Not that it has been a bad week, but just a week that has been taking my attention in different directions. Work has been busy and I have been focused on that. And it is only Wednesday.
Hubby hasn't been feeling well the past week, complaining frequently of pain in his back at the waistline. We've even put Voltaren on it. He hasn't slept well in several night because of the pain, which has caused him to be up and down throughout the night. And, of course, most times waking me up as he does. I 'finally' suggested to him on Monday to call the doctor. Dr. Mark told him to come to the office and he would work him in. (See why I wanted to change to Dr. Mark?) He got him in - and after poking and prodding his back and belling, Dr. Mark has tentatively determined hubby has a blockage in his intestines. Told him what to pick up at the drug store on the way home and when to take it. It has helped with the pain somewhat, but the pain is still there, although the magnesium citrate has done some of what it was taken for. (I couldn't resist; had to tell hubby I KNEW he was full of it!) But the pain persists, just not as intense. Hubby is very weak this week and is having difficulty (more so than usual) in walking. Even getting out of the recliner has become difficult. Dr. Mark had blood drawn and urine tested; we expect to hear from him probably sometime today as to the results. Dr. Mark calls him at home in the evening hours for test results or concerns.
I get a text from my oldest son yesterday that he is in the ER and why, and later the text notifying his brother and sister about being admitted overnight. Yes, I wanted to go see him and make sure he is ok in MY mind, but he told me no. There is nothing I can do. I am not a medical person; I just work for a medical company. My DIL is much more knowledgeable than I am and she was right there and I am sure in control of the situation. I hope to hear from one of them this morning when he gets discharged. I have been praying many things for this son, but for now, that the doctors can identify what the cause of the 'problem' is, and what my son needs to do for it not to happen again. And I pray his siblings will grasp the seriousness of this hospital visit.
A friend's son has been diagnosed with epileptic seizures and I have been praying this last month for him as well. He was taken to Mayo and they have discovered a tumor in his brain. Small, almost undetected, but found. I think surgery is scheduled on the 22nd. In the meantime, I continue to pray that the seizures will stay away. God answered prayers that part or all of the cause would be found - the tumor was found that the other doctors could not find. My friend sent me a photo of she and her son yesterday, and he was smiling for the first time in a long time. God is good.
And I have also been praying for Morgan's dad. I think I mentioned about him before so won't go into it. He is doing well, moved to a regular room, and now they have discovered a blood clot in his arm. Praying it will dissolve and none others will appear. A perfectly healthy man going to have a stent put in his heart and the doctor screwed it up and now Morgan's dad is dealing with the consequences from that. What has been frustrating for them is that the doctor was nonchalant about what he messed up on (punctured the wall of the vessel instead of sliding the stent through, causing the heart to fill with blood) and considered it an everyday oops. This hospital is the one near us and I haven't heard any good reports come from there; suggested they get him moved to another hospital. I don't think they did, but it's not my call.
So I have had four prayer concerns that are helping me spend constant prayer for one of these at all times. And that isn't a bad thing. I love seeing how God answers prayers. I know it isn't just my prayers; I'm sure of others that are praying for my son. I don't know if hubby has told any of his men friends about his issues. He skipped meeting last night and I did hear him tell his friend about some of the issue. I know Erik, my friend's son, and Mark, Morgan's dad, are also getting other prayers. But I continue to pray for all of them.
I wish I had more time to spend in prayer. I can't take off this week or next to spend a day focused on prayer for I am covering people at the office. This week a co-worker is flying to Michigan for her dad's funeral. Next week is a vacation for a friend. I think I'm going to be kept busy. And that is a good thing - as long as hubby's issues resolve and I don't have to take him to the hospital myself. I think Dr. Mark has a good grip on what is going on and we are just waiting to hear back from him.
I did what I do best when stressed. Besides eat, that is. I baked last night. I found a recipe for peach muffins and made a batch of those. Hubby and I split one and I put the rest in the freezer. I made a large loaf of strawberry bread. I just had to do it. While it was still warm, I cut the end off. I love the end of the loaf of bread! The heel. I love it. It has all the flavor wrapped in it. So I cut off the heel of the strawberry bread and ate it before heading to bed last night. Yes, I beat myself up because I ate it, but I don't regret it - it was good! Now what am I going to do with the rest of this loaf? I guess I'll slice some off and put the rest in the freezer - we won't eat this loaf (it's a big one) before the week end - and with it having strawberries in it, don't want to let them spoil. I don't know how long I need to watch for that. But it is sure good.
Isaiah 46:4 (NKJV): Even to your old age, I am He, and even to gray hairs I will carry you! I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.
I read this scripture and feel it is timely - me with my gray hair, my hubby and children with theirs - I do not need to worry about them - because in their old age, I can trust that God will carry them through any thing they go through, and He will deliver them. He will be with them, because I have asked Him to. He will hear my cries for them, and He will answer. His answers may not always be what I want them to be, but my trust is in Him. And in Him alone. I don't believe the doctors can do anything without God directing them, so I pray for the doctors that they will make wise choices, that symptoms will show themselves and they will recognize what the root cause is of those symptoms. I believe that God can and does direct the doctors thinking process, and will help them find the right diagnosis and cure for whatever ails anyone. All glory and praise to God! He does answer prayers.
And whether He answers 'MY' prayers, or answers the prayers of those who love you, know that you are prayed over and given to the only One who can rescue you and save you and set you free from all infirmities. Holy is His name.
Who are you praying for today? Why not take a minute and whisper a word of thanks to the One who can deliver us. And keep praying, for you don't know what anyone is going through.
Blessings!
