After getting more answers out of the medical team myself, Ashley, Jeanette and Mom met with a Care team that looks at the whole picture medically and objectively. We really are on our 4th reoccurrence with Dad. September, June and then July....three in the last year. The writing is on the wall. We felt very comforted in knowing that we should stop fighting and make Dad comfortable and bring him home.
Yesterday we brought him home and stopped all treatments. We have started hospice care and he is so happy to be here with us. The doctors have told us that the meningitis could take 2 days or 2 weeks to take him. The tumors could take 6 weeks or 8. So somewhere between 2 days and 6 weeks we will be sending Dad back home. And ironically, this all feels really right. Even though we hate it and it's tough.
Scott is home and when he heard the news over the phone he was angry at first. "What do you mean we are not fighting!" And now he is here with us and he knows it is right.
This is so difficult for all of us to deal with. But when we listen to our heart we each feel at peace. We have felt the love of the Lord more deeply, and are grateful for those that have offered prayers on our families behalf. Thank you to each of you. We know that the Lord lives, that he has a plan.
My personal testimony of the plan of salvation has grown so much, and I know that Dad is going to a GREAT place. My father has been the greatest example of one that truly loves the Lord. I have always watched him say his prayers before eating any meal, he never missed a day of reading his scriptures. He loved to go to the temple, and faithfully served as the ward mission leader... personally knocking on doors, FINDING those that had a desire to hear the gospel.
We love our Dad so much. The time at home has already been so sweet. We are hanging on to every moment we have left.
Love to each of you,
Jon (The Lefrandt Family)
15 comments:
Jon (and family),
Tears are rolling down my face as I'm reading these stories about your dad, who I've never met but already love. He seems like an incredible person who means so much to so many people. You all are definitely in our prayers during this tough time, and we too know that some great things are in store for us after this life. I admire your faith and strength in the gospel. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Much love,
Emily & Ryan Roche
We love Harold and your entire family! Last Sunday Harold visited us as a home teacher and gave a passionate, heart-felt plea to live the Gospel. He is a remarkable man. Please know that our fervent prayers are with you. Your faith and strength are an inspiration. God's will is being done. With much love, The Krahenbuhls
Dear Family, I am not sure what to say at this point other then we had to make a similar choice with Ken's stepfather. It seemed the right thing to do, bringing him home to be around the people that loved him the most. I believe it was the right thing to do as I believe it is in your situation as well. Life is not always fun, but it is good. So many things happen in life that we don't understand and at times we may question why.....I wish I could give an answer to that question as to why things happen to such good people. The plan of salvation is truly astounding and in all honesty I believe one of the greatest things we are lucky enough to have in our lives. I know you all know it to be true and I pray that you will take solice in that knowledge. Please know we pray for your family to have peace and enjoy being together. XXX OOO Debbie
We love you all. We pray for your whole family throughout the day.
This was hard to hear. You are all such a strong family.
We love you!
love the Jones'
Trevin and I are sitting here at the computer with tears streaming down our faces.... there is a reflective silence as we try to digest all that we have just read. Jon thank you for taking the time to keep us all informed about your Dad. We love Harold and all of the Lefrandts-- some of the sweetest memories in our family's history come from Issaquah and the good old 5th ward. You are like family, and you are in our prayers that you might continue to feel that "peace that surpasses all understanding" as you face difficult decisions. That is a peace that the world cannot understand and yet it allows us the strength to move forward in the most difficult of circumstances. We love you. We are praying for you!!!
XOXOXOXO The Rasmussens
It was a sweet experience for us to spend time with Uncle Harold the other day... we just couldn't stop kissing him and loving him. We know how grateful he is for his family and how well you are taking care of him..We just love you more than life itself. Thank you for letting us be a part of it all. We love you...xoxo
tiffy and chris
Thank you again for taking the time to do this and for you sweet, simple and faithful testimony(ies). We love you all.
I just want you to know that you are all in my heart. I've been thinking about your family a lot, and life a lot. My mom has been worried about you all constantly. Thank you for keeping us updated with everything. Harold, your awesome, I'll never forget your smile. What a great example to your family you have been. You're leaving a legacy. Love to you all.
Dear Lefrandt Family,
We are relieved to hear Harold is home surrounded by those that matter most to him. The love that you have for one another is a beautiful testimony of who you are, individually and collectively. As you have put your trust in our Father in Heaven and His plan, may heaven's sweetest blessing shower upon you at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you continually.
Love to you all,
The Beck Family
You are a family that truly has a testimony of our Heavenly Fathers Plan. In Alma we are taught that if we were to take away death it would destroy our Heavenly Father's "plan of happiness". I am also taught of Faith and testimony by watching and learning from families such as yours. Our prayers are with you.
Our hearts are with you. I'm so grateful that you are being blessed with peace, that you are being able to savor your time together, and that you have a knowledge of the gospel and of God's plan for Harold. We love you and will continue to pray for you. Thank you for your wonderful examples of faith. --Jenny
As hard as it is to write this blog right now, please know that we appreciate it! All your many friends in Arizona love your family and are praying for you!!! You have an amazing family!! Give everyone hugs for us-The Klepinger's
Our prayers are with your family and I hope you know how much my family(the klepinger's) just love you guys!! Your words and strength as a family are incredible and very touching. The knowledge that Families are Forever is the greatest gift and comfort the lord can give at hard times. Again we are praying for your sweet family xoxo
Love-Lyndsie
You have all been such a strength to us all. There are so many memories and experiences that we have shared. We're so grateful for Harold and his example of being such an excellent father, a good friend, and a true disciple of Christ. We love you! You continue to be in all of our prayers.
Jon (and family),
I was your dads room mate at BYU the second semester of our freshman year in 1980-1981.
I learned of your dads situation last night from Andy Johnson who lives in Washington. I wasn't able to sleep very well last night thinking about what you all must be going through. My family fasted for your family today. My nine year old son started crying this afternoon when I found this site and started reading it to my family. I told him that the Lord always has a plan. We don't always understand why, but sometimes the Lord calls us home for a higher calling. This life is so short!
Your attitudes are truly inspiring!
Your dad is AWESOME! I have fond memories of that freshman year. Your dad was so much fun! I remember him dressing up in short shorts, a T-shirt, cowboy boots, a sports coat, and to top it off he wore his favorite cowboy hat. For some reason he talked me into to wearing similar clothing. This was our attire for a dance at the Wilkinson Center. I remember him asking girl after girl to dance without blinking an eye and because of his good looks not one girl turned him down! Unfortunately, no trend was set for the "preppy-beach-cowboy-look" that year.
I remember another time a male student from the University of Utah came to visit Deseret Towers that winter. He called a group of us "stupid zoobies". Your dad lead the charge for us to use our hands as shovels as his car passed by us. The "gentleman's" car became a small hill of snow within seconds! Your dad is a creative genius! The kicker was that this guy got out of his car and threatened to beat us up until he saw your dad. Harold laughed and said, "Bring it on Ute!" He quickly got in his snow covered car and sped off.
Did your dad ever tell you about us pennying in the 4th floor of S-Hall? To be honest I can't remember if your dad participated in that. You will have to ask him.
I do know he loved to launch water balloons out of the 6th floor of R-Hall. I bet they flew at least 300yards with the surgical tubing sling shot your dad made.
He also helped launch one of the largest snow ball fights in the history of BYU in front of Deseret Towers with a large portion of the student body from Heritage Halls.
The bottom line is your dad knows how to live life! He has the personality of someone who has lived 2 or 3 lifetimes in one!
I hope you have the opportunity to tell him "hello" from an old friend. I loved your dad like a brother. Many tears were shed after that freshman year was over. So much fun and so many memories. I can't believe it's been 27 years. Time goes by so fast.
You are in our hearts, thoughts, and prayers. Keep the faith!
Love always,
Terry Christensen
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