Wednesday, November 09, 2011

What a difference three years makes

Three years ago today, I was in hospital, recovering from surgery for four abdominal abcesses, and expecting to go home by the weekend.

Little did I know that I was just beginning a two-month marathon stay in hospital.

And another surgery.

And kidney failure from a bad reaction to the contrast dye.

And a diagnosis of congestive heart failure, with a heart four times normal, and a projected demise within 10 months, if nothing changed, or I didn't get a heart transplant.

And losing about a pound a day, because I couldn't eat much, and couldn't keep down what little I ate.

And four months of physical therapy.

And having to take disability retirement, or being in a wheelchair and then a walker and now a cane.

But I also didn't anticipate the outpouring of prayers and love from family, friends, friends of friends, and churches and people I had never met.

Or the constant comfort of Bible verses memorized in childhood and teen-age years, speaking of the love and care of God the Father.

Or the way our marriage relationship knit ever closer.

Or the tremendous sacrificial care I would receive from our children and grandchildren.

Or the strong unwavering sense that God kept me here for a purpose, even though I am still not sure what that purpose is.

God is good, all the time.

6 comments:

MotherT said...

It's hard to believe that this started 3 yrs. ago. God has been very good, and I'm thankful that He allowed you to stay here for me to get to know you. ((HUGS))

Jan/lost-strayed-or-stolen.blogspot.com said...

I'm thankful for our friendship too. Isn't it amazing how close we can feel, even though we have never met face to face?

MotherT said...

Just wait, one of these days you are going to get an e-mail asking for directions, so I can find you. Of all my blog friends, you are one I definitely want to meet in real life.

Linda said...

I had to walk away and think about all that. The only thing missing is an ounce of self-pity. I'm sure there were some very sad moments, but your retelling of it segues right into gratitude, with such a loving God who was there every moment.

Beautifully written and full of hope. Hugs... : )

Jan/lost-strayed-or-stolen.blogspot.com said...

Linda, I have posted about that whole thing at further length before, and hope that there was no self-pity in any of those posts. At the lowest point, I asked my husband to take me home and let me die. He said God isn't done with you yet, and neither am I. Faith and prayers are what got me through it, and now I love telling people how good God is to me.

HolyMama! said...

I'm so very glad for you, and for the blessings of your health and marriage and beautiful family!!!