March 19, 2007

Prayers For Cathy Seipp

Sometimes, when we're in the middle of crises, we lose perspective on how our stresses and sorrows relate to those around us who may have it much worse than we do. In the middle of a very bad day for the First Mate, I had one of those realizations when I heard the news about Cathy Seipp. Her daughter posted the latest update about Cathy, whose cancer appears to have overwhelmed her:

As earlier mentioned in the comments section, my mother is in the hospital. The doctor says that right now they're just making her comfortable. She's sedated, with painkillers among other things. Lungs collapsed so right now we just want to make sure she has dignity and is not in pain. The doctor says she has a couple days left. I want to thank all her readers for reading this blog, her friends for supporting her who made up "Team Cathy." Through you all, I learned what a true friend was.

Last night, I had to have the First Mate sent to the hospital in an ambulance because her blood pressure could not stay under control. She's in the ICU tonight, and will now likely stay in the hospital until her transplant late next week. The doctors have to stabilize her BP before she can handle the surgery that would stabilize her BP -- so our frustration has grown tremendously the last few days.

However, my wife is blessed with a friend who will donate his kidney to save her life. Now that she has the proper supervision, her life is not in danger. I can still call her on the phone and talk with her. She is getting the best medical care available, and it is helping her.

I wish I could say the same for Cathy, and when I read her daughter's post, the impatience and the frustration I felt all day today melted away. Please join me in prayers for Cathy, her brave and supportive daughter, and the entire Seipp family. They will need them in the days ahead.

TrackBack

TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.captainsquartersblog.com/mt/cq082307.cgi/9446

Comments (16)

Posted by stackja1945 [TypeKey Profile Page] | March 19, 2007 7:59 PM

The Book of Psalms
23:1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
23:2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
23:3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Posted by Harleycon5 [TypeKey Profile Page] | March 19, 2007 8:02 PM

I want to say that I send all my prayers to the First mate on her current medical situation. During these times, it can be hard to be positive, but I have always believed that God tests the faithful. My own mother has been battling MS for years, and it has stolen her mobility as well as much of her mental sharpness. We can all wonder how a kind God can plague a very few with so many problems, but I feel it is because they are the strongest among us. We help in their support as our own test of self, and in doing so are also tested. In the end, we can all find comfort in the very battle for existance that proves that mankind is truly special, for it is our Love the drives us.
God Bless the Captain and First Mate.

Posted by Gbear [TypeKey Profile Page] | March 19, 2007 8:04 PM

Your in my prayers as always.

Posted by Cindy [TypeKey Profile Page] | March 19, 2007 8:20 PM

Both families are in our prayers Ed. If you need anything, call.

LL

Posted by BakedAlaskan [TypeKey Profile Page] | March 19, 2007 8:55 PM

My prayers to both families. What Cathy's family is going through is absolutely terrible, Captain, but it doesn't make your troubles easy, either.

Posted by Peyton [TypeKey Profile Page] | March 19, 2007 9:43 PM

Debbie and I were concerned that something was wrong, today. No posts for twelve hours. We think of y'all often, we're pulling for you both, and nothing like the Aggies being in the play-offs. That's amazing fun, but you two matter so much more.

It's a measure of your character, and no surprise, that you would ask your community for prayers for another in need of them. I'm not sure who Cathy is, but I'll take your word that she adds much to this world. As her passing seems near, we should note that the most important gauge of a person's life is how they're remembered and how they're missed. It sounds as if she's lived a full, if too short, life, and given much to others. I think that that's a worthy goal for all of us.

Our prayers are with Cathy and her family, and with you and the First Mate. Please give her our best wishes. We're glad that you feel she's in good hands, the doctors' and His.

Posted by CopperBeech [TypeKey Profile Page] | March 19, 2007 9:56 PM

I'm only the first mate to Peyton, a frequent commentor. I read your blog every day, but kinda hide in the wings. Tonight I feel compeled to comment. Your thoughts and prayers have gone out to many people, including myself, having been mauled by a dog several weeks ago. I can attest personally to the power of prayer. May our thoughts and prayers be with you and may God bless you, watch over you, and hold you close.

Posted by Rod [TypeKey Profile Page] | March 19, 2007 10:07 PM

SoCal is losing a smart, witty, brave person. Probably not well know back East but in SoCal she is one of the "Bigs"!
We will miss her.

Posted by Barbara Skolaut [TypeKey Profile Page] | March 19, 2007 10:47 PM

I'm just at a loss for words. I feel for her daughter - I lost my father couple of years ago.after a long struggle, and I can't think of any words that would truly comfort either of them at this moment.

I'll keep them in my thoughts, Ed, and you and the FM as well. I hope her health improves soon. It speaks volumes about you that with all your troubles right now you think of others.

I wish Cathy and her daughter peace.

Posted by Rovin [TypeKey Profile Page] | March 19, 2007 10:52 PM

May the Lord hold you all up in His arms that you may find peace and strength.

I will pray for all your love ones Cap, and tell the 1st mate to relax. We're all in your corner.

Posted by Karen [TypeKey Profile Page] | March 19, 2007 11:07 PM

Who is Cathy? I am new to the blogosphere and I used to live in So. Cal and I have never heard of her.

Regarding the First Mate, it is a blessing in disguise that she will get this excellent care until next week. Our best wishes are with you and your family as well as the family of Cathy.

Posted by Del Dolemonte [TypeKey Profile Page] | March 19, 2007 11:19 PM

Healing beams, Cappy, both to you and Cathy's kin-I am going thru the same thing with my "Maw", who was diagnosed with colon cancer just before Christmas. They think that since they found it early they can knock it down with chemo, but we'll just have to see.

Posted by Rodger Morrow [TypeKey Profile Page] | March 19, 2007 11:43 PM

My thoughts and prayers are with Cathy and Maia, as well as you and the First Mate.

O Trinity of love and power!
Our family shield in danger’s hour;
From rock and tempest, fire and foe,
Protect us wheresoever we go;
Thus evermore shall rise to Thee
Glad hymns of praise from land and sea.

—William Whiting, "Eternal Father, Strong to Save"

Posted by Adjoran [TypeKey Profile Page] | March 20, 2007 2:31 AM

My thoughts and prayers and best wishes to Cathy and her family, and also to the First Mate and yours.

Our days on earth are necessarily fleeting, but the effect we have on the lives of others through our love and our works can endure.

"Let not your heart be troubled; neither let it be afraid."

Posted by sam pender [TypeKey Profile Page] | March 20, 2007 6:22 AM

Prayers for you all. Stay strong Cap. Hold each other up as always, and it'll work out.

God Bless

Posted by Sissy Willis [TypeKey Profile Page] | March 20, 2007 3:02 PM

Dearest Captain, may your First Mate soon be smiling and feeling so much better. I've been reading the tributes to Cathy Seipp, who will live in the love and admiration of her many friends.