Weigner Updates January 2019. Part One

Marks step mother passed away early this past Friday morning up in Alaska after cancer she had battled a couple of years ago came back with a vengeance. She knew when we saw her back in 2017 that the moments she had were gifts and she was prepared to meet her Maker. She was able to be at home surrounded by those that loved her. It is a huge loss to Marks wonderful Dad as they had hoped for many years ahead together in the Alaska they both loved so much. Please keep his Dad in prayer. 

Marks sister had her first baby last week as well. She lives up in Alaska and this new life will be a gift especially to her Dad as he prepares for a new normal without his bride by his side.

My Mark was praying about heading up to Alaska to help out, but his Dad didn’t want Mark leaving the responsibilities and family he has in PA. Thankfully Marks Aunt Karen flew up to be an encouragement and a support during this difficult time. The day after my Mark decided to stay put and honor his Dads wishes, I got a text from my sister that my Mum had been taken by ambulance to the ER in severe pain and was unable to walk. It was discovered after an MRI that evening that she had a spontaneous fracture to her tailbone caused from severe osteoporosis and degenerative disease. It is extremely painful and rehab is not easy. I drove up to be by her side on a week ago Thursday. I think it was January 31st. 

This past Tuesday which maybe was February 5th I believe it was, I was talking to Bekah about her day and I thought she sounded like something was up with her voice, but she didn’t let on how she was feeling. That night she started a fever and her heart was racing. She checked in with the CF team that told her to get to the ER. Thankful that she did because when she arrived her blood pressure was rather low and she was severely dehydrated. They inserted two IVs and pushed her full with fluids while keeping a close eye on her heart and lungs. She was swabbed for Flu and came back Positive for Flu A. It’s everywhere in San Antonio. They were having a hard time keeping her BP stable and at one point she texted to say she may be admitted to the ICU. Mark was out of the room at that moment as he was needing to seek his own medical care because he was dealing with the effects for the Flu which he also has been diagnosed with. I’ve been in a lot of situations in my life that have been out of the ordinary but I think this was the most helpless I have felt, yet amidst the helplessness I just cried out for God’s peace and remembered His faithfulness. I won’t lie that it wasn’t a battle to keep my mind going a thousand different directions but I knew none of these circumstances was a surprise to God who has been ever faithful to us through so many ups and downs. 

Bekah’s BP ended up stabilizing and she was admitted to a regular CF room. However as the flu runs its course it is wreaking havoc and she could certainly use your prayers. I’m so thankful that she got in at the beginning of the flu so the medical team can respond to and stay on top of her symptoms. This morning the update was that she had a rough night including dry heaving and fever. She’s coughing up a lot of junk but a chest X-ray this morning showed her lungs are currently at her baseline. Her husband Mark has also been by her side while trying to take care of himself. He is able to stay with her and sleep in her room. 

I am still up in Canada and my Mum is getting a little better day by day. She amazes her team taking care of her. They have found a good balance of pain meds that help her to proceed in getting mobile while not making her loopy. She’s been admitted to the ACE unit. Acute Care for the Elderly ward due to her age ...which I’m not allowed to say. However all the teams agree that we will just call her room the Acute Care of the Exceptional. The hardest struggle for my Mum will be the need to slow down and realize she can’t be all things for all people. 

Yesterday, Saturday morning when I arrived at the hospital she was discouraged saying

‘I can’t do anything to help anyone. I’m not doing anything by lying here!’ 

I said , “ Mum are you praying from your hospital bed?” 

Her reply....”every moment” 

My reply...’ is that doing nothing?’

While this conversation was happening from the bedside in Canada, Bekah had FaceTimes in wearing her hospital gown in San Antonio basically feeling the same way. I asked both of them...

‘do you think Paul felt useless while he was imprisoned, unable to help those he loved?’ (We have most of the encouragement of the New Testament because of the letters he wrote while in prison) 

At that moment my Mum just started to encourage Bekah which turned into her praying for her and then for all the concerns of our family, the burdens of this life, the prayer that God would encourage the hearts of lions that are in both she and Bekah that are currently dealing with bodies that aren’t cooperating. It was a precious time. 

Mark Jr. my precious husband holding down the fort in PA is once again doing an incredible job in my absence with all the Weigner girls chipping in. The one thing that having chaotic times in our lives has taught us is how to come together and figure things out for one another when needed. I am so amazed by his selfless love for me so I can be up here to care for my Mum and I’m so proud of the way the Weigner girls come together to look out for one another. 

Thank you to the friends and family that have reached out and loved on the Weigners that are currently all over the North American continent. For the many that have been praying, loving on our girls, my guy, making meals even when my husband tries to turn them down. We are blessed by the community that is around us. 

Pray that we make His name known whatever circumstance we find ourselves in. Prayers appreciated that when our strength is weak that His strength would be strong. We believe in a God who can heal both on this side of eternity and the times He chooses not to its because He has a better plan. Suzanne is experiencing the glory that she so longed for during her darkest days of suffering. 

Prayers also appreciated for Bekahs new husband Mark Kraemer. I’ve had 22 years of experience with the disease of CF. He is getting another accelerated course in all things CF. This is her first admit to the hospital since they have known each other. He is a gem. My Mum and I were counting all the blessings that God has done, and everyday I’m thankful for the man God chose to walk alongside Rebekah. 

There’s the LONG Karen update. I will do my best to post as I can. 

God is still and always Sovereign and He is still and always good. Don’t take today for granted make the most of the time you’ve been given. Give a smile, give a hug, tell someone you love them and why you are thankful for them. Moments are precious. 

Ephesians 3:20
“Now to Him who is able to do so much more than all we can think or even imagine according to HIS power that is at work in us.”