Thank you.....

We, as a family just wanted to say how touched we were that so many of you came to John's Memorial Service, wrote notes of encouragement ( we will treasure them ) and for those who had the time, waited in line to express your love for us. We felt your love and we know that while the days ahead will be tough, we are surrounded by you, our friends and family who will be there to remind us of God's Sovereign and loving hand in our lives. We trusted him through the journey of ALS, now we must trust Him anew in this journey called grieving. What's been most startling to us is the quiet of no machines running, no "non stop survival" mode of the last 2 months, and no Powerchair sitting by the door. Its deafening in its silence. Yesterday the ALS association came by and picked up the Hoyer Lift and his Powerchair. The Hoyer Lift was a lifesaver for us when we could no longer transport him from his bed to his chair. His powerchair was like another member of the family. Now they are gone as well and our bedroom feels empty, as does our home without John.

The kids are missing the constant conversations they could have with him at any given moment. They loved coming home and popping into our bedroom to talk about their day and to hear their Dad's thoughts on whatever was going on in their lives.
I know that God will bring other men into their lives to help listen and come along side each of them but my greatest hope is found in the following verse.
Psalm 68:5 says God is " Father of the fatherless and protector of widows".

Even in the silence, we are not alone. Psalm 62:5

On God alone, O my soul, wait in silence. For my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.

We shall not be shaken but will grow in our love for the Savior as we lean on Him even more in the coming days.

Lastly, we cannot thank each of you enough for your constant and unwavering support to our family for the last 18 months. You did not watch from the sidelines but you choose to walk through it with us and came along side us and have been there for us, practically, financially and emotionally. We are eternally grateful for each of you, family and friend who have share this hard road with us.

Love,
Kathy, Gabriel, Joseph and Amanda

--Update, From Gabriel
I would like to add my own 2 cents in that seeing you (the Church) and others serve us has helped me grown in my own love and desire to serve in the Church. It is said that actions speak louder than words, that is so true. While I know there were many of you that were not able to actually come over and help clean or bring a meal, or contribute to use ... the fact that you would pray for us is blessing enough. My soul can most definitely say that "it is well with my soul"! Our house has been surrounded by grace and it is only by your love and support that we have been able to walk through this dark road.

Thank you!

P.S. While standing in line, some of you all said that you were also interested in history. If you were on of those people, please message me.

John Spiro's Memorial Service

The details of John's memorial service are as follows:

Saturday, January 22, 2011
Covenant Life Church
7501 Muncaster Mill Road
Gaithersburg, MD 20877

9:15-9:45 Private Family Viewing
9:45-10:45 Viewing (the family won't be present for this viewing)
11:00 Funeral

* A sign language interpreter will be provided.

Reception immediately following in the church lobby.

If you are interested in helping with the food for the reception, please go to:

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/spiro

If you would like to help the Spiro family financially, in lieu of flowers, a link has been set up to do so:
http://www.spirofightclub.blogspot.com/

Condolences for the Spiro family may be sent to:
9812 Meadowcroft Lane
Gaithersburg, MD 20886

John Andrew Spiro: September 6, 1954- January 16, 2011

Around 9:00 am this morning, John Spiro went to be with the Lord. He was surrounded by his family. Those who have known John, can attest to the fact that he lived well, died well, and has now heard, "Well done good and faithful servant."

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." 2 Tim.4:7

Details on memorial service will be forthcoming. Thank you for all of your continued prayers.

Saturday Update

Updating from the Spiro home. . . John has been comatose all day with very shallow breathing. He is peaceful and comfortable, which is an answer to prayer. The family is surrounded by friends and family and the evidence of God's grace is abounding in their home. They are grateful to be carried by the prayers of so many - God's specific care has been shown time and again over the past week. We know that John will soon be with his Savior.

The family covets your prayers and we will update the blog when John enters his eternal rest.

Thursday, Jan 13th Update

On behalf of John and Kathy and their family - thank you so much for holding them in prayer. They are truly feeling "carried". There is such a peace and grace that surrounds their home. Since the meds have been increased, John has become more comfortable and they are grateful to be able to keep him at home. He is sleeping more. The times that he has been alert and even able to talk some have been sweet, precious times for the family. They have gathered around him and shared stories, memories and pictures. They've talked, laughed and cried. Please continue to pray for strength and comfort.

"And when called to face death and eternity--let us especially look unto Him. He will be with us in the dark valley--and whisper peace. He will go with us across the Jordan--and cheer our sinking hearts. He will guide us to the golden gates--and lead us up the glorious streets, and present us unto His Father! "

Update

Hi Everyone -

Just a quick update on things. After a very long and hard weekend for John as well as their family, it became clear that something had to change in the management of his care. Yesterday was a particularly rough day. John is still having considerable trouble with congestion and breathing and is requiring around the clock, constant care - without any major relief for John. Finally, Kathy visited the Hospice House (Casey House) in Rockville, at the suggestion of the Hospice nurse and others - thinking that might be the next step for John - having them manage his care. This was hard - the thought of having John away from home. After talking with them and others, they've decided instead to try to change things at home and see if they can manage his symptoms and get him to a comfort level without having him leave home. One of the major changes is in the doses of medications (they realize that he should be having much higher doses). Now, they have a new schedule and amount of meds that will hopefully bring John's body to a place of comfort with less distress.
They really desire to have John stay at home with them. Please pray for John's comfort and continue to pray for grace, strength and comfort for Kathy and Amanda as they continue to be the primary, heroic caregivers as well as their entire family.
Thank you for standing with them in prayer.
~Susan

Family Photos











Photo Credit to Susan Nelson