A New Chance / A New Life

I have finally reached a point where I feel comfortable writing about the last month and a half. I will share a little bit each post.

After a fun day working, I developed a sudden stomach ache. I thought it was food poisoning - yes I did stop at a drive through and scarf down a kraut dog on the road. I was sick overnight, then the pain got worse. The next day, December 23rd, I decided I needed medical help - which would come in the form of the VA emergency room two hours away. I was not able to sit up behind the wheel, so my 17 year old son drove me. Once seen at the VA, I was given blood tests and admitted overnight. IV antibiotics and fluids were shot into my arm and no other tests done. The next day I was released with a diagnosis of Colitis. The only problem was, I felt far worse when I was released than when I got there. I let the nurse know. I was released anyway with no medication and very little advice. Although I was happy to go home for Christmas, I spent the next two days miserable and in pain. I couldn't eat, sleep or stand up straight. I was in constant contact with the VA nurse hotline, to no avail.

The day after Christmas, my upper abdominal pain had reached a point where I could no longer stand it. I was terrified. My husband drove the two hours to the VA hospital again, where thankfully there was a shift change, and a different doctor was taking over. He sent me for a CT scan that showed a large mass on my portal vein. Upon seeing that, the doctor knew my care was out of the spectrum of the VA's ability to care for me.

I was taken by ambulance on another terrifying two hour trip to a hospital that was able to accept me and begin research on how to help. Banner Good Samaritan Hospital in Phoenix, AZ took charge of my care from that point forward. I had a team of doctors researching my condition as I underwent more testing.

Because of the strength of God, I was able to endure this life changing trial.I felt as if Jesus was there with me, comforting me and walking with me. I had no idea how much comfort I would need for the days ahead. 

My Faith

My faith brings me:

Blissful happiness in the midst of sorrow,
Healing grace in the midst of sickness,
Warm comfort in the midst of pain,
strength to overcome obstacles,
Calm reassurance in the midst of chaos and confusion.

And yet my faith is challenged.
It's validity questioned - by those near and far.

My question to those who doubt if what I believe is real and true:

 Does what you believe in do all these things?
Are you able to feel inner joy during times of sadness?
Peace during times of internal war?
Happiness during struggle?

If your answer is no, but you would like to feel this way, it is possible. Jesus Christ has time for you.

If you do not care to accept what I believe as an important part of who I am, please do not attempt to discourage me or attack my beliefs.

I've done much thinking over these past 12 days in the hospital - and have come to this conclusion:

I would rather believe and be comforted, and find out that I was wrong in the end, than live a miserable life of negativity, pain and unbelief to find out I was wrong in the end.

Life is all about choices and I am happy with the choice I've made to follow Jesus and Get Better God's Way!