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David W. Emery
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| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Brownsville, Texas USA |
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| First Name: | David | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Catholic |
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Posted: Thu Dec 28th, 2006 03:35 pm |
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As many forum participants know, my wife is a long-term victim of Alzheimer’s disease. In recent months, we have been tracking a new advance of the disease which has gradually affected her control of voluntary muscles, beginning in her feet and legs. This has now advanced to most of her body and is reaching the point of grave concern. She has already lost the ability to walk, she has a debilitating tremor in her hands, and just today they notified me that her neck is no longer able to support her head. There is a possibility she could become completely paralyzed.
I have seen her recover from a similar situation, where a different part of the brain eventually was able to take over the lost functionality. Even so, she nearly died a couple of times at the height of that crisis. And there is no assurance that she will be given the opportunity to recover this time.
I ask you to join me in prayer for this soul dear to our Lord.
David
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Katy
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| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | DFW, Texas USA |
| Posts: | 78 |
| First Name: | Katy | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Non-denom/Bible churches, Catholic since Easter 2005 |
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Posted: Thu Dec 28th, 2006 03:39 pm |
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David,
I will keep you and your wife in my prayers. I am getting ready to go to Adoration soon and will pray my rosary for your dear wife. What is her name, so that I can remember her by name?
Katy
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Lord, by Your cross and resurrection, You have set us free. You are the Savior of the World.
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David W. Emery
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| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Brownsville, Texas USA |
| Posts: | 2282 |
| First Name: | David | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Catholic |
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Posted: Thu Dec 28th, 2006 03:48 pm |
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Thank you, Katy. Her name is Gloria. She been ill for about nine years, so this news was not unexpected. But when it comes, it is always a blow to those who knew her before.
David
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SBC2RCC
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| Joined: | Mon Oct 9th, 2006 |
| Location: | York, South Carolina USA |
| Posts: | 132 |
| First Name: | Monte | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | was Southern Baptist Minister, now Roman Catholic |
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Posted: Thu Dec 28th, 2006 06:50 pm |
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Dear David,
Even if I didn't reply, you know that you and Gloria are in the prayers of many. Still, thank you for sharing with us, bringing this need and burden that you have so we can put our shoulders under it also.
Monte
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In Christ,
Monte W
(Formerly on CHN Forum as "Pilgrim Paul"
Minima Maxima Sunt
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Angie_Rivas1
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| Joined: | Wed Oct 11th, 2006 |
| Location: | Downey, USA |
| Posts: | 110 |
| First Name: | Angie | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Cradle Catholic |
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Posted: Thu Dec 28th, 2006 07:11 pm |
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Dear David,
Know that you and Gloria are in my thoughts and prayers now. I am sorry you and your wife are going through this painful situation. You are not alone, David.
Love,
Angie
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"Be not afraid" JPII
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Angie_Rivas1
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| Joined: | Wed Oct 11th, 2006 |
| Location: | Downey, USA |
| Posts: | 110 |
| First Name: | Angie | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Cradle Catholic |
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Posted: Thu Dec 28th, 2006 08:40 pm |
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David,
I've been trying to organize the garage/storage since the morning, and as I was doing that I was thinking about you, your wife, and your life. I admire you! Even in your pain, you are able to give comfort to others. Your kind words and advice have been a light to me. I want to thank you and I thank God for your life. You've been a blessing to me.
God bless you,
Angie
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"Be not afraid" JPII
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David W. Emery
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| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Brownsville, Texas USA |
| Posts: | 2282 |
| First Name: | David | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Catholic |
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Posted: Thu Dec 28th, 2006 09:06 pm |
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Angie_Rivas1 wrote:Even in your pain, you are able to give comfort to others.
We trust in God, Angie, to do what we cannot. There is no way to know what will happen to my wife. She may recover, she may remain disabled, or she may die. So we pray and leave her in the Lord’s capable hands, going about our duties as best we can. Is this not what He requires of us?
Pray, hope and don’t worry.
David
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David W. Emery
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| First Name: | David | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Catholic |
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Posted: Thu Dec 28th, 2006 09:10 pm |
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You have been in my prayers as well, Monte, with your family problems. I know they aren’t new, but they have been taken to the next level. Meanwhile, it is my duty to inform others of my wife’s crisis. Only in that way will they know how to direct their prayers.
I do thank you, one and all, for your attentiveness.
David
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CajunRick
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| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Houma, Louisiana USA |
| Posts: | 5458 |
| First Name: | Rick (& Kermie) | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Lifetime Catholic, Latin Rite |
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Posted: Thu Dec 28th, 2006 10:22 pm |
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David, I have dealt with many Alzheimer's patients, and one of the blessings of the disease (although I realize it is hard to think of anything connected with Alzheimer's as a blessing) is that the victims often become as little children, and are thus destined for the Kingdom of God. They give us beautiful examples of childlike faith, often remembering prayers long after their memory has failed for other things, and prayer often brings them great comfort.
Both you and Gloria will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Last edited on Sat Dec 30th, 2006 11:26 pm by CajunRick
____________________
Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand. - Augustine
Rick Luquette
Luquette Lane
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David W. Emery
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| First Name: | David | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Catholic |
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Posted: Thu Dec 28th, 2006 11:14 pm |
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cajunrick wrote:
The victims often become as little children, and are thus destined for the Kingdom of God.
This has been my observation, too. And it is why I used the words above “this soul dear to our Lord.” For I know how Jesus loved the “little ones.” Yes, the privation of consciousness can be a wonderful anesthetic.
David
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Luke12:48
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| Joined: | Sat Sep 30th, 2006 |
| Location: | Southeast, Pennsylvania USA |
| Posts: | 120 |
| First Name: | Kate | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | cradle catholic, left for many years, returned June 2006 |
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Posted: Sat Dec 30th, 2006 09:18 pm |
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David,
I will pray for her and you as well. I know how difficult it can be to care for a loved one with Alzheimer's. Please keep us updated when you can.
Kate
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Truthseeker
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| Joined: | Wed Oct 4th, 2006 |
| Location: | Costa Mesa, California USA |
| Posts: | 439 |
| First Name: | Laura | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | lapsed and returned CATHOLIC!!!!!! |
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Posted: Sun Dec 31st, 2006 11:32 pm |
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David,
I'm so sorry. It must hurt terribly to see her lose so much of herself. I'll pray for you, too.
Love, Laura
____________________
Lord, please make my will your Will!
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David W. Emery
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Posted: Mon Jan 1st, 2007 12:41 am |
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This is not the first time my wife has been in crisis. Five years ago something similar happened, and she nearly died twice. It is amazing that she survived. Each time something happens, I have to ask, Is this the end? Because it could be.
We have to bow to God’s will, Laura, just as you do in your own situation. And we support each other in prayer as well, for we form one Body.
I spent several hours today across the river in Mexico with some of my wife’s relatives. They live elsewhere, but were in Matamoros on vacation (not a very pleasant one, due to illness), and I was tipped off by a phone call from someone else that they were in town. One of them was just finding out that his brother had died over a year ago; I let him know where he is buried. That’s how long they have been out of touch. We arranged for them to meet with me in a couple of weeks to visit Gloria. I have no idea if they will follow up, and I have no idea whether she will recognize them, it’s been so long.
Meanwhile, she will be undergoing tests this week to see where the disease is headed.
David
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BettyBoopToo
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| Joined: | Mon Oct 9th, 2006 |
| Location: | Camas/Washougal, Washington USA |
| Posts: | 538 |
| First Name: | Betty | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Fist Baptist/Calvary Babtist/Secular Confusion/ Roman Catholic |
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Posted: Mon Jan 1st, 2007 07:58 pm |
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David:
My heart & Prayer's go out to you & your wife.
I've offered prayer and lit a "Our Lady Of Guadalupe" candle for you both.
I know how difficult it is to watch Someone we love so, When they a very ill. My dear father passes after a long battle 6yrs ago.
I'd like to get your permission to put you on our Parish prayer Chain? We pray for all those on the chain at every mass too, Additional prayers are offered from the prayer chain group.
May our Lord and his Mother bring you & your's Peace in this difficult time.
Betty
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Patience
"Whenever anything disagreeable or displeasing happens to you, remember Christ crucified and be silent."
St. John of the Cross
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David W. Emery
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| First Name: | David | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Catholic |
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Posted: Tue Jan 2nd, 2007 12:40 am |
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You are always so thoughtful, Betty. Our Lady of Guadalupe is exactly the right patron for my chaparrita. (I am especially devoted to her, too, since St. Juan Diego is one of my patrons. I have a large photographic reproduction of Our Lady of Guadalupe right behind me.) And if she knew what is happening to her, she would definitely approve of your parish’s prayer chain.
David
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Liza
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| Joined: | Thu Dec 28th, 2006 |
| Location: | Naples, Florida USA |
| Posts: | 25 |
| First Name: | Liza | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Roman Catholic |
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Posted: Tue Jan 2nd, 2007 10:55 pm |
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| David...I am happy to finally be back on the board with trying to get back to the new board. Anyway, I have been reading all the posts regarding you and your Gloria who suffers from this dread disease. I must tell you I can see your wife Gloria already in the arms of our Lord. It is you, dear David, I believe who suffers much more as you are in your right mind watching deterioration. (I watched my own mother). I know you are suffering much more than Gloria. My prayer is God gives you the strength to stay strong no matter what you deal with daily. Remember "faith is believing without seeing." God hears our prayers and you know he loves Gloria. He is also holding you up through his Holy Spirit. Alll I can say David, is God bless you and my heart goes out to you.
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David W. Emery
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Posted: Wed Jan 3rd, 2007 12:05 am |
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Hello, Liza. I saw your registration come up today and said, “I know who that is!” Glad to have back with us.
Yes, I think you are right about who suffers the most with a disease like this. I long ago commended her (and myself) to the Lord, so there’s little left to do but renew that dedication on a daily basis. Whatever He wills for us, I am determined to accept it.
David
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Liza
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| Joined: | Thu Dec 28th, 2006 |
| Location: | Naples, Florida USA |
| Posts: | 25 |
| First Name: | Liza | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Roman Catholic |
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Posted: Wed Jan 3rd, 2007 01:49 am |
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David...all I can say, Gloria is lucky to have a supporting husband such as you. I always read your posts and my heart is there with you, knowing how exhausted you must be dealing with this illness on a daily basis. Just know many of us on this board are in tune with you and have you in our daily prayers. Never give up...I know you won't from what I read from you.
It is amazing to me how the Lord works. I could be sticken with this disease tomorrow and my husband could be going through the same as you. I can only pray he would be as devoted as you are. My only thought is, we need to be ready to meet our Lord. I realize as I read your posts just how frail we are in the full scope of things. You, David, are putting forth a true sacrifice as is your dear wife Gloria. I believe God sees it all and will reward you both on that glorious day in paradise. Please do not be depressed because I know God will provide you comfort as you let it all go to him. God bless you and dear Gloria.
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Talithacumi
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| Joined: | Sat Sep 30th, 2006 |
| Location: | Eastern Ohio, USA |
| Posts: | 282 |
| First Name: | Cheri | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Cradle Catholic - Latin Rite |
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Posted: Wed Jan 3rd, 2007 02:21 am |
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David,
There's not much I can add to what the other posters have said, but I just want you to know that I am also praying for both you and your wife. May God pour out His abundant and healing graces on you both in this time of suffering in your lives. "Courragio!" (sp?) As you well know, in your weakness is His strength. Keep the Faith, Brother! And whatever happens, "All things work to the good for those who love God."
Dios les bendiga!
JMJ
- Cheri
____________________
“We do not want a Church that will move with the world; we want a Church that will move the world.”
- G.K. Chesterton
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David W. Emery
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Posted: Wed Jan 3rd, 2007 11:50 pm |
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Liza:
The frustrating thing is not being able to be there when decisions must be made. You can imagine how it is trying to manage things when she is hundreds of miles away. I’m getting long distance calls about every other day now. Except for emergencies, I have to pre-approve everything.
Cheri:
As you say, “Coraggio!” (My Italian is not perfect either, but I did check the spelling. Maybe it would be easier for both of us to settle on the Spanish “ánimo.”) I’m holding up pretty well, not depressed at all. I am much better prepared this time as opposed to five years ago, when Gloria experienced her first crisis. Your prayers will keep us going.
Thank you both for your concern and wisdom.
David
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David W. Emery
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Posted: Fri Jan 19th, 2007 11:30 pm |
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Here’s an update on my wife’s illness. Last Sunday she collapsed and was taken to the hospital. By the design of Providence, I happened to arrive there just minutes after this happened.
Basically she was suffering from dehydration and infection, the result of not being able to swallow her food. She was released from the hospital on Thursday. We are concentrating on supplemental nutrition at this point to avoid a relapse.
Her mind was not affected by this ordeal. Thanks to the prayers of so many, I believe she has a good chance of walking again and of living a good while longer.
David
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CajunRick
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| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
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Posted: Fri Jan 19th, 2007 11:46 pm |
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| That is truly good news, David. You and Gloria are both in our prayers.
____________________
Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand. - Augustine
Rick Luquette
Luquette Lane
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Liza
Member
| Joined: | Thu Dec 28th, 2006 |
| Location: | Naples, Florida USA |
| Posts: | 25 |
| First Name: | Liza | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Roman Catholic |
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Posted: Sat Jan 20th, 2007 01:49 am |
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| David...I just want you to know you and Gloria are thought of often and are in my prayers. I cannot imagine what you both are going through. God bless you!
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David W. Emery
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Posted: Tue Jan 23rd, 2007 09:07 pm |
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I made a follow-up visit today and found my wife bouncing around in a wheelchair. She still can’t walk yet or even stand without help, but she was trying to do chair exercises with the chief therapist. She has gained three pounds since her collapse last week and is working daily on her speech and swallowing. Give her time.
Her chart shows that she had wasted away to 99 pounds when she collapsed. She’s small, but not that small. Fortunately, the chart also shows that she is eating better now. I watched her work enthusiastically on a snack, and she managed to get about half of it down before giving up. It looks like we have a way to go on eating, but they have her in daily therapy for this and for improving muscle tone so that eventually she will be able to get up and walk on her own.
Again, I want to thank you all for your prayers. In helping to turn around a deadly trend, you may well have saved Gloria’s life. We’ll find out in heaven.
David
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susiedear
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| Joined: | Thu Oct 12th, 2006 |
| Location: | Twin Cities, Minnesota USA |
| Posts: | 186 |
| First Name: | Elizabeth | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Pentecostal / Evangelical / Catholic! |
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Posted: Wed Jan 24th, 2007 06:45 pm |
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Dear David, you and Gloria have been in my thoughts and prayers since I first read of her health. Thanks be to God for your good report!
Elizabeth
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But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the return you get is sanctification and its end, eternal life. St. Augustine
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