Fasting for Brent

April 05, 2012

Here is an email I sent out today to everyone that I could think of in my contact list.

Beloved friends:

I have to start by telling you that as I scroll through my contacts, trying to decipher who to send this to, tears well in my eyes and my heart is so full. As I click on your name to include you in this email, I am reminded of our little army of angels that has weathered this storm with us for the past six years. Some of you are from our old ward. You took in our children, fed them, distracted them with fun activities while Brent was initially hospitalized all those many weeks. Some of you are my book club gals that have held my hand and listened each and every month as I updated you on the latest thing the doctors were trying. Some of you are our new friends that we have made in our new ward family here in Prosper. Regardless of how we know you, you are included in this email because you have consistently inquired about Brent's health and whispered words of encouragement along the way. We love you and appreciate each and every one of you!

That being said, Brent is having surgery monday. It is a BRAND NEW procedure. He will be the tenth IIH patient to have this surgery and they have had a lot of success. It's not a sure thing by any means. There are some risks involved. It is pretty invasive - but we are cautiously optimistic and it is the most promising straw we have had to grab at since he was diagnosed.

Our family is fasting this Sunday on Brent's behalf. We are fasting for the surgeon, Dr. Baktik, who will be operating on him. We are fasting that Brent will recover well from the surgery so he can return to work as quickly as possible (He just started a new job three months ago). We are fasting that if it be the Lord's will, he will be headache free.

We invite you to join us if you choose. I know it is EASTER this weekend so if it does not work for you, we would love your prayers in his behalf.

The irony is not lost on me that all this falls on the Easter Weekend. Regardless of our outcome next week, I want you to know that I ABSOLUTELY know of the love our Savior has for each and every one of us. This has been the hardest trial we have experienced in our 23 married years but we have felt His guiding influence and witnessed tender mercies along every step of the way. We bear testimony of the reality of his Atonement. He absolutely strengthens our backs and eases our burdens as we exercise faith in Him. We know that the power of Priesthood blessings is real. Miracles happen. We have seen them. We have felt the power that comes from righteous men and women who join together in fasting in the past and we know we will feel it Monday, as well.

Thank you so much for the good men and women that you are. We are so blessed to have you in our lives. We learn so much from your compassion and example. We love each of you. Very much.

Shahna