We're thinking of you

Meredyth-- We heard about your condition through Maggie Thompson and wanted you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers as you recover. Kevin and Julie Ulrich

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.