Facing Illness Alone…

I remember the night after my Hysterectomy. The nurse had given me a strong sedative that instead of settling me down, sent me into a tailspin. I hysterically cried out to God, asking Him why I had to suffer this operation alone and why wasn’t John here?  Sad.

My loving sister was there.  She held me and just let me sob and get it out of my system. She also alerted the nurse and they made a change in the medicine that eventually calmed me.  Looking back, I know I was never alone.

First, John was always there in my heart. Second, my sister was there and knew what to do. Third, the medical team was trained to pick up my pieces to make me whole again. I had love all around me like butterflies. As the days continued, beautiful flowers arrived, cards were sent and phone calls asking how I was doing. My sister, again took charge and kept things quiet so I could rest.

When I was released from the hospital, my son carried me up the steps to my bedroom, mine, not ours because I had moved from the family house months ago. My daughter-in-law sat with me and kept me company even during my naps during the day. My brother called on a regular basis and my girlfriends came for tea.  I was not alone…I was blessed.

Facing illness, therapy, and hard medical changes after the loss of my husband was difficult and scary.  But whenever I thought I could not get up in the morning, I heard God’s whisper in my ear. And sometimes, a cardinal balancing on an outside branch near my window. With these reminders that I was loved, I got through the pain of surgery and went on to live a healthy life. For this I am grateful.

You are never alone, this I guarantee you.  God is there all the time and His arms enfold you protecting you from giving up and always showing you hope.

With this promise, you will go on to help others when they think they are alone.  You will share your experiences and pass The Love of our God on in all you do!  That is our mission. That is our responsibility!