Even on morphine and oxycodine, Art still seemed restless and in pain yesterday. We asked for a nurse reevaluation and subsequently decided to start continuous care, meaning a nurse is onsite for 24 hour increments.
But once again, I felt like David as he cries out in Psalms 13, “How long, Lord?” Not only am I crying out “How much, Lord?”, it’s now “How much MORE, Lord?” Yesterday morning I noticed a water trail from the meter box along the sidewalk. The meter box was filled with water. The water company came out within minutes. The tech said the leak was on the supplier’s side, but when the next repair crew came, they said the leak was on our side, and we were responsible for the repairs. I just broke. “How much MORE, Lord? I can’t take anymore!” He heard and He answered. My brother asked that they look into it more; they removed the water meter and dug around and determined the leak is, in fact, on the supplier side. They marked up the street since the repairs will involve digging up the street. We are not sure when the repairs will be done, but barring no complications, water should only be shut off for an hour. If complications rise, they will patch in a supply from the neighbors’.
Praises:
- Not only was my brother Art’s roommate for two nights, he cleaned the bathroom drain, repaired a broken sprinkler, and took in Taylor’s car for a repair. Grateful for his wisdom to pursue the water company to further look into the leak.
- Hospice has been very responsive and prompt.
- We’re at peace with continuous care. There’s a comfort that there is medical professional onsite to administer meds.
- Continuous care nurse is kind, compassionate, and gentle. He says he is a Christian/Catholic. He has been on his knees at Art’s bedside praying.
- Neal was able to get a leave of absence approved quickly.
- Although he can’t really interact or communicate much, Art seems comfortable.
Prayers:
- Minimal water disruption when the repairs are made.
- All the appropriate medical leave of absence paperwork is submitted and received on time.
- Travel mercies. My brother and SIL are driving back to Sacramento today. They plan to return over the weekend. My older sister and BIL are cutting their vacation short and flying in from Kauai late tonight for a day. Art’s brother and SIL are flying in this afternoon from back East.
- We would treasure our last moments with Art. [Jannae aside: Taylor and I have been playing old home videos in the background. It has been fun to see what has and has not changed since 1997. The house looks pretty much the same, everyone had very full heads of hair, and 7 years old was the only age I could really pull off bangs.] [Pam aside: Jannae was a very bossy 7-year-old.] [Taylor aside: She also wouldn’t let me open any gifts by myself.]
- In God’s perfect timing that Art will be ushered into God’s presence.
Grateful that you all can still see God’s hand at work providing for you, even in these very difficult times.
Continuing to lift Art and you all in prayer. May He walk closely with each of you and may He grant you far-sighted vision so that you can endure, knowing that you all share Jesus’ eternal life.
May God continue to be glorified in each of you ❤️.
2 Corinthians 4:7-10
[7] But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; [8] we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; [9] persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; [10] always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.
My heart is heavy. Whenever I think of Art, I think of how quickly we bonded so many years ago. I was accompanying my dad to a wedding. I knew no one. My dad knew everyone. I remember thinking it’s about time I meet my West coast cousins, then Art strolled by. “Are we related? Should I know you?” After much ribbing and bantering, we exchanged addresses (there was no email then) and kept in touch. Love you Art!
My heart aches for all of you! Thank you for your updates…please know that my heart and prayers are being offered up to Jesus… prayers for your family too – for peace, courage, faith… Father God, have mercy on the Fong family! Love you Art.
I am so sorry that Art could not have had a better outcome. Cancer is a monster that has visited my own family more than a few times. My younger sister lost her battle with it a bit more than a year ago. It was hard seeing her in hospice, but at the same time she seemed to be in peace knowing she would see her husband again who preceded her by one year. I pray that Art does not suffer and that our Savior gives comfort to all of the members of the Fong family. Art will certainly be welcomed to the eternal peace and love promised to him for being a faithful servant of God.
They that hope in the Lord will renew their strength, they will soar on eagles’ wings. Isaiah 40:31
I am continuing to pray for Art and for each of you. I am grateful that Art knows Jesus as his Lord & Savior, and he will be welcomed into His presence where there is no pain or tears.
Thank you for giving testimony to God’s goodness by regularly pointing to His blessings in the midst of it all. I have enjoyed the many “asides” you have shared which made me smile. Through them, you have given us glimpses into your family’s joy and light-hearted humor. I’m so glad you are standing together as a family in support of Art & each other. May you undeniably experience the Lord’s comfort alongside you. I’m here for you always. ❤️
Holding you all up at this tender, significant time; praying travel mercies for family coming and going; grateful with you for the Lord’s provision in so many ways; asking our Father for grace, mercy, peace, and a deep awareness of his love for each one of you. Asking for your pain and grief to be supported and held by the network of family and friends praying for you. Our hearts hurt with you.
Sending more prayers for Art that he will not have such pain.
I have been keeping up with Art’s medical journey, and your prayer request in order not to leave anything out in my continued prayers for all of you.
While reading about the videos you’ve been watching, it made me think of the times we’ve spent together growing up, including elementary school, high school, Ye Wah and Mandarins, college can the fun times we’ve and laughs we all had together.
Our last visit was the Southside gang gathering we had at William’s and smaller get together with a few Mandarin Alumns.
I remember Art saying it may be the last time he comes to Sacramento (unless we have another reunion), because there isn’t really any other reason to return. I remember feeling sad, and saying, “Nooooo, you have to come back…we will find a reason, or we’ll have to come visit you”, encouraging him to bring you for a visit. We laughed when he told us what it REALLY meant when a Disneyland employee told you to have a “magical day” if i remember the term correctly.
I’ve been wishing I can come visit Art, but have been dealing with medical issues here in Sacramento. Please let Art know I am thinking of him and praying, and sending my love.
As to all of you, please express my love and prayers to Ben as well, when he arrives.
🙏🏼❤️🙏🏼❤️
Pam and family, this is Jessica ChenFeng from AACCS. I’m so sorry and sad about these painful last few weeks for Art and for you all. Thankful for the many graces in between. Praying over Art and you all as you are present with one another and anticipating his eternal return to rest and peace.