One of my great fears was realized this week as we rushed my sweetheart to the hospital. Her struggle to overcome a cold and cough settled in her lungs giving her a good case of pneumonia. I have asked the question "why" many times and I have come up with no answers. I know we are all subject to the frailties of our bodies and these things can happen even with the healthiest of people, but she really didn't need this on top of everything she has gone through.
We have been in the hospital for five days now and we aren't seeing a lot of progress in her condition. They say it can get worse before it gets better and we are grateful her pneumonia hasn't gotten worse, but it's not getting better either. She has become rather despondent as she focuses on her breathing. It is very hard to hear her moan in pain knowing there is nothing we can do to help.
At times like these I try each day to take a few minutes and count blessings that have come our way. It would be very easy to declare there are none and spend the rest of the day in despair, and believe me I fight that temptation every day, but taking inventory of the day remembering a doctor who has taken genuine interest in Sherrie or a period of calm where there was peace or a friend who has a feeling to show up to see how we are doing reminds me that while I really don't like this journey, I am not alone. I must have "eyes to see, ears to hear and a heart to feel" or I will go crazy faster than I already am.
I don't know how the next days and weeks will play out. I pray fervently for my lovely wife to have peace. There is nothing more important to me and our family. We are doing all we know how to do. Sherrie is in her Heavenly Father's hands and His will will be done. We pray we will know what that is soon.
Dear President Labrum, we, along with many others, fasted and prayed for you and Sherrie today. All our thoughts and prayers were for you, we pray for Sherrie to have peace, and for you as well. We love you! You're not in this battle alone. Love, Amber & Tadd Linderman.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad Brittney had a trip out there and can be helping and supporting you close by as Sherrie is in the hospital with pneumonia. I hope Sherrie's body starts responding to the treatment and she's able to go home soon. Our thoughts are prayers are with you and your family daily. Love, the Mellors (Joe's little sister)
ReplyDeleteDear Labrum Family,
ReplyDeleteOur hearts go out to you more than you know. Along with many others we fasted for you today. I just spent some quiet time reading and pondering this blog and treasuring the photos of your dear Sherrie. What a lovely woman. I wish so much that I had the opportunity to know her in person. As we only moved to Libertyville in the summer, we are late joiners on this trek with you, but we pray that somehow our faith and fasting will help lighten your loads. Grief is not excluded from the burdens we can bear for one another. May the Lord bless you with every blessing possible at this time.
Lots of love,
Kirsten Monson
Our hearts ache as you all continue to go through this with dear Sherrie - We have prayed fervently that she will soon be back with you, with us, with all her sweet, loving spirit - that beautiful smile on her face. But as we all know, she is in the Lord's hands, and He is very much aware of the pain this is for her and all of you - and us too. We love you - we also joined in the fast yesterday. We will be back in the temple tomorrow morning and put her name on the prayer roll - it is undoubtedly there many times. God bless you in this trial - God bless Sherrie - God bless us all to continue to see the many blessings, miracles that are happening all the time with and for her. You are certainly not alone!!! Please give her a hug and kiss from us. Love, The Breillatts
ReplyDeletePresident Labrum and Family, we add our continued support prayers and love. We wish for peace to be with you amidst this heavy trial. Sherrie is in good hands and all is being done to help her be comfortable and helped right now. I remember when my mother was in the ICU 11 years ago and they would have to come in and suction out her lungs and it was very hard for me. I had a very scared and painful feeling inside. I remember the impression came that she is in the best possible place and is getting the best possible care and not to worry. I pass that on to you and know too she is in the best possible place and recieving the best possible care. We love you.
ReplyDeleteThe Dunns
Ron and Sherrie,
ReplyDeleteThere hasn't been a morning or an evening pass without our voices joining those in prayer for you and your family. Thank-you for the lessons taught through this blog and the examples that your family continually give. The role of mother and father is eternal in nature- it doesn't give out sick days. Sherri- Marcia and I want to convey our love for you and your family. As we serve here in the Philippines we have been blessed to work across the street from the Manila temple. With your name being on the prayer roles here and also back in the states, and elsewhere, there is an open line of prayer to our Heavenly Father 24/7 around the world. We love you, The Frenchs
The prayers of our four-year-old Caleb continue to float to heaven on Sherrie's behalf especially with this new challenge. We are mindful of you and your family and will continue to send love on the wings of angels!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Jenny Ludlow
Please know that our thoughts, our prayers, our hearts and our tears are with you. We pray that you and your dear family will receive an extra measure of the Spirit today and all days that are difficult for you. Your courage and your faith have been inspiring to witness. I know Father is loving and watching over all of you.... And now your Beloved will as well.
ReplyDeleteWith Love,
Kimberly and Richard Toronto
Dear Ron and Family-
ReplyDeleteWords cannot express the feelings of losing a loved one. Just know that your example throughout this trial of great adversity has been an inspiration to many across the globe. Hearts have touched through the many tender mercies of the Lord that have been demonstrated throughout this challenge of mortality. May our Heavenly Father continue to bless and embrace you all during Sherrie's homecoming.
With much love,
-Pete & Aimee Grundberg
Ron and Family
ReplyDeleteMay the Lord receive Sherrie and welcome her into the Kingdom of Heaven and that may she find peace in the arms of our Lord.
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
With Prayer,
The Johnston Family (Blair, Sheila, Andrew and Christopher)
We love you Ron & Labrum Family. Sherrie was such an amazing women & touched so many hearts. You are all such an incredible strong family. You will continue in our prayers & thoughts. Heaven is so lucky to have someone like Sherrie. We love you!
ReplyDeleteJake & TanDee Burbank Shaw
Sherrie has left her mark on each of our hearts. The times I have spent with her, she has treated me with the love of one of her own daughters and it has meant so much. Thank you, Labrums, for your devotion to family, friends, loving life, and loving God...watching you all face this has made me more aware of the caliber of person I hope to attain in this life. Know that our countless prayers on your behalf will continue to flow your way. With so much love, Kerri and the Costleys
ReplyDeleteRon and family,
ReplyDeleteWe are heart broken to hear the news. Please know our prayers, and condolences go out to you and your wonderful family. We pray for you. I lost a brother in a car accident and it is very hard, even 31 years later. Your updates of faith, testimony, and courage are a great example.
Warmest Condolences and our love,
Gary & Annette Baker
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteTo the entire Labrum family,
ReplyDeleteI am so very heartbroken for your family. Sherrie will be in our hearts forever. Your resounding testimony of the plan of salvation and faith and trust in the Lord has inspired me and all those that know you. What a comfort and joy it is to know that This time on earth is but a moment and you will be able to be with her for eternity.
I love you and pray for an extra outpouring of strength from the Lord at this most difficult time.
Terri
President Labrum,
ReplyDeleteCindy and I were so sorry to hear about Sherrie's passing earlier today. Please know that we keep praying for you and your family. May the Lord grant you an extra measure of His spirit during this trying time.
Dear Labrum Family,
ReplyDeleteWe were very saddened to hear about Sherrie's passing today. You are in our hearts and prayers today and days to come. May the Lord bless you with signs of peace and assurance during this difficult time.
Miro & Karilee Marcikic
We were so sad to hear the news today and our prays are with your family. She was a wonderful and amazing women, I am grateful I had the chance to meet her. One day you will all see her again and what a joy that will be. We are thinking of you and sending all of our love your way!
ReplyDeleteLove the Coakleys and the Cooks
President Labrum and family-
ReplyDeleteWe are so sorry to hear about your loss today. We feel very blessed to have met Sherrie. Our thoughts and prayers will continue for you and your wonderful family.
Brian and Kira Conley
Dear President Labrum and Family,
ReplyDeleteOur family is sad to hear of the loss of your wife and mother today. We understand the great loss. But we are happy to share in your faith that you will have a wonderful relationship with her again. We also know that those in Heaven are rejoicing in her arrival and the work she will be able to accomplish for your family on that side of the veil.
We wish you the best and our prayers are with you as you adjust in the days and years ahead.
Love, Bruce, Vilma, Christian, Brandon, Nicole, Derek and Austin Howard
Dear Ron and Family,
ReplyDeleteOur thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this time of sorrow. We will be praying for you.
Charlotte Mikes
Dear Labrum Family,
ReplyDeleteWe are so sorry for your loss. Sherri was a wonderful woman. Your family showed tremendous strength and love during her fight for life. She will be missed but is in a better place. Our prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
The Clow Family
Libertyville