Update…
Betty – Miss McMoneypenny – is travelling with the Motherwell Diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes, 23 – 30 July, 2010. We are praying to Our Lady and to Pope Pius XII, whose cause of canonisation has been introduced, in the fervent hope of a miracle. Betty’s power of speech is slowly returning, but her doctors say she will never walk again. We’re praying that they will be proved wrong. Please join us in praying for a miracle for Betty. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven….
Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for her.
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Please pray for Blogger, Jacinta, who is also, as most of you know, the Catholic Truth Treasurer ‘Miss McMoneypenny’ (Betty).
Only fifteen minutes after I left her yesterday afternoon, following a short meeting about our forthcoming Fatima Conference, Betty suffered a massive cerebral hemorrhage and is in hospital in Glasgow. Today, Father Wingerden SSPX, administered the Sacrament of Extreme Unction.
Although Betty can’t speak, she obviously understands what we are saying to her. When I told her that I had posted an announcement on the blog, she reacted positively, so if bloggers would like to leave messages of good will and promises of prayers, I will relay them to her on my next visit. Thanks to those who have emailed, texted and phoned today – I will pass on all your messages when I next visit.
The next 24 hours are crticial, so please, do, keep Betty in your prayers. Thank you all, sincerely.
Editor
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I was devastated to hear of Betty’s (Jacinta’s) illness. She is one of the kindest souls I have ever had the privilege to meet, a good Catholic wife and mother.
I’m just off the phone to Fr. Webber who promises prayers at St. Mary’s House for her. She will certainly not be absent from mine.
I find it truly providential that Betty received extreme unction on this the First Saturday of the month. She has great devotion to Our Lady, enrolled in the Brown Scapular, and her Mother has sent a priest to her in this illness.
We all know that a person who dies having received extreme unction goes straight to heaven. But how many know of the wonderful miracles of bodily recovery that are associated with the last rites? There are many such miracles recorded and I count my own father’s recovery from deaths’ door on two occasions amongst them.
May Our Lady intercede for Betty that she make a full bodily recovery and may She watch over and comfort Betty’s husband and children at this difficult time.
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I join with Madame Editor and Athanasius in prayers for Jacinta. She has valiantly struggled to type her postings to this blog despite the handicap of an earlier stroke, and she deserves every spiritual aid we can summon for her benefit. Let us pray that she will be restored to us and that if this is not what God wills for her, she may have a peaceful release and a direct admission to Heaven.
May God give strength to her family. -
Like Athanasius I was devastated to hear of Betty’s (Jacinita) illness, though heard via mobile phone as I was outwith the Glasgow area on a mundane matter. But also learned by a further call that Father would be visiting to administer Extreme Unction. This being the first Saturday of the month, Our Lady has certainly looked after her daughter. She will be in my prayers most certainly, and also her family that God gives them strength at this time.
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I am sad to hear about Betty and do hope and pray that she will recover.
My family and I have said our family rosary early today as soon as we heard of this sad news and will continue to dedicate our prayers to Betty all weekend.
We hope and pray for a miracle that we don’t lose Betty and if we do – we pray that she will go to heaven!
Thinking of Betty and her family during this time!
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May the Immaculate Heart of Mary obtain for our dear, sweet Betty a full recovery, and allow her to continue to share the joys and blessings of her soul with friends and family.
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I have never had the pleasure of meeting Jacinta but it’s clear that she is loved by many. She will certainly be in my prayers this evening as will her family and friends.
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Having met Jacinta only once, after rosary at Sacred Heart last November, I put a face to the online persona I had come to know, a humble, gentle and faithful servant.
I will certainly keep Betty and her family in my prayers, that He may bring healing and comfort at this time, but ultimately that His will be done.
If this be her last battle, may Our Lady and her Guardian Angel respond to the thousands of requests made throughout her life ‘at the hour of my death’.
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Jacinta is in my prayers. May Our Lady watch over her. I spoke to her yesterday for the first time and what a lovely lady she is.
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Betty is a total inspiration. A first class Catholic mother and a great support to those who are finding there way as a traditional Catholic and Catholic parent. I pray for a speedy recovery.
Our lady of Lourdes, pray for her.
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Editor,
I am very saddened to hear of Betty’s serious illness. I cannot add more to the sentiments already expressed here other than to ask that you pass on to her that my thoughts and prayers are with her at this time.
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Thank you all so much for the beautiful messages posted so far. I have copied them and will check in the morning to see if there are any more to add, before printing off the thread and giving it to Betty’s family after Mass. They will find the messages of great consolation and I’m thinking they will be able to read them out to Betty tomorrow.
Betty’s contribution to the newsletter team-work cannot be overstated. She is as efficient and reliable as she is humble – and, believe me, Betty is a most humble soul. A beautifully innocent and humble soul. I’m praying for that “Extreme Unction miracle”.
We entrust Betty, body and soul, to Our Lady – Our Lady of Lourdes, health of the sick, pray for her. Our Lady of Fatima, pray for her.
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This morning, after Mass, I handed a copy of all the above comments to Betty’s daughter who was delighted to receive them and looks forward, she said, to reading them.
Against all the odds, Betty – who had, the doctors said, only a “slim chance” of surviving this stroke – has rallied somewhat and is making progress.
Whatever, this is a life-changing time for the family, so your continued prayers will be valued.
Sincere thanks to each one of you – your beautiful comments will be a source of joy and consolation to the family: of that I am certain.
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Our Lady of Fatima, pray for her.
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Thanks Credo – I’ll be visiting Betty again early this week (probably Tuesday, if she continues to make progress, or Monday) so I will take your promise of prayers and any other messages that are posted after this.
Betty has a husband, a daughter of 20, and a son of 17, so I know you will all continue to keep them in your prayers.
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I have not had the privilege of knowing Betty but we will remember her and her family in our Rosary this evening.
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Like everyone else, I was absolutely shocked to hear of Betty’s illness. I lit a candle for her in the church up the road from me in Rio de Janeiro and if I meet the priest before I leave I’ll ask him to remember her during Mass.
It is great to know however that she seems to be making progress. I guess this shows the power of having a strong devotion to our Blessed Mother. I can’t say I know Betty well personally, but on the few occasions I have met her, she has never come across as anything other than a thoroughly genuine, caring and friendly person (not to mention a dedicated Catholic, wife and mother) without a bad bone in her body. Let’s all continue to remember her in our prayers.
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Our Lady health of the sick, pray for her.
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Stella and Introibo
Very well said.
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Dear Jacinta,
Angele Dei, qui custos es mei, me, tibi commissum pietate superna, illumina, custodi, rege et gubérna.
Amen.
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I’ve just heard that Betty is now settled for the night. No change.
Thanks for the most recent posts – will post updates when I can. In the meantime, thanks for continuing to pray for Betty and her family.
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Give our regards and prayers to Betty, and her family.
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I will be praying for Jacinta and her family. I trust in Our Blessed Mother and am sure she will wrap Jacinta and her family in her mantle of love.
Nos cum parole pia Bendictat Virgo Maria
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I’ve just had a very moving telephone conversation with Betty’s husband. He asked me to post the following message on the blog…
FROM JACINTA’S HUSBAND…
I wish to thank, sincerely, all the bloggers for your kind messages and prayers which mean so much to me and my family. I am very touched by your messages and promise of prayers.
In any emergency, Betty always says “trust our Lady of Fatima”. The doctors told us that Betty would not live over the weekend. Yet, not only has she survived, but she has shown definite signs of improvement. This, we believe, is the result of Our Lady’s intercession.
We are so lucky to have found the Society of Saint Pius X and to have come to understanding the need to live as traditional Catholics.
My son, daughter and I were present when Fr Wingerden administered the Sacrament of Extreme Unction and it was incredibly uplifting and inspiring to see it and to witness Betty’s reaction. We just cannot thank the SSPX priests enough for their example, sermons and pastoral care.
Thanks to each and every Catholic Truth blogger for your wonderful support. God bless and take care of each one of you.
END OF MESSAGE FROM JACINTA’S HUSBAND.
I will be visiting Betty tomorrow morning and will pass on any additional messages then.
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Now there’s a Catholic family resigned to the will of God and grateful for His benefits! It does the heart good to witness such faith and trust in Our Lord and His Holy Mother.
I’ve just finished emailing another SSPX priest in the US to ask his prayers for Betty. The more the merrier in the hope of a full recovery.
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Amen to that Athanasius.
I should add that having told my father on Saturday about Betty, he has been offering Rosaries on her behalf.
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I’ve just had a text from Betty’s daughter to say she is responding amazingly well – today has tried to speak and stretched out to touch her son’s head.
I’m looking forward to visiting her tomorrow and will take all your love, good wishes and renewed promise of prayers.
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I thought that it would be nice if we could have a Holy Hour today (Tuesday) for Betty and we could all pray the Rosery. It would be nice if we knew that we were all united in prayer for her.
I suggest 7pm-8pm. Obviously some people won’t be able to make that time in which case just pray at whatever time suits. Ed has already asked to be included….
If you would like to join in please leave a post. I may not be able to log on again before then but rest assured that I will be praying the Rosery at 7pm! -
Guardian Angel
That is a most charitable suggestion. Count me in.
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Guardian Angel — Please count me in, too.
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Guardian Angel – Count me in as well.
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Guardian Angel
What a wonderful idea – definitely count me in.
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Me too.
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Leprechaun and Mrs Leprechaun will offer the rosary on behalf of Betty and her family between 7pm and 8pm tonight too.
Our Lady of Miracles, intercede for Betty.
Thank you Guardian Angel for that inspired thought.
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Guardian Angel & everyone
When I visited Betty today I told her about Guardian Angel’s idea for a holy hour and she nodded her appreciation. I also asked if she had enjoyed hearing the messages from the thread – again she nodded.
She was very tired (and this was early this morning) so I didn’t stay long. The nurse said she tends to get better as the day goes on. So, when I said “Betty, we won’t stay longer now, you’re tired….” She stretched out and took my hand and squeezed it. These are signs of improvement, so thank God for that. And thanks to all of you for your concern and prayers.
I have a friend visiting for a few days from Ireland, so am not able to write lengthy posts, as I’m sure you will all understand.
Back to normal on Thursday, God willing.
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Even though we were not physically together for our Holy Hour this evening, many prayers winged their way to Our Lady to help Betty and her family. And will continue with our many Rosaries.
Strange this was, my phone was exceptionally quiet until ten minutes past eight, when a friend phoned me thinking that I had tried phoning her this evening.
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A million ‘thank you’s’ to those of you who took the time and trouble to spent an hour in prayer for Betty.
The Rosery is one of the most powerful weapons in our arsenal and we trust the intercession of Our Blessed Lady on behalf of Betty.
Maybe we could make it a weekly thing with a different intention each time?
In the meantime God Bless you all.
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” Maybe we could make it a weekly thing with a different intention each time? ”
A wonderful idea, Guardian Angel!
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I second Miles Christi Sum’s appraisal of the idea of a weekly prayer intention proposed by Guardian Angel.
May I be so bold as to suggest the next intention should be dedicated to Elizabeth who is suffering in the terminal stages of cancer and who not only needs but also merits our prayers?
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A weekly Holy Hour? A lovely idea, and a yes.
Hoping that Betty is still progressing. Have been at my Father’s today. And he has been keeping in his prayers, there is no counting the Rosaries he is saying.
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Guardian Angel
Yes, I would certainly go in for that idea.
Leprechaun
I would be more than happy to offer the next holy hour for Elizabeth.
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Leprechaun
I also would be more than happy to offer the next holy hour for Elizabeth.
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Some Carmelite nuns are now remembering Betty in their prayers. Betty continues to make good progress, to everyone’s astonishment.
I note the suggestion for a weekly prayer intention, so would you mind doing that on the Question and Answer thread. That thread tends to fill up quickly, so whatever you want to pray about, would you mind just posting the intention and pray away there! (I’m trying to prevent a million “What a great prayer intention” and “I’ll pray for that…” which is really not necessary).
Let’s just do what Scripture says and not let our right hand know what our left hand is doing in the matter of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. There’s good reason for that injunction and it is all to do with our own spiritual advancement!
If you wish to post a notice of intention, by all means do that, but let’s leave the thread free for one-off questions and comments.
Many thanks.
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It occurred to me, after posting my comment above yesterday, that you may appreciate a thread set aside for making prayer requests – a more general thread apart from the one-off Q & A thread, to focus on spiritual matters? We could either utilitise the current lead thread on
the Spiritual Life for that end or open a different thread.You tell me!
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Editor
That’s a wonderful idea ….. although I’m not so sure you’ve got the right hand and the left hand thing right. If you were to follow the logic of that through you wouldn’t be able to tell people what a lovey Latin Mass you had attended etc etc…
I’d better duck to avoid that rolling pin….
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OK Guardian Angel – you ducked in time; I realise that I extended the Scriptural injunction about fasting to cover prayer as well. Trust you to give me away!
I’ll post the “prayer” thread as soon as possible.
UPDATE ON JACINTA…
Betty is continuing to make progress and was today transferred to another hospital where it is hoped they will be able to do something for her. She still has a long way to go, so keep praying for her, won’t you.
Her family are SO appreciative of our support.
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I’ve just spoken with Betty’s husband on the phone. Betty is making remarkable progress.
She is able to say words but can’t yet finish a sentence. She begins speech therapy on Monday.
And when her husband reminded her that six weeks today, will be the Fatima Conference and they would be going together… Betty winked at him!
Please, do keep praying for her. It would be the most wonderful thing if Betty could make it to the Conference.
Our Lady of Lourdes, Health of the Sick, pray for her.
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editor,
Thank you for the continued updates on Jacinta’s progress.
I must be honest in saying that when you first notified us of Betty’s condition it seemed there was little temporal hope she would still be with us for the conference, let alone participate in it.
We can all be thankful for her family that she has made the progress to date, and have hope and faith that with continued intercession we may greet her at the conference.
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I am very sorry to hear about Betty ’s illness and I hope she pulls through her treatment.
Get well soon!
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editor
I can’t express how pleased I am to hear of Betty’s progress. This is truly a miracle of grace. I fully expect to see her at the Conference because I think Our Lady has deigned that she should be there. Please keep us updated as things develop.
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Crossraguel – you are so right. Indeed, the doctors did not expect Betty to live beyond the weekend of her admission to hospital – this time last week, in fact. It is truly, as Athanasius says, a miracle of grace.
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yes, I am amazed that Betty’s progress is positive. I really do hope that we will see her at the conference!
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Betty had a good day today – our secretary (Norah) visited but she was sleeping (Betty, not Norah!) so they all (family and Norah) left her after a short while. She was also beginning the speech therapy today, so that is an excellent sign.
I’ll be visiting Betty tomorrow so will take the most recent messages with me.
Keep praying!
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I visited Betty this afternoon. At first she was a bit restless due to some discomfort, but after some attention from the nursing staff she seemed a lot better.
She listened closely to the messages from the bloggers and showed a lot of interest in each one.
When I told her about the Holy Hour (which, as I confessed on another thread, I mistakenly thought was to be for her for the duration of her illness) she raised her eyebrows as in amazement and nodded. She was clearly pleased. So, please, we must remember her in the Holy Hours during her illness.
She is saying some words. Her first word to me – when I bent over to kiss her forehead – was “smell” but, after the initial shock, I realised she was praising my perfume! She smiled several times during the visit and showed delight (by nodding) when I told her that Fr King SSPX was planning to visit her.
She was to begin speech therapy yesterday but it was postponed because she was very sleepy all day; however, the therapy will begin soon.
Betty’s husband and sister saw the doctor today and he said that the bleeding in the brain had stopped – he knew that, he said, because of progress she was making. It was healing itself. He then said that since she’d made this rapid improvement, they expected her to stablise soon and it would be slow progress from then on.
Wouldn’t it be great to prove him wrong? Keep up those prayers, then!
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Thanks for this, editor. I’m sure Betty will never be absent from our prayers. It is so good to hear that she is making progress. May it continue to advance rapidly to the astonishment of the medical staff.
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Spoke with Betty’s husband today and he says she is continuing to make good progress. She was trying to say something to him about me, but he couldn’t make it out, so I’ll have to wait until I see her myself on Monday to find out. In the meantime, keep your ideas about likely messages, to yourselves!
Father King SSPX was planning to visit today – the SSPX priests have been absolutely wonderful.
Continue to pray for Betty – she is making a remarkable recovery so far.
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I visited Betty today and found her in great spirits. She listened attentively to the list of people who have asked for her and again, raised her eyebrows in pleasant amazement at all the prayers and the holy hours, being offered for her.
She then ASKED – in her own way – for some people, saying, e.g. “Perth” to prompt me to name the parishioner who travels every week from Perth to Mass at the SSPX chapel so I quickly rectified my oversight and said that Mark from Perth has also asked for her and said she is in his family rosary every day. That pleased her a great deal.
I told her a bit about the last minute additions to the September edition, about to go out early (one of the last things she said to me before she took ill was “get it out asap”) because of the last minute information about the Conference. She remembered that and nodded.
We laughed a few times because one word which she keeps saying and knows it is not the word she means, is “changeover”. She shook with laughter knowing it wasn’t the right word and she understood my banter about it. She is having speech therapy, so hopefully that will improve soon.
Above all, though, she listened attentively as I read out a card I had brought for her, obtained during my recent visit to Carmel; a most encouraging extract from the writings of and about St Therese relating to suffering and illness. She listened with closed eyes and nodded. When I stopped just before the final paragraph (because I felt close to tears), she opened her eyes, looked surprised and said clearly “is there no more?”
It was a beautiful visit and it was great, too, to see Betty’s husband and daughter attending so lovingly to her. I’ll be back to see her at the end of the week so will report back then.
In the meantime, let’s keep them all in our prayers.
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Deo gracias. And you can tell Betty that dear, sweet Torkay says to start taking that Omega 3 fish oil.
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editor
I’m so pleased with the continued progress of Betty. Please tell her that she’s never out of our hearts and prayers. I have every confidence that Our Lord, through Our Lady’s intercession, will restore her finally to full health. Thanks for the update.
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I’m delighted to hear how well Betty is doing. My boy misses her big smile at Mass and I hope the Editor will tell her that next time she visits. I know how much Betty loves children and how much they love her.
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Petrus, I definitely WILL tell her that – it will make her smile. She truly loves children.
Torkay – I will also be sure to pass on your latest daft message – she’ll smile at that too.
And of course, Athanasius. She nodded when I mentioned his name today – then shook it as if to say “isn’t he the limit”…
Only kidding Ath!
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I’m glad that Betty is progressing, and was sorry that I did not get along to see her also, as I had to go check on my father today and sort him out.
Men sometimes need sorting out now and again.I do miss Betty’s smile and little pearls of wisdom that she drops into a conversation. In any case she is in my prayers and that of my father too.
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I visited Betty again this afternoon and found her a little downhearted. She is clearly exasperated trying to make herself understood – I know the feeling!
Seriously, though, she picked up a few times and was, as ever, interested to hear news from the blog and about the Conference plans. She recognised all your names, who have asked for messages to be passed on, and she nodded and smiled at each one.
I told her we had a meeting planned for next week re. the Conference and we would miss her input. She nodded but misunderstood, thinking I’d said she wouldn’t be at the Conference itself; she became very animated and frowned. Her husband reminded me that there is no way she will miss the Fatima Conference “even if we have to take her in a wheelchair, she’ll be there”.
So, of course, I immediately expressed my delight and promised she would be our number one Guest of Honour on that day. She relaxed and smiled.
My next visit is scheduled for middle of next week but I know that gloria is planning to visit tomorrow, so I look forward to that update. She was in rather low spirits today, so keep her in your prayers, everyone. Please and thank you!
gloria…. over to you!
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editor
It is quite normal for a person who has suffered a stroke to become moody and emotional. These strokes play havoc with the brain. Betty will get stronger as time passes. I’m just so happy that she’s doing well generally.
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Athanasius, I didn’t mean to give the impression that Betty was “emotional” or “moody”. She was just a little more subdued that usual. That’s all.
She is really doing very well indeed and she smiled plenty today, so I’m sorry if I gave the wrong impression.
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This afternoon was the first opportunity I had to visit Betty again since last week. Betty was awake though seemed a little tired, but then the occupational therapists had been working with her, about an hour prior to visiting time. And I am aware that the physiotherapists will be working with her also.
She does get a bit frustrated in trying to make herself understood, but when the doctor popped in to check on her, Betty said as clear as a bell,
“My goodness”. She was animated when her husband, daughter and myself telling what was happening at home and abroad.Betty was anxious to hear how the Conference plans were progressing, and told her that we were meeting next week for the final planning stages.
It would not be the same without her being there with us.
And of course I teased her husband a little about his cooking, and Betty smiled especially as their son had enjoyed it.Please keep Betty and her family in your prayers.
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It has just struck me that I have not mentioned that Betty wanted to know what day of the week it was. She was very surprised when I told her that today was Friday, 21st August. Because her husband and daughter told her that the stroke happened on the afternoon of the 31st July.
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gloria, many thanks for your posts above – sounds like you had a lovely visit.
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Madame Editor,
You can tell Betty that Leprechaun will be looking to shake her hand at the Conference and if that thought doesn’t get her up and running (from the scene), nothing will!
Seriously, I am remembering her in my daily devotions.
Would it be out of order to post details on the blog of the hospital and ward so that she could receive cards etc?
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Leprechaun, that is a lovely message. I saw Betty today, with gloria in tow, and she was very tearful at first. Can’t wait to get home.
She perked up when we started to give her news of the blog and Conference and her daughter said that the medics say she is 80% back to the way she was before her stroke. Betty, remember, had a previous stroke over 20 years ago, so she already had some residual disability from that illness which affected her right arm and her speech slightly – just couldn’t find the right word always, but nothing worse, thank God. Now she is paralysed on her right side and can only say a few words – terribly frustrating for her.
She does, however, understand the spiritual attitude to such suffering and remembered what the priest had said to her when he administered Extreme Unction so that is a wonderful grace and keeps her at peace.
leprechaun, I’m afraid it wouldn’t be wise to post the name of the hospital and ward. More than that, I won’t say except to remind you that the newsletter team have never been in the running for any popularity awards. If anyone wishes to send cards to Betty they can do so by addressing them to The Treasurer, Catholic Truth, 10 Sandyford Place, Glasgow, G3 7NB and we will take them to Betty when we visit. Note: Sandyford Place is only a mailing address – we do not have an office there so no point popping in!
gloria will probably come on to give you her account but don’t believe her if she tells you that I talked too much. I mean, would I?
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Well I ask you all, what is this about don’t believe gloria if I tell you that the editor talks too much. “She does, she does, she does”. But don’t tell her I told you.
As our editor says, Betty was a little tearful upon our arrival. But that soon changed as she was eager for news on the Conference front, and the realisation that it will soon be upon us.
She certainly was able to say a few more words, than I heard last week. It is a struggle for Betty to try get across some point she is making, as we tried to grasp what she meant. At times we did get the point.
It was good to hear her daughter say that the medics think she is 80% back to the way she was prior to this stroke. And yesterday, if Betty could, she would have been out of that bed and took both of us by the arm and go to check exactly the preparations for the Conference with her own eyes.
Her husband and son arrived at this point, so both of us took our leave, promising her we would visit again.
Keep up those prayers to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary that Betty continues to progress and for the little miracle of her attending the Conference in person.
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I visited Betty again this afternoon and found her sleeping. The ward was busy, too, with the other three patients surrounded by chattering visitors but she slept through it for a bit. After a little while, her husband and daughter arrived and then Betty woke up and looked amazed to see us all.
She was, however, very tearful today and couldn’t seem to get comfortable. Her daughter is marvellous with her and so attentive and spent most of the hour trying to get her comfortable, adjusting the bed and pillows etc. Poor Betty. Please, will you all keep praying for her. She is so longing to be well again and home. Intermittently, she said: “please, oh please” to indicate her desperation to get home. It was heartbreaking.
I did name all the people who asked for her after Mass on Sunday and updated her on the ticket sales for the conference but, although she listened and nodded, she wasn’t in good form today at all. I felt terribly sad leaving her.
I always leave about ten minutes before the end to allow the family some private time, but today she pulled me down and hugged me twice, as I was trying to leave. I’ll tease her when (please God) she gets well that her attempts to strangle me in the hospital didn’t work, but really, I feel terribly sad, thinking about her suffering.
Please keep her in your prayers, everyone.
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Editor
Absolutely. It must be awful to see her so frustrated. I’m sure her sufferings will bring great graces to her and her family.
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editor
Yes, I feel for Betty and I know she will come on quicker at home than in hospital. My father was exactly the same. As for the tears, this is to be expected following a stroke. It interferes with the emotions. Poor Betty! She can certainly count on our continued prayers.
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I will continue to pray for Betty. I remember her in my daily Rosary.
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Thanks Petrus, Athanasius and Credo for your comments and continued prayers.
I visited Betty again today and she was much more cheerful. Very interested in everything. I always begin by telling her who was asking for her since last time and she listens closely and today her speech was a bit better. Two different nurses came in to chat while I was there and they knew about the Conference and said they were working with Betty to do their utmost to get her well enough to be there but it is by no means definite.
Betty’s husband was also visiting and he said he is also doing everything he can to get her to the Conference so if it can be done, it will be done. If she does manage, we’ll have to allow her to sit in a wheelchair and not crowd her. I promised we would see to it that she was well looked after.
Luckily our secretary is a trained nurse with specialism in stroke rehabilitation so – the nurses said – that is a bonus and will be part of their assessment as to whether or not they think it would be safe to allow Betty the day out.
The main thing today is that Betty was bright and cheerful and much happier than last week.
Let’s all keep her in our prayers a while yet.
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editor
Thanks for this update. I am delighted to learn that Betty continues to make progress. Deo Gratias!
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I, too, also send Betty my best regards and assurances of my daily prayers. Just as well I can’t make the Conference as I didn’t know that she might be there!!!!!
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I visited Betty this afternoon and she was cheerful. Remains very interested in all the news brought in to her. I let her know of those who were asking after her. Her speech is a little better and is slowly coming on.
Her husband was also visiting, he is saying that we are likely to know later in the week if everything will work and she can be there. So please keep up your prayers.
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Thanks for that update, gloria. Great to hear that Betty was cheerful today. I’ll visit later in the week.
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I visited Betty today and she looked great but quite subdued, partly due to the heat. Davie and I took her for a walk around the hospital grounds then in for a cup of tea and once her other visitors (cousins) left, we had a chat about tomorrow’s conference.
The nursing staff do not want Betty to go but she is determined, so her husband has ordered a taxi to get them to the hotel in time for the 10am start.
We’ll make sure Betty is sitting in her wheelchair near the exit, so she can be taken out if she gets too tired.
With tiredness in mind, would you all be very restrained and avoid speaking to Betty beyond saying “hello” because if she is asked questions or “talked at” she gets terribly tired.
She wants to hear the talks and questions and answers, so hopefully she will be able to stay for the day. If not, her husband will take her back to the hospital.
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I arrived a little later than usual to visit Betty, to find her husband Davie had taken her a walk in the hospital grounds, we quickly gravitated to the WRVS cafe for a cup of tea.
She looked great today, especially after having attended the Conference on Saturday and was surely tired at the end of the day. She certainly had taken great interest in what Father Kramer and Father Gruner said.
Betty was briefly tearful, and I think because she yearns to get home.
She managed to convey that an “extraordinary minister”, I think who was female, (remember that topic recently on the blog), paid her a visited three times in an attempt to give her Communion. Betty was not happy about this, but she is a strong lady, and indicated NO and more or less that she should simply go. In any event the SSPX in Scotland have been contacted who will visit Betty as soon as possible.Keep Betty in your prayers
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gloria, thanks for your report of your visit on Monday.
I visited Betty this afternoon and she was very cheerful. I arrived first, closely followed by her daughter and we three set out for a walk in the grounds, given that it was so sunny. However, after a very short while I think Betty felt too hot, so we, too, headed for the tearoom. Soon, Davie, hubby, arrived and Betty told me, with the help of her family about that Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. She was really upset by that stupid woman and did, as you say, send her packing; pointing, Betty just said “go!” And as you say, the SSPX priest will be bringing Holy Communion to Betty very soon.
She was delighted with the Conference and it was great to see her so happy today.
As gloria said on Monday, though, do keep her in your prayers – Betty is so keen to get home.
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Editor
When you say “set out for a walk,” are we to understand that Betty is now walking? No wheelchair?
Anyway, please send her lots of love from the Extraordinary Minister of Satire.
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No, sorry, Torkay, I should have made it clear that Betty was in the wheelchair. Her daughter and I did the walking and pushing the wheelchair while Queen Elizabeth of Catholic Truth was taken here, there and everywhere to enjoy the sunshine…
Betty remains paralysed on her right side and cannot speak, except for a few words, “Torkay” – to date – not being one of them!! But, she’ll get there, worry not! I’ll tell her I said that and she will laugh when I see her tomorrow. A hollow laugh, no doubt, since you’ve not exactly jumped on the first plane over here to see her and to check out the most recent stats on the population of Glasgow, but she’ll laugh just the same!
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I have just returned from a million and one outings, the most important of which was a visit to see Betty in the hospital.
She was very cheerful indeed today although it was too cold to go for a walk. We stayed in the ward and chatted. Betty indicated that she loved the Conference and when I told her the good news about the arrival of baby Patrick, she raised her eyebrows and clapped her hands in delight, so she clearly understands everything we’re saying to her.
She was also visibly pleased when Fr McLaughlin appeared to absolve her and administer Holy Communion.
There are the first signs from the hospital that they are considering letting Betty go home, which is what she – and her family – desperately want. Two nurses paid a visit to the house this morning to measure up for necessary adjustments so that is a welcome sign of progress.
Please keep up the prayers.
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Editor
Please tell Betty that as soon as I win the lottery, I’ll have a plane ticket in hand for Glasgow to come give Betty a big hug. What the heck, I may just buy the whole plane….
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Torkay, I have to confess that I forgot to pass on your message when I visited Betty this afternoon.
That was partly because there were lots of visitors today, so I didn’t get to recite my usual list of names and messages.
Betty’s husband, daughter, sister & hubby, plus a lifelong friend were already visiting when I arrived.
We all went to the tearoom and chatted, with Betty in great spirits. She managed to tell us that the medical staff are meeting tomorrow to discuss whether or not she might get home, so that would be great news. Because Betty lives in a flat and has a couple of flights of stairs to climb, I’m not really hopeful that they will release her just yet. She is desperate to get home, though.
I promise to pass on your message when I see her next, Torkay, which will probably be next week now.
Keep praying for Betty – she is definitely coming on magnificently, and even managed to walk a little with the help of crutches. Her paralysis is being conquered, Deo Gratias!
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editor
That’s great news, but I have said all along that a rapid improvement will follow her discharge from hospital. She’ll come on leaps and bounds once she is back in the familiar surroundings of her own home.
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I somehow managed to arrive at the hospital to visit Betty a few short minutes before her husband and daughter appeared. It can take a little time to find a parking space for the car, and then wait for the lift to take them to level 4.
The weather was on the cool side and a bit windy, so I’m afraid there was no walk around the hospital grounds. But nevertheless we all did visit the cafe for a welcome cup of tea.
Betty was in great spirits as we chatted. One of the ladies who shared the room she is in was being discharged home today, and it is a case of when will she be allowed home.
I think that the occupational therapist, and perhaps the physiotherapist have been to Betty’s home, to work out how things might work for Betty being at home. There is no date of course for Betty going home as yet.
Our editor has already mentioned that there is a couple of flights of stairs to reach Betty’s flat, and this is a major consideration in planning a discharge from hospital. But we’ll see what the future will bring.I’m sure Betty’s patience is being tried when she sees others, who have been admitted to the ward after her, go home, while she still waits.
Betty and her family are still delighted over Fr McLaughlin visiting and with further visits in the pipeline.
Unfortunately Torkay, I’ve just realised I did not pass your message onto Betty either, so MEA CULPA.
But please keep saying your prayers for her. She is coming on like nobody’s business.
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Thanks for that excellent report, gloria. My car is going in for its service tomorrow morning but I hope to be all done and dusted in plenty of time to pay Betty a visit in the afternoon.
Will report back tomorrow evening.
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I’m afraid I didn’t make it to the hospital after all. My car went in for service at what is for me, the crack of dawn, and wasn’t read for collection until late afternoon, so I’ve not been able to see Betty today. Plan to visit on Monday, though, so will update then.
I did ring her husband and she has been very good since I last visited.
More on Monday…
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I visited Betty today but, sorry to report, she was very depressed indeed and quite tearful. I promised I would ask you all to redouble your prayers for her.
She gets lots of visitors – her family are visiting every day and doing all they can to press the authorities to get Betty home (Davy quoted you, Athanasius, saying she would come along much more quickly at home) so please pray for all the strength needed for Betty and her family at this time.
gloria plans to visit on Wednesday, so another update will be posted then.
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It was Betty’s husband and myself who visited this afternoon.
Just after we had arrived, the doctor appeared. It seems they are really pleased with her progress, though there is still room for improvement.When doctor left, Betty was keen to get out of the ward for a while, which of course meant the compulsory cup of tea in the cafe at ground level.
Betty was cheerful today, but, at the same time rather fed up at still being stuck in hospital. It was a case of ‘Let me out of here, I want home to my own place’.There is no date of a discharge home as yet, so Betty’s patience is being sorely tried as she is desparate to be off home. But her speech is slowly coming along.
Torkay, I remembered to tell her, that if you ever won the lottery, you would buy a ticket if not the plane itself, and come visit to give her a hug.
She was really pleased at that, and, she might just hold you to it.Please continue to offer up those Rosaries for both Betty and her family.
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gloria
Thanks for that update on Betty. I hope she gets home soon because that will make her come on better, although I understand she has stairs to climb which is not so good. We’ll continue to pray for her.
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I also am thinking and praying for you Betty. chin up old gal!!
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It is pleasing to hear that Betty continues to make progress, our continued prayers that she returns home as soon as is practicable and appropriate.
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gloria
Thanks for delivering my message, and I’m very happy that Betty is continuing to improve. I’m still offering up my Rosary for her.
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Please relay to Betty that old leprechaun still has her on his prayer list. It was a pleasure to see such a bright smile on her face at the Conference, and may she soon be back at her own house and contributing (even if by proxy) to the blog.
God bless, Betty.
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As I made my from the train station to the hospital, Betty’s husband was passing in his car and stopped to give me a lift the rest of the way so that we arrived at the ward together.
Betty herself was seated in the wheel chair ready and waiting for us. As the ward is rather warm, she was very keen to get down to ground level for some fresh air. First, of course, we visited the cafe, or, as our editor would say the tearoom. A cup of tea is a must. But, as soon as we had finished Betty wanted out to the foyer, for it was warm in the cafe too. We were near enough the doors when they opened for fresh air. But far enough away so that she would not become chilled.
The sun was shining and yet October is sure letting us know that autumn, (or as Tomas de Torkay would say the fall) is now definitely here. There has been quite a nip in the air early mornings and late evenings. Betty took interest in some of the nearby trees, as the leaves are giving a magnificent display of reds and yellows. It is a pleasure to see, and yet not without a little sorrow for the trees will be bare in a short space of time.
She does at times become frustrated with her speech, it does not seem to be improving as quickly as she would like, especially on the occasions it takes someone a little time getting to grips with what she is saying. Yet, it is improving albeit slowly.
Betty was pleased when I passed on the messages from Athanasius, semperfidelis, Crossraguel, Tomas de Torkay and leprechaun. I wish you all could have seen that lovely smile she has. She really does appreciate everyone on the blog continuing to think of her, and offering prayers on her behalf.
There is still no date for Betty going home, so I know her patience is still being tried a little further. Please keep saying those prayers.
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Betty’s husband has just phoned to tell me something amazing. As you all know, Betty has lost the power of speech although she is gradually learning to speak again and saying words and phrases.
Well, today, out of the blue, in the company of her husband and daughter, she suddenly started to say the Our Father which she said word-perfect. Then she said the Hail Mary, again word-perfect.
Isn’t that amazing?
Keep praying for Betty – she is so desperate to be home.
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You got it Betty – every Rosary still starts with you! What’s that old saying – 5 decades a day keeps the doctor away?
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Betty has been told that leprechaun has her on his prayer list.
For what it is worth, my prayer every morning is specifically that Our Lady will intercede with Our Lord that He will reach out and touch Betty to restore the power of speech and the use of her right arm.
Thanks be to God for the news in your update Madame Editor.
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editor
That is truly amazing news of Betty. I too pray for her always and hope that she will soon be home fully restored in both speech and mobility.
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Our editor and I visited Betty this afteroon, and there was a slight change of venue. Instead of the wrvs tearoom at ground level, we made our way to the canteen in the basement, to meet Betty, her husband and one of her friends. It is a spacious room, and quieter than the tearoom upstairs. Madame editor organised the tea for us all, she had much disappointment to discover that chocolate was not on sale. In fact, I’m almost sure that there was tears in her eyes, over this sad event.
Now to Betty. Betty was cheerful this afternoon and was really pleased to hear of all those who was asking after her, (Athaasius, leprechaun, Tomas de Torkay, everyone in fact. Her gratitude was very much in evidence that so many are continuing to keep her in their prayers.
She is very interested in what is happening on the blog and of course the newsletter. Our editor told Betty that she is struggling to get the next edition of the newsletter ready for publication, and thence to the printers, so Betty nodded her concern about this.
She is looking well today, and has a lovely complexion, plus she has lost some weight which is all to the good. Both myself and our editor were to pleased to hear Betty recite the Pater Noster, word perfect and clear.
Hopefully the day will come soon that she will be able to go home, but please keep her in your prayers nonetheless.
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Betty will remain in my daily Rosary for the foreseeable future – whether or not Madame Editor finds any chocolate in the canteen.
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Torkay, I visited Betty today and told her that you faithfully remember her and that leprechaun and Athanasius posted good wishes after my last visit. She always perks up when I mention the blog and remembers all the names. I told her that it will be great when she is able to read the comments herself, again, and she nodded so sadly.
She soon picked up though and this was a much more cheerful visit than we’ve had for a while. I have to say, it was the longest I’d sat down and done nothing except talk for ages! I felt quite relaxed at the end!
Only myself and Betty’s husband were present this afternoon – other family members will have visited this evening.
One comical incident: I insisted, as is my generous, big-hearted wont, on buying the tea. Again, no chocolate. What IS it with these health freaks?
Anyway, the order was 3 cups of tea and only me with a biscuit, so the bill was a mere £2. To my mortification, I had no notes in my purse and had to scramble for change, queue forming behind me, everyone of whom came to the knowledge that I had on my person and in my purse, the exact sum of – you guessed it – £2. So, for once I was glad they had no chocolate!! The girl at the till laughed and said she wouldn’t have turned me away anyway, so I guess she just enjoyed seeing me squirm as I counted out my two 50 pence pieces, several 5 pence pieces and umpteen coppers. WOW! Torkay!Anyway, it was great to see Betty so cheerful and so pleased to hear about all of you rascals. Or should that be blogscals…
Not sure if gloria will make it this week, but if she does, she’ll be sure to report back. I’ll be back, too, fret not. In the meantime, keep praying for Betty – still desperate to get home.
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Editor
I’ve been following these messages continuously. Betty is never out of our prayers. I’m glad she is making progress. A big thank you to the editor and Gloria for keeping us informed.
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Today, being October 20th, is the traditional day to commence a Novena to St. Jude (patron saint of matters despaired of) ending on his birthday on October 28th.
I think Betty’s is a worthy cause so a set of three prayer cards can be downloaded here for those who want them:
Click here. .
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Thanks Petrus and leprechaun – I’ll pass on your postings next time I visit (if gloria doesn’t beat me to it, that is!)
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This afternoon I visited Betty to find that her daughter had arrived just a few minutes ahead of me. As the occupational therapist left moments later, we made our way down to the canteen (Betty of course in a wheelchair). Betty’s husband was several minutes late due to problems of finding space to park the car.
Betty was cheerful this afternoon, and had a notion for juice, something she’s not drank for a while, usually having water or perhaps tea. Her daughter declined anything to drink and neither did her husband when he arrived.
Sorry editor, I did manage to beat you to passing on Petrus and leprechaun’s postings. Betty was touched about the Novena to Saint Jude on her behalf. But she does enjoy being kept up to date about everyone on the blog and what topics that come up. In fact, she quizzed me about my 88 year old father and how he is getting on. She did say that in the evening she finds it difficult to concentrate on her evening prayers, as the ward can be noisy. I know just what she means, a hospital surely never sleeps.
Betty had a little beauty treatment, courtesy of her daughter who applied a lovely pale pink shade of nail polish. It made me self conscious about my hands. In any case the four of us spent time chattering away. Yet I’m sure Betty would be glad to get home. It seems that it is 12 weeks this Friday since Betty had her stroke.
So keep up your prayers on her behalf.
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Thanks for that excellent report, gloria. I had a huge surprise yesterday when Betty phoned! She asked “how are you?” We had a little conversation, with some guesswork as to what she was trying to say. It makes me terribly sad but delighted that she is regaining her speech.
Amazing progress.
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Madame Editor,
Our Lady is being besought by pleas galore on behalf of Betty for the return of her power of speech. Is her progress really amazing given the power Our Lady has through her Son, and the love with which the prayers are being offered?
If Betty is able to concentrate while she does some reading, I would very strongly recommend St. Louis de Montfort’s “True Devotion to Mary” – it is certainly opening my eyes.
Has anyone up in Glasgow a copy to lend to Betty?
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My apologies,
I visited Betty on Monday but forgot to post a report.
I took my little great-nephew along – four years old Anthony – and Betty’s eyes lit up as soon as she saw him. She knows him from Mass on Sundays and he gave her a huge hug. He is a beautiful wee boy (I would say that, I suppose) and he told her about his own visit to a “hostipal” a few weeks ago for a minor treatment after a fall.
Betty’s husband and son soon arrived and we had a nice visit.
leprechaun, Betty’s speech is very limited. That is why we were amazed when she recited the Our Father and Hail Mary, word perfect. She still struggles and can’t say much, let alone hold a complete conversation.
And, sadly, too, she is unable to read properly but as soon as that changes, will pass on a copy of St LM De Montfort’s True Devotion – with your compliments!
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Thank you, Madam Editor.
“The impossible we do immediately, miracles take a little longer”.
Relay to Betty that when she can recite word-perfectly the Memorare, she will be able to do something I cannot yet do myself!
May Our Lady hasten to help her back to full health.
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On visiting Betty this afternoon, I arrived ahead of her husband who was finding a parking space for the car. Meantime Betty’s mobile phone rang and she answered quite clearly with a hello, and found her daughter on the other end which brought a smile to her face. The call had just ended when Betty’s husband arrived.
It was then a matter of down to the canteen for a cup of tea, though Betty preferred orange juice today. Betty was a little frustrated with her speech today as it took a little time to get to grips with what she was trying to say.
She did have some discomfort in her right leg, which seems to have been like a pins and needles sensation.But nonetheless she does like to hear what is going on with the blog, so keep her in your prayers, especially as she really would like to be at home soon. Wouldn’t it be marvellous if she could be home before Christmas?
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Thanks, gloria, for that report. It would, indeed, be marvellous if Betty got home for Christmas.
leprechaun, that is one message I must remember to give Betty on Monday, about the Memorare – she’ll laugh at that!
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I visited Betty today and she was rather tearful, keen for your prayers.
Our Lady of Lourdes, health of the sick, pray for her – a miracle, please, Our Lady! Soon!
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And so say all of us. Ask all things of Our Lord through his Mother, Mary.
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Both Madame editor and I visited Betty this afternoon. We arrived a bit early today, ahead of her husband and daughter. They requested if we could take Betty down to the canteen, which we did, and we all met up there. Betty herself seemed more cheerful today.
Leprechaun, Betty really did laugh when Madame editor passed on your message about the Memorare. And was pleased to hear that Crouchback and his Lady Letitia were asking after her. And of course she likes to be kept updated on what is happening on the blog.
Betty’s husband and daughter updated her on what is happening at home and how they are getting along. Of course she still gets frustrated with her speech, and that it is a slow process about getting home.
So small miracles are happening, but keep Betty in your prayers so that the impossible can be accomplished, not only with her speech, but that she may get home soon.
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I visited Betty today and we spent an hour in the canteen chatting (me chatting, of course) and Betty looked well and was as cheerful as could be expected being still in hospital and with me nattering non-stop.
I told her about the Debate and she made amazed expressions and nodded and smiled a lot. Thumbs up when I said Athanasius had won, outright.
Keep praying for her. It is proving a long haul with no sign of getting home on the horizon.
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Great news!
I’m just home from visiting Betty in hospital and I am delighted to report that she is being discharged home next Wednesday. She was in good spirits today and showed her usual interest in the blog. Most pleasingly, she was able to offer her contribution as Treasurer to all decisions put to her! Wonderful. She also laughed heartily at several points. No, not at me… watch it!
I’ll now close this thread, but not before thanking you all for the concern and good wishes expressed for Betty on this thread and for your prayers.
Sincere thanks.
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