This picture of a little fawn has nothing at all to do with my post, but I needed to pull up a picture to give me a smile. This week has been, as I said in my blog title, one to forget. I came up on this baby several years ago. I actually had Frankie on leash, but he never caught sight of this little fellow. That’s the thing about baby deer. They don’t have an odor to draw animals to them. They lay very still and play that game some human toddlers will. You know. The one where they put their heads under a cover and think if they are very still, you can’t see them when you’re playing peek-a-boo.
This little guy was told by his mama to stay where he was and not move no matter what. Eventually, she came back to collect him at the end of the day. Sometimes people get nervous and think the fawns have been deserted when the mama deer hide them behind a bush or against their house. But unless mama has come to a bad end, she’ll be back. So, it’s best to leave the babies where they are and not bother them. I was really glad Frankie didn’t get to bother this one when I spotted it.
Anyway, now that I’ve had my smile, I’ll let you know that Darrell is still awaiting surgery, but we have high hopes that after seven long days, it will be tomorrow. But when that does happen, we’ve been assured that he will be treated by a great orthopedic specialist. That’s worth waiting for, we hope. Hope. Hope. Hope. Darrell is ready to be at home healing and that is going to happen soon. Maybe tomorrow.
A week sitting in a hospital room is no fun. A week being the one in the hospital bed is even less fun. Then last night, my phone just up and died. It went out in style, flashing the phone symbol and a green color all night long. I had just talked on it ten minutes before. I guess it said enough is enough and gave up. Made me wish for an old fashioned landline that we got rid of years ago. The hospital wouldn’t have been able to reach me if something had gone wrong. I headed back early this morning, took possession of my husband’s phone and then found the nearest phone store. Of course, they couldn’t repair it. Can they ever? That means I am the proud owner of a new phone and back in the loop with my kids and the doctors, if need be.
But what is is. And in Thessalonians 5:18, the Bible says to be thankful in all circumstances.
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (NIV)
That can be difficult for those who have faced those mountains in their roads instead of mere bumps. It’s not that difficult for me after this particular bumpy week. I can find plenty of reasons to be thankful. First, that so many people came to Darrell’s aid after he fell in the parking lot. Second, that the emergency rooms got to him without delay. I’m thankful the ER nurse knew how to get his wedding ring off his swollen finger. I’m thankful the ortho doctor on duty at that first hospital realized that the break was too serious for him and sent him on to trauma orthopedic specialists. Then I’m thankful for all the kind, considerate, and caring nurses, doctors, aides and more who have tried to make my husband comfortable and for their pleasant demeanors and kindness. I’m thankful for hospitals like the one where he is being treated that train more nurses and doctors to care for those in need of treatment. I’m thankful my son came with us that first night to make the trip between hospitals easier. I’m thankful for my daughter who came home to be with her dad and to help me. She had hoped that she’d be able to help him come home but had to leave to go back to work. I’m thankful my other son drove five hours to come visit his father. I’m thankful and relieved that none of the roads I had to travel were flooded in spite of an amazing 11 inches of rain. I’m thankful for my granddaughter helping out with my dogs and for her boyfriend helping with a needed project here at the house before Darrell comes home. Today I was thankful for a phone store only five minutes from the hospital and for the three employees there who were patient and helpful with getting me a phone even when I wasn’t sure about my very necessary password. I did finally figure that out. The Lord surely helped me there. I am always thankful for His help.
And I’m thankful for all of you for reading my posts and praying for us. You are the best.
What are you thankful for today?
Come back on Thursday. I’m going to be taking part in one of those fun Scavenger Hunts where you can find out about new books from writers you already love and other authors new to you. I’ll be sharing about my book, The Pursuit of Elena Bradford. As always, there are great prizes. Here is an early peek at books on the Scavenger Hunt.
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So many challenges for you to get through last and this week. First all that rain, then Darrell’s accident, then your phone! I too seem to have it that way, when one thing goes wrong, there are others to follow. I’m glad Darrell has got the surgery done, and by now you may be home. You and your family has been in my thoughts and prayers and I hope for fast healing to begin.
The Scavenger Hunt sounds like fun, I’ll be checking it out.
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That’s why some people say trouble comes in threes, Connie. But I don’t really consider my dead phone trouble – just an irritating inconvenience at a bad time. Darrell is home and doing okay. Not a lot of pain. So that’s good. We are on the healing road now. At least we think so. Thank you for your kind thoughts and prayers.
And get ready. The Scavenger Hunt is about to begin. Always fun.
Oh, Ann. As usual, you inspire me. Continued prayers for Darrel and you. I just pulled this card from my mom’s file, and it reminds me of you. “Peace is not the calm before the storm, but the calm during the storm.” That sentence pretty much sums you up. I am hoping and praying the surgery is behind Darrel and that he is mending and that you will soon be on your way home to your beautiful farm.
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We are hoping to go home today, Shelia, but he will have a hard couple of weeks before he gets a smaller and easier to handle cast.
Prayers for a day surgery and a full recovery in the near future. Your positive energy is encouraging even in the ‘toughest times’. Thank you.
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My husband did have surgery yesterday after I asked our church family to storm heaven with prayers that the surgery wouldn’t be put off again, Roselyn. Thank you for your prayers to add to the positive energy.
Thank you, Ann, for sharing this example of thankfulness. Will continue to pray for you and your husband.
II Thessalonians 2:16-17
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Thank you for your prayers and kindness, Geri. There are times it is hard to practice thankfulness but there are always blessings.
Scavenger hunts are fun!! Still praying for both of you!!
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Look forward to seeing you on the Scavenger Hunt, Trudy. I hope you have a lot of fun.
Continuing to pray for you and Darrell. God bless you both.
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Thank you, Melissa. It’s wonderful to know so many people are praying for both of us.
Hi Ann,
Sending prayers for Darrell’s surgery and speedy healing – and for help and safety for
you, too.
Mary Clare
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Thank you so much, Mary. I’ve been overwhelmed with all the good thoughts and prayers for my husband and for me.
Glad to get the update, Ann. I’m sorry for all the difficulties and challenges you and your family have faced, but so encouraged by your spiritual fortitude and positive insights that you shared today. What a beautiful family you have that shows such care and loyalty to one another. You are a shining example of trusting in the Lord and WAITING on the Lord. It takes a mighty strength of character to wade through all these hurdles day after day. Will continue to pray that your every need will be attended to as you wait in hope.
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Thank you for your kind words, Amy. We are hoping to make it home today if my husband can get up and navigate a little. He’s a big guy and I can help him up but not lift him up. It’s always good to see the positives in a day. I’m always a half full glass kind of person, but sometimes the glass can seem half empty. But with the right attitude, it’s always filling up with new blessings.
Oh Ann … I’m just going to keep praying for you and Darrell. I am so thankful we have a loving Father and a blessed Savior who hear us when we call out. This journey called “life” sure has its ups and downs. Be strong in the Lord. He’s upholding you and Darrell.
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It’s always good to remember to be strong in the Lord as we go through the various challenges that face us in our life, Janette. Thank you so much for your encouraging words and prayers.
Prayers continue, Ann.
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Thank you, Diana. Much appreciated.
So sorry for all that your husband and you have been going through. Praying your husband’s surgery goes well and he is able to heal quickly. Last week marked one year that we were in the hospital with my husband. It was an experience I never want to relive, and we could have lost him, but the Lord was merciful and everything turned out okay, I am so thankful! We never do know what we will have to face in this life, but it is so comforting to know that the Lord is with us every step of the way. I hope you find many reasons to smile this week and am sure your husband will be smiling when he is able to make it home.
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So glad your husband got through that rough time last year. Darrell wasn’t facing that kind of situation but he had a long road ahead to get his arm back to how it needs to be. We are hoping to go home today if possible. Darrell has to prove to the therapy team that he is able to get up and down to be able to navigate if we go home. The sun is shining today even though the temperature is very cool. But the sunshine makes me smile after all the rain.
Hi Ann! I will continue to pray for you, and especially Darrell. God is good all the time, and His love endures forever.
God bless you! I remember when I was trying to find an orthopedic surgeon for my husbamds broken ankle that accepted our insurance. I got him in the next day in Louisville and he got him surgery the next day! I pray you have a good experience! I’m glad your not flooded.It is flooded in Carrollton KY. Where my husband use to be the minister