You Can Watch Your Bladder!

It’s been over a month of running to the doctor’s, having tests and procedures to determine just what is causing some health problems. As it turns out there are several areas of concern requiring an immediate diagnosis. Today was a surgical procedure to have a good look at my bladder. Having been in the operating room before I assumed I would be sedated and wake up when it was all over. I was concerned when the hospital called yesterday to inform me of the arrival time and did not give me instructions for fasting. Everyone knows you need to fast before anesthesia! What were they thinking, was I going to be awake for all this?

Sure enough I was scheduled for a local anesthesia. After all the prep and signing my life away I was ushered back to the OR. Although all the equipment was impressive I was not looking forward to what was about to happen, there were TVs everywhere and I was informed I could watch the doctor do the procedure and see my bladder. “See my bladder? Can’t I just watch Good Morning America?” I couldn’t imagine who on earth would want to see their bladder! My personal nurse Greg, the person who would coach me through this procedure looked like he just came from the beach on his motorcycle.

One of the very best doctor’s in the country happened to be doing my surgery (thank you Lord). I knew I was in good hands.

Once the procedure started as expected I did not do well. I’m not sure what they gave me but it didn’t feel like anything was numb enough for anyone to be poking around! Trying to distract me Greg was helping me breath like I did during three natural childbirths. Fortunately Greg was big and strong because he had to physically hold me down or I would have jumped off the table. Thankfully, with the help of Greg and prayer, I/we made it through.

Although I’m not completely out of the woods today was a very good day, the doctor saw no cancer and no need to biopsy the area (that’s a good thing). Tomorrow is another procedure. Prayers are appreciated and welcomed.

Having to go through a time of such uncertainty really changes your/my perspective on things. It’s tough to think of what could be down the road but it forces you to come to terms with the sovereignty of God. Not easy, but necessary. I must daily make a choice whether I will worry and fret or whether I will commit my day to God and enjoy the day He has given me, just one day at a time. Our days are numbered, none of us know how long we will be here. I did not want to waste the month of August fretting about something that may or may not happen and miss the time with my kids and husband.

It is in the hard times that special friends step up to pray, and encourage. I thank God for all those people in my life, they know who they are.

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God: and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

Sweet dreams and blessings,

Debbie

It’s been over a month of running to the doctor’s, having tests and procedures to determine just what is causing some health problems. As it turns out there are several areas of concern requiring an immediate diagnosis. Today was a surgical procedure to have a good look at my bladder. Having been in the operating room before I assumed I would be sedated and wake up when it was all over. I was concerned when the hospital called yesterday to inform me of the arrival time and did not give me instructions for fasting. Everyone knows you need to fast before anesthesia! What were they thinking, was I going to be awake for all this?

Sure enough I was scheduled for a local anesthesia. After all the prep and signing my life away I was ushered back to the OR. Although all the equipment was impressive I was not looking forward to what was about to happen, there were TVs everywhere and I was informed I could watch the doctor do the procedure and see my bladder. “See my bladder? Can’t I just watch Good Morning America?” I couldn’t imagine who on earth would want to see their bladder! My personal nurse Greg, the person who would coach me through this procedure looked like he just came from the beach on his motorcycle.

One of the very best doctor’s in the country happened to be doing my surgery (thank you Lord). I knew I was in good hands.

Once the procedure started as expected I did not do well. I’m not sure what they gave me but it didn’t feel like anything was numb enough for anyone to be poking around! Trying to distract me Greg was helping me breath like I did during three natural childbirths. Fortunately Greg was big and strong because he had to physically hold me down or I would have jumped off the table. Thankfully, with the help of Greg and prayer, I/we made it through.

Although I’m not completely out of the woods today was a very good day, the doctor saw no cancer and no need to biopsy the area (that’s a good thing). Tomorrow is another procedure. Prayers are appreciated and welcomed.

Having to go through a time of such uncertainty really changes your/my perspective on things. It’s tough to think of what could be down the road but it forces you to come to terms with the sovereignty of God. Not easy, but necessary. I must daily make a choice whether I will worry and fret or whether I will commit my day to God and enjoy the day He has given me, just one day at a time. Our days are numbered, none of us know how long we will be here. I did not want to waste the month of August fretting about something that may or may not happen and miss the time with my kids and husband.

It is in the hard times that special friends step up to pray, and encourage. I thank God for all those people in my life, they know who they are.

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God: and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

Sweet dreams and blessings,

Debbie

An Unexpected Birthday Surprise

“Daddy Help!” “Hold onto the pole!” “Ouch, Daddy Help!” “Grab the pole!” “Run Emeline, RUN!”

For Emeline’s tenth birthday she chose to spend the afternoon turtle hunting. This is Emeline’s favorite form of entertainment and passion as she enters the “tween” years. This sport is not for the thrill seekers or those demanding instant gratification. Turtle hunting can rank right up there with watching paint dry!

Knowing how much Emeline loves to find and catch turtles we all set out to support our favorite ten year old. We live close to a canal where creatures such as snakes, frogs, minnows, crayfish and others live. The rangers know us as well as frequent canal goers!

Walking on the canal is quite peaceful and tranquil I must admit. Once I start walking I get lost in God’s creation and am keenly aware of all the little creative ways God shows us just how wonderful and majestic He is. Today was no different. I was several steps ahead of Steve and the kids with my eyes fixed on the canal determined to find a small turtle to help Emeline. That is when I heard all the commotion behind me. Emeline was screaming, Steve was trying to get her out of the canal. They were obviously in some sort of trouble but I couldn’t tell what.

Emleine had stepped on a bee’s nest and they came at her and Steve with a vengeance. Emeline looked like she was doing the 50 yard dash and screaming her head off when I realized what was happening. They bit her twice on the face, on the back, and on her finger. OUCH!!!!

Would she continue or want to go home and have a good cry? We kept going, a lesson was learned…always check the brush near the water for bee’s nests before plunging into the canal. It’s actually a good life lesson. There are often times in my own life when I’ve got my eyes set on a goal I want to accomplish and I don’t see the “CAUTION” sign in front of me.UGH!

The beauty of our day was when Emeline caught her little turtle she set out for. It was God’s birthday gift to her, and we thank HIM for it!

“A wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel.” Proverbs 1:5

HAPPY BIRTHDAY EMELINE, WE LOVE YOU!!!

Debbie

A Girl's Day Out

For Emeline’s 10th birthday this year we decided in lieu of a big party to do a few different activities with smaller groups. Today was a tea date for Emeline and her girlfriend. They are both turning ten within a few weeks of each other and are new friends. I pray long and hard for Emeline’s relationships, a mother’s heart is delighted to see a beautiful friendship blossom.

Watching Emeline get dressed and style her hair was entertaining to say the least. My once “Frilly” girl turned “Tom boy” winced as she put her peach dress on realizing that she had no dressy shoes. No problem, we just tapped into the “give away” bin for anything that would come close to her shoe size and look fancy. Once the dress was on I was advised it was too itchy, what would we do? At her mother’s request she wore it anyway. The date started off with an itchy dress and shoes that didn’t quite fit. Her hair wouldn’t stay curled, but none of this stopped Emeline from looking forward to her date for tea.

Once we picked up Annaleisa I couldn’t help but chuckle to hear the same challenges. “My hair won’t stay curled”, “my shoes are killing me”, were some of her comments, just like Emeline. Two adorable girls all dressed up and their feet were killing them! I told them they only had to wear the killer shoes into the restaurant and then they could take them off, that made them happy.

When we arrived at the tea house I had a table reserved just for them. What a joy to watch the girls act all grown up and enjoy one another. The shoes and sore feet remained an ongoing issue but we all laughed and the girls couldn’t wait to put their flip flops and crocs on to make their feet happy once again.

As a mom I pray often for Emeline’s friendships. This is the age where their bodies start changing along with their emotions. I often encourage her to know what the bible says about friendships (choose your friends wisely) and how to treat others. My heart is blessed to see God bring such a sweet friend along side Emeline. Annaleisa has blessed Emeline and our family and we are grateful for that.

“Iron sharpens iron: so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend. Proverbs 27:17

Sweet Dreams,

Debbie