Well, I really thought I would pass on this post! But, I find myself sharing one trait that I had on this night one year ago - I can't sleep! It is on my mind - so I might as well post about it - then hopefully sleep will come! One year ago tonight I was trying just as hard to sleep at the Hampton Inn located right next to Providence Hospital in Mobile. Sleep only visited about three hours that night. A dreaded anticipation was on my mind as I waited for early morning to come. I think knowing what I had to do - knowing I had no control over it- and knowing there was really nothing reasonable I could do to stop it was the worst part!
We drove over to the hospital around 5:00 am - and everything got underway! It got real busy - real quickly! Most of what I dreaded - like the wonderful body shaving - was not as bad I had figured it would be. There were a couple of mildly painful "sticks." But after the worst one - it was not long until I was given something that totally knocked me out. I remember them starting me to the operating room - but my conscious mind never arrived! I was out - and would remain so until 3:30 pm that day when I awoke in ICU.
I am doing great now - most of my pain and discomfort have really all but disappeared this month. For the most part - December has been a great month. I have actually "forgotten" about the surgery at times this month. I have no physical limitations on activity. Working the chain-saw doesn't make the muscles in my chest sore like it did for a while. Walking fast feels great! I have plenty of wind - a definite improvement over the pre-surgery condition I was getting in. My meds are all regulated pretty well! And this Christmas is shaping up to be MUCH better than the last - when Christmas was the first day out of ICU!
But it has been a year today, Dec. 22, since I had five bypasses to fix 7 blockages. I still, on occassion, look at my chest and leg in the mirror and can't believe I have had this done! I am quite certain someone will be having their chest cracked open around 7:00 am today at Providence! I feel for them - and their family.
God has been so good to me! Truly, he spared my life. I have enjoyed top notch medical care - and I have come back better than ever - and healthier than ever. I really don't think I will dwell on this event in my mind as much in the upcoming year. Already, the doctor's visits seem more of a nuisance to me than a necessity. My diet is much healthier - and I have never gained more than 4 lbs. back from all the weight I have lost in the course of one year! (I gained all that around Thanksgiving!) But, I have looked forward to this anniversary! It feels good to have made it a year - and gotten it behind me.
Spiritually, I have already made many changes and I have been making several decisions that impact my future. I have given myself a year to work through the matters that matter - and I am now looking forward to going full steam ahead with the next several years of my life - Lord willing!
If God permits, I hope to teach the book of Acts in China this year. If God permits, I hope to help start a movement of churches this year! If God permits, I hope to see a "breakout" of souls and saints at ABC - walking in the glory of God and transforming the community! I have today - Lord willing! And if He is willing - perhaps enough days to amount to many more years of active and productive ministry.
I can only thank God - and all who prayed for me a year ago - and who have continued to pray throughout the year! Praise the Lord!
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