Home, sweet home

It feels so good to be home. And I feel so loved by all the neighbors who have stopped in for short and encouraging visits. How wonderfully God placed us here 12 1/2 years ago so that now--in our time of need--we're surrounded by loving friends. The thought overwhelms us.

How do I feel? I'm still controlled by strong desires to sleep. My family reminds me that my body went through quite a bit of trauma over the past week, and I should patiently give it time to recover. They've been feeding me nutritional liquids through my stomach tube, which will eventually build up some strength. I find I can safely drink clear liquids by mouth, but anything thicker finds its way back up quickly and miserably. So we'll give it a few more days and see if I get stabilized. It's a big relief to have the lung drainage in place too. Whether I need it or not, we're supposed to drain the pleural cavity every day for a few days, and then see what rhythm we settle into. It sounds and looks intimidating, but the process really is designed for ordinary people to carry out safely.

Sue's plane was cancelled yesterday, so after hanging at the airport for about 4 hours, Chuck went to get her again. She's rescheduled to fly out today. I've been wondering if God sent angels to cancel that flight. Her presence here for an additional day was needed and appreciated. Amazing provision. Karin arrived last evening, so she's been getting a quick course in patient care. (I realize that many cancer patients have to go home alone and provide their own care. I have Chuck, and my daughters, and a precious neighbor who is willingly learning all aspects of my care so she can help too. I am blessed!)

A letter came yesterday so filled with encouragement and truth that I needed to just sit in silence and reflect on it awhile. It's a long letter, but I thought you'd appreciate some of Margie's thoughts: "God demonstrates in your life how His grace is sufficient and sustains one in pain and suffering, in times of doubt and fears, in times of ups and downs as you walk by 'faith and not sight' with complete reliance on Him.

"The Lord is still writing your story and the story of each of His beloved children. Only He sees the 'finished tapestry' of our lives while we see only the 'knotted and tangled threads.' Romans 8:28 tells us that He is working all things out for our good and His glory."

Thank you again for all your prayers. I hope you can see evidence that God is answering.

Love,
Carol