Scott’s Battle is Finished
April 23rd, 2009 by LynneAs many of you already know, Scott went home to be with his Lord a little after 6 this morning.
I was able to be with him most of the night he was readmitted to the ICU on Tuesday night, and all day Wednesday. By 7pm, he was a little more stable, but his BP had been needing increasing pressors to maintain. The ICU medical staff felt he was stable enough for me to go back to the cottage to get some sleep.
Got a call about 11:45pm saying he had coded a couple of times, and that I should come in soon. By the time I arrived, he was more or less stabilized, but non-responsive, and the ventilator and pressors were pretty much maxed out and all that were keeping him going. The ICU staff were wonderful, and gave me a few hours to cry, talk to him, touch him, and decide what to do.
I made the decision to not pursue any escalation of treatment, since he was pretty much not able to respond any more anyway. I called our friends Ken and Mari Harrower, who were able to come up and be with me through to the end. I am so grateful for their presence, love, and encouragement, as well as friends Susan (Anastasia) Schaaf, and Conrad and Kimberly Podsada who were all willing to be wakened in the middle of the night for comfort and counsel.
I watched his BP, oxygen level, and heart rate all spiral down during the early morning hours, until by about 6am, all the values were incompatible with life, and asked them to turn everything off. His deeply depleted systems just could not overcome the massive assault of the sepsis infection and pneumonia.
After a second night of only 1 1/2 hours of sleep, I wasn’t safe to drive home, but really wanted to be with Daniel and Becky, so they could learn from me what had happened. Mari drove me home, while Ken followed in our car. I was able to communicate what they needed to know of their dad’s death, and we had a very painful but precious time of all three of us holding each other and crying for a while.
Thanks so much to all who have expressed their sorrow, love, and comfort as we figure out what life looks like now. We couldn’t have gotten through all of this up till now without the many prayers and support of all of you. The road now looks different, but no less difficult for a while. I am so thankful that Scott is now whole, healed, and in a place of great joy, and I know that I will see him again.
God bless you all,
Lynne, for Scott, Daniel, and Becky
Memory eternal. Fly free, my brother! Tears come in waves. I can only imagine what you are feeling, Lynne, Becky and Daniel!
Words fail to grasp the feelings… Eddie is struggling with this loss. He goes back and forth grieving for his own loss (Scott loved the boy more than Eddie’s father loved him). then Eddie is very concerned about Daniel and who will teach him how to be a good man.
Lynne, I am here for you 24/7.
Go now with the grace of God, Scott – your bravery has touched me deeply and will never, ever be forgotten. EXCELSIOR.
Your Northern Friend,
Rob
Lynne, I have struggled for the words to express my thoughts. Just know that my heart shares in the beautiful sentiments people have already expressed. Would you mind, though, letting us know any needs you may have? (and I am not just referring to meals) – I know I, and likely everyone, would love to try to continue to care for you, Becky and Daniel. Scripture is very clear about our responsibility to do so, BUT it is an honor as well. We love you all so much.
Steph
May the rains sweep gentle across your fields,
May the sun warm the land,
May every good seed you have planted bear fruit,
And late summer find you standing in fields of plenty.
An Irish Blessing from an Irish Man…
Dear Lynne, Becky and Daniel,
Our prayers for God’s very real comfort and presence rise up to His eternal throne daily for you. We will miss Scott’s gentle presence and know that his place in your family will feel empty for many days ahead. We pray that God will demonstrate His love for you by giving you special reminders of Scott’s presence and the memories you will always have.
Weeping with you during this time.
Fred & Rena
Dear Lynne, Beck and Daniel,
I cried as I read about Scott. I am sad for all your loss and all you’ve gone through, but am rejoicing that Scott received his ultimate healing and that he will be celebrating his birthday in heaven…with the One who created him. I am praying for you all. Love, Lisa and family.
I don’t know you or your family, but I want to thank you for sharing your story. I have lost family and wondered how to deal with it. Your story has helped. Thank you. I am sorry for you lost.