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A COMFORTABLE WORD
Dear Friends,
I am sometimes reticent to email you, so aware of how inundated we all are with endless emails. And yet there are times when I feel compelled to share with you the “comfort with which I have been comforted”; believing that my comfort is never meant just for me. And so, at the risk of adding to your “junk mail” folder, I share this “comfortable word” with you, my friends.
The word actually came way back on Tuesday, Sept. 29 (see how long I have resisted sharing it?). I had been hospitalized the day before for this severe breast infection and was on strong antibiotics and pain meds. By Tuesday my blood pressure had dropped way down and I was quite ill (looking back I think most of my poor state was due to an intolerance of the pain meds). That night I felt so ill that I began to believe that I might die. I felt like my life was ebbing away. I couldn’t imagine that you could feel so “bad” and live. And I was all alone. What I wanted more than anything else was for someone to pray for me. I was desperate to reach the phone and call Andy or my sister to ask for prayer, but I was too ill. I considered calling the nurse to ask if there was anyone in the hospital who could come and pray over me. I was in anguish, and marveled that I was to end my days all alone in a hospital far from home.
And then the word came. Just a whisper in my heart. “There is someone here praying for you, my child. The Holy Spirit!” And all of a sudden I remembered that wonderful truth from Romans 8- “but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groaning too deep for words.” Never before had that truth seemed so glorious! I was not alone after all! And best of all, the One praying knew exactly what was needed. And with that knowledge I found new courage to pray as well (somehow up to that point I had not been praying). And so, feebly at first, I called out in the darkness to Him who had been there all along. I rebuked the enemy in Jesus’ name; proclaimed to the “unseen watchers” that I belonged to the Father, had been purchased with the blood of Christ, and was sealed with the Holy Spirit. After that came peace. In my mind I saw the “crowd of witnesses” from Hebrews 12 and perceived them cheering me on; giving me the courage to resist the darkness.
And so, that room that had seemed so empty moments before was now “filled” with the presence of God and His beloved. And I now knew that for the child of God dying alone was never, ever possible!
I share this experience with you just in case you ever find yourself in such a place. And I, too, cheer you on to resist the darkness!
Right now, as a result of this illness I have had to have a biopsy of my breast. We will get the results on Monday. There is no longer a place for fear- He is interceding yet for me-and for you!!
Lovingly,
Linda
Monday, October 19, 2009
Saturday, October 10, 2009
BRUCATO PRAYER UPDATE October, 2009
“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but desire fulfilled is a tree of life.” Prov. 13:12
Dear Friends,
Andy and I had been planning, and hoping, to begin traveling this month to our supporting churches in preparation to return to Italy the first week of November. But a week before leaving I developed a severe infection of the breast and ended up in the hospital. I am still on antibiotics and recovering slowly. Needless to say, our trip was canceled and our return to Italy has been postponed-again.
This has been a season of disappointments and loss for our family. Andy has lost the use of his left arm (at least for now), his ability to run, bike, do push-ups and pull-ups, drive the car and a host of other things, as well as his previous ministry. I have lost my mother, my old routine, my past ministry opportunities, my own physical well-being (hopefully only temporarily). Michael has lost his chance at his life’s dream of becoming a Navy SEAL (he is now in the EOD program and doing well). Mark and Ruth are beginning the difficult job of saying goodbye as they prepare to leave for Italy the first of December. There are other losses too painful to even share.
I have been reflecting on how to live with loss, disappointment, “hope deferred”. First of all I believe that we must acknowledge our loss. We must allow ourselves to grieve; to feel the pain. Secondly we must resist the temptation to become indifferent; i.e. not allowing ourselves to care about things or hope for anything so as to protect ourselves from further disappointment and pain. Finally we must fill up the empty spaces. I have this image of a sponge- full of little holes. Sometimes our lives seem full of holes created by loss. It is precisely the holes that make a sponge absorbent and therefore useful. Perhaps loss is the very vehicle that the Lord uses to “fill up our holes” with Himself.
I love the Christian song “Wait and See” by Brandon Heath. Here is the chorus:
There is hope, for me yet, because God won’t forget, all the plans he’s made for me
I have to wait and see, he’s not finished with me yet, he’s not finished with me yet.
We believe that in spite of our losses He is NOT finished with us yet. We choose to believe that the best years of our lives may be ahead. That our ministry is just beginning. That there is nothing too difficult for Him. That He loves to use the broken and weak things to confound the strong. That He can and will fill our “holes” with His radiant presence and in the end we will be filled to overflowing.
We are still planning on returning to Italy before the end of the year. We have exciting new ideas of how the Lord might use us in this next phase of life. We will be sending out another update to share our hopes and dreams.
Our true Hope is in Christ alone, who never disappoints,
Andy and Linda
Dear Friends,
Andy and I had been planning, and hoping, to begin traveling this month to our supporting churches in preparation to return to Italy the first week of November. But a week before leaving I developed a severe infection of the breast and ended up in the hospital. I am still on antibiotics and recovering slowly. Needless to say, our trip was canceled and our return to Italy has been postponed-again.
This has been a season of disappointments and loss for our family. Andy has lost the use of his left arm (at least for now), his ability to run, bike, do push-ups and pull-ups, drive the car and a host of other things, as well as his previous ministry. I have lost my mother, my old routine, my past ministry opportunities, my own physical well-being (hopefully only temporarily). Michael has lost his chance at his life’s dream of becoming a Navy SEAL (he is now in the EOD program and doing well). Mark and Ruth are beginning the difficult job of saying goodbye as they prepare to leave for Italy the first of December. There are other losses too painful to even share.
I have been reflecting on how to live with loss, disappointment, “hope deferred”. First of all I believe that we must acknowledge our loss. We must allow ourselves to grieve; to feel the pain. Secondly we must resist the temptation to become indifferent; i.e. not allowing ourselves to care about things or hope for anything so as to protect ourselves from further disappointment and pain. Finally we must fill up the empty spaces. I have this image of a sponge- full of little holes. Sometimes our lives seem full of holes created by loss. It is precisely the holes that make a sponge absorbent and therefore useful. Perhaps loss is the very vehicle that the Lord uses to “fill up our holes” with Himself.
I love the Christian song “Wait and See” by Brandon Heath. Here is the chorus:
There is hope, for me yet, because God won’t forget, all the plans he’s made for me
I have to wait and see, he’s not finished with me yet, he’s not finished with me yet.
We believe that in spite of our losses He is NOT finished with us yet. We choose to believe that the best years of our lives may be ahead. That our ministry is just beginning. That there is nothing too difficult for Him. That He loves to use the broken and weak things to confound the strong. That He can and will fill our “holes” with His radiant presence and in the end we will be filled to overflowing.
We are still planning on returning to Italy before the end of the year. We have exciting new ideas of how the Lord might use us in this next phase of life. We will be sending out another update to share our hopes and dreams.
Our true Hope is in Christ alone, who never disappoints,
Andy and Linda
Friday, September 11, 2009
BRUCATO PRAYER UPDATE September, 2009
Dear Friends,
My mother passed into glory this afternoon. She had begun deteriorating back in April; in and out of the hospital with Congestive Heart Failure and COPD. We had moved her to an independent/assisted living facility back in June, hoping she could maintain her independence, but as the months went on we realized it was time to move her in with my sister. Then on August 1st she fell and ended up in a rehab hospital for two weeks. That same day my sister fell and broke her arm. I flew down to Florida on Aug. 17 when she was due to be discharged with the intention of transporting her to my sister’s home in Tennessee. When I arrived I found her very ill and within 18 hours we were back in the ER- this time with a severe form of bacterial diarrhea called C-diff. She was in the hospital for 12 days and discharged to home with hospice on Aug. 30. Needless to say, I was “stuck” in Florida again; this time with a dying mother.
On Sept. 5th my brother and sister-in-law came down to relieve me so I could fly back up to Wheaton for Mark’s ordination on Sunday, the 6th, then Andy and I were to fly back together yesterday. But Monday night I ended up with a severe migraine that took me to the ER at 5:30am on Tuesday, where I went into Atrial Fibrillation and had to be admitted. I went through a battery of exams and was released on medications and will now be followed up with a cardiologist. Thankfully my sister was able to return to Florida yesterday in my place and my sister-in-law was there as well when my mother passed away in the hospice hospital this afternoon.
My sister and I share a metaphor about the Christian life. Her version goes like this: You and Jesus are riding on a tandem bicycle; He is in the front seat, you are pedaling in the back. Just when you are cruising along nicely on a straight path, He suddenly makes a sharp right turn. You hang on for dear life! My version goes like this: You and Jesus are riding on the tandem, but this time you are in the front and He is in the back, whispering in your ear (if you are listening); “turn right, turn right”. Sometimes He turns the bike without your permission or participation; Sometimes He wants you to turn it. Either way, you are in for “the ride of your life!”
We could definitely say that this year has held lots of unexpected (at least for us) “turns”. And there are more on the horizon. But because we know WHO is on the bicycle with us, that makes everything “alright”, doesn’t it?
We want you to know that we have been sustained through it all by your prayers. We have never felt abandoned or afflicted beyond what we are able. He has been faithful, and NEVER has He jumped off the bike!!!
Love to all of you,
Andy and Linda
My mother passed into glory this afternoon. She had begun deteriorating back in April; in and out of the hospital with Congestive Heart Failure and COPD. We had moved her to an independent/assisted living facility back in June, hoping she could maintain her independence, but as the months went on we realized it was time to move her in with my sister. Then on August 1st she fell and ended up in a rehab hospital for two weeks. That same day my sister fell and broke her arm. I flew down to Florida on Aug. 17 when she was due to be discharged with the intention of transporting her to my sister’s home in Tennessee. When I arrived I found her very ill and within 18 hours we were back in the ER- this time with a severe form of bacterial diarrhea called C-diff. She was in the hospital for 12 days and discharged to home with hospice on Aug. 30. Needless to say, I was “stuck” in Florida again; this time with a dying mother.
On Sept. 5th my brother and sister-in-law came down to relieve me so I could fly back up to Wheaton for Mark’s ordination on Sunday, the 6th, then Andy and I were to fly back together yesterday. But Monday night I ended up with a severe migraine that took me to the ER at 5:30am on Tuesday, where I went into Atrial Fibrillation and had to be admitted. I went through a battery of exams and was released on medications and will now be followed up with a cardiologist. Thankfully my sister was able to return to Florida yesterday in my place and my sister-in-law was there as well when my mother passed away in the hospice hospital this afternoon.
My sister and I share a metaphor about the Christian life. Her version goes like this: You and Jesus are riding on a tandem bicycle; He is in the front seat, you are pedaling in the back. Just when you are cruising along nicely on a straight path, He suddenly makes a sharp right turn. You hang on for dear life! My version goes like this: You and Jesus are riding on the tandem, but this time you are in the front and He is in the back, whispering in your ear (if you are listening); “turn right, turn right”. Sometimes He turns the bike without your permission or participation; Sometimes He wants you to turn it. Either way, you are in for “the ride of your life!”
We could definitely say that this year has held lots of unexpected (at least for us) “turns”. And there are more on the horizon. But because we know WHO is on the bicycle with us, that makes everything “alright”, doesn’t it?
We want you to know that we have been sustained through it all by your prayers. We have never felt abandoned or afflicted beyond what we are able. He has been faithful, and NEVER has He jumped off the bike!!!
Love to all of you,
Andy and Linda
Sunday, July 5, 2009
BRUCATO PRAYER UPDATE JULY 2009
Dear Friends,
I thought it was about time you got a Brucato (not just Andy) update!! Yesterday I had one of those “déjà-vu” experiences. We stopped by Mark and Ruth’s just in time to help them disassemble their bedroom set. In preparation for their departure for Italy in the fall (Lord willing) they are selling most of their possessions and moving into a small furnished apartment at TEAM. That included their beautiful cherry- wood sleigh bedroom furniture which was a wedding gift from Ruth’s grandparents. Ruth had listed the furniture on the internet and a couple showed up to look at it. To Ruth’s dismay they wanted to buy it on the spot and take it away immediately! Emotionally she hadn’t prepared for that just yet. I could see the same look in her eyes that had been in mine more than 22 years ago when we had a garage sale and sold everything before leaving for Italy. The look of “Oh my, what have I done? We’re really leaving, aren’t we? The time has come. I’m not sure I’m ready.”
As the scripture says, “comfort others with the comfort with which we ourselves have been comforted by God”. Many years ago the Lord comforted me with the words of Jesus; “Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or farms, for My sake and for the gospel’s sake, but that he shall receive a hundred times as much now in the present age….and in the age to come, eternal life.” What really comforts me about this passage is the fact (included in all three gospels) that the list begins with “house”. Jesus acknowledges the loss of material possessions for the sake of the gospel; even bedroom sets! He knows the cost of following Him, and He promises a reward. I wonder what Ruthi with do with 100 new bedroom sets?
About Michael. He successfully completed his boot camp and pre-BUD training in the Great Lakes and is now in Coronado, CA doing BUD’s (Basic Underwater Demolition) training. August 2-7 will be the famous “hell week”. He is being stretched in every way. He has found that reciting scripture gets him through some tough spots; especially in “drowning” exercises. Yesterday 4 guys dropped out of the program. By the way, Mike is the youngest in his company of 200!! Please pray for him- mostly for his spiritual strength, but also for his physical protection. Most guys fail out of the program because of injuries!
Andy is making really good progress. We now go to the Wheaton College gym and pool 4 days a week, plus he is still doing one day at the rehab center. He is getting more and more movement in his arm and even hand! We are so grateful for these past two months here and the great treatment he has received. And we are so grateful for all of you who continue to pray and support us. We are now planning to return to Italy in the fall, but I will give you more info on that in another update (this one is already too long!).
Lastly, my mom is happily settled into the independent-living section of an assisted-living community. She is doing great and very happy. The Lord has continued to amaze us at His marvelous provision for her. Your prayers have been answered! One thing yet to pray for- the rental or sale of her home in order for her to have the finances needed to continue in her new apartment.
Gratefully yours,
Andy and Linda
PS. Mark and Ruth are now at about 70% of their monthly support needed. They are expecting baby #2 (a boy) in mid-September. They hope to leave for Italy before Thanksgiving. If you are considering supporting them financially, now would be a great time to let them know. You can contact Mark at:
markbrucato@gmail.com
I thought it was about time you got a Brucato (not just Andy) update!! Yesterday I had one of those “déjà-vu” experiences. We stopped by Mark and Ruth’s just in time to help them disassemble their bedroom set. In preparation for their departure for Italy in the fall (Lord willing) they are selling most of their possessions and moving into a small furnished apartment at TEAM. That included their beautiful cherry- wood sleigh bedroom furniture which was a wedding gift from Ruth’s grandparents. Ruth had listed the furniture on the internet and a couple showed up to look at it. To Ruth’s dismay they wanted to buy it on the spot and take it away immediately! Emotionally she hadn’t prepared for that just yet. I could see the same look in her eyes that had been in mine more than 22 years ago when we had a garage sale and sold everything before leaving for Italy. The look of “Oh my, what have I done? We’re really leaving, aren’t we? The time has come. I’m not sure I’m ready.”
As the scripture says, “comfort others with the comfort with which we ourselves have been comforted by God”. Many years ago the Lord comforted me with the words of Jesus; “Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or farms, for My sake and for the gospel’s sake, but that he shall receive a hundred times as much now in the present age….and in the age to come, eternal life.” What really comforts me about this passage is the fact (included in all three gospels) that the list begins with “house”. Jesus acknowledges the loss of material possessions for the sake of the gospel; even bedroom sets! He knows the cost of following Him, and He promises a reward. I wonder what Ruthi with do with 100 new bedroom sets?
About Michael. He successfully completed his boot camp and pre-BUD training in the Great Lakes and is now in Coronado, CA doing BUD’s (Basic Underwater Demolition) training. August 2-7 will be the famous “hell week”. He is being stretched in every way. He has found that reciting scripture gets him through some tough spots; especially in “drowning” exercises. Yesterday 4 guys dropped out of the program. By the way, Mike is the youngest in his company of 200!! Please pray for him- mostly for his spiritual strength, but also for his physical protection. Most guys fail out of the program because of injuries!
Andy is making really good progress. We now go to the Wheaton College gym and pool 4 days a week, plus he is still doing one day at the rehab center. He is getting more and more movement in his arm and even hand! We are so grateful for these past two months here and the great treatment he has received. And we are so grateful for all of you who continue to pray and support us. We are now planning to return to Italy in the fall, but I will give you more info on that in another update (this one is already too long!).
Lastly, my mom is happily settled into the independent-living section of an assisted-living community. She is doing great and very happy. The Lord has continued to amaze us at His marvelous provision for her. Your prayers have been answered! One thing yet to pray for- the rental or sale of her home in order for her to have the finances needed to continue in her new apartment.
Gratefully yours,
Andy and Linda
PS. Mark and Ruth are now at about 70% of their monthly support needed. They are expecting baby #2 (a boy) in mid-September. They hope to leave for Italy before Thanksgiving. If you are considering supporting them financially, now would be a great time to let them know. You can contact Mark at:
markbrucato@gmail.com
Friday, May 29, 2009
Andy’s Update May, 28, 2009
Andy’s Update May, 28, 2009
Dear Friends,
Finally!! Just found a moment to get to the computer and send you all an update. I ended up being in Florida for nearly three weeks with my mother whose health continues to deteriorate. My sister is there now and this weekend will be helping my mother move into an assisted living facility for a two-month trial period. I will be returning to Florida sometime next week to help her with the transition.
Andy continues to make progress, but slowly. At this point the rehab center is considering discharging him within the next couple of weeks. He will then be continuing with self-therapy. He does have some significant movement in his arm, but no “use” of the arm yet. No control yet of the hand or wrist. Part of what he is learning in rehab is how to live with one arm. Quite a challenge.
While I was in Florida with my mom, wondering what the future would look like, for her, for me, for Andy, I found my heart crying out to God these words; “What will become of me?” And immediately the reply came, “Surely goodness and mercy will follow you all the days of your life and you will dwell in the house of the Lord forever- that, My child, is what will become of you!”
Thanks for your prayers,
Linda
Dear Friends,
Finally!! Just found a moment to get to the computer and send you all an update. I ended up being in Florida for nearly three weeks with my mother whose health continues to deteriorate. My sister is there now and this weekend will be helping my mother move into an assisted living facility for a two-month trial period. I will be returning to Florida sometime next week to help her with the transition.
Andy continues to make progress, but slowly. At this point the rehab center is considering discharging him within the next couple of weeks. He will then be continuing with self-therapy. He does have some significant movement in his arm, but no “use” of the arm yet. No control yet of the hand or wrist. Part of what he is learning in rehab is how to live with one arm. Quite a challenge.
While I was in Florida with my mom, wondering what the future would look like, for her, for me, for Andy, I found my heart crying out to God these words; “What will become of me?” And immediately the reply came, “Surely goodness and mercy will follow you all the days of your life and you will dwell in the house of the Lord forever- that, My child, is what will become of you!”
Thanks for your prayers,
Linda
Friday, May 22, 2009
Update on Linda and Andy Brucato
Update on Linda and Andy Brucato (from Steve Thompson, Italy)
Friday, May 22, 2009
We just heard from Linda who gave an update on their situation.
She said that the meeting with the therapist last Monday went very well and that the intensive therapy that Andy is presently doing will finish on June 4. Even though Andy still does not have complete use of his left arm the therapist feels that he has done all he can. Its up to Andy now to work on the exercises in the gym and in the pool that have been given to him by the physical therapist.
This news was a bit of a surprise for both of them, as well as a little confusing, because they were under the impression that physical therapy would last a full 3 months. Andy’s left arm has more movement and he is able to walk on his own without a cane, but he is not yet at the point where he can live autonously and be on his own. Nor can he drive a car yet, although he has been working on it.
Despite all of this both are encouraged and thankful to the Lord for the progress that has been made, confident that God has a plan and in He is at work in their lives.
Linda asked prayer for what will take place after June 4. They need wisdom and strength as they to continue the therapy on their own, outside of the clinic, as well as for what lies ahead.
As far as Linda’s Mother is concerned, Linda and her sister need to make some decisions about her care, since she is still very weak and cannot live on her own. As you know Linda’s Mother is in Florida, Linda’s sister lives in Tennessee, and Andy and Linda are in Chicago.Pray especially for Linda during this time, that she would have the physical and emotional strength to handle both of these difficult situations, and that she would find perfect peace in our loving Lord. Pray for encouragement for both Linda and Andy.
Steve
Friday, May 22, 2009
We just heard from Linda who gave an update on their situation.
She said that the meeting with the therapist last Monday went very well and that the intensive therapy that Andy is presently doing will finish on June 4. Even though Andy still does not have complete use of his left arm the therapist feels that he has done all he can. Its up to Andy now to work on the exercises in the gym and in the pool that have been given to him by the physical therapist.
This news was a bit of a surprise for both of them, as well as a little confusing, because they were under the impression that physical therapy would last a full 3 months. Andy’s left arm has more movement and he is able to walk on his own without a cane, but he is not yet at the point where he can live autonously and be on his own. Nor can he drive a car yet, although he has been working on it.
Despite all of this both are encouraged and thankful to the Lord for the progress that has been made, confident that God has a plan and in He is at work in their lives.
Linda asked prayer for what will take place after June 4. They need wisdom and strength as they to continue the therapy on their own, outside of the clinic, as well as for what lies ahead.
As far as Linda’s Mother is concerned, Linda and her sister need to make some decisions about her care, since she is still very weak and cannot live on her own. As you know Linda’s Mother is in Florida, Linda’s sister lives in Tennessee, and Andy and Linda are in Chicago.Pray especially for Linda during this time, that she would have the physical and emotional strength to handle both of these difficult situations, and that she would find perfect peace in our loving Lord. Pray for encouragement for both Linda and Andy.
Steve
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Update from Linda Brucato
Dear Friends,
I want to update all of you on our lives. Yesterday I (Linda) returned to Chicago from Florida. After my last update my mother’s situation worsened and she returned to the hospital. I had to cancel my tickets to return to Chicago on May 4, and finally yesterday I was able to leave. My mother was dismissed from the hospital on May 5 and is pretty weak. My sister was able to come back to be with her so I could get back to Andy in Chicago. We don’t know how long my mother has to live or how best we can take care of her. I will possibly have to return to Florida in two weeks when my sister has to leave.
The good news is that Andy is making progress in his rehabilitation. Monday I go with him to his therapy appointment to talk with them about what is being planned in the coming weeks and months. I do know they are preparing Andy to be able to drive a car and he is doing water therapy. We need to understand how long they think his therapy will take. We are taking each day at a time. Each day we are content in the Lord with what He gives us - He will take care of all the tomorrows.
Thanks for praying for us, and upholding us in prayer.
Linda
I want to update all of you on our lives. Yesterday I (Linda) returned to Chicago from Florida. After my last update my mother’s situation worsened and she returned to the hospital. I had to cancel my tickets to return to Chicago on May 4, and finally yesterday I was able to leave. My mother was dismissed from the hospital on May 5 and is pretty weak. My sister was able to come back to be with her so I could get back to Andy in Chicago. We don’t know how long my mother has to live or how best we can take care of her. I will possibly have to return to Florida in two weeks when my sister has to leave.
The good news is that Andy is making progress in his rehabilitation. Monday I go with him to his therapy appointment to talk with them about what is being planned in the coming weeks and months. I do know they are preparing Andy to be able to drive a car and he is doing water therapy. We need to understand how long they think his therapy will take. We are taking each day at a time. Each day we are content in the Lord with what He gives us - He will take care of all the tomorrows.
Thanks for praying for us, and upholding us in prayer.
Linda
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