It comes in droves...

A couple of months ago, I posted about several bits of good news that was happening in the Rudy household...accepted into a Ph.D. program, a new teaching opportunity, and the news of another baby on his/her way to our home in early- to mid-August. It seems that bits of good news (or of bad) come within days or weeks of each other. This entry is a remembrance of those I knew who have passed within the last two weeks and a prayer for those who are facing difficult times in the future in light of recent news given to them. May God bestow his grace to them in that "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted" and "For this perishable body must put on imperishability, and this mortal body must put on immortality."

1. Three days after Christmas, Patrick Graves, a close friend of my brother from high school, died in his home of a brain aneurysm at the age of 30. Click here for his obituary in the Paducah Sun. Carrie and I saw him just a week prior at a local restaurant full of life.

2. A fellow grad of Asbury College, Dawn Nelson, succumbed to lieukemia on January 8, some 9 months after being diagnosed. You can read her journey of living with CML here.

3. The wife and 4-year old daughter of one of my parents' former employees were killed in a car accident on their way to preschool on January 6.

4. Meesaeng Choi, professor at Asbury Seminary has been diagnosed with 3rd stage cancer and is on a ventilator. She was first diagnosed at the beginning of December and has been in critical condition since. Right now, she is unable to undergo surgery for the surgery because her body is not strong enough. Pray for a miraculous work of healing in the body of this amazing follower of Christ.

5. A friend who graduated high school with me has been diagnosed with breast cancer. She has a 9-week old daughter and a 2-year old son. She is going for a second opinion to be sure. Pray that the first report was faulty or that God would bring healing to her and would surround her family with his comfort, strength, and grace.

In all these things and more, "Kyrie Eleison" (Lord, have mercy!)

Pax!