The first week of October, my eighty-seven-year-old mother underwent open heart surgery to replace a bad valve, correct an irregular heart rhythm and to perform a single bi-pass. She experienced horrific pain and a grueling recovery. Even so, in the days following the surgery all signs were good . . . and then her pain increased and she started going downhill in every way. Staph had invaded the incision in her chest. This powerful infection sent my mother and our family on a journey we hadn't expected.
More than once we thought we'd lose her. In fact, one night in the ER my mother and I said our farewells. I had some serious and heart wrenching discussions with God. I didn't understand why he would allow an eighty-seven-year-old woman to suffer so terribly. In my mind He should either heal her or welcome her home to heaven. But then, I'm not God.
Yesterday, in the worst snow storm since the 1980's, Mom went home . . . to her comfy chair in front of her fireplace and the loving care of her husband. She's happy and counting on more time to enjoy this precious life. She's stronger. She's happy. And she's thankful.
Through the difficult and arduous weeks we've all grown and we've changed--for the better. Mom has always been a thankful person, but is even more so now. And I believe she appreciates every day in a way she never did before. I think I can speak for her children and her grandchildren when I say, we see our relationship with her as even more precious than we did before. On a personal level I'm so proud of and thankful for my stepfather. He was steadfast, always beside Mom and continues to do so today. All the days and weeks and months while Mom fought to live, he made sure to see her every day and did all in his power to make her life more comfortable. And he became a better man. He has my admiration and my support. The bond between us is stronger because of the ordeal we've shared.
I don't have an answer as to why God allowed this to happen to my sweet mother, but I have seen His work in the midst of it. And I thank Him for that and for keeping His hand upon my her and for giving us more time together. God is good . . . no matter what the circumstances. Praising Him!
Grace and peace to you from God.
Bonnie
Praise God she's home in a comfy chair, surrounded by love and family. That is an amazing story. Thanks so much for sharing, Bonnie!
ReplyDeleteHugs
Kristen
Bonnie,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your sweet post. I'm glad your mamma is at home with her hubby now :) :) On January 5th, my daddy's heart fibrillated and caused him to pass out. It was such a God thing that I heard him make a noise, and checked to see that he wasn't responding to me. I called 911 right away and they took him to the hospital. I was scared that I was going to lose him, and he's only 60. Well, God was good to us, and my dad is alive and well. He's getting some intesive rehab at the VA...but he'll make a good recovery. He had a new pacemaker/defibrillator put in..It was scary, becaue I was the one to find him...and it's not something I would wish on anyone...but in all of this, if God had taken my daddy home to heaven, that would have been okay...but I"m sure happy that He saw fit to give my dad and I more time together here on earth :) :) Love and hugs from the ocean shores of California, Heather :)
Kristen, it's been a long and painful road. What I'd feared most happened. when Mom went into surgery she was ready for heaven, but she survivede and I don't think any of us were prepared for the kind of suffering she experienced. But, here we are and she's still with us, happy and feeling so much better. God has a plan. :-)
ReplyDeleteSo thankful!
Heather, I'm so glad to hear your father is doing well. Wonderful news!
ReplyDeleteWe have an amazing God. What a comfort it is to know, that when the people we love who are part of God's family move on to heaven, we'll see them again.
Enjoy those California beaches. I can feel the wind and smell the sea air . . . long distance of course. :-)
What a blessing that she is home and comfortable! Those infections are just terrible. I think a lot of people don't realize how common they are until they have a parent or grandparent in the hospital.
ReplyDeleteI'm happy for you and your family, for the good you found even in such a difficult and painful time.