NEW Funeral Video & Tribute Video

Hard to believe that it has been over two months since Elva (Mother) went to be with the Lord. For some of us time has gone fast and for others it has gone slow.

We wanted to let you all know that there is new edited version of Mum's funeral, that is now available on youtube by CLICKING HERE. 
A friend of ours kindly did some editing and compiling of the original videos and made it a real lovely keepsake for us.

What is different from the other one you watched?

*This one contains the entire day in one video:
        
  -the funeral service,



    
      - tribute video shown at the service, (starts at 11:56)
* Major editing was done to the Tribute video / Slideshow that was shown at the funeral. Some additional verses and poems and scriptures added as well as correcting the images that were upside down in the original. 


    - burial service, (starts at 1:11:26)

        
  - photos of the actual burial (starts at 1:28:57) (which Rachel and her family attended),


 

Update on the family:

For those who didn't get the update, my Sister Sarah delivered her baby boy six weeks early. After some initial issues, he was allowed to go home and is now doing really well, and even went on his first family vacation before his due date, which was just yesterday.

Don Brooks (Dad) visited with Sarah for a couple weeks, and was able to be there when she had her baby boy, and help with looking after the other kids. Then he visit family and friends in Northern Ontario and then got a special opportunity to join Richard & family at the new Ark Encounter made by Answers in Genesis. (Life size Ark replica) and then tour the Creation Museum.
He will be heading to Zambia for a couple months leaving this week, in order to "bring the funeral home" to his Zambia family and friends.

Funeral Bulletin

For those who are not able to see the images above

TEXT VERSION:

In Loving Memory

Elva L. Brooks

Feb. 18, 1946–May 11, 2016

 "According to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death." (Philippians 1:20 NKJV)

Order of SERVICE

Welcome, Prayer & Announcements

Sam Cairns (Family friend)

Congregational Hymn

All the Way My Saviour Leads Me

Jim Rennie

(Former Medical Missionary to Zambia)

Video Tribute

(Song: Then Comes the Morning)

Leonard VandenBerg (son in law)

Congregational Hymn

Face to Face with Christ my Saviour

Donald Brooks (husband)

Richard Brooks (son)

Congregational Hymn

In Christ Alone

Pallbearers

Richard Brooks (son)

Leonard VandenBerg (son in-law)

Richard Brohart (husband of niece)

Matt Wilkinson (husband of niece)

Ed Brooks (brother in-law)

Nathaniel Brooks (grandson)

Lunch

Following the service, in the gym.

Burial

2:00 pm, Overholt Cemetery

Third Concession Rd,

Port Colborne, ON

BIOGRAPHY

Elva Lilias Brooks, age 70, passed into the presence of her Lord on Wednesday, May 11, 2016 at 3:54am, after a short struggle with cancer.  She was at her Canadian home in Port Colborne, Ontario and surrounded by her loving family.  Elva is survived by her husband Don Brooks; brother Graeme (Pam - deceased) Pirie, sister Marilyn (John) Lindsay; children Richard (Katherine) Brooks, Sarah (Matthew) Van Essen, Rachel (Leonard) VandenBerg; and 19 grandchildren. Predeceased by Parents Walter & Eunice Pirie, Father and Mother In-law William Nelson & Margaret Brooks, Brother & Sisters In-law,  Bill & Ruth Brooks, Elizabeth Brooks, & Pam Pirie and Granddaughter Elysha Brooks.

Elva was born on February 18, 1946,  in Invercargill, Southland, New Zealand, the second child to her parents, Walter & Eunice Pirie.  On May 18th, 1953, at the age of 7, she realized her need for a Saviour and accepted the free gift of salvation that Jesus offers (John 3:16).  Elva grew up in New Zealand and it was there that she trained as a nurse and a midwife.

In 1972, she went to Chitokoloki Mission Hospital in Zambia as a nurse and there met Don Brooks. Don and Elva married on August 20th 1975 in Ontario, Canada and returned to Kabompo, Zambia to serve the Lord together. They lived on the local Secondary School compound where Don was teaching. Elva assisted as a nurse at the Kabompo Hospital until their son, Richard, was born.  She was a dedicated mother to many and always drew on her nursing skills to aid family and strangers alike. Richard was joined by sisters Sarah and Rachel and when the children were grown, Elva started teaching Religious Education at the Kabompo Secondary School. She continued to be very involved with this until 2015.  Elva also continued some nursing activities, visiting with people, teaching children to read and was a mother to many young people in both Zambia and across the world.
In November 2015, Don & Elva returned to Canada for what was to supposed to be a two year period. Within three weeks of returning, Elva had some pains in her side which doctors discovered was pancreatic cancer that had spread to the liver. She was given three to six months to live and chemo was attempted, but the toll on her heart and body was too severe. 

The family was able to be together over the Christmas holidays and that time was used to discuss many pertinent details - Elva was always thinking about others.  Amazing doctors and nurses were attentive to her needs and all the family’s many questions. Elva took every opportunity to cuddle with or read to her grandkids, even when she was very weak, creating precious memories. She was a faithful wife, loving mother, dedicated teacher, hard worker and caring friend.

Elva was often quoting scripture or poetry, or sharing a song fitting to the situation, even during the time of her sickness. On the blog that was set up for prayer updates on Elva, she requested to have this poem and the Bible verse on the front.

Psalm 31:15 – My times are in thy hand

My times are in Thy hand;

My God, I wish them there;
My life, my friends, my soul I leave
Entirely to Thy care.

My times are in Thy hand;

Whatever they may be;
Pleasing or painful, dark or bright,
As best may seem to Thee.

My times are in Thy hand;

Why should I doubt or fear?
My Father’s hand will never cause
His child a needless tear.

My times are in Thy hand,

Jesus, the crucified!
Those hands my cruel sins had pierced
Are now my guard and guide.

My times are in Thy hand,

Jesus, my advocate:
Nor shall Thine hand be stretched in vain,
For me to supplicate.

My times are in Thy hand,

I’ll always trust in Thee;
And, after death, at Thy right hand
I shall forever be.

Biography of Elva (nee Pirie) Brooks' Life

Biography of Elva (nee Pirie) Brooks' Life

BIOGRAPHY

Elva Lilias Brooks, age 70, passed into the presence of her Lord on Wednesday, May 11, 2016 at 3:54am, after a short struggle with cancer.  She was at her Canadian home in Port Colborne, Ontario and surrounded by her loving family.  Elva is survived by her husband Don Brooks; brother Graeme (Pam - deceased) Pirie, sister Marilyn (John) Lindsay; children Richard (Katherine) Brooks, Sarah (Matthew) Van Essen, Rachel (Leonard) VandenBerg; and 19 grandchildren. Predeceased by Parents Walter & Eunice Pirie, Father and Mother In-law William Nelson & Margaret Brooks, Brother & Sisters In-law,  Bill & Ruth Brooks, Elizabeth Brooks, & Pam Pirie and Granddaughter Elysha Brooks.

Elva was born on February 18, 1946,  in Invercargill, Southland, New Zealand, the second child to her parents, Walter & Eunice Pirie.  On May 18th, 1953, at the age of 7, she realized her need for a Saviour and accepted the free gift of salvation that Jesus offers (John 3:16).  Elva grew up in New Zealand and it was there that she trained as a nurse and a midwife.

In 1972, she went to Chitokoloki Mission Hospital in Zambia as a nurse and there met Don Brooks. Don and Elva married on August 20th 1975 in Ontario, Canada and returned to Kabompo, Zambia to serve the Lord together. They lived on the local Secondary School compound where Don was teaching. Elva assisted as a nurse at the Kabompo Hospital until their son, Richard, was born.  She was a dedicated mother to many and always drew on her nursing skills to aid family and strangers alike. Richard was joined by sisters Sarah and Rachel and when the children were grown, Elva started teaching Religious Education at the Kabompo Secondary School. She continued to be very involved with this until 2015.  Elva also continued some nursing activities, visiting with people, teaching children to read and was a mother to many young people in both Zambia and across the world.
In November 2015, Don & Elva returned to Canada for what was to supposed to be a two year period. Within three weeks of returning, Elva had some pains in her side which doctors discovered was pancreatic cancer that had spread to the liver. She was given three to six months to live and chemo was attempted, but the toll on her heart and body was too severe. 

The family was able to be together over the Christmas holidays and that time was used to discuss many pertinent details - Elva was always thinking about others.  Amazing doctors and nurses were attentive to her needs and all the family’s many questions. Elva took every opportunity to cuddle with or read to her grandkids, even when she was very weak, creating precious memories. She was a faithful wife, loving mother, dedicated teacher, hard worker and caring friend.

Elva was often quoting scripture or poetry, or sharing a song fitting to the situation, even during the time of her sickness. On the blog that was set up for prayer updates on Elva, she requested to have this poem and Bible verse.

 "According to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death." (Philippians 1:20 NKJV)

Psalm 31:15 – My times are in thy hand

My times are in Thy hand;

My God, I wish them there;
My life, my friends, my soul I leave
Entirely to Thy care.

My times are in Thy hand;

Whatever they may be;
Pleasing or painful, dark or bright,
As best may seem to Thee.

My times are in Thy hand;

Why should I doubt or fear?
My Father’s hand will never cause
His child a needless tear.

My times are in Thy hand,

Jesus, the crucified!
Those hands my cruel sins had pierced
Are now my guard and guide.

My times are in Thy hand,

Jesus, my advocate:
Nor shall Thine hand be stretched in vain,
For me to supplicate.

My times are in Thy hand,

I’ll always trust in Thee;
And, after death, at Thy right hand
I shall forever be.

Visitation:
Thursday, May 12
2:00pm - 4:00 pm
7:00 - 9:00 pm
Davidson Funeral Home
135 Clarence St, Port Colborne, ON L3K 3G4

Funeral
Friday, May 13, 10:30am
Portal Village Bible Chapel
309 Elgin Street
Port Colborne, ON

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to MSC Canada. https://msccanada.org

Online guest register and condolences available at www.davidsonfuneralhome.com

Funeral & Visitation & Donations

Brooks, Elva Lillas passed away into the presence of her Lord on Wednesday, May 11, 2016 in Port Colborne, Ontario at the age of 70, after a brief struggle with cancer. 

Elva is survived by her husband Don Brooks; brother Graeme Pirie, sister Marilyn (John) Lindsay; children Richard (Katherine) Brooks, Sarah (Matthew) Van Essen, Rachel (Leonard) VandenBerg; 19 grandchildren; brother in-law Ed Brooks & wife Nancy; 7 nieces & 2 nephews and their families; step-mother in-law Eileen Brooks. Predeceased by parents Walter & Eunice Pirie, Father and Mother In-law William Nelson & Margaret Brooks, brother & sisters In-law,  Bill & Ruth Brooks, Betty Brooks, Pam Pirie, and Granddaughter Elysha Brooks.

Visitation on Thursday, May 12, 2016 from 2-4 pm & 7-9 pm, Davidson Funeral Home, 135 Clarence St, Port Colborne, ON L3K 3G4

Funeral on Friday, May 13 at 10:30am, Portal Village Bible Chapel, 309 Elgin St, Port Colborne, ON L3K 6A2

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to MSC Canada. https://msccanada.org

Online guest register and condolences available at www.davidsonfuneralhome.com

Present with Lord Poem

Here is another poem I found in my mother Elva Brooks' things. I thought it was very fitting to post now.

Elva is with Lord

Mother, Elva, went peacefully into the Lord’s presence at 3:55am EST, May 11, 2016

At 3:15am the night Nurse called us to say the time was near. 
We (Dad(Don), Richard, Katherine & Rachel), sat around Mother’s bed, we sang “Face to Face with Christ my Saviour”
She opened her eyes when we sang.
Then we sang “Swing Wide the Gates” and once we finished it was just a few minutes then she took her last breath at 3:55am.

We then did Skype with my sister Sarah so she could also say goodbye, as well as Mother’s sister in New Zealand.

“Absent from the body, Present with the Lord.”

VISITATION AND FUNERAL: We will send out another e-mail within a few hours.

Here are the words to the two songs we sang.

SWING WIDE THE GATES

HEAVEN'S GATES I NOW CAN SEE
AS THEY OPEN WIDE FOR ME
SWING WIDE THE GATES (SWING WIDE THE GATES)
I'M COMING HOME (I'M COMING HOME)
ANGELS SING A WELCOME SONG
AND I KNOW IT WON'T BE LONG
SWING WIDE THE GATES (SWING WIDE THE GATES)
I'M COMING HOME(I'M COMING HOME)

CHORUS"

SWING WIDE THE GATES(SWING WIDE THE GATES)
I'M COMING HOME(I'M COMING HOME)
SWING WIDE THE GATES(SWING WIDE THE GATES)
I'M ONE OF HIS OWN(I'M ONE OF HIS OWN)
I'VE FOUGHT A GOOD FIGHT
I'VE KEPT THE FAITH
AMAZING GRACE HAS WON THE RACE
SWING WIDE THE GATES(SWING WIDE THE GATES)
I'M COMING HOME(I'M COMING HOME

WHEN I LAND ON HEAVEN'S SHORE
CARES OF LIFE WILL BE NO MORE
SWING WIDE THE GATES(SWING WIDE THE GATES)
I'M COMING HOME(I'M COMING HOME)
ALL IS JOY AND PEACE UP THERE
IN A LAND OF BEAUTY RARE
SWING WIDE THE GATES(SWING WIDE THE GATES)
I'M COMING HOME(I'M COMING HOME)

REPEAT CHORUS:

WRITTEN BY HORACE L. MAULDIN COPYRIGHT 1966

(Listen to it on YouTube by clicking here http://youtu.be/VKw4p3jUnzU)

___________________________________

FACE TO FACE

Face to face with Christ, my Savior,


Face to face—what will it be,


When with rapture I behold Him,


Jesus Christ who died for me?


Refrain:
Face to face I shall behold Him,


Far beyond the starry sky;


Face to face in all His glory,


I shall see Him by and by!


Only faintly now I see Him,


With the darkened veil between,


But a blessed day is coming,


When His glory shall be seen.


What rejoicing in His presence,


When are banished grief and pain;


Death is swallowed up in vict’ry,


And the dark things shall be plain.


Face to face—oh, blissful moment!


Face to face—to see and know;


Face to face with my Redeemer,


Jesus Christ who loves me so.

WRITTEN BY CARRIE E. BRECK
( Listen to it on YOUTUBE by clicking on this link https://youtu.be/SuLig-W4wSU )

May 10 - Poetry my Mother loved

Mum (Elva)  has been unresponsive for the last couple days. She is still breathing but hasn't opened eyes or moved or made any other noises. Her heart is racing at rate of 150, which it has been doing for the last couple days. 

Rachel's husband and other 2 children are to arrive on Wednesday evening.

Your prayers are appreciated.

--Rachel VandenBerg 

Mum has always loved poetry, I found these two in her file that I thought would be appropriate to share with you. I remember her quoting them to me in the past. I am not sure who wrote them, as far as I can see from the internet they seems to be author unknown.

This hand written verse is only part of the poem, I found the whole thing on the internet, so will post it here author unknown:

THEN SHALL I KNOW 

My life is but a weaving Between my Lord and me. I cannot choose the colors He worketh steadily. 

Oft times He weaveth sorrow, And I in foolish pride Forget He sees the upper And I, the underside.

Not till the loom is silent And the shuttles cease to fly Shall God unroll the canvas And explain the reason why. 

The dark threads are as needful In the weaver's skillful hand As the threads of gold and silver In the pattern He has planned.

HE LEADETH ME 

"In pastures green?"—Not always. Sometimes
He, who knoweth best, in kindness leadeth me
In weary ways, where heavy shadows be;
Out of the sunshine warm and soft and bright,
Out of the sunshine into darkest night;
I oft would faint with sorrow and affright,
Only for this—I know He holds my hand;
So whether led in green or desert land,
I trust, although I may not understand. 

"And by still waters?"—No, not always so.
Ofttimes the heavy tempests round me blow,
And o'er my soul the waves and billows go.
But when the storm beats loudest, and I cry
Aloud for help, the Master standeth by,
And whispers to my soul, "Lo, it is I!"
Above the tempest wild I hear Him say,
"Beyond the darkness lies the perfect day;
In every path of thine I lead the way." 

So, whether on the hill-tops high and fair
I dwell, or in the sunless valleys where
The shadows lie,—what matter? He is there;
And more than this:—where'er the pathway
Lead He gives to me no helpless broken reed,
But His own hand, sufficient for my need.
So where He leads me I can safely go;
And in the blest hereafter I shall know
Why, in His wisdom, He hath led me so.

Update May 7 Dad's Birthday

Today is My Father, Don Brooks', Birthday. We are planning birthday celebrations, trying to make it as special as possible at this time. 

Mum, Elva, is still with us, perhaps she wants to celebrate Dad's birthday before she goes to heaven.

If you want to send birthday greetings to my Dad you can do so by e-mailing 

samukonga73@gmail.com

or you are welcome to e-mail me as well and I can pass it on.

--Rachel V.

The Care Mother is Recieving

For those who are asking, Elva (Mother) is at home, in a hospital bed. Mother is on morphine and her pain is being managed well.  She is receiving excellent nursing care from the nursing staff that come in twice a day and for a night shift, from 11pm to 7am. These nurses are available 24/7 to us, should we need them at other times. 

Also Richard and especially Katherine have been excellent in nursing mother as they have had much experience in end of life situations, from dealing with their daughter Elysha a few years ago and Katherine's Mother. Mother has been appreciating their attentive care and expressed that. 

--Rachel VandenBerg (youngest daughter)

May 5th update

On Wednesday the doctor said Elva (Mum) has less then a week to live. Her breathing is very deep, awake moments aren’t usually more that 30 seconds. However Thursday morning she had an big awake time of about half an hour, during which she expressed what her wishes are for the funeral (songs etc), this was a blessing. During this time she also said something like “You always wonder what the end would be like, but now I am not afraid.”

Richard (Son) and Katherine and family are with her now.

Sarah (daughter) is not able to come due to the her ICP high risk pregnancy complications. Please do pray for her, as it is really hard for her to not be able to be here to say goodbye or for the funeral either. Thankfully she was able to skype with Mum the other day.

Rachel (daughter) just flew on Thursday, May 5th in the afternoon with her youngest, her husband and other two children will follow by road in a few days. 

--Rachel V.

May 3 update

Mum (Elva), continues to decline.
She has lost the use of one of her arms due to weakness.

She spends most of the day sleeping, due to pain meds and gravel. The wake times she has are short and often confused.

She tried to walk down the hallway in the house today, holding on to someones arm and had to stop half way as she was too exhausted.

She now sleeps in a hospital bed in her room which makes it easier for her and those caring for her. They have a nurse coming in at night to look after her so that my Dad (Don) can get some sleep.

--Rachel V.

Memories and Photos of Elva

Do you have any of the following?

• Photos of Elva
• Photos of you with Elva
• Stories you have heard about Elva
• Memories you shared with Elva

Some of you wrote in on her birthday with memories and a few sent photos. I am just wondering if there are any others who didn't share at that time, or if anyone has additional memories or photos to share.
I, Rachel, would really appreciate it if you could send them to me.

WHERE TO SEND THEM:

* BY E-MAIL leonardandrachel@gmail.com
* SNAIL MAIL (you will have to e-mail me for the mailing address)
* FACEBOOK (you can also post it on the Facebook group if you are part of that)
* COMMENT below this blog entry (make sure to include your name so we know who shared the memory)

Thank you,
--Rachel VandenBerg

April 28 - Pray for Elva her daughter Sarah

(Mum) Elva is nauseous 24/7. She is on gravel and they will start giving her a double dose to try combat it more effectively.

But of course the gravel makes her sleepy. So being awake enough to eat is also an issue. So normally she isn't able to eat much. Somedays she is too weak to even bring a cup to her lips. However yesterday she had a really good day and was able to eat a plate of food. This she hasn't done for longtime. So that was nice.

They have her on a hydration drip each day and will be starting to give it to her two times a day.
Confusion and inability to express herself is more frequent.

They are starting to have help come in to give Don, (Dad) a break. This will start on Saturday and will likely happen more often, so that Dad can have more frequent breaks.

My parents, Don and Elva really appreciate all your prayers, e-mails, phone calls and visits.

PRAYER REQUESTS:
* Continue to pray for strength for Don as he cares for Elva as well as processes his own emotions.
* Pray for strength for Mother, as she deals with pain etc, and I am sure the frustration of not being able to express herself at times.
* Please also pray the family who are far away and wish they were able to be there with her on a regular basis.
* Pray that the Lord will continue to use these trials and pain for His glory.

*** PLEASE PRAY FOR MY SISTER SARAH & BABY
 I would also like to use this update to send out another request for my sister, Sarah. (Elva's daughter). She has developed a condition called ICP, a liver issue. (I, Rachel, had this with my last pregnancy but I was much further along that she is). I, Rachel, know prayer to be powerful, so the more people praying the better. Here is what she posted on her Facebook page this week:

"I'm now 29 1/2 weeks along. The baby is doing well so far.
However, I was diagnosed with a condition called ICP ( Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy) .
Basically it's a liver condition that causes the bile acids to build up in my blood stream.
This causes itchy skin, and complications to the baby, worst of all being high rate of still birth. I saw the specialist today. He said based on initial blood work I have a moderate to severe case, esp since it has started so early. I will have weekly and possible 2x week checkups & ultrasounds to follow how the baby is doing ( risk of premature aging of placenta, & build up of bile acids in babies system). I am on a medication that will hopefully bring the bile levels down , decrease itching etc. We will also have to plan for an early induction - usually 36-37 weeks but he said in my case it might have to be even earlier. ( depending in my blood work & babies health)The itchiness is worst at night , so makes sleep hard.We would appreciate prayer. It's overwhelming to think about the potential complications, but also the more immediate dealing with the night time itchiness & lack of sleep.
I have been reminded over and over about God soverenty, His ability to provide for our every need, and the wonderful truth that HE is knitting this little one together , & already know the number of its days.
The Link below has more details on ICP for those that want to know. http://www.icpcare.org/what-is-icp/overview/  "

---Rachel VandenBerg

Prayer update April 7th

The Palliative Care Dr came yesterday and said that the CAT scan showed a slow progression of the disease with specific mention of liver and pancreas.
The past few days have been slow with increase in nausea.

WE continue to look to the Lord for direction and appreciate the prayers and encouragement of the Lord's people.

Rachel and children are still with us.and will be thru to next week.

With our love and appreciation.

Elva and Don

march 24

Mother is having a bone scan today in welland. Praise the Lord that she got an appointment so quickly. --Rachel

March 17 update

Elva Brooks posted March 17:

Thank you all for ongoing prayers. I am happy to report that I have gained some strength and find that I am able to do more now than before. Even the Palliative Care Doctor, when he came yesterday, was amazed to find me looking so much better than last week. Still no weight gain - but still hopeful that an increase in appetite will eventually bring some increase in weight. Thankful for supplements which are giving increase in Protein intake.

Sleeping is better and altogether we are encouraged by all these answers to prayer.

We decided not to do any more Chemotherapy as I was not responding well to it. It is now 4 weeks since I had any Chemo treatment and perhaps that is why my thinking processes have improved somewhat. There are still good days and not so good days - but so thankful for all the love and encouragement being shown by the family of God. Still thankful for regular pain relief.

There are ongoing investigations and at this point I am still waiting for the appointment for my bone scan.

Tanis Walker arrives tonight and currently Rebekah Poid is with me while Don goes to pick up Tanis and the children from the airport.

Thank you all so much for your prayers.

He faileth Not.

Prayer Update March 15

 Elva says:
Have an appointment for a repeat abdominal CT Scan - the good news = it is in March and not 3 mths down the line. Still awaiting an appointment for a bone scan,

Update March 12 2016

Elva Brooks said: 

MRI did not show any spread into the brain - Thankful to the Lord for His grace.

Some further tests are indicated but maybe will take quite some time before we get them done.

Thankful for visits of friends- and also out for two walks today!!

Count your many blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord has done.

It was great to have Sarah here - thanks once again Matt and I am sure you were glad to have her back.

March 5 update

Elva Brooks said on Saturday March 5: 
I am thankful to say that I had a good weekend - was out to meetings x 2. A walk around the block, Good company - i) visit from fellow Zambian missionaries The Geeseys , ii) R. Poidevin iii) and the midnight arrival of Sarah VanEssen (my daughter). A little touch of spring!

MRI -March 4

Elva Brooks wrote:

Arrived home at 21.30pm (9.30pm) weary but thankful that the MRI at Juravinski Hosp was now behind me. No results until ? Thursday next week.

thanks to all for your love and support.

So looking forward to having my own nurse, Sarah Van Essen arrive tonight and thankful to Matt for allowing her to come. WE are blessed! She will be with us until Friday am. (kids mid term break but they will be home with other cousins and Uncle and Aunt )

Re: Communicating with Elva Brooks

Dear all,

This is just to let you know that these days ( & last 3 weeks) Mum is not on facebook very much or e-mail, so from now on if you want to contact her or make sure she sees your note you will need to send an e-mail to Don Brooks’ e-mail samukonga73@gmail.com .  This is not a new development, but she wanted to make sure you understood why you may not be getting replies.   

Thank you,

Rachel VandenBerg

Feb 27 update

From Elva Brooks:

Another episode of Chest tightness lead to trip to Emerg by Ambulance and some hours there and many tests. Home around 9.30pm last night - with clearance. Happy for my own bed and for His loving arms and for the prayers of many. Please continue to pray for wisdom in the way forward.

Feb 24, 2016 - Update from Elva Brooks

Good morning.

There seems to be long silences from my side. I am thankful to Rachel and to Sarah, for the updates they post on my behalf. (Hard for them too, working from a distance)

I am thankful too for a loving family here on earth and for also being blessed to be part of such a wonderful family, as the family of God. We are also thankful to have a loving Heavenly Father who has blessed us with “all heavenly blessings” – according to “His great riches”.

There are days when reading and writing seem to be beyond me – but then, I can be even more appreciative of the days when both eyes and brain seem to be functioning together.

Yesterday, we had another visit to the Oncologist to discuss “the way forward”.

She does want to do another “test” and so meantime – we will have a further wait, with no more treatments. Next week on Thursday, we will return for a further review of the situation.

Don continues to be my RIGHT hand man – and is adjusting to his new role of care giver. Thank you for praying for him – it is no small adjustment.

We are daily being loaded with benefits. Psalm 68:19

[E.S.V.] “Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears us up; God is our salvation. Selah”

[NASB] “Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden, The God who is our salvation. Selah.”

[KJV] “Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.”

Indeed, it does us good to “pause and consider” and perhaps this is the reason that we are laid aside, so that we will take the time to do just that “pause and consider” We too, can bow in wonder at the One who took time to consider us.

“what is man, that thou are mindful of him……

The “BIG” birthday (70) came and finally went – how many celebrations can you have for 1 birthday?

Ontario Government impressed us with how quickly their services moved into place and we were reinstated into OHIP and immediately had various service personal wanting to assist us and make sure that we had the help that we needed.

Thank you again, Heavenly Father, for directing our steps to enable all of this to fall into place – we know it was no “Cosmos accident”, and we were not directed by time and chance – but rather, by a Great and Mighty God who has everything in His mighty hand.

Please take time to remember and pray for our colleagues who are working in preparation for camp and conferences back in Zambia. We’d love to be able to help but we are being reminded that the work in the Lord’s and He raises up and at times sets aside but ultimately – the Work is HIS.

We still do not know what lies ahead but we know the One who has all in His control

I Know Who Holds the Future

I do not know what lies ahead,

The way I cannot see,

But one stands near to be my guide,

He'll show the way to me.

I know who holds the future

And He'll guide me with his hand

With God things don't just happen,

Everything by him is planned.

So as I face tomorrow,

With its problems large and small,

I'll trust the God of miracles,

Give to Him my all.

I do not know how many days

Of life are mine to spend,

But one who knows and cares for me

Will keep me to the end.

I do not know the course ahead,

What joys and griefs are there.

But one stands near who fully knows,

I'll trust His loving care.

Please also continue to pray for our colleagues back in Zambia who are preparing for Camps and Conferences. Of course, we would love to be able to but personally, do not have the ability.

--Elva Brooks

Feb 17th. Prayer update.

Mum continues to be very very exhausted. Using the wheelchair more now. She has a hard time mustering up the energy to eat. Her thought processing has been slow of late. Appearing indecisive, likely due to her brain being exhausted. Mornings are harder Please continue to pray for strength and wisdom for those looking after her.

Tomorrow she will be officially under OHIP. So hopefully that should give them some more nursing care options.

Tomorrow is her 70th Birthday. Thank you to all who have sent me e-mails for her, as I requested. Memories and greetings. If you have sent one and not received a confirmation reply from me please let me know. I usually reply within in a day or two.

Thank you. Rachel V.

70th Birthday Greetings

My Mother, Elva Brooks, will turn 70 in a few days (Thursday, FEBRUARY 18, 2016). I thought it would be a nice present for her, if her family and friends would write one (or all) of the following:

1. a memory you have of Mother

2. something you appreciate about her.

3. simple birthday greeting.

4. send her something in the mail (contact me for address etc.)

Please send your notes to me at leonardandrachel@gmail.com

Thank you,

Rachel VandenBerg

Feb 10 Chemo will continue

(EDITED) Feb 10 -- Mums Doctor thinks that the heart tissue damage was just from the first chemo, when she had the allergic reaction. So they plan to go a head and do chemo #3 on Thursday. Which will be the smaller dose same as #2 chemo was.

Mother still continues to feel very week and exhausted. She has been able to have some regular meals, trying to get more protein.

Right now my Dad and Mum are just on their own, no family around. However the Family of God has been very good to them. Christians in the area have brought meals, and someone to clean once a week. As well as a list of people has been made, for my Dad can call when he needs to go out, so that there is someone always with Mum.

Thank you to all who have prayed and for all who have made meals or wrote e-mails or called. And those who have visited. All are much appreciated. If anyone would like to call or visit or e-mail just contact me and I can give your their contact info.

--Rachel VandenBerg

Feb 3 - out of hospital

Feb 3 -- Mum is coming home today (Should be home by now I would think). There will be no chemo this Friday. But will have a doctors appointment on Tuesday to decided what the next steps will be.
--Rach V. 

Feb 1st - Intensive care

Feb 1st. Mother (Elva) has been moved to the 3rd floor Intensive Care Unit of the Welland Hospital. Where she is being treated as a heart attack patient. (they are not 100% sure if she did infact have a heart attack or not, but are treating her as if she had). I believe she will be there for 3 days. I know they have done an ultrasound but am not sure of the results yet. Please continue to pray for her and my Dad, who is quite tired. He goes home at night to sleep and then goes back to the hospital during the day.
--Rachel V. 

Jan 31 - heart condition

Mum (Elva) has been admitted to the hospital for three days to treat her for a possible heart attack. They are not sure but want to be careful. The chemo may have done this but it is uncertain.

Jan 30 - Heart Enzyme elevated

Leonard and I (Rachel) just arrived back in PEI and received a phone call shortly after to say that my Mother, she has a fever and when they went to the hospital to check it out, they found that one of her cardiac enzymes is elevated. It could be nothing, but it could be something. So they are taking her to Welland hospital to check her further. Your prayers are appreciated. My Dad (Don Brooks) is with her.
They will test her heart enzyme again in 6 hours.

--Rachel V.

Jan 27th update - change in chemo

Yesterday was Dr's visit with Lab work prior to Chemo on Thursday.
Dr and Nurse very concerned about the amount of weight loss!! Dr said she had been burdened all week regarding my earlier reaction etc and what they were planning to subject me to. She decided that she will change the regime and not subject me to the heavier doses of Chemo. I am thankful for the Lord's over-ruling hand in having these decisions made for me. I must admit, during the past two weeks, wondering if it was really "worth it all".

Psalm 13:5-6New Living Translation (NLT)

5
But I trust in your unfailing love.
I will rejoice because you have rescued me.
6
I will sing to the Lord
because he is good to me.

--Elva Brooks

Jan 26th update

JAN 26th --- Effects of Chemo have mostly warn off. Mum is walking around the house, even went for a short walk outside- pushing her wheelchair for part of the way and sitting in it for the rest. Nausea is not too bad now. She still can only eat small meals, as digestion is continues to be an issue. She is having some inner ear issues, with balance and an fainting episode. They now have a wheelchair ramp into their home so that is helpful.

Her sister and brother-in-law have arrived safety (Marilyn & John Lindsay). Thank you so much for praying for their trip. It is nice that they are able to have a few days with Mum while she is "normal" before the Chemo takes its effects again.

Mum goes to the doctor today for her pre-chemo appointment. Thursday is the day for her SECOND CHEMO. It will be a long appointment. They plan to give her each drug one at a time to see how she reacts.

---Rachel VandenBerg

Jan 21

At suppertime today Mother got up and came out of her room, sat on the couch and read a story to my daughter. That was the first time she has left her room in a couple days, and the first time since she came home from the chemo that she has attempted to read a story to the kids. So that was a nice extra bit if effort on her part. My dad's brother, Ed Brooks (from South River, ON) came for the evening, we all enjoyed being able to see him.

--Rachel V.

Jan 19 update

Mother had a slightly better day today, no throwing up. So that was positive. She made a good effort to eat a few meals. So we will hold off with the IVs for now. Hopefully she will be able to continue to keep the food down in the days to come. This is a roller coster, some days are good some are not. Thankful for your continued prayers.

Please do pray for the safe travels of my Aunt & Uncle from NewZealand (my Mother's sister & husband). They arrive on this coming Sunday, January 24th.

--Rachel VandenBerg

Jan 18 2016

We are thankful that in the first few days we were here we had good conversations with Mother (Elva), as she was doing quite well, compared to Christmas time. However since her first chemo treatment she sleeps most of the day. The medication she takes for the nausea & the morphine she takes for the pain make it hard for her to stay awake for very long periods. So nutrition is hindered because of nausea and her sleepiness. She feels very weak which she says herself. If the vomiting continues, we will look into getting an IV to help her regain some strength. (The nurse said this would be possible when requested).

Continue to pray for daily wisdom for those who care for her, that we would know what is the best for her each day.

Also continue to pray for healing. I was encouraged to pray for this as the Lord brought to mind the verses, where our Lord Jesus in Gethsemane, knowing that his whole purpose of coming to the earth was to go to the cross and die, still prayed a number of times "Let this cup pass from Me, but not my will but Yours be done". So, if the Lord Jesus can pray that prayer, then I plan to pray that prayer up until the last minute, "Lord, if it be your will, please, heal my mother, but not my will but Yours be done."  

The future plan is that at her second chemo treatment, which will happen two weeks from the first one, she will be given each of the chemo drugs, one at a time. This way they can assess how she reacts to each one.

My parents have been encouraged by all of your e-mails and messages. My mother is only on the computer for a limited time these days, as she is often drifting off to sleep after only a short time. So if you are needing a response to something, please, feel free to contact myself at leonardandrachel@gmail.com