Posted for Sheri...
Dear Family and Friends,
Wally has now been home under hospice care for 4 weeks. I am amazed at the human body, what it can endure. As Psalm 139:14 says, "I will give thanks to Thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made..." How can the human body function on no nutrition and little hydration for almost 6 weeks? To watch the human body try and heal itself and accommodate for the parts that stop functioning is truly miraculous.
Wally is very tired, very weak, and very 'foggy' in his head. He decided on Monday to stop the IV hydration so his body is slowly shutting itself down. It wasn't the easiest of decisions and one I couldn't make for him but I did remind him that his days have already been ordained by God and that the Lord would bring him home on that appointed day. The Scriptures have brought him tremendous comfort during these last days. I am so thankful that he has not been in a lot of pain. He will get some spasms of pain but they only last a few moments.
I am able to get him dressed every morning - he doesn't want to wear sweats, only his jeans because he doesn't want to look like he's laying around in his pajamas all day!
He still has his smile and his sense of humor and of course I still tease him when at all possible. He can sometimes get a little crotchety and I certainly don't blame him but I do remind him that I kind of have the upper hand here and he needs to remember to be nice to me :)
I don't think he will be able to last more than a week so please keep us all in your prayers. Pray that the Lord would give us that peace which passes all understanding (Phil 4:7), strength from His Word (Ps. 119:28) and as the children and I grieve and mourn the loss of a wonderful husband and father, pray that like the Psalmist, we can have the same heart - "Hear, O Lord, and be gracious to me; O Lord, be Thou my helper. Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing; Thou hast loosed my sackcloth and girded me with gladness; That my soul may sing praise to Thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to Thee forever." Psalm 30:10-12
Again, thank you all for your support and prayers. I am able to read the blog responses to him and any emails I receive.
Sheri
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36 comments:
I don't remember ever "meeting" Wally, he's just always been there. My family has lived next door to his for over half a century now. I have two older brothers and Wally falls between them in years and grew up with them. I came along a little further down the line and when my folks brought me home I can only guess that Wally was there at the house, just like my two brother were.
Wally, Sheri and I got to know each other better over the past ten years or so since I've moved back and I couldn't have asked for better friends and neighbors.
It's hard to imagine a world without Wally, the kind neighbor and wonderful friend. I'll miss hearing all the life stories he would tell, but mostly I'll just miss him.
We're all loosing an incredible friend.
Thank you for the update, Sheri. We are, and will keep praying.
Wally,
The way you and your family has been walking with the Lord is truly encouraging. We continue to pray daily for God's mercy and blessing on you and your family. We can't wait to see you again soon in a world without tears!
Love from your friends,
Ed & Charlotte Morin
Hey "The Wallys",
Our days truly are ordained of God and Wally, in true "Wally" fashion, got his work done before the rest of us.
We have been praying for you all and thinking about you often over the past few months.
Wally is one of the sweetest guys I know. He has always been an encouragement to me of someone who treats others better than they deserve, even when it has cost him much. He is a servant, friend, confidant, and an example of what a gentle Christian business man should be. He is a treasure and as I think about not being able to talk with him my heart aches. Sheri, please give Wally a hug for me.
We haven't spent a lot of time together, but the time we did spend was, and will be, remembered as refreshing.
I want Wally to know that I love him and truly have been privileged to have him count me as a friend.
I was listening to this song yesterday and was thinking about how quickly life goes and of the nearness of God in the tough times. I hope this is an encouragement to you all.
Wally, Sheri and kids, we love you and are praying for your faith to remain strong.
I Am Nicole Nordeman,
Pencil marks on a wall, I wasn't always this tall
You scattered some monsters from beneath my bed
You watched my team win
You watched my team lose
Watched when my bicycle went down again
And when I was weak, unable to speak
Still I could call You by name
And I said, Elbow Healer, Superhero
Come if You can
You said, I Am
Only sixteen, life is so mean
What kind of curfew is at 10pm?
You saw my mistakes
And watched my heart break
Heard when I swore I'd never love again
And when I was weak, unable to speak
Still I could call You by name
And I said Heartache Healer, Secret Keeper
Be my best friend
And you said, I Am
You saw me wear white by pale candlelight
I said forever to what lies ahead
Two kids and a dream, with kids that can scream
Too much it might seem when it is 2am
And when I am weak, unable to speak
Still I will call You by name
Shepherd, Savior, Pasture Maker
Hold onto my hand
You say, I Am
When life had begun, I was woven and spun
You let the angels dance around the throne
And who can say when, but they'll dance again
When I am free and finally headed home
I will be weak, unable to speak
Still I will call You by name
Creator, Maker, Life Sustainer
Comforter, Healer, my Redeemer
Lord and King, Beginning and the End
I Am
Yes, I Am
Chuck Weinberg
What an amazing man. What an amazing woman! Someone else on this blog mentioned that the "student has become the teacher". That is so true. You are all teaching us. Teaching us how to live!
You have already proven that with GOD, anything is possible.
GOD BLESS AND GOOD VIBES!!
Wally & Sheri,
We think about you often -and you & your family continue in our prayers. I’ll greatly miss my friend with a heavy heart; but realizing this is merely the short portion of our passage onward, I know we’ll meet again.
Allen, Jane, and Broderick Boone
I see that Sean already commented, but I just wanted to repeat that we will be praying, as we have been. I have thought of both of you often as I struggle with my very temporal, very minor sickness throughout this pregnancy. Your example and testimony of faith in God has been so encouraging. Our whole church body loves you all and keeps you in prayer.
Morgan Higgins
Wally and Sheri,
I wish I was poetic instead of adorable and witty but I will try! You know how much we love you both and your kids. Even though we are across the country we are here for you. I am glad we are friends and that God put us together 10 years ago. We have been thru weddings, graduations and the loss of loved ones together, we will walk thru this togethr also.
Wally, there are loved ones that have gone to heaven before you who are waiting along side our Lord and Savior to welcome you home.
Sheri, do not be afraid for the Lord will carry you thru along with the many people that care for you and the kids.
The road we travel sometimes feels long and we get weary but God is there to see us thru.
No words can express our sadness, just know we love you and Wally you will always be in our hearts.
Don and Letha and family
Oh Wally - I know the decision to stop the IV must have been a tough one - I admire you for your trust in God and for putting yourself out there for Him and for all to see. I know God will say "Well done, thou good and faithful servant". Please send an email when you arrive ;)
All I can think of now is the old TV show for kids - Mr. Rogers. Remember the messenger Mr. McFeely? He delivered messages and mail. When he would leave to do his job he always said "Speedy Delivery" - and I wish that for you my dear friend - a speedy delivery into the hands of God (sorry, but the right hand seat is already taken) - We love you and will miss you terribly.
JoAnn for the Tolentino's, Tortelini's, or the most famous "Filipino family"
Best buddy you'll always be in my core being... I think about you often. Especially every time I look at my cell phone and come across your name under "best buddy"! I'd rather hang out with you even more than driving the ASLEEPR. (And you know how much I love my car.) They say it is not how many years you live your life but how much life you live in those years.And thank you for sharing some of those with me, love Scotto
Best buddy you'll always be in my core being... I think about you often. Especially every time I look at my cell phone and come across your name under "best buddy"! I'd rather hang out with you even more than driving the ASLEEPR. (And you know how much I love my car.) They say it is not how many years you live your life but how much life you live in those years. And thank you for sharing some of those with me, love Scotto
Thank you for such a beautiful example of always looking Heavenward! You humble us!
Holding you up in prayers for comfort, peace and hope of all things Eternal.
The Tim Vanderhoffs
Dear Wally and Sheri,
May our sweet Lord Jesus enfold you in His loving care and grant you His constant abiding peace. Praying, praying for you, with much love.
Janet, Alan, Martha & Hannah Pohl
Wally and Sheri,
Your words are that of a strong and faithful family. God WILL hold you all in the palm of His hand while you make this journey.
I am happy to hear that Wally has maintained his sense of humor...and of course, that he understands his place in the family.
Wally, enjoy the journey. You will soon receive the ultiimate reward! You are a special man with whom I am blessed to have had the opportunity to know.
Sheri, remain strong. Many prayers are with you and the children. May God bless you all!
Mary Kay Hobby
Sheri and Wally, I just found your postings by going to JoAnn's facebook page. I just want you both to know that you have left a huge impact on my life as a Christian. I will always rember your sence of humor, Wally. One page mentioned your "wink", I remember that too. Vanessa will always remember allowing her to hold one of you "babies" not sure which one??? She is 21 now. Reading your postings has been very emotional for me. Sheri, I remember you 10, years ago as a stong Christian woman. You still are it has been a witness to me more than you will ever know. Wally I will always remember the birthday celebration that you put the candles out on the cake with a fire extinguisher. May you both feel the presence of the Lord as you go through this together. You all will be on my heart and in my prayers.
Love in Christ,
Debbie Farquhar
First thing I did when I logged in this morning was get an update -- just returned from a week @ Trinity Lake and not knowing the latest from up North (didn't bring any computer) was a bit of concern. Would have never considered Trinity Lake until Wally put the thought in my head (as he has done so successfully with many other thoughts in my head -- sometimes leaving quite a headache -- which is why God created beer -- to assist in those occasional situations) years ago. The student IS the teacher -- and I'm humbled by all of you.
Wally, I love you! I admire your faith and trust in God. I'll miss you dearly, but I'll see you again. Love always, Maria
Dear Wally and Sheri,
We are praying for you all. That the Lord will be near to you and uphold you all as you travel through the valley of the shadow of death. Please remember "Therefore, we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is bein renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal." 2Cor. 4:16-18.
With All Our Love,
Calvin, Connie, and family
Dear Wally and Sheri, I just read your Aug. 28 message, Sheri, to Judy and to our son John who's visiting us in Sequim this weekend. We share along with you a heartfelt gratitude for the Lord and His kindness to us all, but especially His visible care for you two at this time. His life, His love, His Spirit, His Word, what sublime gifts they are, and who can but rejoice at His presence, provisions, and mercies. He has used you two in His special way as examples of ways to leave this temporal life and head into the rest of eternal life in a manner that glorifies Him which is the chief end of man. Do not doubt for a moment that the ripple effects of your testimonies will by His power touch distant shores and troubled hearts with Christ's love and glorious perfections.
Chuck
Sheri & Wally,
Thank you so much for keeping the blog updated. We continue to pray for you and your family, especially these next few days. Your faith and trust in the Lord is an example to us all. WE LOVE YOU ALL!!
Mark & Sylvia & Family
Wally and Sheri,
Thank you for the updates to help not only inform the rest of us but to give us a glimpse at earthly living in a heavenly way.
Wally you are the kind of man that gave us all confidence to face life-whether finding out the best way to install a flag pole, diggging out a basement or living life according to God's will; we new you had a good answer. You have given problem solving the new name of solution seeking. So besides your great personality and charming smile we will miss "answer man". We just wish we would have had more time with you. Love to you and your family, David and Carol
Hi Wally-
So much that I remember about you brings a smile to me through the tears of my heart. I remember a feeling of blessing when I worked with you. I remember times of fun, of laughter and love. I remember walking into Pro-Tech the day after your fortieth birthday party and I thought vandals attacked the place. ^_^
I lift you up daily in prayer, Wally. This time is bittersweet for me for there is happiness in knowing where you are going but I am still profoundly sad for our loss. I know the Lord keeps his promises and I know that one day I will rejoice with you and I look forward to that time.
We Love You, Wally - you will always live in our memories and in our hearts.
Anthony and Jenessa
How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty!
My soul yearns, even faints for the courts of the Lord;
My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.
Psalm 84:1-2
Bring joy to your servant, for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
Psalm 86:4
We read your blog for the first time today and have a question. Can we have the mansion next to yours in heaven? If only just to look on at the party and hear the laughter! We haven't known you well but have seen enough of your life and experienced enough of your hospitality to know a family led by a man who loves them. loves others and loves Jesus. Reading the words of those dear to you only confirms this knowledge. Sheri's words, "I think he is sometimes disappointed when he wakes up in the morning and sees me instead of Jesus!" are the evidence of your Hope of Glory! Isn't this what we want the world to know? And of course knowing how beautiful your wife is makes this even more powerful!
We are praying with you though this valley.
With love,
Kiernon and Kerry Reiniger
As I have been praying, I will continue to pray that these last few days/weeks your family will have the sweetest of fellowship! Fond memories, funny stories and building each other up in the Lord! I know (because God has said) that He will give you so much peace, I pray that Wally's passing will be quick and with no pain. Love you guys so very much!!
Sheri and Wally,
What a beautiful Psalm you quoted--may the vision of God's love and beauty be your steadfast encouragement. "There we shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on us, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed us, and lead us to living fountains of waters, and God shall wipe away all tears from our eyes..." -(Paraphrase of last line of Jonathan Edwards' in "Heaven, A World of Charity or Love.")
Yesterday I bought a cutting edge electronic device all by myself, because I thought "Wally would do this--why shouldn't I?!" Thanks for inspiring courage in so many ways. I'm praying for courage for you too.
Love, Ling
Wally and Sheri,
We pray for each of you and the kids daily. Your reliance on God through this is such an example for us to follow. Our church here in North Carolina is praying for you as well!
We love you and we are praying for you!
-Brian and Keri
We at LPS are speachless and very sad. You are constantly in our thoughts and prayers.
Love you, Beth
Dear Wally and Family,
All of you have been an encouragement to our family. May God's faith and peace be with you always. Thank you for sharing your lives - you are a testimony to Christ.
Wally, you understand. You understand the words that come to you now, the feelings that are expressed, the voices, and the sounds. You have understood me in my own fogs, as with so many others who needed your kindness…your keenness. I treasure your love, your kindness to me, dear friend. It was truly like no other.
Sheri, we love you. Your love for your husband was powerful to him from the day he fell in love with you, and continues to be so encouraging for us all even now. God's grace is amazing as always, and its comfort is easily seen in you to His glory. Our prayers, our tears, and our fond, beautiful memories are with you. I have no doubt that Wally loves it when you hold his hand, sigh, giggle... even now.
Taylor, Matt, Becca...you are not forgotten, and will remain in our prayers. 3 am is a great time to call, good as any other. Please, John and Reed too...write your memories and remember, please remember all you possibly can of so great a man. We all have our favorite memories of Wally; yours are unique, priceless. As the Lord draws you still closer to Himself through this, know that you are not alone.
Wally, as you are carried off in the Arms of The Angel--the very One who prepared a place for you, our songs of praise to God for such a friend as you will only grow sweeter as we see His grace and love in your last times here.
For the Hardwicks,
Alan
Wally...
Ever since we moved here, you and your family have been been nothing but incredible towards us.
For quite some time, i knew you only as the dad of a few good friends i'd made at church.
Then you showed me that you, a grown adult, could still live in a young persons life. All it took was those friendly winks and your almost constant smile...and i knew you were one of those adults i wouldn't have a problem talking to. The wisdom you've shown just by the way you live has been nothing less than admirable. And you haven't only lead by example. I've had the chance to actually talk with you on a few rare occasions...and the advice gained from those conversations will stick with me for years to come.
You are one of the most understanding men i've ever had the chance to meet. You still know what it's like to be "Young and Restless"...even when i crossed a line and had to work up my confidence to apologize to you for it...you were full of grace.
Although there may be people out there who think the Carruthers' family is "out of their league"...my family and i have been blessed to see eye to eye with you even through our subtle differences.
And now as we all dread and rejoice at the same time for the moment you are taken home to our beautiful Savior...we already begin to miss you. But the memories you will soon leave behind will be kept and held tightly for a long time to come.
I look up to you...
And i only wish i knew you better.
You've done so much for the people around you...
You will be greatly missed.
Just want you all to know that we are continuing in prayer for you that the Comforter might give you a rich measure of His grace. May the realization of Christ's presence be ever near and dear to you and give you rest in Him.
David and Linda Vaughn
Wally and Sheri:
Just checked on the blog, thank you for keeping all of us updated. There is not a day that goes by that I don't think of you and your family. Your faith is inspiring to all of us. I know I will celebrate the life and times of Wally as it should be. I think our grief can be aided in knowing what a wonderful person he is and how much he gave to all of us. I keep telling myself, we are never promised tomorrow, so we must live each day to its fullest and live by God's words.
Thank you again for being my friend
Wally,
Kevin and I miss seeing you but know you are in a very good hands. Please know we love you. Thank you for being you and such a wonderful person, husband, father and friend.
Love always,
Susie & Kevin Egan
It is finished, thou good and faithful servant - see you on the other side!
Rest in peace, my friend
-Allen
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