What a beautiful song to wake up to on this special day for me! It was two years ago today, I was admitted to the hospital. What started with the sniffles and a little cough, apparently soon turned to pneumonia and ARDS. I had never really been sick a day in my life and initially was not concerned. But when I walked into the emergency room with my fingers noticeably turning blue I knew this was more than just the sniffles. That was one time there was no waiting in the ER as the staff immediately went to work on me and in a short time they were trying to find an ICU room at some hospital to better care for me. I remember the ride in the ambulance to the chosen hospital, being put in the room but shortly after that it was "lights out" for several weeks. As I began to come to, I was a bit confused and trying to remember "what happened". I could not move. I did not have the strength to raise my hands, move the bed sheets, lift my legs, roll over, I mean nothing. I could hardly see. Over the next several weeks, I started to learn what had happened. I was told, the doctors, medical staff or hardly anyone gave me much chance of survival. Unable to eat or drink for almost 5 months (I was so hungry and thirsty), not able to breathe at all without oxygen, not able to get out of bed, not able to move to adjust myself on the uncomfortable mattress without help, somehow, I felt everyday I was getting better even though others thought otherwise. You see, I believed God had a different plan and he did. I finally was transferred to a rehab facility, still not able to get out of bed, still with very little strength, only able to eat and drink liquids (avoid a puree deli sandwich at all costs LOL), of course still on oxygen. ARDS is not the best method to diet but you will loose about 40 to 50 lbs. LOL
At rehab, they would lift me out of a bed with something called a hoya (I think) and drop me in a wheel chair and we would proceed to workout for 3 hours. Things I had always taken for granted (like walking and standing) I could not wait to do again. It took a while, but the talented therapists with their immeasurable patience and dedication, worked with me and about 6 weeks later I was able to go home. During that time in rehab, my trach was removed and I was able to talk again. I began to eat more solid foods and strong enough to stand and take a few steps with a walker.
I'll fast forward to today. As most of you know, I am living a pretty normal life (with limitations due to oxygen) and able to enjoy the blessing of life. Yes, I thank God for every breath I take, every heartbeat, every step I take because it was God who gave me life. I love and appreciate the doctors and medical staff who took care of me, my family and friends who supported and prayed for me but without the hand of God on my life and His plans for me I know I would not be here today. I am thankful and give God all the glory for His touch on my life!
I hope you know the feeling of "Standing on Holy Ground". I have always been moved when I hear this song. Just to feel His presence and know love abounds. Verse 2 says, "In His presence I know there is joy beyond all measure. And at His feet sweet peace of mind can still be found. For when we have a need, He is still the answer. Reach out and claim it, for we are standing on holy ground."
I hope you have an amazing Sunday. I know I'm excited to go to His house today, worship and give thanks for all He has done for me.
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