ENTER NOW INTO THE JOY OF YOUR LORD!

It is with so much sorrow and so much joy and so much gratitude (a true mixed bag) that we announce the departure of Rev. K.T. Whalum, Sr. to be with his Lord forever.  He left us peacefully here in Memphis at 7:28PM, October 22, 2007, with his wife Rosie, my wife Ruby and our dear friends Lumbrea (Rosie's sister) and Hazella LaVar of Stroke of Hope, and myself, Kirk by his side.  There were several of his closest friends with us at that time, for which we are grateful.

His life, especially at the end, was enriched and sustained by the prayers of you, his friends and family.  His home-going was beautiful because of your loving prayers.  We are forever in your debt.

We will now do our very best to "do what we know for sure" and draw close to The Comforter as we process having lost our "Rev."

Funeral arrangements are incomplete, but we will celebrate Rev's life on this coming Saturday (October 27th) in Memphis.

Blessings and thanks,

Kirk Whalum

BLESSED IS HE WHO TRUSTS IN GOD'S MERCY

Today was another "cliff-hanger" for us.  Having returned to ICU because of breathing trauma, Dad had a breathing crisis early Monday morning at around 4.  Rosie rushed over only to spend the whole day watching him suffer (more).  We have corresponded with his pulmonary specialist and neurologist to discover the following:

• Dad has blood clots in both lungs and legs (this is not good because the only way to treat them is with blood-thinners, and blood thinners are a no-no for stroke survivors because of bleeding on the brain).
• Whereas a tracheotomy is just about the only thing (though not desirable) that would possibly alleviate some of his breathing trauma, it would, in theory, go against his wishes as stated in his Living Will -- not to mention the many risks involved.

In summation (of these and other unstated facts concerning his condition), it is our understanding as of today's meeting that Dad is in fact dying.  We are thus preparing our hearts to celebrate with and for him as he inches towards his reward.  He has suffered so much -- more perhaps than many.  The doctor confirmed that he is in a very small percentile of people who have survived this long given his extreme condition.

Dad made it very clear when he was still speaking that what he was going through was "hell" and that he was ready to be with the Lord.  

We so VERY MUCH need your prayers through this difficult phase and hope that you will understand our position.  We are truly grateful and sincerely covet the privilege of praying for you and your family in any way in the future.

"Hope that is seen is not hope..."

Kirk