A Much Needed Update and Overwhelming Thanks

On behalf of the entire Bernard family, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to all who attend the benefit at the Clarissa Ballroom today.  Mom and "Bobby" are home in Rochester and were overwhelmed with all of the love and support they received. (He mentioned that he hasn't been called "Bobby" or "Little Bob" that much in a long time. ha!)  Over 300 people came to show their love for Bob and Cathy Jo.  Your gifts, prayers and attendance only help to remind dad and mom of the influence they have had on so many lives.  
To those who coordinated this event, we couldn't offer enough appreciation. You knocked it out of the park.  Martha DeGary (Aunt Beth to us) and Kristy Brown...your efforts will never be forgotten.  We only wish Dad could have been there to see it with his own eyes.  If any of you were there and have pictures of this wonderful day, please email them to us at [email protected].  We would love to show dad as many as possible.  

Now an update:
Dad has been struggling with pain control for many days.  He has been in the hospital since last Saturday and it seems like each time he gets close to coming home a new roadblock presents itself. We covet your prayers during this time because we know that dad wants to be home with is family over the holidays.  In order for that to take place the doctors need to help us find the right pain control and manage his symptoms steadily over a period of a few days.  Please pray that over the next days we will see enough improvement for us to move him home and enjoy thanksgiving together. 

Please continue to pray for Cathy Jo.  She has shown so much strength and I'm blessed to have her as my mother in law.  She is going through the unimaginable every day.  The ups and downs of dad's symptoms weigh heavily on her.  I believe I can say that she has more faith than many people I know. I know God is going to bless her for that.  Pray that she can rest and that her mind and heart find peace in the middle of all of this.  

Donna, Josh and the boys will be arriving in Rochester tomorrow.  The Thanksgiving groceries have been purchased.  The Christmas decorations are up.  We will enjoy each moment that the Lord gives us together.  We will find peace in the midst of an unexplainable storm.  Our hearts are heavy but our hope is in Christ Jesus.  He is the only source for us and that is exactly the way it should be.  We'll keep leaning on Him and know that His way is the only way. 

Tonight when I was putting Jackson to bed he asked me about Papa.  He said..."Is papa going to come home soon?"  He thinks it is pretty cool that he stays at our house.  I told him that God is the one who is in control of that.  His reply was..."God is the Boss.  That makes him like a Daddy."  I thought that was pretty cute.  (Bob Bernard III...you must be doing something right cuz he knows that daddy's are the boss. :-)   It was a good reminder to all of us that God is our Father.  He wants the best for us.  He wants the best for Dad.  And he's a GOOD father even when our eyes aren't seeing good things at the moment.  So the Bernard family will continue to rely on FATHER GOD to guide each step because HE is in control.  

Dad, 
I know you're not reading this tonight and I know you are so uncomfortable.  But, know that there are people all over the world who love you and are praying for you.  May the peace of your FATHER in heaven surround you tonight.  We are praying for an infusion of that peace and grace to give you the rest and strength you need to come home.  I know night time is hard, especially in the hospital.  Your GOOD FATHER is right there with you and your entire BERNARD/FALVO team will be here soon.  
Goodnight.

Rachelle

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