Tomorrow, my mother undergoes surgery to implant a shunt that will drain excess fluid from her brain. I’ve flown from Illinois to Arizona to be with her for a few days.
I find it amazing how God prepares us for these moments in our lives. Two years ago, shortly after we accepted our ministry in Western Illinois, my husband and I visited a church member (Doris) who had this same surgery. I had never heard of adult onset hydrocephalus before nor was I aware of its debilitating effects. According to one website, the primary symptoms are an uneven walking gait, dementia and incontinence. Doris has made a remarkable recovery and, while she still walks with a cane, other church members tell me her improvement has been phenomenal.
So, while this is rather an extensive surgery, we’re very hopeful for good results. My mother’s health has deteriorated so rapidly in the last two years, our family longs to see her restored and whole again, as much as she can be at age 78. My prayer is that the results of the surgery will be above and beyond what the surgeon predicts, that she will again walk normally and she will be free of the mental confusion that has plagued her.
Since I’ll be involved in her post-surgical care, I’m also praying that this will be a beautiful, special time in my relationship with my mother.
And, as always, when God calls me to unchartered paths, I pray that those I encounter will see Christ in me, my hope and strength, the Song of my life.
Will you pray these things with me?
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