[Epley Update] April 20, 2006

[Russ and Flossie Epley]

Dear praying friends,

Many times over the past few years Russ has said to our family that we 
need to be prepared for difficult days ahead. He was specifically 
thinking of being prepared to suffer for our faith, but I believe God 
used that to prepare him for the intense physical and emotional 
suffering he must be now experiencing.

I believe God prepared me too. I never expected Russ to have a stroke, 
but I have often thought that it's very possible with Russ' health 
history that he could die younger than a normal life expectancy. I'm 
very thankful that Russ is still living. He gives me such joy as I look 
into his face each day. I am fortunate to be married to man of 
integrity who loves the Lord intensely.

Russ even wrote out all kinds of information for me to help me to know 
where to find the information for things I have not cared for. Russ is 
a detailed person who took care of all our paper work. I have done the 
"chatty" part....writing personal and prayer letters. Russ has done all 
the detail stuff like business letters. He even addressed envelopes 
which I would fill with letters.

I thank the Lord for everything He prompted Russ to do to prepare me 
for this time when I am suddenly responsible for many, many things. I 
feel well cared for by my Heavenly father, my dear husband, and many, 
many caring friends. God is good!

In the midst of this rejoicing I feel pain. It's amazing how pain and 
joy can both be simultaneously genuine when they appear to be at odds 
with each other. That has to be God working in my life.

Today Russ was not at all well. His fever was up to 102 and came down 
very little even with ice packs and medication. Though he's been on 
antibiotics for his pneumonia, the place where the IV was inserted has 
also become infected. They did a 24-hour check on his heart and found 
it strong and steady at some times and slow and irregular at other 
times. His ulcer is now bleeding enough that a doctor specializing in 
gastronomical ulcers is being called in to look at it. A cardiologist 
is also being consulted. In spite of his pain Russ didn't want to let 
go of my hand. Russ has a mitt on his left hand to keep him from 
inadvertently pulling out all the wires and tubes. While I'm with him 
it can be removed. Before going home each night I put it back on his 
hand. When I told him I needed to go home and would be putting the mitt 
back on, he raised his hand in cooperation. It was tough to leave 
because we both wanted me to stay with him, but I knew that I had to 
go. If I don't go home each night and try to get good rest I won't be 
able to be there for him over the long haul. No one but God knows how 
long the haul will be.

Thank you for your prayers for Russ, Christie, Joel, and me.

Love,
Flossie Epley