Wednesday, August 20, 2008

THANKSGIVING & PRAISE


I have just returned from the hospital where I have spent the day with my family. This morning, my Pop had surgery for 4 large hernias in his abdomen. (He will be so thrilled that I just announced that to the world). We all went into this operation with an amount of fear. You may remember that 2 years ago, he had emergency surgery for a ruptured intestine. The situation was very tenuous on its own...but, we found out afterwards that his heart did not cooperate while he was in surgery. This surgery resulted in him having a colostomy for 8 months. Surgery was necessary to repair the colostomy and put everything back into place. Again, his heart did not work as it should during this surgery and they had to watch him very closely and monitor him for a few months after. Now, we have these hernias which are not life threatening, but 'quality of life' threatening. They were so large and so uncomfortable, he really could not participate in the active life he has enjoyed for the last 82 years. After a visit to his surgeon, who left the decision up to him...and his GP...who said "go for it"...and his heart specialist who gave his blessing...the family as a whole decided that quality of life was much more important to Pop than quantity of life. We believed in our heart and were prepared for the fact that the surgery could go either way. But, which ever way it went...he would be OK! He would be a winner, either way.* This is because he believes, as we all do, that "to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.". As sad as we would have been...he would not have been a happy camper if the remainder of his years had to be spent in a rocking chair or a recliner. He has motorcycles waiting to be ridden, and trips ready to be taken. He has fish waiting to be caught, and stories to be told.

Our pastor came this morning and led us all in prayer as we stood around his bed. Mom, Joy, Don and Myself, Pop's buddy Bill, and Brother David held hands and put Pop into God's healing hands. The hospital chaplain and a personal friend came by and led us again to pray for Pop. When they finally came to take him to surgery, we were ready . There was peace in my heart as he left, and as he was in surgery. And when we talked to the doctor and then saw him coming down the hallway...we were able to praise the Lord for answering our prayers. God is so good...and He has heard and answered our prayers. He chose to touch Pop during surgery and keep his heart functioning well and with no problems.

Another praise, I was hesitant to leave Alex at home, because he has not been doing very well. But, I had to decide what was the most pressing at that time. Alex assured me that he would be fine, and so off I went. In about an hour, the lady who cleans for me and a dear friend as well, called to tell me she was at my house today. Thanks, God, for helping ease this Mom's mind! Isn't He the greatest?

Pop is doing well, but is in much pain. Much more than he thought. So, we will all be sticking close for a few days, we'll pamper and wait on him, and bring him home to finish recovering. Then he'll head out to take on the world once again!
********************************************************************************
*FYI: We have the assurance of heaven and life everlasting because we trust and have faith in God.. We believe the Bible is true. We believe God will do everything He says He will do. We have asked Him to forgive our sins and to live in our hearts. He is our personal Savior and our future is settled.

If you do not understand this process or would like some additional information, please feel free to contact me via my e-mail. I would consider it a privilege to introduce you to my dearest friend.

11 comments:

Jean said...

Wow, this is so similar to whst we're facing with my dad. He has had what they assume is a pinched nerve that has caused him to lose the use of his left leg. The have been saying they could do a surgery on his back to remove built up calcium, etc. where the nerve is pinched, but just like your dad, his heart is a concern. He does have congestive heart failure and a pacemaker. But the heart doctor has thoroughly checked him out and given him the go-ahead for the surgery. It is scheduled for Monday morning - my first day of teaching. Talk about a conflict of interest. But just like your dad, he's willing to take the risk to improve his life here on earth. If God chooses to take him Home, he's more than eager to go.

Anonymous said...

The best news, Tonja! Have been praying for you all today!

Bonnie

LivingTheLife said...

Praising God for his healing hands...and for your dad's complete recovery. I love your attitude along with your families. I think your dad lives strongly through each of you...and what a blessing that is! He sounds like an incredible man...

Please give him my best...let him know we are praying for him to recover completely and with as little pain as possible...then tell him...to milk this for all it's worth!! LOL! Cos I have a feeling he's not the type!

Blessings...
Teresa

Justabeachkat said...

Oh Tonja, I've been thinking about you today and praying for your Dad. Wonderful news! Praise God from whom ALL blessings flow!

Hugs!
Kat

melissa said...

Wonderful news, Tonja. My prayers continue for your father's recovery.
Blesiings!

Melissa

Anonymous said...

Great news about your dad. What a wonderful attitude you all have.

And Jean - another lady with a great attitude - hope everything works out well for your dad.

Sharon said...

Wow, I am glad he is doing better. My husbands brother had surgery yesterday for the same things.
Your Dad sounds like a strong man, and with all the prayers he has been getting I am sure he will fine, and up too doing things he hasn't done in a while in no time.
God Bless you. We will be praying for a fast recovery
Sharon

Jill said...

Praise the Lord for your dad's good surgery. Great news!

andi said...

What a joyous post! Thanking our Heavenly Father for each and every one of those blessings!

Tracey said...

just catching up, friend. I'm so glad to hear that your father came thru surgery ok. When he gets to feeling better, give him an extra tight hug!

And girl, preach it! I love the gospel shared in such a clear, loving way! May the Lord multiply your efforts tenfold!

Love you!

nancygrayce said...

I'm so thankful with you that God chose to heal your dad!! We always have that certain and sure assurance that He is in control and that whatever happens, we can face tomorrow because He lives!