| 7:39pm Jan 20 |
It's interesting the paths that life takes us on. I know each of you in some way - and in some way each of our paths have crossed with Brad Steensen or Lynde (Masvero) Steensen along the way. Maybe you grew up with Brad, or worked with Lynde, or you were part of YAFF, or maybe you are family. Regardless of how you know Brad or Lynde - we share memories and care for one or both of them. That is why you are receiving this email.
I believe in the power of prayer. I believe in the support from friends, old and new, near and far. I believe that all of you have been and are part of either Brad or Lynde's life for a reason.
Some of you know, and some of you may not, this past September Lynde (Brad's wife) was diagnosed with Lyme disease (after several months of being sick). This disease has taken over their life and has turned their world upside down. Lynde and Brad are living in Memphis, TN where Brad has been able to continue to work, however their family and friends are far away.
This disease has taken over Lynde's body and the treatments leave her exhausted, weak, and in extreme amounts of pain. On most days she is not really able to get out of bed or off the couch. It's a victory we celebrate if she is able to walk to the mailbox. She is on a very restrictive diet to help minimize the effects of the high doses of antibiotics. Brad is juggling a full time job, all home duties, trying to care for Lynde, Lynde's dr's appointments, battling with insurance companies, paying what seems to be endless medical bills and searching for things that may possibly make life "comfortable" for Lynde as they try and get her healthy.
As you can imagine, this journey has been trying. Lynde, Brad and their families have spent countless hours praying and going to dr's appointments. But I believe that trials like this require a community of people who care.
I know we all live in different places and most of us aren't able to drive to TN to help. But there are things we each can do. Each of us are at different places in life, but hopefully we can each be part of this journey for our friends and can share some of the burden of this journey.
What can you do?
Pray:
For Lynde: Prayer for strength and hope. Days get long when you can't get out of bed. This disease is all consuming.
For Brad: For strength, hope and energy. The list to tackle at times can seem endless. For patience. As Ryan can attest to, when dealing with a wife who is sick, and all you want is for her to feel better, you get to the ends of your rope, with God and life, wanting what's best for her.
For the Dr's: That they would be able to find the right medicines for the secondary infections that result from the treatment of the lyme disease.
Support:
Lynde and Brad have insurance, however the medications, supplements, tests, appointments, special food, etc. The bills are endless and the end is not in sight. Since we can't go the store for them and we don't know what bills are to be paid, the best way we can help is with money or gift cards. If you are able to help financially, no matter the amount- they are humbled by your help. Any gift card, in any denomination, from a Kroger, Costco, or Walgreen's (they don't have other Michigan stores), a check, or a general credit card gift card that you can get, paper products (toilet paper, paper towels) or coupons for those products. No matter the amount, it will be used and certainly appreciated.
Love and Encouragement:
As I mentioned, this disease is all consuming and these days are often overwhelming- and the days seem to be stuck on repeat, encouraging reminders from others are what it takes to keep going. Cards, letters, fb wall posts, emails, quotes and reminders of God's love and faithfulness. It could even be something as simple as just letting them know you are thinking of them.
Talking is very draining on Lynde, and time consuming for Brad, so phone calls are not the best option.
We all journey through life together facing different celebrations and obstacles at different times. It's those times that we need a community of family, friends and faith more than ever.
Earlier this week Helenann (Brad's mom, Lynde's mother-in-law) started a blog that will be being updated with the journey.
You can stay tuned here:
http://www.facebook.com/l/HAQF3WqBnAQHyU5-QdsPEGSMZEUy3D5m2-X_yor6NnW46Og/www.lyndesteensen.blogspot.com
If you want to drop a card, letter, words of hope, or financial gifts to help ease the burden - it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for reading through this long email. More importantly - thanks for sharing prayers, support and love with Lynde and Brad.
If you have any questions feel free to message me or send me an e-mail. Thanks in advance for your love and support!
Christy Kennedy
I believe in the power of prayer. I believe in the support from friends, old and new, near and far. I believe that all of you have been and are part of either Brad or Lynde's life for a reason.
Some of you know, and some of you may not, this past September Lynde (Brad's wife) was diagnosed with Lyme disease (after several months of being sick). This disease has taken over their life and has turned their world upside down. Lynde and Brad are living in Memphis, TN where Brad has been able to continue to work, however their family and friends are far away.
This disease has taken over Lynde's body and the treatments leave her exhausted, weak, and in extreme amounts of pain. On most days she is not really able to get out of bed or off the couch. It's a victory we celebrate if she is able to walk to the mailbox. She is on a very restrictive diet to help minimize the effects of the high doses of antibiotics. Brad is juggling a full time job, all home duties, trying to care for Lynde, Lynde's dr's appointments, battling with insurance companies, paying what seems to be endless medical bills and searching for things that may possibly make life "comfortable" for Lynde as they try and get her healthy.
As you can imagine, this journey has been trying. Lynde, Brad and their families have spent countless hours praying and going to dr's appointments. But I believe that trials like this require a community of people who care.
I know we all live in different places and most of us aren't able to drive to TN to help. But there are things we each can do. Each of us are at different places in life, but hopefully we can each be part of this journey for our friends and can share some of the burden of this journey.
What can you do?
Pray:
For Lynde: Prayer for strength and hope. Days get long when you can't get out of bed. This disease is all consuming.
For Brad: For strength, hope and energy. The list to tackle at times can seem endless. For patience. As Ryan can attest to, when dealing with a wife who is sick, and all you want is for her to feel better, you get to the ends of your rope, with God and life, wanting what's best for her.
For the Dr's: That they would be able to find the right medicines for the secondary infections that result from the treatment of the lyme disease.
Support:
Lynde and Brad have insurance, however the medications, supplements, tests, appointments, special food, etc. The bills are endless and the end is not in sight. Since we can't go the store for them and we don't know what bills are to be paid, the best way we can help is with money or gift cards. If you are able to help financially, no matter the amount- they are humbled by your help. Any gift card, in any denomination, from a Kroger, Costco, or Walgreen's (they don't have other Michigan stores), a check, or a general credit card gift card that you can get, paper products (toilet paper, paper towels) or coupons for those products. No matter the amount, it will be used and certainly appreciated.
Love and Encouragement:
As I mentioned, this disease is all consuming and these days are often overwhelming- and the days seem to be stuck on repeat, encouraging reminders from others are what it takes to keep going. Cards, letters, fb wall posts, emails, quotes and reminders of God's love and faithfulness. It could even be something as simple as just letting them know you are thinking of them.
Talking is very draining on Lynde, and time consuming for Brad, so phone calls are not the best option.
We all journey through life together facing different celebrations and obstacles at different times. It's those times that we need a community of family, friends and faith more than ever.
Earlier this week Helenann (Brad's mom, Lynde's mother-in-law) started a blog that will be being updated with the journey.
You can stay tuned here:
http://www.facebook.com/l/HAQF3WqBnAQHyU5-QdsPEGSMZEUy3D5m2-X_yor6NnW46Og/www.lyndesteensen.blogspot.com
If you want to drop a card, letter, words of hope, or financial gifts to help ease the burden - it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for reading through this long email. More importantly - thanks for sharing prayers, support and love with Lynde and Brad.
If you have any questions feel free to message me or send me an e-mail. Thanks in advance for your love and support!
Christy Kennedy
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