God's Grace, Mercy, and Kindness
Written by Mary Beth   
Thursday, April 15, 2010
God has been so amazingly gracious, merciful, and kind to our family in the past few days in particular.

Dan had to have his appendix taken out on Monday evening.  His pains and not feeling well began on Sunday early afternoon (they weren't too bad until that evening).  Over the weekend our family went camping with our eldest.  After dropping him off where he lives Dan drove us home (I'm so glad we didn't decide to camp another night!) in a great deal of pain.

Apparently, the appendix is supposed to look like a line on the scan.  His looked like a sausage.  The doctor told me, after the surgery, that it had not burst . . . yet.  She also fixed his herniated belly button saving him a surgery in the future (I didn't even know he had a herniated belly button).  Two for the price of one!  We're all about frugality around here!

After two days in the hospital he was able to come home last night.  Now we just have to convince the children that just because Daddy is home doesn't mean he can do anything.  It's hard for the little ones to understand that.  But he's home.  Phew!  We had some wee little ones who were afraid their daddy would die, were exhibiting anger, and of course, the whining, etc. because they didn't know what else to do.

God provided meals, people to care for our kids while I got to be at the hosptial for awhile, me getting to see Dan just before he went into surgery (we had dropped him off at Urgent Care and went home to wait to see what was going on), etc.  Yesterday my sister-in-law came over at the drop of a hat because I just needed to go see Dan and five minutes before I walked out the door our pastor's wife dropped off a hot meal which I was able to take with me to the hospital to eat (I had the kids fed, but I forgot to eat).  Two families were totally flexible in when to watch my kids. My mom came over to "just" sit with kids who may need to "just" be held while Mama ran around like a chicken with her head cut off.  And people prayed. Etc. etc. etc. 

We've had offers for meals from people who live 1 1/2 to 2 hours away and to even stay out in the country with some friends while Dan recuperates.  People called at the exact time I needed when I was just about to break down.  One of my neighbors decided to just come hang out with me during Dan's surgery.  Dan's mom and sister were able to be there while we waited for him in recovery and then while he was taken to his room.  They ended parking right next to me and we left at the same time late that night so I didn't have to walk to my car by myself.

My aunt died on Saturday and Dan and I had seriously considered driving out to Oklahoma with the kids to go to her funeral.  But on Monday we found out the funeral was the next morning.  We'd never make the drive.  So we looked into me flying out.  But something just didn't seem right about me leaving.  It was hard not to go but now I'm so glad I didn't.  Dan is a trooper and although he wasn't feeling well (and we thought it might just be the stomach bug) he was willing to let me go.  Man, oh man.  If I had gone his appendix might well have burst while I was gone because he probably never would have gone to the doctors until it was too late.  Had the funeral been a day or two later we might have been driving out in the middle of nowhere and it burst.

I can just go on and on . . . if my brain would let me.

God orchestrated our family's care.  I pray that we will never forget that.

Thank You, Lord, for your kindness and mercy.  Thank You that we have medical care so close to our home.  Thank You that we even have the ability to get the care.  Thank You for all of the people who gave us help whether they physically did something or "just" offered.  Even the "just" offers were an encouragement and a reminder of Who You are.  And it was comforting.  Thank you that I didn't freak out and was "only" frazzled.   Oh, Lord, please help our family to never forget how You cared for us.

Amen.

-MB

Comments

avatar Jill Yuen
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He has caused His wondrous works to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and merciful. Psalm 111:4
Praising God for His provision and timing and also for a quick and comfy recovery for Dan!
Friday 16 April 2010, 00:09
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avatar Mom (Hall)
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Amen and Amen!! Our God is good!
Monday 19 April 2010, 01:57
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