365 Project Day 244: Hero

Canon 5D Mark ll, 50 1.2L. 2.5 aperture, 1/640 shutter, 160 ISO

Today didn’t start at all the way I had planned. The night before I had prepared a list of things I needed to get done today. I laid it by my french press before I retired for the evening, knowing I would surely see it there in the morning. I never got to scratch one thing off. Upon waking I experienced intense stomach pain, sweat pouring down my temples. I continued my morning routine hoping it would resolve itself, eventually. Stomach pain is not new to me. I have been hospitalized with it in the past.

The pain did not let up, however. It only intensified. I began to cry, and surrendered myself to taking a pain pill. It had no effect. I wondered what to do. My sister and mom were both out of town and my girls were gone. Chris was at work.  I was an hour into this when Johnny got up and asked me if I was okay. When he saw the pain I was in, he immediately drew me a hot bath and began try to take care of me. His concern and compassion were so comforting. I got into my bed, clinging to a heating pad, and he came in with Ellie, my little comforter puppy. (Chris says she represents the mercy of God in our dog trinity.) He then got a book and lay down beside me, all the while telling me it was going to be okay. It is amazing how kind words and a comforting presence can make a difficult situation doable. He talked to Chris on the phone and told him he would take me anywhere I needed to go. After a second pill, the pain began to subside a little and I called my doctor. He told me to come right in. Johnny took me and waited with me until Chris got there.

After a CT scan, my doctor was still unsure what caused this, but attributes it to exhaustion and stress. Hmmm, that could be it. I feel better tonight, but am still weak. I am so grateful for my son, who played the role of the hero today. He didn’t know he would be a superhero when he woke up this morning, but he was.  I cannot convey how thankful my mother’s heart is to see compassion and care sprout in the heart of my son. That, and a relationship with God. What else does he need to go far in life? I think he is well on his way.

Grateful tonight.

Proverbs 11:25 ~ “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”