“Judy: Getting Ready For Lent”

Judy’s had a pretty good Lenten preparation. After our trip to Michigan with assorted challenges, she had an infected molar pulled, and we are now in the “out patient” waiting room at Morristown Hospital, while Judy is in surgery to have a cyst removed from her liver. She is very brave and is all set to offer up her suffering for others who are sick. There are some 100 surgeries performed daily at this hospital. As we survey the crowded waiting room, many are on their phone or computer, talking with someone, drinking coffee or eating a snack. You wonder what’s going on in their life. Is their loved one in for a “simple” procedure, or something more serious? I’m here with our daughter Anne, using the time to catch up on life. Even though we live nearby, we don’t often get this much time to talk about the myriad of issues…it’s been a blessing.

Well we just heard from the doctor….the surgery went well, the cyst is “history”…4 holes in her side from the laparoscopic surgery…. now in recovery. We utter a sigh of relief; even though we were not expecting problems, you never know. We will be able to see her in about an hour. 

We are debating about getting her a balloon. Judy definitely said she did not want a balloon, but both Anne and I are “balloon people”… shall we get a balloon even though it might trigger a reaction in the recovering patient. Hmmmmmm…. I guess we won’t get the balloon and maybe pick up some flowers later when I visit my “2^nd family” at Shoprite.

Fast forward 24 hours: Judy is recovering well, handling the pain, and already “doing too much”… we have to insist that she take it easy. We are very grateful to have these challenges pretty much in the rear view mirror. 

Just a quick update on my trip to Shoprite today. Although I think of myself  pretty much as a pro, it appears I still have a couple of things to work on. I did need to ask a variety of people where the pinto beans, the curry powder, and lime juice were located, and I almost committed the “unforgivable sin”:  I accidently took another woman’s basket and was zipping away with it. Fortunately I realized my error at the same time she arrived to get her basket back…. a couple of nervous chuckles and we were on our way. Hmmmmmmm, I wonder why she’s talking to that cop outside.

So the Lord has poured out a lot of grace on us over these last couple of weeks. We experience his presence and his care and love…. whether it’s a fun day with family or a day at Morristown Hospital. Jesus loves us and that is very good news.