The Pat and Barb Verly family and their 5 children, in laws and grandkids along with many prayer warriors have been drawn together by John's cancer... sharing daily for 8 months started this blog- Family Soul Story - Our faith, family, farm and now our cancer journey called HEALING have colored and deepened our world. WE continue to share and depend on the support of our prayer warrior community, that has lowered us into the Lord's presence for His healing!
My parents in better days just 6 months ago during The Christmas Season! How I pray and hope for more time with the two of them on the mend and back together with a bit more help to make them safe and comfortable.
Dad giving me his teachings a few months back, which I love so much. I am yearning for more of them, my Lord! I am listening to the thunder storms rolling in here. It seems to be a storm all around us in this sad state of them both being sick.
Dad being helped into the family meeting yesterday with many of my siblings and spouses along with mom. We learned about what Hospice could offer us and discovered to our relief that dad is possibly still too well to be appropriate for hospice, so we are trying to figure out this complicated puzzle we find ourselves involved in.
Mom and dad side by side facing these new developments including mom now dealing with pneumonia...
Mom getting a neb in the ER this morning. A chest Xray revealed that she indeed has pneumonia. WE quickly have the meds she needs and are home to get her back to some health to face all that is happening right now with dad.
It feels that I am truly needed to be here and help mom now. She depends a lot on dad, so with him away and we unsure if a nursing home will be the next step before he comes home... our motto today is to take one day or even hour at a time.
She kissed and prayed with the relic of Blessed Solanus Casey after we got back from the ER. He is a humble healer that we have turned to with John's cancer and many other times for healing and help. Blessed Solanus Casey pray for us and bring our needs to the foot of the Cross to Jesus and Mary!
Saying her "short version" of the rosary under her 3 girls painting that reminds her of her 3 oldest daughters of the 11!
She made me laugh a short time ago..."I have DEMENTIA! And that is one thing I remember!" Yes, mom, but you are still sharp and I love to spend time with you! So precious to me!
Yes, my mother turned 90 two weeks ago, and this was a sweet sign made by sister-in-law, Angela!
It is a relief to now have mom on her first dose of antibiotics and prednisone... There is a lot of comfort to be found in the Gospel today from Matthew 14 of feeding the crowd (5000) with 5 loaves and two fish. It was obvious that he had a plan from the start and the disciples had to be tested and eventually trust and go along with it! Mom and I keep coming back to the fact that Jesus has a plan and He is in control and is the real miracle worker behind the Saints and angels and all the Spiritual forces at work in and around us!
Mom and dad said that it meant a lot to see so many of their family there and concerned for their welfare. Yes, I am here to take each step with them and to figure this out asking the Lord in prayer each move that we make!
When you are the patriarch of 140... there is always a crowd and a party! And when Jesus is placed first and foremost in your marriage and domestic Church/family - you can trust that there is a plan and Jesus is in control!
It was my honor and joy to bring Jesus to both of my parents yesterday... they shared Jesus/broke a host in two for them. I need to go and call St Joseph letting Father know that dad would like to be anointed for this new development.
Jesus, I thank you for this time with my parents and that you have them in the palm of your hand. May we die to self so that you may live and use us to your honor and glory. Jesus, we trust in you. Amen and Hallelujah
Love this of John, Bobbi and Jude on their way to the Twins game yesterday... they won! Even though my parents party was replaced by our family learning about hospice. The fake plans we made to come up to Nancy's for the night to see their new home before the party still happened for John and Bobbi and they cheered the Twins to a win! Family time is a gift even with fake plans that change with what life gives us. If you get lemons - just make lemonade! Bless-bless, Barb with my mom praying for dad... the Lord keeps me on my knees!
4 month old Jude and 5 1/2month old George are having some fun times together going down the road of LIFE!
Because of my parent's canceled party today... these two grandsons are spending time together! We had made fake plans to spend an overnight with Nancy and Bill and family in their new home and then head up here for the big family gathering for Mom and Dad's 70th anniversary and mom's 90th birthday. With dad in the hospital and a meeting with hospice to figure things out this afternoon the party was canceled... I was sharing with mom that we still were enjoying family time as a result of what their party set into motion. John is taking Bobbi and Jude to the Twins game instead.
Nancy's 5 with John's Jude at a local restaurant in Delano... geared for kids!
The beautiful table set for my anniversary party at my brother's home last evening. His wife, Angela, always makes us feel special with her beautiful meals! Thank you!
Angela, her beautiful table with wine and food, and my pretty mom, who put on makeup and jewelry to go out for supper... up the hill to my brother's house. It felt sad driving up there without my dad, and mom commented on his being missing. So many prayers from all of us that they can have another chunk of time together.
A sweet bouquet from my mother's garden to make the table extra special... Wine, flowers and candles so romantic and special even without my husband of 41 years - it was so special to celebrate with my mother, siblings and their spouses!
A party of family gathered around me to celebrate this milestone while hubby was at home baling hay.
Mom surrounded by her kids and her kids in law... One blessing from her saying "yes" to LIFE! Always a gift that continues to give!
My pretty mom is in a state of "not knowing what lies ahead." Yes, mom, just like when we faced John's brain cancer 10 years ago... we cannot know or control what is happening with dad - we have to put it in the Lord's hands and leave it there and trust! Meeting with hospice today to see if we can get mom and dad back together with more help and allow them to have some more time together in their own home just with more help!
The work of art salad from last night with our pasta and wine... such a special night!
A beautiful banner that Angela made for my parents party that was to happen today. We will be gathering for a meeting with hospice instead so we might have it there!!! So special!
Dad praying and resting/napping after lunch yesterday in the hospital. Weaned off O2 and no longer bleeding from his bladder... now we are wanting to try to get him home with mother and more help!
There party did not bring us all together, but dad's health.
Once again mom with her kids and kids in law sharing joy in her home. "I don't really experience happiness anymore, just contentment." mom shared
Mom pondering what is around the corner for them.
Mass was powerful and emotional for me... mom was not up to going with me, so I went alone. There was a missionary priest today from Nigeria and for this humble man to point to heaven and say that is where we need to store our treasure brought tears to my eyes! This man, who shared that his mother would sell small things to keep food on their table, and that the gradeschools that are there with no running water or bathrooms/the boys would use bushes... it was there that Fr Solomon got his call to be a priest for Christ and His Church! Yes, Father, we material stuff is not what we should strive for but treasure in heaven!
The view from where I am seated! Mary and Joseph!
From the Gospel today of the farmer that built bigger barns...But God said to him, ‘You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you; and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?’ Thus will it be for all who store up treasure for themselves but are not rich in what matters to God.”
Needing to go and see my dad with mom and asking for prayers to surround my family today at this crossroads!
Jesus, you are in control and we trust in you. Bless-bless, Barb and family!
Jesus close to my heart as I brought Eucharist to mom, broke it in half and will share the other half with dad in the hospital! Sharing Jesus and our love for Jesus, Mary and The Church is our utmost LOVE and brings us together as Family sharing our Faith!
Pat mentioned this song - Two Sparrows in a Hurricane as what mom and dad could be facing in the near future. My hope is to allow them more time together facing the hurricane together with a love knot!
Two sparrows in a Hurricane
From the Psalm today - Psalm 90 Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart. Return, O LORD! How long? Have pity on your servants! R. If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts. Fill us at daybreak with your kindness, that we may shout for joy and gladness all our days. And may the gracious care of the LORD our God be ours; prosper the work of our hands for us! Prosper the work of our hands! R. If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
These two helped grandma pack her bag getting ready to go and be with my parents, when a health crisis reared up suddenly. Ruth's youngest 2 year old Joy, and John's new son, Jude, who is our youngest grandchild at around 4 months. It was a fun morning with them while the farm family pulled together to pick up 100 bales and cover them.
My trip to be with my parents was filled with so much prayer and knowing of the many praying with me from family and friends/prayer warriors filled me with hope for my dad to get some more time with us! As my sister, Paula, and I agree..."Dad is so good!" Yes, he is such a shining and bright wonderful LIGHT for our family and all those he comes in contact with... how we rely and find comfort in his prayers and Faith wisdom shared with us!
My mother described my dad as looking angelic and so he does with his crown/halo which is holding in place his oxygen monitor on his forehead. I drove straight to the hospital and we shared supper together. He says that there is talk of hospice... as a hospice nurse for over 20 years that is not a surprise or upsetting to me. "Dad at 94 we know that the end is coming at some point, and hospice is a wonderful way to go into the sunset of our lives!"
My sister and I are meeting with the doctor this afternoon and fake plans are flying around here. Mom feels a big need to be making "fake plans" but we can only take one day at a time...
A sweet and special banner that my sister-in-law, Angela made for my mother's 90th birthday a couple weeks ago... it was to be at the party tomorrow, but it has now been canceled and hopefully our family will gather at a later date!
This was us 41 years ago today!!! Our wedding day in Basilica of St Mary in Minneapolis! Yes, today we are apart and spending time together on the cell phone (although the reception here is very poor... I must sit out on the porch to have any reception with my farmer.)
Today we are 29 members with 3 new grandsons since February! Our best gift for this anniversary is sharing our Faith as a Family and of course, the LIFE we have on the Farm!
Our 18 grandchildren together in late June! Sharing family time is all that I yearn for in this world! Yes, it is crazy but the love we share on the farm is without price! The pearl of great price!
Today the Psalm speaks of my life as a farmwife for these 41 years! The earth has yielded its fruits; God, our God, has blessed us. May God bless us, and may all the ends of the earth fear him! R. O God, let all the nations praise you! Psalm 67 Yes, each of those 41 years on the farm has been unique and so many prayers and hard work go into the farm life. But we have truly been blessed and our family has been filled with so much wonderful fruit - 5 sharing our Faith/Family/Farm with us and 7 in heaven! We now add 5 grandchildren to them! https://familysoulstory.blogspot.com/p/my-most-cherished-cross-patrick-gerard.html
Pat and I with our kids - only missing Hallel in France - and grandkids a month ago! "God, our God, has blessed us" in picture form!
Now with the spouses - Joe was in Washington and Nancy's Bill was at work in the Cities... Each one of the spouses is a gift to our family! Thank you Lord for good marriages!
France a year ago with all the kids and kids in law!!! 3 new boys were there in the womb. My sweet sister-in-law, Angela, who came to share in Hallel's vows is sweetly making me and mom a special meal tonight to celebrate our anniversary!
Thank you, Lord, for all you many blessings. Be with my parents, who at the end of this month were to celebrate their 70th anniversary! May they be allowed to reach that together in another good stretch of health together. Jesus, we trust in you. Bless-bless, Barb
In a rush to get on the road and be with my parents as dad is struggling now. I am asking for all to join me in prayer as I will be in my chapel on wheels for the next 4 hours and so many prayers will be lifted up in supplication for my dad and mom.
My wonderful father at the foot of the Cross and depending upon his Lord and Savior!
Jesus, may the hands of the doctors and nurses be your hands healing and ministering to him. My father loves you with his all and we know that you are with him! Jesus, we trust in you. Bless-bless, Barb and family
Mary walking Max the fair pig last evening. Her siblings had gone ahead as their pigs were running and they were in chase. It must feel super great for them to get out of the pen on such a wonderful evening on the farm.
Rose in chase of her pig who is trotting along with both front hooves off the ground. There is something really adorable when you see them running with their snouts up and their tiny eyes looking for open spaces and their ears wiggling in the breeze.
Our kids did not show pigs and we have never had pigs on our farm, but Paul grew up showing both beef and pigs, so his kids have fair pigs and show them at the fair. Now thanks to Mary's love of goats - the 3 middle kids show goats also! If Rose has anything to say about it... horses will be added in a few years, but dad is not too willing on that one.
David's pig almost disappeared in the tall grass. Today the cows are in there eating the lush grass.
After walking the pigs... the family worked on covering the hay bales. David is on top to regulate the placing of the tires to hold is down to protect from rain and wind. Paul and Ruth worked on one side with help from a child or another...
Luke chasing "Ears" because he has big ears that wiggle cutely when he runs from Luke!
They keep their eyes on the pig they are walking and follow them wherever they lead them usually at a trot. Too cute for grandma to resist!
Joy comes around the corner with a couple pigs... mom took over and Joy got on the 4Wheeler with grandma.
Who needs jungle gyms when you have wash racks to hang from while mom and Mary are putting away the pigs?
The team of workers on the other side of the hay mountain were grandpa with Mary and grandma. Mary is a super kind and good worker, and grandma and grandpa were happy to share our time with her on this family job.
The Psalm from mass today speaks to my heart! My soul yearns and pines for the courts of the LORD. My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. R. How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord, mighty God! Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest in which she puts her young– Your altars, O LORD of hosts, my king and my God! R. How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord, mighty God!
Psalm 84
When spending time outside on such a wonderful summer evening just as the sun was setting... nature all around us and family sharing special time... Yes! God is certainly present and in charge of nature and we are stewards of the land and the animals and feeding the world is a huge and awesome responsibility we are all working together on with our Faith as foremost with Family a close second and the Farm a life not just a job!
David on top really helps the job go smoothly... before David was big enough, his dad Paul would be the man on top.
Paul and Ruth like to share farm life, and pass it on to their kids! We are eternally grateful that the farm can now go in our family!
Mary's cow-calf pair getting ready to show in a week!
The bigger picture of family outside sharing family time....
Later Mary was leading with the cow and Ruth following with the calf. Simon is away at camp Greatness, and so as David said; "When my siblings are away at camp, I have to do their work." Many prayers for Simon to have a closer walk with our Lord and have that hunger always for close time with Jesus in His Word and Body and Blood!
Psalm 84 continues... Blessed they who dwell in your house! continually they praise you. Blessed the men whose strength you are! They go from strength to strength. R. How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord, mighty God! I had rather one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I had rather lie at the threshold of the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. R. How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord, mighty God!
Yes, Lord, how I pray that this is the Truth for Simon and each one in our domestic Church/family! May we always yearn for you over and above all else, and die to self so that you may live in us. "Wounded, I will not cease to love." May we live this out and return the unconditional love and forgiveness we have been given one to the other - especially to those the closest to us. Jesus, we trust in you. Amen and Hallelujah
Ruth; "Do you remember these days?" Me - "Yes." as I recall Pat and the kids out walking and setting up their cows and calves. Ruth; "I was asking the cow if she remembered as we showed her when she was a calf." "Oh"
Sometimes I get so emotional about the memories of my family, but they are great and happy memories of my "nest years" and to see Ruth and Paul have the same life (except for the pigs and goats and..) really makes me feel like it must have been pretty wonderful to now have it for themselves! Bless-bless, Barb and many fond memories and pictures to go with them!
Ruth with Carmel, who she showed many years with calves. This was over 20 years ago!
Maria and Carmel for a photo shoot over 20 years ago
Setting them up...
Walking into the sunset...
A cover crop in the field around the farm as it was too wet and late to plant... radishes and turnips which the cows will pull out and eat this fall. Very new and interesting indeed!
I am off to watch Jude and help John with his Anatomy on line course... so hard, but loving this close time with John and Jude!
