Today was definitely a roller coaster of emotions here at Hope. We had a productive and safe day in the OR, though Kel is fairly certain he could have completed the hysterectomy in half of the time it took me to accomplish it. Jairus believes that I should take the day off tomorrow and allow Kel to run the OR. Should be a great day...
I met another lady today who appeared to be quite ill, and it became clear to me after her evaluation that she had very advanced cervical cancer, and surgery would not afford her a cure from her disease. We prayed with her and her daughter, and then they both left, weeping softly. Arriving upon terminal diagnoses, is a new facet of this particular trip. It is quite uncomfortable for me personally, to not be able to offer alternative therapies for cancer, let alone provide palliative care for truly hopeless cases. At times, simple prayers for these people who are actively dying, seem rather futile. We pray to a God they do not know, sometimes in a language they do not comprehend, but we must trust that He holds them in His hands, and His will is going to be accomplished. I cannot imagine the empty, hopeless emotions these folks experience as they leave the clinic knowing their future is short. It also makes me wonder why we as Americans decide we will not take advantage of screening programs and preventative ...
The cool weather continues, and only light rain today, with afternoon sunshine. We didn't think we would return home and suffer from the heat. You all are missed and appreciated.
Wow! A real roller coaster. Sorry for the downer, but it's hard sometimes for us to realize God IS in control. Can't believe Kel is being so assertive - especially in the OR. Is he leaning toward being a surgeon now? Yes, you will be sweating in The Dalles. Yesterday 102. We are doing well but will be nice to at least have Jen and boys home today. It's lonely without you guys. Do you have a matching shirt like the boys? Loved the pic they posted on FB. Love and miss you -praying always. Judi
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if it's assertiveness, or just OR trash talking... Claims surgery is not for him, too much schooling. I do have a matching shirt like the guys-- thinking of starting a bowling team! Headed to bed here, everybody is beat. Thx for the prayers. Will be home soon.
ReplyDeleteJeff
When you get patients with terminal disease at Hope, it must feel like your hands are tied behind your back...the worst for a surgeon. When all you can do is pray for them, remember that is really top priority to God. When you pray it shows you care and God knows your heart. He is using your hands to accomplish his purpose and will in that place, in this generation.
ReplyDeleteKel is so funny! He can even make us laugh during a hysterectomy! I like the blue shirts too...very nice pictures that Amos posted.
Jen stopped by with Cade and Krae and we went to Five Guys and A Burger for lunch. So glad we got to see them again, even though the visit was short. They were headed to football practice and gymnastics. Beautiful day here, sunny, 80's and breezy...we ate outside...so nice for JoJo too. :) Love you and praying for you all everyday, Mom
Ps. 62:5-8 "Find rest, O my soul, in God alone, my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God, he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge."
Glad you had a good lunch with Jojo, and the rest of the family... Good day today, with general surgical challenges-- finally! The guys are winding down here, they can't believe it is almost time to go home. Lightly raining now as I'm heading to bed. Gotta sleep before we try to fix bones in the am. So much ortho here, they should really hire somebody! Psalm 62 has always been a favorite of mine.
DeleteLove, Jeff
P.S. Happy Birthday to your brother Jay! Wow, remembering 39 years ago makes my joints ache a little. :) And you were 3 1/2 yrs. old and very busy. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd I thought I had some tough conversations today...hang in there, bro. Listen to your mother...wish me a happy birthday...NOW!
ReplyDelete- The Cuddler
Ok, Ok... Happy birthday already... I actually mentioned to the guys that it was your birthday, and they were amazed that you were that old. They were thinking we should get you a cane, or maybe even a walker... Hope you had a good day and some good food to celebrate. HI to all of your ladies from us. Time to go to work.
ReplyDelete- The Cutter
Wow. Praying peace for you all at Hope.
ReplyDeleteWe had a great time with Jen and the littles! Caden has grown soooo much! I'm sure he was glad to get a break from Grace....she was all over that boy! Krae and Noah love each other like bros...fists flyin and all! Was so goo to visit and catch up with Jen! You guys should come down soon :) And now for some popular lyrics in our house from last weeks VBS about Daniel...."God is watchin, watchin over you. Twenty five seven watchin over you. He's got great big plans, your life is in His hands and He's watchin over you!"
So comforting to know Gods got those people who walked away today in his hands. Lots of prayers goin up for you guys! ( and yes, we have added an hour to the day via the lyrics!). :)
So many little kids in one small space-- bed time can't come soon enough... Thanks for hosting, sounds like fun was had by all. It's good for Cado to get some lovin from his cousins! I'm sure he's happy to be home after being gone for the better part of 10 days. Thank goodness for VBS songs... It's where I get most of my theology, anyway... It would be nice to get an extra hour once in awhile, tho would probably just use it for work. Will talk with Con and Kel, would be fun to come down for a visit before school kicks into gear. Headed for bed here. Thanks for your prayers. HI to Scott and the littles!
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