What a week! It has been a whirlwind, to say the least. As in my previous post, I have little recollection of the first part of the week, but since Wednesday afternoon, many things are pretty clear. The clear parts include (1) we have a merciful, gracious God who intervenes daily in our lives and (2) many times those interventions are through friends, family, and connections He has given us for support. I am immeasurably blessed with support and thankful for the prayers and concern offered to me and my family.

I do not remember any “out of body” experience (though my heart stopped several times). I do not remember conversations with medical staff that occurred, though I know they did. Since Gena was not allowed to be with me for any of the time (communication was through her cell phone only), I am thankful for the technology we have for that communication. I am also thankful for the timing and personnel who responded and got me to the care I needed.

I am thankful for the technology we have for correcting these types of problems. Working with patients on a daily basis, I think I may get a little calloused to the personal side of things. Some of the experiences our patients have are similar to what I had. I hope to never trivialize your experiences. The events can be scary, even when you know what’s happening (maybe they are scary BECAUSE you know what’s happening). Either way…my eyes have new perspectives.

I would like to thank everyone for the thoughts and prayers that have been offered for me and my family. I am thankful for the encouragement, offers of meals and help with errands. I am thankful for the recognition of fragility of our lives. While I have not responded to all messages, please realize that I have read every one. I have read the texts, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram messages, messages from WordPress, phone messages, and, yes, the handwritten notes. I love you all, and am SO thankful for your place in my life.

Most of all, I am thankful for the blessings of a sovereign God. I realize those blessings are many and are to be used for His glory. I pray that I am able to remember that and look for better ways to serve Him.