When I listened to a great sermon at church Sunday night on dealing with stress, I had no idea the challenges yesterday would hold. I awoke to the comforting pitter patter of rain and looked forward to a quiet morning of reading. News that baseball had been cancelled due to the weather gave us an unexpected night at home, and I anticipated some unhurried family time.
After nearly two months of my back doing well, imagine my surprise when I sat down at the computer to check e-mail and had trouble getting up. I was not able to stand up straight, but walked down the stairs unaided. I did a couple of tasks before stretching out on my bed to loosen up my back. I rested for a few minutes and thought I was ready to get up, but when I tried to stand, excruciating pain overwhelmed me. Joe heard my screams from the other room and lifted me back onto the bed. I have been stuck here ever since, save the few horrific trips Joe has carried me to the bathroom. I desperately covet your prayers that God will deliver me from this pain.
While I was lying in bed staring at the ceiling, I talked to my sweet mother. She has multiple myeloma, a rare form of blood cancer. The past few months have been difficult for her as harsh medications have kept the cancer at bay, but have made blood transfusions necessary nearly every week. She will be heading to see her myeloma specialist next week, and he is already talking about a possible fourth stem cell transplant.
Mother also told me about several challenges others in the family are experiencing. My dear Aunt Gail, a non-smoker who is being treated for lung cancer, has gotten discouraging news from her oncologist. She is starting an intense regimen of radiation and chemotherapy. My grandmother is getting a pacemaker tomorrow, and my sister is without power as flood waters rage in Nashville, Tenn.
If you have moments to spare, please pray for my family.
After all this rain, we could use a few rainbows.
