Monday, February 23, 2009

Peaceful

Henry has slept for the last 20 hours, rousing once in the middle of the night to take a bit of morphine for his headache. We had tiny one-word conversations, telling him about recent visitors and notes from old friends. I sang the song I sing to him at night time and he completed the last word as he always has. We told him over and over we loved him.

Tara and I slept one on either side of him in his nest in our living room. I stoked the fire before laying down and the glow was as much heart warming as it was physically comforting.

Once again we find ourselves grateful for the peaceful manner in which Henry is able to painlessly rest. His agitation and mania seem to have mercifully subsided and he is simply sleeping. His breaths are sometimes quick and sharp, but mostly steady and very slow. There is no tension in his face.

The girls left for school this morning and each kissed him. Such good girls - so brave. We've spent a lot of time with them making sure they know they are loved and safe. We had a cathartic evening of crying around Henry last evening. Us, my mother, Tara's parents. It needed to happen. It was a good release for all and the girls seemed better for it today.

27 comments:

Anonymous said...

Our hearts hurt for your family. It is good to know that Henry is resting peacefully and that he is surrounded by those he loves the most.

Out thoughts are with you.

Love,
Wayne, Shirley, Fiona, and Angel Sophia

rlbates said...

Wishing you peace.

Anonymous said...

Such wonderful unconditional love!

Nancy in NC

Anonymous said...

Henry is so likely to have family like you all, love, patience, devotion. I think of you all, all the time and pray may god give them strength. Love, Shelly

Margie said...

my heart aches for you all. Your family is blessed by the love that you all share and your ability to show that love to one another and to share your experiences with so many friends that care deeply about you all.

Henry and your family are in my thoughts and prayers daily. God bless you all as you go through this.

Margie

Anonymous said...

Such a loving environment you create for all of your children. They are all so blessed. Praying for strength and peace for your family. Love, Michelle and Rick

Anonymous said...

Your family has all of the prayers of our family. We are truly inspired by the strength and love that you have been so gracious to share with us. God bless you.

Sareen, Kevin, Adam and Rachel

Anonymous said...

Dear Scheck Family,

Much love and well wishes from the Gettel family. Brady and Kenzie miss seeing Henry at school; ask about him on occasion; and are always thrilled to see his face on the computer screen. When we say prayers at night, we always pray that God will help Henry with the boo-boo in his head and make him better.

We're still hoping for a miracle for you. The love, compassion, and strength that you have for Henry and for each other is quite miraculous in and of itself, and you have taught many people so many valuable lessons as you travel on this journey. We thank you for that.

I wish I had one wish that I could use to make this go away for you all. We'll keep praying, and I'll keep looking for that wish. It is the least that we can do.

We are here for you if needed. Please don't hesitate to reach out.

Bruce Gettel and family - Wendy, Mackenzie, and Brady.

Anonymous said...

Thinking of you and hoping for peace for all. Tears of sadness from here ... yet I know that you are taking care of your family during this transition and they will be thankful for that.
Love and hugs
Linda and Val

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for the pain and sadness that your family is feeling. I am glad for Henry that he is surrounded by such unwavering love. I am so impressed with the strength that your family is maintaining, thinking always of Henry and what is best for him. Your sentiments on this blog are beautiful and illustrate what is best about life.

My Mother passed away in August and prior to that time, we prayed together for Henry. Praying for Henry was a comfort to her because due to her illness, she had lost the ability to do most things, and this was one small way that she could still feel helpful.
I don't know what form the afterlife might be, but I still "talk" with my Mom and have asked her to help Henry. If our ancestor's spirits surround us, I know that many loving spirits are surrounding Henry.


Thinking of you,

Judy, Mark, Luke and Lila

Laura in L.A. said...

I am praying for Henry and for your whole family every day. God Bless.

Love, Laura

Anonymous said...

I pray that God continues to give you strength and the wisdom to know how to meet your girls and Henry's needs and wishes. I pray that he gives you courage and solace that you WILL be with Henry in eternity.

May God continue to bless you and comfort you... remember- rejoice in him always. He is always with you....

Anonymous said...

Praying for you and your family. He is lucky to have great parents!

Anonymous said...

My prayers continue for you and your family. What a poignant picture you gave as you described Henry in his nest with his Mom and Dad, warmed by the glow of the fire. What a fight this little boy has fought surrounded by his loved ones. May you find the peace that only God can give during this time.

A Friend in Frederick.

Anonymous said...

There are no words strong enough to carry all of the loving thoughts and prayers that are being sent your way. May you all find peace and comfort in each other's arms in the coming days.

Dawn

Anonymous said...

While here you will mourn the loss of your angel, many will rejoice his arrival home.

May God bless your family and keep peaceful memories safe in your hearts.

Anonymous said...

Loving thoughts coming Henry's way tonight. He is so blessed to have such a loving family who are surrounding him now. I am so glad to know that Linda is there with you and can be a comfort to the girls as well as Henry. We continue to pray for God's grace and peace to surround you.

Jane Niday

Anonymous said...

Peace be with your family. Time be on your side.

K. Barron

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for the battle your sweet boy has had to fight. I hope you are taking some comfort in the things that you can control: making certain he knows how very loved he is, making him comfortable, and just being there for Henry and your daughters. I am wishing you all peace and strength.

Anonymous said...

Dear Bryan and Tara,
I wanted to let you both know that you are such an inspiration to all families. My heart aches to see what you are going through and I think about you all and pray for all of you every day. Bryan always amazes me at his strength to keep his family so close and the wording in the blogs are so personal and elligant. We need more families like yours in the world.
Love,
Gina,Craig,Carinna and Corey

Michelle said...

Bryan, I know that every parent out here that is reading your blog holds their kids a little more closely and loves them more deeply and cherishes the small moments more sweetly because of your amazing example. You and Tara are incredible parents... I don't have to meet you face to face to know that! Your children are the luckiest kids in the world... they know the meaning of the word love in its truest form...

Michelle in VT

Unknown said...

You, Henry, Tara and your girls have taught us all so much about life, about loving, about taking care of each other. The unconditional love you all share is precious and pure. It's blinding. We love you, and I hope you take comfort in knowing that so so so many people are thinking and praying for you.

Anonymous said...

Am so grateful my hero is resting peacefully, with his family by his side.
nance

Anonymous said...

Scheck Family

My family is praying for your family. Just wanted to let you know that because of you, we hold our daughters a little closer every day. May God bless you and give you the strength to get through. Thinksing and praying for you every day.

Farris Family

Jen said...

You're in our hearts- I am glad that Henry is resting peacefully.

Anonymous said...

Much love to the whole family.

Erik & Raina

DGM said...

Your words move me to tears each time I read through your blog. Each word, sentence, post, witness to your pure love for Henry: the most essential gift to a child.

We send you love.