Our 36th

Happy St. Patrick's Day, Everyone!

Thirty-six years ago today, in the little country church where I went as a child and where I am a member again now, I said my "till death us do part" vows to Michael Collins Rice. We both favored the color green and in 1984 St. Patrick's Day fell on the Saturday of my spring break from Southside Community College. It was a perfectly beautiful March day with many family and friends gathered around us to witness our wedding vows and our love for each other. 

Today was also a perfectly beautiful March day with temperatures probably very similar to that day 36 years ago. But today I could not be with my hubby. All the nursing homes are locked down and not allowing any visitors due to the Coronavirus. Not that he knows the day or me, as far as I can tell. 

Yet God, my gracious Heavenly Father is a giver of good gifts and gave me a nugget of joy today. I called and asked Mike's nurse if she would put the phone to his ear so that I could wish him a Happy Anniversary and tell him I loved him. Right away she asked if I had an Android phone with Duo on it. Yes! She gave me her personal cell phone # and told me to video call on that and she'd let me see Mike and him see me. What a precious gift that was to me! Mike was in his usual spot, sitting in the hall in his wheelchair, but he did not "omm" the entire time I talked with him. He was looking at the cell phone screen, rubbing his head and looked like he wanted to say something, but nothing ever came out. He's a little congested and his eyes were red, but overall he looked good.

That's why I like where Mike is so much. The staff is so caring and kind. The nurse told me to feel free to use her number to video chat with Mike whenever I wanted. She's there most days. I will not abuse the privilege, but I appreciate her thoughtfulness and willingness. It made my day.

I praise God that He has given me the desire and ability to remain faithful to the vows Mike and I spoke to one another on March 17, 1984. It has not always been easy - bringing 2 very different people to live together "till death us do part" takes a lot of work, some compromise, sacrifice and at times learning to agree to disagree, plus being able to forgive and ask for forgiveness. We had all of that, plus laughter, crazy adventures, two terrific sons, many moves, and a love for God that continually drew us to each other even when we really didn't want to stick it out. We said our vows before God and many witnesses and we did not want to break our promise to each other and more importantly to God. God is so faithful and here we are 36 years later still married. Praise be to God!

I'll leave you with some photos of our wedding day and one of our favorite Bible verses. 

Colossians 1:10-14

And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord

and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work,

growing in the knowledge of God, 

being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might

 so that you may have great endurance and patience, 

and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, 

who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints

 in the kingdom of light. 

For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness

 and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 

in whom we have redemption, 

the forgiveness of sins.

Happy Anniversary to us!

Happy St. Patrick's Day to you!

Surgery Update

It's hard to believe it's been almost 2 weeks since my surgery. Thank you so much for the prayers, texts, emails, calls, cards, food and visits. Overall, I believe I've done quite well. 

Before surgery with my
bair hugger warmer gown.

Two of my sisters, Gayle and Carol, came in on Tuesday, February 18. Carol came to be with Mom and Gayle came to take me to the hospital and stay with me there. Our appointment time was 5:30 a.m. on Wednesday, the 19th, so we left here about 4:15 a.m. and were the first ones in the surgical center waiting room. We had barely sat down when a nurse came to get us. After getting me ready, I was wheeled out for surgery at 7:30. Everyone at Johnston Willis Surgical Center and later at the hospital were really wonderful - from the receptionist to the nurses, CNAs, doctors, food service, housekeeping, financial rep. and med techs. Each one was professional, courteous, kind and caring. 

Surgery went well and I was done by 11:30 a.m. or so. They kept me on oxygen for a while and my mouth was extremely dry, so I kept drinking a lot of water. Gayle was a wonderful caregiver, keeping my water cup full and ordering food. I didn't have much of an appetite, but ate a few bites. Most of Wednesday afternoon and evening are a fog to me. Their main goal for me that day was to rest and control nausea. Other than having my children, I think it's the first time I've stayed overnight as the patient.  It was the quietest wing of a hospital I've ever been on and Gayle and I actually got some sleep. No loud beeping and whirring machines and alarms going off like I was used to with Mike.

The goal the next day was to walk and successfully use the bathroom. Praise God, I did not have to come home with a catheter! I was easily able to walk also. It was the getting in and out of bed that hurt. We were discharged about 11:30 and on our way home. I was sent home on 3 medications, but I am sensitive to medicine and my stomach was not tolerating these very well. I kept weaning out medicine until on Tuesday I was not taking anything and began to feel much better. The pain has never been bad except when I cough or sneeze, the upset stomach from the medicine was the worst of it!

I've been able to walk every day at least a half mile and yesterday walked over a mile. That might have been a little bit too much as I've been more tired today. I am blessed to have 2 friends, Nancy and Bobbi, who often come and walk with me. My back has done fairly well; although, it has hurt more today. It is hard since I can't do my regular stretches and twists and I'm not sure how to keep it from getting stiff. I will go Thursday for my follow-up appointment and should be able to drive after that, but have really enjoyed the rest of not driving.

I am so grateful to Carol and Gayle for taking the time to come and take care of me and Mom. The first few days it was difficult to put on socks and shoes and they pampered me. My sweet Momma so wanted to do something for me and so she massaged between my shoulders. Carol stayed for a week and cooked lots of food which I am still enjoying. My other sister, Vivian, had come the end of January which helped me to catch up on paperwork and Creamery bookkeeping so that I am not so far behind now. I've been working a little here and there and today was my first day to spend several hours back at work. My brother, Hugh, stopped by this evening to check on me and give me a hug. I am so blessed with my Mom and siblings and thank God for giving them to me. 

I am thankful for the skill of the doctor and nurses, but mostly for God who made our bodies in such an amazing way that they can heal so beautifully after being cut open. He is the master physician and holds all of life in His hands. All praise to our creator and sustainer, Almighty God! Jehovah-Rapha, the God who heals.

Deuteronomy 32:39

“See now that I myself am he!

    There is no god besides me.

I put to death and I bring to life,

    I have wounded and I will heal,

    and no one can deliver out of my hand."