Thankfulness During Another Hospital Visit

A pale form sat in the wheelchair. Listless eyes opened and closed. Mother tried to smile when we walked into the hospital waiting room.

“I’d rather be home in bed,” she said.

We understood why she hadn’t wanted to go to the emergency room again. In six or seven weeks, she had been there three times. Another hospitalization wasn’t welcome news. 

After my dad’s phone call, Alan and I quickly prepared for the hour’s drive to their home.  With multiple issues, her health was precarious. We wondered how she would be when we got there. Thankfully, before we arrived, she had finally decided to go to the hospital.

After a rather prolonged time, they began the process of evaluating her. During the extended wait during the evening, I tried to find things to be thankful for. There were many. 

Cell phones to contact family members. A nearby hospital with caring doctors, nurses and other staff members. Blood tests and a lab to analyze them. Oxygen tanks to help her breathe. A mobile x-ray machine so she didn’t have to leave the room. An EKG machine to check her heart. A clean bed so she could stretch out and relax. Warm blankets to take off the chill. A dad who is devoted to his wife of sixty-eight years and patiently sat with her.

I remembered what our recent house guest from South Sudan said about his country’s hospitals. They have little equipment and medications. Many citizens die for lack of good medical care. What a blessing that we have well equipped medical facilities.

When my mom was stabilized and waiting for a room, Alan and I decided to leave for home. Even on the way, I thought of more to be thankful for. A husband willing to drop everything and drive me there. A new book for him to read while he waited. A reliable car with plenty of gas. A McDonald’s where we could get a late night snack. Light traffic and good weather for the late drive.

The first phone call caused anxiety and uncertainty. However, with prayer and the Holy Spirit’s guidance, peace and thankfulness returned. When I concentrated on the positive things, the rest receded. 

Please pray for continued healing, peace, and thankfulness. 

I Thessalonians 5: 16-18 Celebrate always, pray constantly, and give thanks to God no matter what circumstances you find yourself in. (This is God’s will for all of you in Jesus the Anointed.) The Voice