The splint, the bandages, the gauze and the wrap... It came off today. I was able to see my foot and ankle for the first time since the accident.
There have been a few prayers along the way. I would like to share them with you...
Lord, I know this break is bad. I don't want to be awake when they "set it". Shield me from that kind of pain. If I may ask, in fact... Please let them put me out. Amen
I didn't realize I prayed myself into surgery but The Lord answered that prayer.
Lord, today please see me through this appointment with good news. Healing well, no issues to report - except maybe time... I know this is going to take time. Maybe... Just maybe a full shower soon? Amen
The answer.. The x-rays look great, you are healing great. This is just going to take time. Stitches out, next week... Have you up, in a boot... Some pressure on it -two weeks out... You can take a shower this week .. Thank you Lord! A shower....
I almost asked for my phone, to take a picture. To share my scars with you. Then I almost fainted. Ha! I will spare the details... The blood, the sensation of a cast-free foot and the sight if the landscape which is now my ankle... No, too much. No picture. I need sugar or I will fall of the table onto the floor!
But then... I met a new friend.
Waiting to make the next couple of appointments I watched her walk over to make her appointments also. Back brace, walker... Crying... Why his she crying? She speaks softly to the guy making appointments. She's Hispanic... She has a beautiful thick accent.
She leaves as my appointments are being written out on cards.
I wish I could have said hello. A moment passed.
Down the corridor, an elevator to the ground floor... The parking lot. The routine goes now, I park myself on the bench then Dad fetches the car and comes back for me.... That way me and my crutches don't have to make the trek.
Hitting the sliding doors, hot breeze catches my face. Dad and I are joking...
My heart skips a little... There she is, sitting on the bench- no doubt avoiding her own parking lot trip.
"May I share your bench..." She says "oh, yes"... And makes room for me.
We talk a bit, she cries... She is depressed and in pain. Pain she is tired of. Pain that has been with her all her life. Pain takes something from you, from your spirit and it ushers in depression. My poor friend. She sobs as we talk... I pray for her then and ask if she will let me email her.
She says "yes", eager to give me her information. She calls me her angel. I laugh a bit. Hardly, as I rub her back and give her a squeeze. I just know where she is. Not all my life but.. I know those tears and that sadness.
Today, I am thankful for that - for this... To be able to connect with someone else... To give her a prayer, a hug and make a friend.
God's strength is made perfect in my weakness...
I sent her an email, I hope I hear back.
Dear Lord,
Thank you for these trials. Thank you for these moments of helplessness. Thank you for sleeping through pain of the fixing . Thank you for the all clear, looks good and walking soon... Thank you Lord, too, for the low days. For teaching me something about strength during the alone moments. Thank you for my new friend. Lord, let her feel your presence tonight. Calm her tears, give her strength that is not her own. Let her feel you walking which her when she is alone. Help her battle the depression and pain, standing firm on your promises. Lord, for me... Continue to lead me your way. I will follow.
Amen