Our nurse stopped by and visited with us for a bit before going off shift tonight. He was in technology until the bottom fell out during the technology boom in the early 2000's. He had a very successful career and then ended up having to mow lawns and do landscaping. Oddly though, he lost weight and was in the best condition of his life. Being physically fit, he felt good and found himself happy after what seemed like the lowest point in his life. He had just turned 50. He then went back to school and decided to become a nurse. He is finishing his working career helping people, not for the money, but because it is meaningful work.
I talked with the transition coordinator today. She said she is leaving town tomorrow to go to Seattle. She has a medical condition and needs to see a specialist. That means that Doug won't transfer now until next week. She has not heard from St. Lukes yet to know if he will be accepted. She too is a woman who has had to start over in her life too. When she found her job at Vibra it was a new begining for her. She loves helping people. She feels like she is making a difference. She has worked at Vibra only a few months, but they have been very supportive of her in her most recent illnessgiving her the time she needs to heal,
These last few days I have been in contact with some of the people we were in Mexico with. We are quickly approaching 3 months since the stem cell transplant. Everyone we were with in Mexico, had come to a place in their life with MS that they were willing to step out and get treatment in the hope of finding new life, new beginnings. For some it was the only hope to stop the disease. For others, they wanted to stop it before it could do any damage.The diagnosis of MS forced a change in their life and in the lives of those who love them.
Our transition coordinator, said to me tonight, we all want control of our lives, but life takes us places that we don't ask for and then we have to change. We may resist, but eventually we have to meet life where it takes us. These last 3 months have been a journey I would never have chosen. Of course we would never have chosen a life with MS. It is difficult to live with, it changes your path in life. But here we are. Day upon day in the hospital, even with progress, even with caring people it is tiring. This afternoon, I was sitting in the chair next to Doug while he was sleeping I fell asleep. I never fall asleep in a chair. I think some of the constant vigilance of the last few months caught up with me.
Our whole life for several years has been constantly adapting to the changes in Doug's health. Then these last two months have brought big changes. Work for me changed. First not working and then upon returning to work my hours and programs have been changed. And so we wait, waiting in the hope that life will turn and these changes will bring new life in new ways. We pray that these new ways will be more than we can hope for or imagine. My friend Cory sent me a text today saying she believes the new powerful stem cells, along with prayers and positive thoughts are giving Doug strength and healing. I thing that is true too
And so this night I am praying for all of our friends who went through stem cell transplant. I pray they are finding new life and that their new stem cells are building a new immune system that is healthy and restorative. I also pray for all who are going through change that they may find God in the midst of the change and have faith that new life is beginning. That they will have faith that something new is begun and believe all will be well. And I pray that Doug and I will find rest in the changes and chances of this life. That we will see days getting brighter even though the clouds are present. And I pray that all who are challenged by this life will reach out and find strength in others and in God. And finally, we give thanks for the people who came along, shared their stories and offered hope. And today we give thanks to Heide, who shared her light, spending the morning with Doug. Amen
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