It’s Been a While
November 15th, 2009 by LynneI know it’s been over 3 months since I’ve written anything here on the blog. I guess several things have come into focus or been resolved, so if anyone might still be reading this, I’ll try to give an update.
One of the reasons for no recent blog is that I started working for VNA (Visiting Nurses Assn) in mid-September. It has been over 17 years since I worked in the hospital - equipment and machines have changed, treatments and meds have changed, so it’s been a bit stressful catching up. 75% of our patients are Medicare, so I’m getting to see first-hand what a government-run healthcare system would feel like – an incredible amount of paperwork! We nurses are given laptops to use in the field as we visit patients in their homes, so the paperwork is actually computer work. I love getting to meet and visit people in their homes all over the county, and I am really enjoying the people I work with at VNA. God has been so good to provide for our family through everything that has happened. At first, I really resented being in the position of having to work at a stressful job, but God knew that I needed something to focus on to get outside of me and my loss, and the position has given me a renewed sense of confidence and purpose. I am a caregiver by nature and by profession, and as always, God has provided what I and our family needed.
I have been attending a weekly grief support group called Grief Share. It is an international program based in North Carolina consisting of 13 weekly videos to help those who have lost loved ones. Both trained Christian professionals, as well as every day regular people, talk about their grief experiences, what is normal, what is not, and what God has done in their lives to help them through this process called grief. The group and the videos have been extremely helpful for me in working through all the normal, but extremely powerful emotions everyone goes through in losing a loved one. I would highly recommend the series to anyone seeking help and resolution after losing someone dear to them.
Daniel and Becky are doing well. Daniel is in his first semester at Cabrillo, our local community college, and is doing a good job of rising to the demand of college schedules and responsibilities. He’s still deciding whether to continue next school year at community college, or possibly go to Seattle Pacific University, where Scott graduated from, since his chosen major is still uncertain. He continues to really enjoy volunteering at church helping out with both the Jr Hi and Sr Hi tech teams. Becky is working hard on her senior high school year, and all the necessary testing and application processes to go to college next year. She doesn’t know yet what she’d like her major to be, but her dream is to hopefully get into UCLA, and maybe at some point, be able to study abroad in Europe if the opportunity arises.
One of the biggest uncertainties after Scott died was all of his outstanding medical bills from UCSF that fell in-between the two insurance coverages because of lengthy delays in all the billing processes. I had applied to UCSF in August for finanial aid, but it wasn’t until this past week that I finally heard their decision. ALL OF THE $22,000+ IN MEDICAL BILLS HAS BEEN FORGIVEN! Once again, God has been so amazing in His protection and provision! Thanks to so many, many of you who have faithfully and consistently lifted up prayers to God for His help and intervention that the debt would be erased. After all, forgiveness of our ‘debts’ has always been God’s specialty!
One other piece of news that I’d hoped would be in place by now, but isn’t yet due to unforseen delays, is the Memorial Bench for Scott here at Mount Hermon. Mostly family and a few close friends donated funds for a bench in Scott’s memory this past summer. It is ready to be installed, but the original location became unavailable, and a new location had to be chosen. Hopefully within the next few weeks, it will be placed. The new site will be across the bridge and over the little stream at the far side of the Meadow (Rec Field). There is a small, cathedral-like grove of redwood trees where it will be situated in a very peaceful, comtemplative location. It will be a wonderful place to go, sit still, and remember him.
My last piece of news is also exciting for me to anticipate. As many of you may remember, in February of 2007, Becky and I had the incredible priviledge of going to India on a 2 week mission trip to give out Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes to some of the poorest children in the slums of Delhi. It was a life-changing experience for both of us, and the children of India still tug at my heart. So, God willing, I am planning on going again this coming late February to mid-March with a team from our church. If any of you are interested in giving prayer support, and/or financial help, please e-mail me at the address I still am using – scotthalverson@sbcglobal.net , and I will send you the info if you would like to know more.
Little by little, we are picking up the pieces and moving on to what God has for us. We miss Scott terribly, and he is never far from our thoughts, but God IS good, even though life is hard, and He has never let go of us. For all this, we are thankful. And for such supportive friends and family like you, we are eternally grateful.
God bless you all,
Lynne, Daniel, and Becky
praising the Lord with you and still praying for you
Lynne, Your courage, faith, and dependence on God through your circumstances is such an encouragement to my heart. Praise God for the forgiveness of debt! Rejoicing with you over what God has done and what He will do. Hope to see Scott’s bench when we’re up for a visit at Christmas time. Love & Prayers, Amy (Talbott)
What a wonderful answer to prayer. I am so thankful that this dark cloud has been removed with the finances. You guys are in our prayers with all you upcoming decisions, but most importantly, we rejoice with you in the praises right now. Love you all.
I am so glad to hear from you. I wish I could have actually talked to you during our visit instead of the two little drive by and wave sessions we had. But know we continue to pray for you daily!!!
May the blessings continue!
Annalisa
Praise God for his continued, overwhelming, amazing provision!! Dan and I are dancing in the kitchen at the news of the debts being forgiven. (You can imagine the sight… especially DAN!) We love you and miss you and already need another “Halverson Fix”. Hugs…
Dan and Shelly
Lynne, what an amazing blessing of the forgiven debt! It brings me to tears to see how lovingly God provided for you. How great as well, for the job and support group. Thank you for continuing to share your life with us.
Love, steph (VC)
Lynne, we are all blessed by what God is doing for you and your family. Praise His heavenly name! I can’t wait to sit on Scott’s Memorial Bench when I am there and say a few words of appreciation again to him and to our Lord. We are thinking of you and appreciate any news. We all have had or will certainly have losses in our families going forward, so thanks for sharing the details of how you are dealing with the huge loss of Scott. May God continue to bless you.
Love, Jerry and Kathy
Thank you so much, Lynne, for sharing your heart. We do think of you often and so pleased to learn of how God is meeting your needs and answering your (and our) prayers. What a great God we have. We love you and the kids and love hearing from you.
Love and Hugs,
Iris and Bill
Lynne, Thanks you for sharing. I have been wondering how you are doing. May God continue to bless and give you the strenght to move forward.
Grace and Mercy,
Linda and Dan
Lynn,
Thank you for catching us up on your lives. You are still often in my heart and prayers, and it is good to hear how God is working!
Much love,
Deborah
Dear Lynn and kids,
It is wonderful to hear how you’re doing because we think of you and pray for you often. Dick’s having a visiting nurse recently after his knee replacement made us appreciate, so much, what you nurses do! You must get lots of satisfaction being able to help people in their homes. Bless you!!
Love in Him,
Marty (and Dick)
Hy, dear Lynn – Thanks for the good report. Life goes on whether we’re ready or not. I’m glad you’re in a support group. And the job is so important for a number of reasons!
You write really well – were you aware of that?
I don’t know your schedule of nursing, but when you have a chance, we’ll get together again.
Love, Arlyss
God is so good. Thanks so much for all your news. Your faith continues to blow me away. And it is so evident your love for Christ. Your patients are blessed with you taking care of them!
Lynne,
So glad to hear about the Lord’s provision! You all have been on my heart, so your update was an answered prayer.
Continued peace & blessings to you all!
-Eric & Ginger
Lynne
So happy to see something on this site. I haven’t forgot our last phone call. I still have the picture of Scott when he was in college that I want to send. I have no address or phone numbers to contact you. Please send an email message so I can send the picture.
I am so pleased about the financial situation. I will continue to keep you and your children in my prayers.
Love and prayers!
Dear Lynne,
Thank you so much for giving us an update on your situation.
I am thankful that God has blessed you with the ‘forgiven’ debt. He is good. What a relief that must be!
I am also thankful that you have found a job and one that suits your interests and abilities. Bless God!
Thank God for Grief Share and many people who have shared their experiences and expertise. I hope that it continues to help you through this life transition.
I continue to pray for you all daily–every time I look out my kitchen window (I have a neighbor that I pray for, and praying for her reminds me to pray for you), and many times in between. God truly answers prayer.
May God continue to hold you close, bless you, and keep you.
Love,
Darlene
It is so wonderful to hear how God continues to move in your lives. And it’s great to hear you three are doing well! We think of you often and appreciate the update– I can’t wait to see what lies ahead for Daniel & Becky. We are so thankful for the wonderful new job and know you must be such a blessing to your patients.
Much love to all of you– please continue to share updates when your able.
Love, John, Mandy, Travis, Luke & K3
Lynne, Daniel and Becky,
It’s wonderful to hear about your new position and in the way God is walking with you every step. Certainly, an answer to prayer. And so proud of Daniel and Becky on schooling!
Much love to you all.
Brad, Ingrid, Kaia and Lola
Lynne,
Praise the Lord for some many things! It is so good to hear from you – I continue to think about you guys and wonder how things are going. I met Scott at insurance meetings with the captive.
Blessings,
Edna
Lynne, Thanks so much for sharing this update. Of course, those who love you and support you, love to hear how you and the kids are doing! So excited for the hospital coming through on that huge bill. What a relief you must feel to have that one out of the way! Praying for you and your wonderful family! Hugs to you, Sherri
Lynn, Thanks so much for the update. What an awesome God we serve.
In our frief He still keeps on giving to us. The news about UCSF is amazing. Who could do that for us but God!!!! You are sill in our prayers and may God grant to you your wish for India.
Sharon
Hi Lynne, thank you for the update and sharing your journey. Praise God for the forgiveness of debts! That is amazing – a miracle – God’s hand for sure. I thought of you and Scott when I was at Mt. Hermon this past weekend leading worship for the Women’s Spiritual Retreats. Now I know how you are. Excited for your opportunity to go to India again. We will be praying for you! Love Robin
Dear Lynne,
Thanks so much for the update. Glad to hear things are going well under the circumstances. PTL once again for the removal of medical debt. What a wonderful Lord He is in the way He cares for every detail, whether great or small. So glad to hear Daniel and Becky are doing well also, and especially glad to hear you’re enjoying your work with VNA. We’ve benefitted several times from this wonderful organization. Blessings on you as you minister in this way.
Again, thanks for sharing. We continue to pray for you 3!
Love, Mike & Kathy
Lynne,
So grateful for your update. I have been praying for you and the kids and hoping we would hear from you…Actually I could feel you getting ramped up to write to all of us and I am so so grateful for all the news…
I had a Scott Moment the other day and really miss his smile and humor….
I miss my friend but I know that he is praying for all of us and that is a comfort to me.
Hope your job is keeping you on your toes and glad to hear you are going to the grief workshops…. Peace and love to you and the family.
Susan
It was so good to read your update and know that the Lord is answering many prayers for the 3 of you. The financial news is wonderful. We’re excited to hear that Daniel and Becky are thriving during this difficult season of life. The trip to India sounds wonderful….the shoeboxes are being collected today at our church. Take care and please keep in touch as time allows.
In Christ,
Dean and Betty
Hi Lynne,
Thank you for including us in your lives once again. I remember a few years ago, Fred Miller mentioned to me that we needed more benches and wondered if we could get some donated. He shared with me that the vendor he used provided a bench that would withstand the climate at Mount Hermon. Then he told me how much it cost. It was more than I had thought, but people resonated with the idea and the memorial bench was born. Funny thing for me was that we have a number of benches ordered, one of which was in my mother’s memory with her favorite verse of Scripture. They arrived and were dispersed while I was out of town for a few days. Crazy thing was no one kept track of where the benches were placed. Sarah Neely was lost. However, about ten years later, when I was there for an Associate gathering in 2008, I renewed my search and found the bench. It was a bit overwhelming to sit and reflect on a life that was committed to God. But, most of all, it was a great opportunity just to reflect on the amazing grace of our Lord. And…in the beauty and quiet of those moments, I could almost see her smile and hear her laugh. You will enjoy your bench and so will the many people who pass that way and rest for a moment.
Dave Neely
I am still praying for you and I see God has been answering my prayers.I am coming to Mount Hermon on Dec. 17th and 18th.I would like to meet you,Daniel and Becky for the buffet dinner(my treat ) Can you let me know? My phone number is (415)826-1788 or you can email me. The dinner would be Dec. 17th.
hmmm….guess we should check the site more often to find out what’s happening. We’ll be praying everything will go as stress-less as possible for the India trip.
Dear Lynn:
I am so happy to hear that he $22K debt was forgiven. I’ve thought often about that situation when you and Scott were between insurance coverage. My heart has gone out to you so many times.
If you recall, I also have Burkitt’s Lymphoma. I still remember so well my only phone conversation with Scott. I was very blessed by that and the memory of him and your family lives on in my life.
Lynn, I just found out that a young man in Australia was just diagnosed last week with Burkitt’s. He is determined that he will beat this by changing his diet and being positive and focused on success.
I respect your depth of understanding of Burkitts and I would really like for you to read his website & blog and watch his videos. He was to have started treatment today and he has refused.
If you feel so led, please write on his blog and share your depth of knowledge about his challenge ahead. I hate to see this quickly spread into his bone marrow and spinal fluid.
Here is his website:
http://johnjhowell.com/
Warmest wishes!