Philippians 1:3

Since being home from the hospital, I have been humbled by the outpouring of love from family & friends. They have showered me with cards, flowers, gifts and meals. I think Harlan has only made a couple of meals since I came home two weeks ago. One of my gifts was this plaque that I have displayed in our family room. This verse says exactly how I feel about each one of my friends.

My friend, Kylee, came over on Tuesday afternoon and weeded my flower beds. To her it was a small act of kindness but to me it spoke volumes of her love for me. We had a wonderful time visiting over those weeds as I sat in a nearby chair watching her pull away.

To each one of my friends, I thank my God every time I remember you!

For better or for worse

I came home two weeks ago from having two surgeries and spending 10 days in the hospital. As is the case with most hospitals, it was understaffed with nurses to adequately care for all the patients on the floor. Due to this under staffing, I was not receiving the care Harlan wanted me to have and what we felt I needed in order to be well enough to leave the hospital. On day three, after the second surgery, Harlan rarely left my side. He half jokingly wrote on the board in my room that he was the nurses aide.

One morning when he found me dehydrated, he marched down to the nurses station demanding to speak to the head nurse. He told her of my lack of care, was my advocate for getting what was needed to rehydrate me and requesting that the previous night nurse never be my nurse again. I don't want to say the nurses weren't good. For the most part the nurses took good care of me and there were times they took time to visit and really listen to my needs.

Another morning, Harlan was helping me freshen up for the day. Unable to shower due to the IV, Harlan put the special shower cap on my head that washes the hair without having to rinse it. He also took great care in washing me. I asked him if he ever thought he'd be doing this when he said his wedding vows over 33 years ago. He said "no, but I really didn't know what I was saying back then." What I realized at this point was that it didn't matter if he had thought about it back then. What mattered is that he was doing it now.

The only part of my whole hospital ordeal that makes me emotional is when I think of how Harlan cared for me. And he continues to take care of me now that I'm home. It's through his great care that I've gotten stronger everyday. Even with his care, I know that my Heavenly Father is taking even better care of me through not only Harlan but also the wonderful family and friends He has brought in to my life.

Over the next couple of weeks I hope to share more of God's great care for me. May we never be so busy that we can't take some time to be like Mary. To sit at the feet of Jesus and feel His great love and care.