Bridget is Home with the Lord
Do not fear, for I am with you. -- Isaiah 41:10.
Today we were informed by doctors that Bridget had an infection in her port, an enlarged right half of her heart, decreased kidney function, and decreased liver function. The next step would be to take out her port and fight the infection with antibiotics. The ICU doctors requested that the surgical oncologist remove the port. This surgical oncologist is the same doctor who fixed Bridget's hernia a little over a year ago and also who removed her gall bladder and informed us of Bridget's stage IV cancer. Bridget adores the surgical oncologist. The surgical oncologist took a while to arrive at the hospital. When she did, and after she reviewed Bridget's most recent CT Scans, she asked that family be gathered.
The bottom line was that removing the port would be fruitless, in the doctor's opinion. The status of Bridget's cancer had worsened over the past couple of weeks. The cancer in her liver and lungs had not abated with the medication. Since delivering Chloe, Bridget's cancer has been on a rampage. Bridget's life, in the doctor's opinion, was being supported by medical intervention alone. Bridget was clear with the family prior to her being diagnosed, and continuing through her struggles with cancer, that she did not want her life maintained in the state that she was in. Bridget was eager for the spoils of Heaven and fought the cancer willingly out of her love for Grace, Chloe, and the rest of her family. As a result of the inevitable course, my love for my wife, her desire to be with her Savior, and her desire to die a death without pain or protraction, the choice was made to terminate all medical intervention. Within a couple of hours Heaven had another angel.
Bridget died at 10:30 PM on August 12th, 2008.
We are so thankful that God placed her in our lives. Bridget is the most beautiful person I have ever known and I, Grace, and Chloe will forever long her presence.
Love,
Steve, Grace, and Chloe
********
Plans are underway to try to arrange memorial services in Boston and Portland, likely on Aug 23 and 30, respectively. I will keep you posted on details as they are available.
"Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. . . For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him." (1Thess 4:13-14; 5:9-10).
We do not grieve without hope. We know that Bridget has "fallen asleep" in Christ and therefore is completely alive with Christ, free from all pain and suffering, and filled with a joy unspeakable. We who are "awake" may also live together with Christ, even as we mourn the loss of her presence with us. May God comfort you as you mourn, and let us continue to lift up Steve, Gracie, and Chloe as they mourn, for them to grieve as those who have hope and for them to continue to know God's comfort and presence.
Park Street Church - Toni Kim
Today we were informed by doctors that Bridget had an infection in her port, an enlarged right half of her heart, decreased kidney function, and decreased liver function. The next step would be to take out her port and fight the infection with antibiotics. The ICU doctors requested that the surgical oncologist remove the port. This surgical oncologist is the same doctor who fixed Bridget's hernia a little over a year ago and also who removed her gall bladder and informed us of Bridget's stage IV cancer. Bridget adores the surgical oncologist. The surgical oncologist took a while to arrive at the hospital. When she did, and after she reviewed Bridget's most recent CT Scans, she asked that family be gathered.
The bottom line was that removing the port would be fruitless, in the doctor's opinion. The status of Bridget's cancer had worsened over the past couple of weeks. The cancer in her liver and lungs had not abated with the medication. Since delivering Chloe, Bridget's cancer has been on a rampage. Bridget's life, in the doctor's opinion, was being supported by medical intervention alone. Bridget was clear with the family prior to her being diagnosed, and continuing through her struggles with cancer, that she did not want her life maintained in the state that she was in. Bridget was eager for the spoils of Heaven and fought the cancer willingly out of her love for Grace, Chloe, and the rest of her family. As a result of the inevitable course, my love for my wife, her desire to be with her Savior, and her desire to die a death without pain or protraction, the choice was made to terminate all medical intervention. Within a couple of hours Heaven had another angel.
Bridget died at 10:30 PM on August 12th, 2008.
We are so thankful that God placed her in our lives. Bridget is the most beautiful person I have ever known and I, Grace, and Chloe will forever long her presence.
Love,
Steve, Grace, and Chloe
********
Plans are underway to try to arrange memorial services in Boston and Portland, likely on Aug 23 and 30, respectively. I will keep you posted on details as they are available.
"Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. . . For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him." (1Thess 4:13-14; 5:9-10).
We do not grieve without hope. We know that Bridget has "fallen asleep" in Christ and therefore is completely alive with Christ, free from all pain and suffering, and filled with a joy unspeakable. We who are "awake" may also live together with Christ, even as we mourn the loss of her presence with us. May God comfort you as you mourn, and let us continue to lift up Steve, Gracie, and Chloe as they mourn, for them to grieve as those who have hope and for them to continue to know God's comfort and presence.
Park Street Church - Toni Kim
posted by Andrew and Brooks at Wednesday, August 13, 2008
3 Comments:
I am very, very sorry.
Grieving with you for your loss. Your words, however, are a great witness to God's love and power in your lives.
We've never met but since I learned of Bridget's diagnosis and stumbled on your blog, I have come back often. I went to college with Bridget and know the amazing spirit that beamed from her smile and the way she could fill a room. I thank you for keeping this blog.
Warmly,
Tracy Harmon
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