Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Mile Marker #13

Hello Friends -

We wanted to get the word out that we have now reached Mile Marker #13, which has been quite an emotional one to face.  The scripture we have chosen for this marker is Proverbs 3:5-6.

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 
in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

Let us start off by saying that since the last blog post in October, John has been able to experience quite a few big events, which were such gifts from the Lord! He attended the basketball fundraiser game held in his honor, which was so generous and appreciated by the entire family.  It was there he was able to participate in his final tip off to get the game started.  Before the game, John was able to share his testimony, which is a memory we will always be grateful for having on tape!  What a sweet, sweet gift!  That same week he was able to participate in his favorite holiday - Thanksgiving.  Anyone that knows John knows that The Annual Community Turkey Trot is one of the biggest highlights of his year. And then celebrating Thanksgiving with extended family is one that he always looks forward to as well.  He also was able to celebrate Christmas and enjoy family in town for the holiday with no major complications.  Again, an incredible Gift from the Lord!  Most recently he attended a basketball game where he was honored with the Charlie Williams 6th Man Award.  To top it all off, John continued working his job as much as he possibly could manage.

Just recently John has turned a sharp corner and is being told that the end is very near.  His extreme tiredness/weakness is intensifying.  Hospice is now visiting 5 days a week and they have transitioned him to a hospital bed in the house.  This is a very hard stage for him to be in mentally and physically.  He desires to be productive, which really isn't possible anymore.  So, now it is time for him to rest and try to be as comfortable as possible. 

John has verbalized to the family that he is ready for the Lord to take him home, to be with Jesus in heaven and be forever healed.  It's such a bittersweet thought for those who love John to think about not having him here on earth with us anymore.  However, we know we will be rejoicing when he will no longer be suffering and gets to be with Jesus.  We are talking to him about the things he can look forward to in heaven and asking him who he is looking forward to seeing upon arrival in heaven.  Anything to help him stay focused on being heaven bound and how AMAZING it will be for him there.  

As painful of a time that this is for our family, we are all so extremely thankful for the example he set for us on how to be a follower of Jesus and that we can rest assured that we know exactly where he will be going soon and who he gets to be with!  

Kindly we ask for understanding that John will no longer be accepting visitors.  Please know it's nothing personal.  John is uncomfortable even hearing other people's voices at this point and our goal is to help keep him as comfortable as possible while he and Jill manage through this last stage together.  If you would like to send a message, please email or text Jill directly and discontinue reaching out to John on his phone.  This can be a very overwhelming stage to manage through, so please know that Jill will read your messages when she is able to, yet there will be many that she won't be able to respond back to.  

We certainly appreciate and have continued to feel your prayers!  THANK YOU!!!!  We will continue to rest in God's promise that His plan is always the best, regardless of how difficult the race may be.  

If you could please continue to pray for:
1.  John to remain as comfortable as possible and be shielded from the pain.
2.  The Lord to take John home quickly and be forever healed.  (He is wanting this and is ready)
3.  Rest, endurance and peace for Jill and the family.
4.  God to use the family for his Glory through this final phase of life John is going through.  

Thanks again for your outpouring of love and support to John and the family!

In His Love,


The Gooney Gurneys

15 comments:

  1. Always praying. May you be filled with the peace that passes all understanding.

    Kris (Marble)Spate

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  2. Always praying. May you be filled with the peace that passes all understanding.

    Kris (Marble)Spate

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  3. Praying for peace and comfort for the Gurney family.
    Angela Phillips

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  4. Praying for a peaceful transition for John. Pray that the Lord helps Jill and the kids let John go and find comfort that the Lord will take away all the pain.

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  5. Barbara Parsons FenschFebruary 11, 2016 at 7:45 PM

    Dear Jill, John & family, Father God, please give them the comfort & peace needed today. I pray in Jesus name. John-I have known you since you were a young teenager & best friends with my brother Dave. It has been a pleasure to know you & watch the amazing life you & Jill built together with the Love of God. May you go in peace. Jill & family, Hugs to you all. You have all been very blessed.

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  6. What a fight you have fought! Discovery Dental wish you and your family comfort and peace!

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  7. May God give all of you peace and comfort.

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  8. Continued prayers for you John, Jill, and family.

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  9. John and Jill, What a blessing it has been to know the two of you and what a shining testimony your lives have been. May God wrap you in his arms and bring you pease. My prayers are with you and your family

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  10. continued prayers to my my friend and his family, Jill if there is anything I can do to help please let me know, I've got Jonathan's number and will keep in touch with him as well.

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  11. Prayed throughout my morning run for peace, comfort, endurance and love for you all.

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  12. Ron and I love you and your family we know that God has a plan we have been trying just to let you know if you need anything wrong so please tell him that We love him very much and that he will see him one day love Ron and Katrina Gurney

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  13. Ron and I love you and your family we know that God has a plan we have been trying just to let you know if you need anything wrong so please tell him that We love him very much and that he will see him one day love Ron and Katrina Gurney

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  14. I officiated with John at BGSU during a district game as I was a young official. He put me at ease and went into a mentoring mode. I'll never forget his kindness in this game and one other game we worked together. Continued prayers for he and his family. Thank you for the update. +

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