So. Ahem.
An ultrasound this morning revealed that John has a gall bladder chock full of gall stones–which not only explains the fact that he spent last Thursday night on a stretcher in the field hospital with an IV, due to severe dehydration and extreme sickness that didn’t go away like one would expect a stomach bug or food poisoning to do–but also means that this gall bladder needs to come out. Like, as in, PRONTO. Because the plan is to have a baby here in a little over a month, and then he’s scheduled to head to the Sandy Spot a few weeks after Christmas. That doesn’t leave too many “good windows” of time for surgery and recovery, now, does it?
::laughs::
::shakes head::
::does both at the same time::
Oh, and that barking sound you hear forcing it’s way through the computer screen? That’s just Troy. The toddler with croup. Who doesn’t realize he’s sick and thus wants to run and scream and play outside as if he’s quite healthy. Until, of course, he can’t breathe a minute into said running spree.
So this is how you’ll find him at the moment.
We’ve been through one DVD of the Doodlebops, one of Elmo’s World, and we’re currently working on Thomas the Tank Engine.
This is not normal, folks. This is not normal.
My mom is flying as I type to Alabama to be with my grandmother during her angioplasty and recovery… which was originally scheduled for today but had to be postponed due to her sodium levels being too low. My mama flew out anyway, and we’ll just have to wait and see when the surgery actually occurs and when Mom ends up coming home…
So, I’m laughing this morning. Because in the scheme of things, crying SURE isn’t worth it. And, though perhaps a wee bit overwhelmed by the anticipation of John having surgery right now, I don’t feel like crying. Not when I look around and see people who really do have cause to shed tears… and yet are not only smiling themselves, but encouraging us to do so along with them.
Like Kelli… who is in the middle of battling a very serious infection.
Or Heather… who is starting another week of chemo today.
Or Ashley and her family… this precious baby is in the hospital once again and is having a very hard time.
Or Amy‘s family… dealing with the loss of sweet Amy.
Or Mel… a sweet Christian girl, younger than me, whom I just recently found in the blogosphere. She lost her fiance while he was in Iraq in February.
In the scheme of things, a gall bladder surgery doesn’t seem so big. John’s not worried… we know our wonderful Lord knows what He’s doing when He drops unexpected circumstances into our laps at odd times, and that if He knows, why should we wonder at something “smallish” like this?
He’s just plain bigger than that.
You’ll be in my thoughts and prayers in a special way today.
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What a beautiful attitude you have about all these inconveniences in your life. Life does have a way of interfering with all our plans doesn’t it? I will pray that the surgery goes well. I hope he can have it done laparoscopically. I did – and it wasn’t hard at all.
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Awww, girlfriend….wish I lived closer and could be a mother’s helper for a week or two, whenever you needed. :-) My prayers are with you and the family!!
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What a precious attitude you have Ashley! You’ve been a blessing to me this evening.
I fell in love with the photos of your most recent blogs. You and Troy in jeans and barefoot, (oh you are pregnant and barefoot LOL ) are so cute and precious, then of course, the photos of your hubby in his cammis and with all the weight of his back pack just brought tears flooding! Tell him thanks from me please. The tears weren’t so much just for him, but for all who are fighting for what I think is a very noble cause! Many Americans need to wake up and smell the coffee. God bless your hearts as you all await that precious little one. I’ll add John and his surgery to my prayer list.
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I’ll keep you all in my prayers. My mom just had her gall bladder removed a few weeks ago. The medical field has made so many advances that cut the recovery time way down. I hope both your guys are feeling better soon. I’ll be praying for extra strength for you too!
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Thank you for the beautiful post! Thank you for the reminder of God’s greatness– and of how helpful it is to put things in perspective in that way. I will keep you both in my prayers, as well as those precious people/families you mentioned.
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((( ashleigh )))
The Lord has you in His firm grasp..each one of you and yours. He sees the big picture and won’t let you falter. He is faithful.
I had my gall bladder removed and it’s a fairly cinchy surgery. Laproscopic…3-4 itty bitty incisions and about 2 weeks max recovery. I even have a video of the surgery. ew.
I’m praying for each of you specifically. <><
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will be having the same surgery in the near future as well. will be praying all goes well — something my husband and I have been teaching the boys when they comment about something that doesn’t just seem right to them — in response to it we tell them to say, “Life’s not fair, sir!” — they yell it at the top of their little lungs and it’s just a reminder to me of that truth… but also that God is in control.
blessings to you and that little one coming… and that little one sick.
lys
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I’ve visited your blog a few times through Heather’s at Just Laugh, but I had to comment and tell you that I always admire your attitude towards life’s situations. You show an amazing maturity for someone your age—-it says a lot about your upbringing!
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PS–come and visit my blog any time—I’ve been “in your shoes” for 11 years now so I know how you feel!
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Hang in there Ashleigh :) (((hugs)))
Troy is so cute. :) Even while sick. ;)
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So glad those pesky gall stones made themselves now NOW. Not when you were in delivery or when he was in the sandy spot. Oh shudder!!
YOu’ve a great attitude! Spiritual maturity.
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Aww … I just want you to know that I’m praying for you all!
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I like that. “He’s just plain bigger than that.”
AMEN! :)
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Oh Ash, your attitude *greatly* humbles me. God is so good.
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Ashley, although I’m sorry John had to have surgery, I am glad they figured out what was wrong and it’s easily fixed :)
You’re such a trooper. I know there may be times you just want to throw your hands up and scream- and that is totally ok.
But, in the end, you’re holding onto your faith and letting God help.
If there’s anything we can do from a distance, other than pray- you just let us know.
We’re all in this together.
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