Delphine and Bryan Coupland ~ Our Family Journey: Beautiful Things

Monday, December 5, 2016

Beautiful Things

My husband was talking with a friend who has recently experienced great loss, with the death of his sister and his father. He shared that, although there are many difficult things at a time like this, there are also many beautiful things that can happen. We have found this to be true.

During the days my mom was in the hospital, it was remarkable to see the bond that was formed between her and her care givers. One CNA named Brittany stood out in particular. She treated my mom with great gentleness and affection. At the end of her shift, on the last day my mom was in the hospital, she came to say goodbye. She hugged my mom and they wept together, knowing they may not see each other again. She didn't want to leave.

Mom & Brittany

Another young CNA held my mom's hand and shared some of the hardship she is going through right now in her own life.

Other ones, who were "all business" at first, would begin to linger a bit longer in my mom's room to chat.

Even my mom's oncologist, who delivered the most difficult news to hear, did so, while gently stroking my mom's hand as she spoke.

My parents with their Oncologist

These things were beautiful to witness.

On December 19th my parents will celebrate 51 years of marriage. It's amazing to see these two, taking on one of the greatest challenges of their lives, with grace and love. They have served the Lord together in ministry for over 40 years with many challenges along the way. They desire for God to use them in this time to draw others to Christ.

Other things are more sentimental, as we, their family, see small beautiful moments. Moments when my dad helps my mom by washing her hair or when he situated his comfy chair so that they can hold hands while they watch tv.

Our pastor's wife put it best when she shared with me these words. "What a beautiful picture of your dad caring for his bride. I believe this is like the tender care of the Lord for each one of us".

Ecclesiastes 3:11

He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.

The last beautiful thing I want to share is, the way so many of you have reached out to us. My parents treasure each card, email and heartfelt note. Such kind and thoughtful words of encouragement you have expressed.

I have been the recipient of the generosity of friends who have stepped in to provide meals for my little family while I have been traveling back and forth to Jackson.

Thanks you!

Prayer Request
-Wisdom in treatment decisions going forward.
-Balance in medications.
-Yay, colds are gone, but it is cold & flu season. Protection from other viruses.

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Dear Friends

News update from the Couplands…

It seems like when we go through a serious trial in our lives, the Lord will often give us a verse or verses of Scripture that we can hold onto as our source of strength and hope. Early on, the Lord gave Del and I verses from 2 Chronicles 20 which were so comforting.

~Verse 12 – “For we are powerless before this great multitude who are coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are on You.”

~Verse 15 – “Do not fear or be dismayed because of this great multitude, FOR THE BATTLE IS NOT YOURS BUT GOD’S.”

~Verse 17 – “You need not fight in this battle; station yourselves, stand and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf…”

Our dear wife, mother, grandmother, and now great grandmother, Del, has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of uterine cancer. By the time it was accurately diagnosed, it was already stage IV. Del was not in the best physical condition when she had her first chemo on Nov. 9, and the chemo just dragged her down further. Our oncologist, who also treated my lymphoma 2 years ago, admitted her to Allegiance Hospital in Jackson, MI where for four days, she tried to build up Del’s condition with blood transfusions, and numerous IV’s. Since the cancer was beyond the point of being treated effectively, and Del could no longer tolerate the chemo, the only solution was ‘hospice care.’ This was an excruciating choice for the family, but it was beyond human control, and we wanted Del to be comfortable at all cost. As an aside, Del won the hearts of so many of the nurses and aides, and had different opportunities to talk to the medical staff about Jesus. Her oncologist was a dear lady and a believer, and the two of them really bonded.

We had the choice of Del going to Allegiance Hospice House or going home to our apartment and having Home Hospice Care, where they equip your residence with all the equipment you need including a hospital bed. Then a nurse is assigned to you along with a nurse’s aide; the nurse comes by two times a week to check on her condition, adjust her meds, and help with the medical decisions. The aide bathes the patient and meets the other physical needs. And the family loves on Del, provides the meals, and encouragement. I don’t know what we would do without our three kids and their spouses. We have formed a team and the Lord is leading us as our Head. We would appreciate your prayer that God would have His desired outcome and that He would be glorified in all things.

Thank you.