worrying for my brother Martyn - preaching at St. B's - eating with dear friends.

I preached at my home parish, St. Boniface, Siesta Key, FL this morning.  It's Trinity Sunday, a day on which I delight to preach.

Even as I was preaching I realised that the second half of my sermon might be in the nature of a "Povey Rant", so I omitted it at both services. Depending on how things go (see below) I may post the whole darn thing tomorrow.


Then at noon I gathered with seven good friends for a "celebration of birthdays" brunch at

http://www.halfshelloysterhouse.com/index.php/menu/sarasota-fl-menu

I ate Crab Cakes Benedict -  they are superb.

"We" were: -  

Ron and Charlotte Thompson (Char's birthday was in early May);

Barbara Dunne,

 Kay Dohoney (whose birthday is on 7th June);

Ben Morse (whose birthday is 22nd June),;

Bob Lewis,

German Rodriguez,

and me - my birthday is  today!

What a wonderful celebration,.

But I had some deep worry

My brother Martyn underwent emergency surgery this afternoon/evening (May 26th)  at Frenchay Hospital in Bristol, U.K.

The surgeon described what she called "very difficult surgery" during which she removed two thirds of Martyn's heavily ulcerated colon, and inserted a colostomy. Martyn is now heavily sedated and in intensive care, on a ventilator. 

This will be the case for the next few days - and is mostly precautionary - some time to allow Martyn's body to begin its healing. 

It's all very shocking since Martyn had been symptom free until last Tuesday. It seems that his colon has been injured as a result of diverticulitis.

My dear sister-in-law Wendy is at home with their daughter Laura (24).  Their son Sam (17) is away until later this evening.. Laura has a cool and level head and has been a super companion to her Mum. 

They have not visited Martyn post surgery, but may go to the hospital later this night so that their presence in his room can express their love. This is all very distressing.

---------------

Martyn is the youngest of my four brothers.  We adore each other.  I wish that I could be at his bedside.

He and his son Sam visited me here in SRQ in 2011 and in 2012. (Wendy hates to fly so she did not join them).

By the grace of God -  Ron, Char, Bob, Ben, Kay, and Barbara with whom I had lunch today know Martyn. So they were able to share my sadness and concern.


Location: Bristol, City of Bristol, UK

Comments

  1. Andrew McGowan26 May 2013 at 19:35

    Prayers for Martyn, (John ) Michael...and thanks for your preservation!

    ReplyDelete

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