“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”
— Isaiah 43:2 (NIV)Surgery day finally arrived. We had to be at the hospital bright and early—around 6 a.m.—with my surgery scheduled for 8. My first thought that morning was, “I sure hope I use the bathroom before they put me under!” (lol, the things you think about when you’re nervous).
My administering nurse, Corky, was such a blessing. She was peaceful, kind, and so easy to talk with. She shared about her church and her own surgery experiences, and it was clear she carried the peace of Jesus with her. In an environment that could feel intimidating, she made it feel calm and safe. She even did my IV with such care that I barely felt it. God knew I needed her that morning.
I was also grateful that my husband could come back and sit with me before surgery. Those minutes together made such a difference. The hospital even sent him text updates during my surgery—which, in my opinion, is top-level care. Comparing our two experiences, I joke that mine was a 5-star stay while his was maybe a 2.5-star.
When I woke up in recovery, I was very sleepy (as expected), but I do remember chatting with the nurse about my kids before she wheeled me back to see Anthony. Once I saw him, he laughed at me because apparently, I kept telling him how much I loved ice chips! Honestly, they were delicious in that moment. 😂Another nurse later helped me get to the bathroom with a clever little device that supported me and kept my leg safe. I was so thankful for the care I received—it gave me confidence as I started the healing process.
By the time I got home, I was ready to rest, elevate, and ice. Selah and Titus were my pick-up team, and bless their hearts, they waited patiently as recovery took longer than expected. Once home, meals were already lined up and delivered by my amazing church family—healthy, tasty, and nourishing. Truly, such a gift.
The surgery was behind me, and now the healing journey could really begin.
There’s such relief in getting through the “big moment” you’ve been dreading. For me, it was surgery day. For you, it might be something else—a test, a decision, or a hard conversation. But whatever it is, remember that God goes before you and with you.
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
— Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)
I am thankful for the way God provided through kind nurses, my supportive husband and kids, and the Body of Christ showing up with meals and prayers. Healing doesn’t happen in isolation—it happens in community, and with a faithful God who never leaves our side.
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