It's not my normal to post one day after another, but here it goes.
When I went out to get my newspaper at 4:45 AM today, (yup, still an early riser) I saw the moon in it's glory. As I look outside at 4:00 PM I see rain dripping off the roof.
So where does this put me, or us in the world of struggle. Be it corona virus or major surgeries it doesn't matter.
I remember when I was a young man (ancient history :-) ) sitting on a bluff waiting for an unlucky deer to wander by and put himself into my gun sights. I saw birds flying, and squirrels running around. This was during the Viet Nam war. I remembered how in spite of the mess we were in, God took care of what he created. The birds still flew, and the squirrels still scampered. I'll never forget that.
The reason I reflected on that time, is that I realize that no matter what I, or the world faces right now, look at the birds, listen to them sing, watch them build their nests, watch the squirrels scamper. There is a book written by Mac Lucado titled you'll get through this.
I realize that my journey is mapped by the Driver, not by what I expected from my "trip". He is in charge!
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
Tuesday, March 17, 2020
Bus wreck!
I'd done all the planning. Research, consultations with doctors, listening to everyone with an opinion. I chose UNM hospital 60 miles away, good doctor, good hospital.
When a person plans a trip, it instead can turn out to be a journey. Best laid plans can change (sometimes in a big way).
A few months back I posted about learning about my prostate cancer. I wasn't scared (although surprised). I chose removal of the prostate as my path of cure. I had confidence in my doctor, and Pam was at my side. Going into the hospital, I knew that there would be discomfort, but I was sure recovery would be okay.
BUS WRECK! The first week after surgery, I was progressing well, and felt that all was going to be okay. 8 days later I started a fever. Called the doctor, and he said I needed to get to the emergency room. We got there around 8:00 PM. Within hours, my condition worsened. My doctor was alerted, and ordered a CAT scan. With the look in his eyes, I knew all was not good. "We've got a problem" he said. A second surgery in less than 10 days. Colostomy and second catheter. A week in the hospital, and another surgery.
Things were not good. Much pain and anxiety. What started out to be a straight forward albeit major surgery, turned out to put me into a potential 2 years or more of healing and recovery. I was knocked down hard, physically, emotionally, and somewhat spiritually. That's when I had to dig in and listen to the Driver. "This isn't a wreck, its just a detour. You have to trust me" He said. It didn't feel like that, but I trusted Him and all the support of the people around me,
Pam stayed by my side the whole time. She and her sisters got a hotel room. My daughter Linda flew in unexpectedly from New York to spend a week at the hospital with us. Love and support poured in.
It's been 10 weeks. I'm feeling stronger. I'm driving, and becoming a little more independent. I'm learning to manage my new "buddies" colostomy and catheters. Daily mass via television has been a Godsend (I get to share Mass with the Driver).
When faced with major challenges, I've learned to trust my Driver, and accept the path I'm on.
I wish I could name all the people that have helped me either physically or spiritually or emotionally. If you are reading this, please know who you are. If you are one of my followers, I ask for your prayers, not only for me, but for all who are suffering. Also pray for the world. It is struggling too.
I have mentioned before, if you wish to comment, please direct them to ortiz.tom103@gmail.com
This blog doesn't seem to get any comments to me. Blessing to all.
When a person plans a trip, it instead can turn out to be a journey. Best laid plans can change (sometimes in a big way).
A few months back I posted about learning about my prostate cancer. I wasn't scared (although surprised). I chose removal of the prostate as my path of cure. I had confidence in my doctor, and Pam was at my side. Going into the hospital, I knew that there would be discomfort, but I was sure recovery would be okay.
BUS WRECK! The first week after surgery, I was progressing well, and felt that all was going to be okay. 8 days later I started a fever. Called the doctor, and he said I needed to get to the emergency room. We got there around 8:00 PM. Within hours, my condition worsened. My doctor was alerted, and ordered a CAT scan. With the look in his eyes, I knew all was not good. "We've got a problem" he said. A second surgery in less than 10 days. Colostomy and second catheter. A week in the hospital, and another surgery.
Things were not good. Much pain and anxiety. What started out to be a straight forward albeit major surgery, turned out to put me into a potential 2 years or more of healing and recovery. I was knocked down hard, physically, emotionally, and somewhat spiritually. That's when I had to dig in and listen to the Driver. "This isn't a wreck, its just a detour. You have to trust me" He said. It didn't feel like that, but I trusted Him and all the support of the people around me,
Pam stayed by my side the whole time. She and her sisters got a hotel room. My daughter Linda flew in unexpectedly from New York to spend a week at the hospital with us. Love and support poured in.
It's been 10 weeks. I'm feeling stronger. I'm driving, and becoming a little more independent. I'm learning to manage my new "buddies" colostomy and catheters. Daily mass via television has been a Godsend (I get to share Mass with the Driver).
When faced with major challenges, I've learned to trust my Driver, and accept the path I'm on.
I wish I could name all the people that have helped me either physically or spiritually or emotionally. If you are reading this, please know who you are. If you are one of my followers, I ask for your prayers, not only for me, but for all who are suffering. Also pray for the world. It is struggling too.
I have mentioned before, if you wish to comment, please direct them to ortiz.tom103@gmail.com
This blog doesn't seem to get any comments to me. Blessing to all.
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