Dear John and Deborah and Doves Praying for Gabe,

Thank you so much for asking, Deborah.  I have included an exerpt from Gabe's Dad below on the sense of isolation felt by those who suffer.  I received it last night.  If any are desirous of sending encouragement to the family, you can post it on Five Doves and I will see that they receive it!  His note serves as a primer for all of us who approach suffering in others, sensitivity and awareness are key in our ability to encourage.

The good news last received on Gabe is that the second MRI showed that the inflammation in the brain is gone!  However, Gabe remains hospitalized because of infection.  There is a war between the body and the bone marrow transplant in accepting the "foreign" help.  He needs ongoing prayer and hope for recovery and a return home!  All of that would be supplied in the Rapture!

Thanks and God Bless,

Judy

Gabe's Dad's Words:

One of the feelings that is common among those who are dealing with a severe life-threatening illness is the sense of isolation. Does anyone care? Does anyone pray? Have they forgotten? This sense of isolation is reinforced when in a social setting where people are carefree and life is “normal”. One can be surrounded by people, but feel very alone. We are dealing with this 24/7. Even sleep is sometimes a luxury. God, I am so thankful for my own bed!!! Very simple blessings have become enormous treasures. So, when people in our support group stay informed through our blog, and when they sign our guestbook with a note of encouragement, a prayer, or a scripture, it is not uncommon to find us reading those notes with tears in our eyes. This simple act has been incredibly meaningful. Thank you. Conversely, when ten people in a row (I am not exaggerating) ask u! s, “How is Gabriel doing?”, and it is clear that they have not stayed updated, it reinforces our sense of isolation. We have found ourselves trying to slip out of church unnoticed because of this incredibly uncomfortable experience (we still love church). We do appreciate the concern—we just don’t want to repeat the same conversation ten times in a row, especially since we are living this 24/7.

However, any unpleasantness we experience is insignificant compared to the absolutely incredible, tangible, gracious, devoted, and kind way that so many of you have demonstrated the love of God. Our experience has shown us that we would never want to go through something like this without our community of faith. Again, to you, we say “thank you”. You are a shining example.

Steve