Sunday, July 27, 2008

Sunday Morning Intrusions and Challenges

The Unwelcome Visitor so often seems to get one step ahead of us. He frequently hits us with an unplanned surprise. This morning Nancy's accelerated heart rate warranted attention. Thus began a 6 1/2 hour stay in the Abington Hospital ER as we underwent our second EKG this week, and a CT scan on the chest. After the test showed no evidence of clot or immediate trouble we were discharged. By then Nancy had spent lots of time strapped to a monitor waiting for answers, for relief, for a slower pulse.

Tomorrow will begin with a visit to her oncologist in pursuit of answers to her current insomnia and high heart rate. None of this was anticipated just a couple of days ago. Then we will take another CT scan to monitor the the state of the tumors in her liver. Once more the Unwelcome Visitor has dumped an unexpected surprise in our laps.

All this makes us feel completely out of control. It's also exhausting. Six hours in an ER cubicle is not the most relaxing way to spend Resurrection Day. It is, in fact, a particular kind of suffering. It is special privilege, the calling, the mission of this phase of the journey. Our Master and Savior asks us to learn to endure these unexpected intrusions with patience, love and joy in a way that glorifies him. This calling, like every other sacred charge, requires grace for the journey.

Meanwhile, ask HIM to bring calm, rest and a quiet heart to Nancy my best friend and companion, so that we might walk this path together for many unpredictable years to come.

7 comments:

domandkat said...

Oh Dan and Nancy,

We will continue to lift you both up in prayer. May our Father bless you both with profoundly deep sleep tonight...

Kathryn

Anonymous said...

Amen to that.

Becky

CS said...

Sorry yesterday was such a rough day. Praying for all of you guys.

Cindy Nore said...

So sorry you guys had such an exhausting ordeal yesterday. Praying for answers from the oncologist, for rest and a slower heart rate for Nancy, for good news on the liver CT. You are daily in my prayers - Cindy

Rebecca said...

Hey, I'm glad I checked your blog today! I was just about to spend some time in prayer this morning and I will definitely be lifting up Nancy and you. I love you guys!

words and streets said...

Will be praying. I know that a high heart rate is uncomfortable; I'll pray for a slower heart rate and rest tonight!

Rob and Mary said...

Praying for sleep. Endurance is hard stuff. Your endurance is encouraging to me.
I'm sorry you had to miss the baptism because of this Unwanted Visitor. I know you wanted to be there Nancy. Anant did so well and is still talking about how Terry put water on his head. Its cute. You can see the pics when you have time. http://www.flickr.com/photos/15906759@N08/ I know it won't be like actually being there.
Love,
Mary