I'm a Miracle

I’m a walking miracle. Less than six months ago I was lying in an ICU bed alternately puking my guts out and begging for pain medication after a delicate operation to remove a tumor from my spinal cord. I had prepared my class and my family and myself for a long drawn-out recovery involving lots of bed rest and physical therapy. I had also prepared myself for a worst-case scenario: an undetermined length of time in a wheelchair. I’d already had a glimpse of that. I spent three months in a wheelchair after an accident that broke my leg in three places and left me with metal screws holding it together. I wasn’t sure if I was ready to repeat the experience, but I was mentally prepared, just in case.

I wasn’t prepared for a miracle! Five days after my surgery, I walked down the hospital corridor. Five days later, on my birthday, I walked out the door and went home. Oh, there was pain! And I needed the assistance of friends and family and a walker for several weeks. However, I not only returned to my life, but to my lifestyle- teaching, gardening, traveling, and loving. The experience was, and continues to be, a profound testament to the power of faith. I had asked people to pray for me. I had prayed for myself- from the moment of my diagnosis to the morning of my surgery. I guess what I hadn’t done was believe I deserved such an astonishing blessing! I was willing to settle for so much less. But God offered so much more.

I’m not sure why I was so surprised by my recovery. God has certainly held my hand on more than one occasion. I’ve had seven major surgeries. I’ve broken six bones. I’ve been in three car accidents. I’ve had my share of tribulations and tragedies. However, if I look at the scoreboard of my life the blessings are beyond calculation. I have a good husband, a great family, a job I love, and supportive friends. I’m seldom ill and rarely in more pain than I can handle.

I’ve vowed to be more appreciative of my blessings. I plan to thank God for at least five of my blessings each day and to be especially attentive to the GOOD things in my life. The bad and the ugly can be so loud and overwhelming sometimes. Don’t give them more attention than they deserve. Be a miracle!

Comments

[Katrina]

I seem to remember you telling me at MY hospital bed that "God only gives us what we can handle, so you must be really strong." Right back at ya...

[Marilyn Crabtree]

I'm grateful to have been a part of that miracle by praying for you. It is always a joy to hear the answers to prayers on someone's behalf. Many times we pray but do not always know the results. I'm thankful you are doing well and are continuing to write. You DO have the gift of writing and can touch the lives of others through that gift. It's great to have you for a friend.
Love,
Marilyn Crabtree