Near the beginning of June, my
husband had surgery on his carotid artery. It was at that time that he suffered
a mini-stroke. I knew that there was something wrong because it was a long time
before he came out of the recovery room. The surgeon finally found me in the
waiting room.
"Mrs. Hagedorn, your husband suffered a mini-stroke
during surgery; he is ... ." I did not hear the rest of it because my mind shut
down after hearing the word "mini-stroke". After the initial shock, I asked the
surgeon if my husband was all right. Apparently, he was paralyzed on the left
side of his face and arm, but the sensations of movement were slowly coming
back.
When he was moved to the "step-down room", almost like
an intensive care unit, he was quite confused and did not know where he was. Two
weeks later, I brought him home, but he is still confused, although the doctors
tell me that this will pass.
Kurt used to be a whiz at completing crossword
puzzles, but now, he has trouble connecting the "across" and "down" spaces in
correlation with the word. Playing cards or Scrabble® is quite a challenge to
him at this time. It is almost like his brain is playing mind games within
himself about the outside world. On my part, I have to make sure that he takes
the correct pills and monitor his every move. I find myself frustrated, and
feelings of hopelessness envelop my whole being.
It is at times like these, when we feel totally
helpless or frustrated, or even lose our cool and yell, that God understands us.
He has promised that He will never give us something that we cannot handle; He
has promised that He will never leave us nor forsake us. I have experienced His
encouragement in several ways. He will send us a friend to help out; He will
send a word of encouragement over the Internet from some stranger. We may feel
all alone at times, but He is always there.
Deuteronomy 31:8 - And the Lord is the one who goes
ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not
fear, or be dismayed. (NASB)
Prayer: Father God, You are with us in our trials and
our fears. When we feel discouraged and anxious, grant us Your peace. You know
already that we will stumble and fall because of our humanity. Thank You for
Your words of encouragement and Your promises that You will never leave us or
forsake us. You will be with us even until the end of the age. Amen.
Rosemary Hagedorn
rosyhagedorn@gmail.com
Penetanguishene, Ontario, Canada
Thanks to http://daily.presbycan.ca
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