When last I posted, I was on a bit of a pendulum swing — good days, bad days. Then, the pendulum got stuck on mostly bad days.
That pain in my abdomen which I had chalked up to too much protein was actually an infection and a pelvic abscess resulting from my surgery. By the time I realized something big was going on, my temperatue was 103.3, my pain felt worse than anything I had experienced so far (except for maybe the day after my hysterectomy), and I had inadvertently locked myself inside the house without being able to move from the bed to the door without a lot of pain. I finally drug myself up to let in my boss and a couple of friends so the could take care me. Within the hour I had seen the doctor and was sent directly to the hospital.
Pain control took a while as they tried to assess the nature of the thing (we didn’t find out about the abscess until that evening). I also had a brief scare that I may have had a staph infection in my blood (a false alarm), and my hair started falling out in chunks that evening. I cried.
Then, I said to my friend Kay who was sitting with me, “Quick, let’s think of all the blessings we have to be thankful for.” We thought of a couple of dozen. And soon, my despairing heart began rejoicing again. It was hard to move from panic to joy, and I could not have done it without His Spirit prompting me anew to reflect on the goodness of God in my life.
Among my many blessings are a family who cares for me, and since I left the hospital Wednedsay afternoon, they have loved me like I’m a rock star. Even though I’ve cried off and on today (Thanksgiving Day) because sometimes I’d rather be normal than a rockstar, I am thankful that Jesus is weeping and laughing with me.
On a lighter note, I am now officially a baldy head! (I like “baldy” better than “bald” because it sounds less curmudeonly). I’ll post pictures after I return back to my own home Sunday(I am nice and toasty here with family for a few days).
I’ve missed you all and am thankful to Laura for her ingenuity in finding out information to pass along to you all.
“And soon, my despairing heart began rejoicing again.”
Oh, the faithfulness of God I hear in that phrase. He doesn’t abandon us to our despairing hearts. He doesn’t reject us because we despair. He brings rejoicing into the despairing heart.
Ha! I’m laughing about the preferring to be normal rather than a rock star! I can so relate.
Thanks, as always, for the way you make courage and encouragement contagious–I’m grieved for you and what you are suffering, and yet blessed with joy and hope as my heart weeps for your suffering. I wish life weren’t so mixed up at times! But, still, I’m glad for the joy moments mixed in with the weeping.
Praying for you and thankful that I know of you to pray for. As small a thing as a blog is, it takes us beyond ourselves in so many ways.
Just this blog lets you know that you are being held up in prayer by many.
Peace, Kim
Oh! I’ve been off-line for the holiday. Can’t believe I missed this for so many days. It is good, good to hear from you. This must have been a “Thanks Giving” like no other.
Charity, checking in on you, sister. Sorry you have had to go through so much pain.
You inspire me that your heart is rejoicing even through the tears, because you keep your eyes on Him and His goodness in your life.
Thankful with you for family and friends beside you.
Thank you for this testimony of courage and faith.
Praying even now, with so many others, for your complete and total healing, for strength each moment, and for His peace that surpasses all understanding to surround you, envelope you, and stand guard over you.
“I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:19.
Great thinking!
Hey you, the Craver family drove down 65 Wednesday night. I prayed when I thought we might be closest to you. Then, I did the same around noon today on the return trip.
I wish there were more that I could do, but I’m thankful for your (and LL’s) updates, so that I might offer a better-informed prayer.
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.
Heb, 6:19
Lots of Love to you, Charity!
God bless you.
I am now as bald as a q-ball. I figured it was a good way to remember to pray for you, and to shock a few relatives over dinner.
Good to hear. May you now have more good days then bad as you resume treatment!
It’s so good to hear your voice. May God’s presence be with you, in all things.
We will continue to pray.
So good to hear from you, Charity. And to read of the grace you’re receiving and giving.
My prayer is for you that God will strengthen and sustain you in his hands. And for God’s hand of healing in Jesus.
Oh, I did shave my head too, a few days back. It needs shaven again if I’m to keep it that way. It does look funny when you’re not used to it, doesn’t it? My short hair is a good reminder to pray for you.
Whoa! It’s one thing on top of another, isn’t it? You come to mind often when I pray and I continue to ask the Giver of all good things to provide what you need – spiritually and emotionally, if not physcially – moment by moment. And it your post today testifies to His faithfulness.
As always, thanks for sharing your journey – your example of faith in the midst of difficult circumstances is inspiring.
hi charity!
Charity, you are an inspiration and a blessing to all of us. The sheer fact of your saying, “Quick, let’s think of blessings,” just blows me away. Period.
I’m so glad to know you. I’m sorry you’ve been in pain. So, so sorry. I’m thrilled you are surrounded in real-time by many, many loved ones. Love to you, dear friend.
PS: Looking forward to those pictures! I can’t get that great picture of you with your new haircut out of my mind whenever I think of you. There’s a mischievous sweetness to your face in that picture that says so much . . .
I am so thankful for you, your testimony, and your words. I appreciate you continuing to share your story.
How wonderful to have a brave and faithful friend who would lead you in a “count your blessings session”…in the midst of all of that. Have a great time with your family…