Two Weeks until Surgery

Evie did all of her pre-admission stuff yesterday. I didn't go with her. Elaine, my brother's wife, drove.

Things went well.

And, the hospital and the staff and, particularly, the surgeon, are all impressive.

On a human level, everything is as good as we could ask.

Still, the reality is daunting.

Eight years ago right now, Evie was about to have the last of eight chemo treatments, to be followed by cancer surgery and radiation therapy.

And, I don't remember either of us being this stressed.

It's hard to know why.

Our faith is as strong, or stronger, than ever. And, Evie, especially, walks through this valley with what seems to be as much joy as ever.

But, even for her, I think that there are moments when the reality of what the surgery will entail...the stopping of her heart...the breaking of her sternum...the insertion of a cow valve into her heart...all the drugs, the tubes, being hooked up to a respirator, spending days in ICU...gets to her.

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This is one of those moments when it's obvious that a person reaps what they sow.

Evie has always been a person of compassion and of grace and of extraordinary mercy.

And, people are coming out of the woodwork to offer prayer and much more practical assistance as she approaches the surgery and the lengthy period of recuperation.

All of that helps.

But,...

It's going to be a long haul.

I've said many times that Evie's a very private person but she wants everyone in the world to be praying for her.

And, that is a central truth of this time in our lives.

Thanks for praying...

...and, for everything else.