All:
Dot, Jim and I were at the hospital in Maryland most of today. Younger brother Richard is still in the Critical Care Unit and his condition was described as "very critical." His operation last night lasted about 2 1/2 hours....... He still has pneumonia and remains on a ventilator to help his breathing; .......
We met a Priest in the Hospital from another Parish (though he used to be in Jim's old Parish as well), and he kindly came in and prayed with us for Rich after giving him the traditional rites of the very ill. (Another Priest whom we haven't met stops in occasionally because he always leaves his card behind). He's fortunate to have very good nurses looking after him. Dot and I still remain optimistic, though just barely. He really needs everyone's prayers. He can go either way.
Love from Dot and me! Jerry Merna
Jerry Merna advises that his younger brother, Richard G. Merna (St. Agnes 1950-1953, TZHS Graduate Class of 1953) is seriously ill in a Maryland hospital. Jerry (who lives in VA) and his brother Jim (who lives in MD) are reasonably close by and are looking after his needs. Another brother, Bob is also in bad health and lives in San Jose, CA where two of his Nieces are watching out for him. Their only Sister Vivian lives in Sun City West, AZ.
Jerry and Jim ask that his former friends and classmates, and other St. Agnes Alumni, pray for Rich and Bob as well. Rich will need one or more operations as soon as another condition improves.
While Rich can't have outside visitors right now, prayers and cards are always appropriate. Rich's hospital address is: Southern Maryland Hospital Center, Room 307, 7503 Surrats Road, Clinton, MD 20735.