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In the Blink of an Eye…

By December 18, 2016August 30th, 2022Devotional

Yesterday started out like many other Saturday mornings – cooking eggs and getting ready for breakfast, except that it was slippery out and I decided to wait to get the paper at the end of the driveway. What happened next is anyone’s guess. Either Janet didn’t hear me, or I didn’t speak loud enough, but Janet took one step onto the driveway and down she went – hard on her left side. Thank God it was near the garage and I heard her calling for me.

I ran out and saw her sitting on the ice – unable to move her left arm or shoulder. We were able to get her up but Janet’s family, including our kids, don’t do well with severe pain and they tend to pass out rather easily. I will spare you the details but I finally was able to carry/drag Janet into the kitchen where she recovered enough to eventually make it to a chair. It was clear that a trip to the ER was in order and much later in the day, after treating many other folks who had been injured in falls, we found out that Janet fractured her upper arm, right below her left shoulder.

She was released mid afternoon with instructions to visit the orthopedic office tomorrow (Monday) and discuss next steps – that almost assuredly means surgery. In fact, they let us know that the x-rays had already been seen by the surgeon and Janet would be discharged with pain meds and a sling to help immobilize her shoulder. It was a long night, and an even longer day today. I am sitting here, watching Janet squirm, knowing another long night is ahead of her.

Tomorrow morning we find out what time we get to go see the surgeon. Janet is almost begging for the surgery at this point – 2 days of incredible pain have her, understandably, on edge. That is the most important thing on my plate – relieving her suffering and getting an action plan in place.

Also today, when we thought things couldn’t get much worse, the hot water heater failed and started leaking all over the lower level floor. Apparently, it ruptured and through a series of calls, I was able to find a dear friend who came out and tried to at least shut things down and keep us with cold water. It was quite an ordeal and we are hoping that they can secure the new water heater in the morning. The size we need wasn’t in stock and we are hoping the plumbing supply company will have one we can purchase.

Our daughters, Kristin, and particularly, Jill, have been great. Jill arrived from Oklahoma yesterday and hasn’t had a moment of rest since she came into town. Sadly, Kristin is dealing with the imminent passing of her father-in-law who wasn’t expected to make it though the week-end – the result of a long, debilitating illness that has robbed him of his cognitive function and is draining the life from him. At this time, passing would be a great blessing.

And Andrew – he has been a God-send. He actually accompanied us to the hospital emergency room and without his help, Janet would have been back on the floor at least several times yesterday. We couldn’t have navigated the day without his help. This has been one of those times when everyone has worked together for the good of the family and we shall eventually persevere. In fact, about the only thing that Janet can still do is watch TV – it has kept her occupied.

That is, until the cable company switched some things around late yesterday and the entire system is now pretty messed up. Thankfully, the TV in the room where Janet is resting still works and we are hoping that the system can be checked out Monday. Along with the surgeon and the plumbing people for the water heater. By the way, did I mention that our sump pump also stopped working today? Thankfully, our back-up is working but a new sump pump is coming with the new water heater.

Both Janet and I are exhausted – her from pain, and I am emotionally and physically drained. It’s time for bed in a minute when I finish this… Frankly, the only verse that makes any sense to me tonight is Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Sometimes, you just have to sit there and ask God to take over and make things right… that’s where I am in my thoughts today. I can’t do all this in my own power – and God says that I don’t have to depend on myself.

My encouragement this evening is that God has a plan for all of us. Sometimes I wish that I knew the plan, but I don’t – and can’t even begin to understand why our family is so troubled right now. My prayer is that God will ease our burden a little and give Janet some relief from her pain. Moreover, I pray that Kristin’s father-in-law passes quickly and that his horrific suffering will soon be over. By comparison, the water heater and cable problems are small stuff. But we would appreciate a prayer or two for our predicament. We just don’t know know where else to turn than the Creator of the Universe and everything in it. Have a great day in the Lord, grace and peace… I’ll keep you posted…

One Comment

  • Dave Toussaint says:

    Scott
    GOOD GRIEF!!!! Here it is Tuesday evening and I just read the story. Talk about a horrible situation. I am so sorry for you, but especially Janet. Wow. I will pray for you again tonight and again tomorrow.
    Let me know if there is something I can do.
    Dave

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