Give me life according to Your Word and steadfast Love

by Tina Y. Gerber - McCurley

My husband has always been an inspiration to me. He handles his health issues, and difficulties with grace, mercy, and dignity bearing the cross he was given.

Over the last four years, we both have come to understand, the Blessing is, we are considered worthy enough to carry those burdens. We are a vessel for God, allowing God to fill us with His Holy Spirit, for whatever purpose God has for us.

I am still struggling with my health issues from December but stand firm in my convictions. It would be easy to complain, and ask why me, instead of honouring God. However, I want to carry my health issues not as burdens but as Blessings to convey the grace and truth of God to others, exemplifying the sacrifice carried to the cross by Christ. 

It has been a downward spiral for my husband since he was a teenager. God does not choose based on appearance, status, or perfection. He chooses based on His purpose. 

Interestingly, it seems, our prayers are finally being answered or, perhaps, it is our attitude which has changed? After days of extreme smoke, we could feel the earth almost breathing a sigh of relief. All the smoke and haze were being washed away by the rains. Not only could the earth finally breathe, so could my husband.

He was in the hospital for a week this time, as were many other seniors who were also there struggling to breathe. It feels to us, like, getting approval for oxygen one must almost be dead! His need for oxygen had been approved. His normal oxygen count was 88 percent, but with continuous oxygen it ranges from 92 to 94 percent. No one should wake up with pain. As seniors on a fixed income, we could never afford to pay for oxygen coverage; who could? Now, he feels almost normal, whatever that means.

We wonder, how the last four years, at 70 to 88 percent oxygen count, has affected his lungs, heart, and kidneys. Before getting approved for oxygen, when walking just a few steps, he had to take several breaks, needing to rest. He never fully recovered after those steps and was always feeling exhausted. After getting proper oxygen, he is now filled with joy, no aches and pains, and he is acting like a new man.

When I was working in Long Term Care, I was taught, pain is what a patient/individual says it is. How often do we dismiss this?

The medical establishment offers choices, but to me, they often offer a bandage solution. On the other hand, of course, painkillers are sometimes necessary, and it is different in every circumstance. We can trust our doctors and still ask for a second opinion. My husband, Martin, feels like he has had a rebirth. He feels rejuvenated. He no longer feels worried about falling asleep, just knowing he can now. He is waiting for his stamina and strength to return. He no longer feels his body is wearing down, and he has less pressure on his internal organs.

The second and third night I woke him up, making sure he was alive? His usual sleeping pattern was waking every 45 to 60 minutes, which was my routine as well. He rarely slept more than 45 minutes at one time. The second night at home he slept for 6 hours. It's truly a miracle and we feel our prayers are being answered.