Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Annette Carpenter Decides

My 92-year-old mother, Annette Carpenter of Hattiesburg, MS, decided today to discontinue dialysis after eight treatments. As of today, her kidney function was less than 10 percent. With her severe heart problems, the treatments have been stressful on her physically. 

She has been praying about it and says she is at peace with her decision to stop dialysis and leave it up to God for whatever happens next. She has trusted God for guidance throughout the aging experience and the health challenges and changes in independence that have come her way.

Her trust is reflected in her courage, graciousness, kindness, and constant thankfulness for the kindnesses of others and the blessings of love and life. Thank you, God, for Mother and for holding her in your hand.

12 comments:

  1. Your mom sounds like a woman of strong faith. Phil's brother just died, he pulled his oxygen out and decided no more. They told him he would go to heaven right away if he did this. And he said he was sitting on the edge of his seat. He could hardly wait.

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  2. I said a prayer for her and for you and your family. God bless her and take her peacefully and painlessly into his loving arms in heaven.

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  3. Your mom sounds like a wonderful, insightful, and courageous lady. Both of you will be in my thoughts and prayers in the days that lie ahead.

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  4. I can see that your mother gave this a lot of thought, decided 'enough is enough' and turned to the One who holds her in his hands. I will be thinking of both of you during this time.

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  5. I can understand her reason for giving up on dialysis.

    All good wishes to both of you.

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  6. Oh Linda, this is so sad. Annette is an inspiration for us all. Dianne

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  7. What a tough decision for her to make and a tough decision for you to know she's made. My thoughts and prayers are with you both and with your families.

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  8. Two powerful women: you and your mum. Every Blessing

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  9. What a beautiful tribute for your Mom.
    How wonderful to read about her faith and trust that the Lord knows best. Praying for all of you at this time of transition.

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  10. I am just reading of your mother's decision. My prayers are with you all at this time. Your mother is a wonderful example of faith.

    I hope you are filled with the peace that passes all understanding at this time.

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