and conduct that she may always think and do those things that please you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

We continue to experience the beautiful winter wonderland of Wisconsin... three days this week we have had hoarfrost....

Hoarfrost - A deposit of ice crystals formed in the same manner as dew except that the temperature of the objects on which it forms must be below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, and the dew point temperature of the air must also be below the freezing mark. From http://weatherglossary.owlinc.org/weathgloss3.html

It has been so beautiful. God's creation never ceases to amaze me with beauty and wonder.

I wanted to add a photo but I have to optimize it and it is time for Evening Prayer... maybe later.

Signing off for now. May the Lord's healing grace and mercy fill you and bring you to good health.

James

Just a Hello! And a prayer for your recovery soon.

Hello Meredyth, It is so good to finally be able to say hi to you and let you know we are all thinking of you. I just asked someone last week how you were doing. We miss your smiling face here at F+W Pubs. You are such a kind-heart. Well just wanted you to know we are thinking of you. Hope you have a miraculus recovery on your health. You seem to be in good hands now. I will pray for you.

Love Patti Kirchner

Hi Meredyth,

So sorry to hear about all of your problems since you left F+W. I will be praying for a speedy recovery for you!!! Take care, Judy Driebel

Updates ...

I've been spreading the word among your friends at Krause Publications in Iola, and people are - of course - shocked and deeply concerned. Today, folks will be back in the office following the long weekend, and I'll be fielding more questions from those yearning for updates.

Which brings me to a request: I've found this blog to be wonderful for keeping in touch with you and was especially moved by recent posts that give me more information on how you're doing. I hope people who are able to visit you will continue to provide messages here on your status until that wonderful day when you'll be able to give us your own messages in person.

We all pray that that will be soon. You are constantly with us in our thoughts, but we're looking forward to the point at which we can, simply, give you a hug.

Maggie Thompson

Hi Auntie!

Dear Auntie,

It's me, Case. Your most favoritist niece of all time. (I really hope that you can appreciate my word inventions. I think it's genetic, courtesy of my mother). I haven't been out in a few days, and I'm sorry for that. It's probably better that way, because then you don't have to deal with a weepy, 17 year old girl in your hotel room. However, I will do my best to come out sometime this week after school. Second Semester starts this week. This means that I am a SECOND SEMESTER SENIOR!!!!! Just an fyi, my mom says that to me every time she has a chance. I brought grandma out last week a couple times. I'm pretty sure you knew it was her, because you always kinda woke up a bit whenever she would talk to you. I didn't talk much, I let grandma do that. When I was in by you on Saturday (possibly one of the shortest visits EVER. I had to run to work, and I was at the hospital for a grand total of 10 minutes), I was talking to you, and you kinda woke up a little. I think. Oh! Did I tell you, or was this after you were in the ICU... I got a laptop!!! I think you know that. But anyway, that's what I'm writing this blog entry on right now. So as I type on this laptop, I'm looking at this disaster zone of a room, and once you get better and are with us, you can help me clean it if you want. It's starting to resemble my old room, and that's scary, as you know. Also, a random thought, but when you get up and are using your computer again, I highly recommend mylifeisaverage.com It's good for some laughs, and I'm obsessed!!!

I love you!

case

Happy MLK Day!

Dear Meredyth...
The morning finds me...barely. I spent the night writing a paper but I hesitate in naming it...one never knows who may be reading this stuff. Today the temps feel lower but whether they are or not is any one's guess. It's grand having a week off before classes begin again so I'll try to write another paper (what is it with all the papers?) and write some letters before I leave for NC on Saturday. I'm going to the Anglican Mission conference in Greensboro and I know you said you could take me to the airport but Sarah's going to do that instead. So please cross me off your to-do-list for this Saturday.
Newspaper News...Since you've been away there's been a great tragedy in Haiti where a massive earthquake devastated many lives. The world is coming together once again to offer support and prayers. As you're aware the newspaper is filled with the stories of those involved. On a lighter note Brett Favre is on a nearly perfect role. Last night they played the Cowboys in a playoff game and the Vikings won 34-3. "Favre slammed the door on those who doubted he could succeed again." So there's one more hurray for all us old people over 40!
The Golden Globes graced the front cover with big wins for the movie Avatar, and actors Jeff Bridges and Sandra Bullock. But the best news was in the Business section where we learned that Harry and Mary Schaff are opening a Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory in Delafield! We can walk to the chocolate now and who knows...maybe the sweet aroma will find it's way into our classroom and wake us up during #!!*&*#!!! (like I said...you just never know who's reading this stuff). I spoke with Carrie last night and I think they may be taking you in for a body wash today or tomorrow so as always you remain in the prayers of many...including me.
rusty

Meredyth, I am praying for your healing big time! Hang in there...God has you in His hands. "No one can snatch you from His hands."

Hope you have a peaceful night.

Dagnall

sunday news...

The trees were dipped in ice last night and the ride to church was heavenly indeed. Abby and I walked out to get your paper and I enjoyed reading while Abby crunched away on a bone...I think. The big news is that the Dead Sea Scroll exibit will be in Milwaukee until June 6th. The plan is to kidnap Dr. Johnson and Dr. Anderson to be our guides! All creative submissions will be recieved within the next two weeks...I'll keep you posted on what the final plan will be! Also big news on page 10A. Headline reads, "If you're on your cell phone, don't...walk." It seems that humans are colliading with trucks, telephone poles, and parked cars that are requiring medical attention while talking on their cell phones. Jack Nasar, a dude from Ohio State says that, "It's the tip of the iceberg." Just wanted you to be aware.

It's quiet around campus with an occasional visit by a snowflake or two. We have no school the coming week but I need to write a paper for the class I took during Epiphany term. It's an opinion paper of 8-12 pages which shouldn't be a major headache...nothing like our Holtzen papers! Often around campus and through emails folks ask how you are and mention how earnestly they are praying for you. Look forward to seeing you soon...

rusty

ps Carrie gave me one of your plants to take care of...and it's doing beautifully....i'll give it back...i promise...

Dear Meredyth...and I do mean DEAR Meredyth.
We have been praying for you as have so many others whose lives you have touched. What a powerful ministry you will have, being an example of the Great Physician's healing power and grace. May you have peaceful dreams while you sleep and when you wake, may your body quickly return to health and vigor. Gentle hugs to you. Wayne and Sandy

Every day in every way ...

... I hope and pray you're getting better and better. They told us in church this morning that messages to you will reach you via this site, and (even in the midst of the bishop's visit and the dedication and consecration of The Chapel of St. Patrick) I must say that I think it was you at the forefront of the thoughts of most of the congregation.

I've been so pushy as to post an update on your Facebook Wall, following Matt Gergeni's inquiry to me about how you were doing. And I'll post this contact info there, as well. Apologies for the presumption ...

Hugs from a distance,
Maggie Thompson

Keeping You In Thought and Prayer

Dear Meredyth,

We are keeping you close in our thoughts and our prayers. God Bless as you regain your strength.
Take care.

Love,
Mike, Sally and Family

My Thoughts & Prayers Are With You

Dear Friend,

I pray for your daily and know that you are in good hands. May each day bring you progress toward improved health.

Terry Rupple

A Meditation on the Twenty-third Psalm

You said this was one of your favorite verses, and I opened a book of Women's Uncommon Prayers and there it was... enjoy

Lord, you are:

A companion to my spirit-

Father and Shepherd of a life;

Perplexing at times for me.

Designing a purpose for me.

Fashioned in you,

I am in need of nothing

But the riches coming from

The depths of your love.

Lord, you are my Shepherd.

May your hands calm my rough waters

When I am tossed by swift currents

And

Fleeting wind.

May my sould be restored,

Healed,

Reconciled with body,

Delighting in its abode.

May the focus of my eyes stay fixed

Upon images of your face in all of

Creation.

Lord, you are my Shepherd.

Anoint my head with your oil;

Bathe me with the sweet perfume

Of your Word.

Penetrate my spirit with your truths,

That I may reflect such

To a hungry world.

Fill my cup overflowing

With your presence,

That my heart may sing in jubilation

Songs of your unceasing love.

Lord, you are my Shepherd,

The bosom of your temple

Will be my dwelling place forever.

Lord, my Shepherd,

Blest am I, your sheep!

written by Ms. Joanne Starks insert from Women's Uncommon Prayers

Hospital Buddies

Hi, Meredyth,

It was so great getting to spend a few minutes with you on Tuesday. I wish it could have been under better circumstances for all of us, but I suppose that's just how it is. Either way, we were glad to see you.

Marcus is healing well, but he's still very sore and has a blood clot in his throat. And we are still trying to master the art of hugging one another around the c-collar. Very awkward. =)

Rusty relayed that you are showing some signs of improvement as well, and that it shouldn't be much longer before you begin to feel better. I'm so glad. We are eager to have you well again and back at the House. You are missed!!! We are thinking of you and praying for you more often than you realize. So please rest, heal, and come back to us as soon as you are able.

Grace and peace,
Chanan

Prayer Meeting for You

Hey Meredyth,

There you lie, getting lots of much needed rest. It seems longer ago than a week that James and Nancy and Lance and I last saw you with flowers and a whoppee cushion in hand. Although we have not seen you recently, you are our concern. We as a community do not cease to pray for you every day. As a matter of fact, a prayer meeting was called on your behalf yesterday by Bryan and Susan O'Carroll. It was held after evening prayer and many stayed to petition the Lord for you. How loved you are! And how missed you are! Do know that you are in our thoughts, conversations, and prayers, dear sister!

Love in Christ,
Diane and Lance

ICU on a Saturday afternoon

Dear Meredyth...
It's Saturday afternoon and I'm in the ICU Waiting Room. The drinks are awesome! I'm particularly fond of the cranberry juice. It's cold and refreshing so you might want to try some when you awaken. Carrie is back with you in your room where she spends a great deal of time these days. I'm not allowed because we don't share the same DNA. Let that be of some comfort to you! Today the waiting room is rather crowded so you must have visitors close by. I remember you telling me that when the temps in the winter reached in the 30's it would seem like a heat wave. Your predictions were correct. Today the snow is melting leaving ice patches that can surprise you from time-to-time. I took down my Christmas tree today, washed my cassock for the first time (our secret), and tonight am having dinner with your neighbors, the Milicans. Be assured of my prayers for you at this very hour.
rusty

The Allisons

Meredyth, while you slumber we pray for your continued healing. I am sorry we had to meet this way, but I am happy to have the opportunity to get to know your sister a little and your mom. They will tell you Rusty kidnapped them from the hospital one evening and brought them to a community dinner for the distance learner's matriculation. It was a nice time for them to meet all your friends and professors. Heather went to North Carolina this weekend for the YouthQuake retreat, thanks to you and many others who participated in her fund raising efforts. Roy and I are spending a quiet weekend at home awaiting the word that we will be able to visit you. We went to dinner last night after dropping Fr. Frank off at the airport at a place called the Final Approach. It was delicious, we will have to take you there when you are able. Sleep peacefully for now, and know we are willing to help in any way we can when you are in recovery. Love Always, Marcia, Roy & Heather

Welcome!

Dear Meredyth...
It's been several days since we last talked and quite frankly I'm not that certain you will remember much of our conversation. You had just woken up from your second surgery and weren't in your usual, intellectually stimulating, state of mind. From time to time you'd ask of things like, "What am I going to do for entertainment?" or "Let's go to the gas station for pizza!" Claire and I would just look at each other and smile as you slide into another peaceful dream.
That was nearly a week ago. Since then you've had another operation and have since been sleeping comfortably in ICU. Even though we can't physically see you or visit with you, our thoughts and prayers have blanketed you from that day until this very moment. You play such a role in our community here at Nashotah as well in the lives of countless other people. We created this blog for you so that you would know of our love and support....while you were sleeping....

In His Love,
rusty