Blessings come in the most joyful of celebrations and in the depths of the fearful halls of the unknown. It is easy to think of them, recite them repeatedly, and relish them during the moments of happiness. It is sometimes impossible to recognize and rest in them in the disturbing times.
It would be almost impossible to recount the blessings that have rained down upon our family in the last month. We were overwhelmed by assurances of prayers and promises of concern. We knew that we were facing Dad's surgery, surrounded by the loving prayers and support of so many. It was an incredible comfort. We know that prayers have continued throughout this passed month of recovery as well. Thank you to all of those who have loved us and prayed for Dad.
Cards, visits, and food have been daily sources of encouragement. We have all enjoyed reading through the thoughts, chatting with smiling faces accented by eager eyes, and relishing the delicious expressions of comfort foods.
Dad has been doing so well. He has adjusted easily to the wonderful privilege of being at home. It has been neat to watch him regain his independence, with the added treats of his new height. His new posture provides the ability to shave and brush his teeth while looking in the mirror on the wall! Ducking to fit into the van and under the flower box were surprising necessary moves.
We were taken with alarm and incredible concern, shortly after Dad's arrival home. His incision, which was still healing, was partly plagued with infection. His home health nurse was greatly alarmed and reacted with haste to contact Dad's surgeon. A very trying 48 hours of waiting until we could see Dr. Simmons followed where it was incredibly hard to see blessings through the horrible concern and worry of the what-ifs. We prayed. We tried to trust God's healing hand, even if it meant through set backs. He answered us with encouragement, reassurances, blessings.
The morning of the hurriedly scheduled appointment with Dr. Simmons was brilliantly sunny. We were just three weeks passed surgery, scared silly about the infection, and headed to the one person who best understands Dad's total condition and had been the most comforting contact throughout this journey. Dr. Simmons was calm, thrilled with Dad's progress and appearance, and very gently reassuring about the infection. It was just surface. Relief and deep breaths competed for space in us. With his recently reassigned antibiotic and more incision cleanings, Dad should heal up nicely in time. We celebrated with lunch at Dad's choice, Arby's of course, and then a brief visit to Target, for his girls, he said. We leisurely returned home and settled back into routine.
Dad's shown great strength and determination, with sincere caution through his movements. Mom has been fiercely supportive and encouraging as she supports him. I have had the incredible blessing of being here for these moments. We started this road as a family, and had to let Chad and Kevin return to life, after the success of surgery and recovery had started. We missed them so much. Kevin was able to join us a few days ago, and he has been able to witness Dad's great progress. Within moments, we will leave for home and Dad and Mom will continue along the recovery road. We know support of family and friends will continue to abound, as well as the prayers for healing. If a visitor comes, they may just find Dad relaxing in a setting similar to this.
The kitty will scatter, for sure, but Dad will stick around and enjoy the visit. The lives that have woven themselves into the blessings of our journey with Dad through his surgery and recovery will always be an encouragement to us. Thank you.
