Hi,
It was a busy weekend with lots of visitors. Although those visits are often brief because Denny is sleeping so much of the time, he is always delighted to see friends and family. He had an extremely rough night Saturday, and that seemed to take a lot out of him. Sadly, he hasn't been out of bed since and communication seems to be more difficult for him. He clearly comprehends what is said to him, but finding words to reply is a challenge. I have so much admiration for how he is handling all of this. To be such a gifted athlete and scholar all his life and now being unable to walk, use his right hand, or speak must be so frustrating for him. Yet, there is neither complaining nor anger for what has happened to him. After all of these years together, I'm really not surprised at the dignified response he's had to this horrible disease and the aggressive treatments he endured, but I wouldn't be honest if I didn't admit to profound sadness mixed with fear and anger. If Den had written a lesson plan about all of this, I just know he would have had a way to make sense out of everything. I guess that's what made him such a gifted teacher.
Love to all of you who are following this blog. I'll continue to update every couple of days. Please keep our family in your prayers.
Many hugs,
Carla
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14 comments:
Carla: You are in my thoughts and prayers every day. Please tell "Mr. O" thank you for being such a tremendous inspiration to me and so many other students. I have the song "To Sir, With Love" by LuLu on my i-pod and it brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it -- always has, always will. Lisa (Foth) Hildebrand
Carla,
I’m sure I met you at a family reunion probably 12 or 15 years ago. Thank you for taking such good care of my cousin. You are an amazing woman and an inspiration. Your strength and attitude is remarkable. Say Hi to Denny for me. You’re both in my prayers.
Gail (Oudenhoven) Keator
Dear Denny and Carla,
We are always in amazement and awe on how you are dealing with this day by day. You mention the lesson plan....reading the blog has been a lesson plan for us. You both are continually in our prayers and thoughts. I took a 3 day weekend and was down by Tim and Dan at Mundelein seminary. Had some good father/son time. They are both doing great. Tim is about 220 days until he will be ordained as a priest God willing. How time flies. Thank you for keeping us in the loop with the blog. God bless you both!
Cousins Gary and Amy O in Stevens Point.
"Dignified" is exactly the word I would use to describe Mr. O, an excellent teacher and mentor. Thanks very much for the updates. You're all in our thoughts and prayers.
Laura (Kostelnik) Biskupic
Please pass on our best wishes to Mr. O. Our love, support, thoughts and prayers are with your entire family at this difficult and trying time. It is just as you said in your blog - Mr. O is by nature an amazing teacher - his faith through this journey in and by itself is a lesson and inspiration.
Sarah & Ryan Voss
Dear Dennis & Carla;
We want you to know our love accompanies you along every step of this journey. Hugs to you both.
Auntie Aggie & Uncle Bruce
Den and Carla,
Not a day goes by that we don't think and pray about you two and the battle you are waging together. We leave for 10 days beginning this coming Friday. It will be difficult to stay in contact util we return on the 30th of Nov.. Love and Hugs, Tom and Sandy
Carla and Mr.O,Can't thank you enough for everything you have done for our two boys Brian and Brandon.They both spoke so highly of Mr.O,.how he helped them in so many ways in life's lessons and was always there for them. You both are in our prayers. Connie and Bob barlow
Dear Mr. O --
I want to say thank you for everything you've taught me. Because of you I am one of the best writers in my classes and have much confidence in my abilities to write. You're an amazing teacher and I am so lucky and blessed to have had you. You're such a wonderful and gifted man. Everyone that has had the honor to meet you has been blessed. Continue to have strength and hope. You're in my prayers Mr. O - you are and always will be an inspiration to me.
Carla --
You are amazing -- stay stong. I can't imagine what you're going through, but my mom's keeping me updated as best she can. She loves you very much and I do too. You're like my second mom and you know I'd do anything for you.
I love you both,
Em Rippl
Carla and Denny: You are both in my prayers and thoughts. As we are all more aware of God's blessings during this holiday season, we are aware of the simple things in life, I hope you find pleasure in the love and kindness of each other and that of your family and friends. Hold on to the security and warmth of that love... for that is God blessing and gift to both of you.
With love,
Terry Swenson
Mr. & Mrs. O--
You're both still in my thoughts and prayers. Lots of love to both of you!
Abby
Carla:
Wish there were words to make this easier for the two of you. I think of you everyday and recall how in our daily walks home from school over so many years and all our hours on the phone over the years... we often talked of the futures we were planning but never imagined something like what you are going through. You are strong and brave but then I've known that since kindergarten. In my crazy job I have watched faith get so many through so much. I know you have the faith you need. I also know it can't be easy...praying for you.
Love you my friend,
Caren
Carla,
Thanks for keeping us up to date on Denny's condition. Please know you are both in our thoughts and prayers everyday.
Cousin Jill(O) and John Klasen
De Pere
Isaiah 40: 28 - 31
28 Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
29 He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
Hopefully an encouraging message to you. You have touched so many lives with your heart, spirit, guidance, compassion, strength, teaching, nobility, and so much more! Your simple generosity and caring gives even the "greatest" of us something to strive to compare to. God is with you and He is your strength. He is using you for great things, as He always has, even if you are unsure of what those things may be.
My prayers are for you both, Mr. & Mrs. O.
Michelle (Milbach) Schroth
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