February 9, 2007

“Nancy’s Hope”

            On Thursday morning I had my first crash.  I thought I was dying. I was scared but all of my doctors, especially my endocrinologist, were delighted. The more miserable I am the more convinced my surgeon is that they were able to remove the entire tumor in my brain. I guess I am happy too, but I feel like I have a horrible case of the flu.  I have no idea how long this will continue... 

Now for the Christmas present God gave me. I was lying on the operating table and they’re putting IV's in my arms and electrodes all over my body. I had my eyes closed. In my mind I was singing my little song that goes like this, "Jesus will fix it for you. He knows just what to do, so when ever you pray, let him have his own way, because Jesus will fix it for you.”

Suddenly I heard my name.  When I opened my eyes a very pretty young woman was close to my face.  She was in a surgical scrub suit. She said, “I am a friend of Sandy and a chaplain. Sandy asked me to visit you while you are here. Would you like me to pray for you before surgery?”  "Oh yes," I replied. She took my hand and prayed a wonderful, powerful prayer for me.  Then she disappeared.  I went to sleep thinking about her prayer and having a perfect peace.

The next day she came to see me in my room.  She told me that the timing of our encounter was an amazing gift from God. I had already been wheeled into the operating room when she came to pre-surgery. So, she raced up to the operating room and asked to see me before the anesthesiologist did his work.  If you can imagine it, they told her yes if she would put on a scrub suit; which is a blue surgical gown with hair net and mask. Here is the best part: She told me that when she prayed over me, everyone in the room stopped what they were doing and just listened to her pray over me.  There must have been about eight people in the room. We will have no idea the witness we are as we simply live our faith.  God is so good!!  Merry Christmas!

*This e-mail is used with the permission of Nancy’s family.

Nancy died January 23, 2007

I only knew Nancy a few days but her legacy of faith still impacts me. Nancy recounted God’s faithful provision and grace that was sufficient for every day she recovered from the multiple dozens of surgeries.  She experienced healing that transcended her physical afflictions and the resultant peace was undeniable.  “God, thank you for allowing me to glimpse heaven’s glory through Nancy.”  Her body groaned in its earthly tent but her spirit was alive because of the hope stored for her in heaven.  I only imagine that God welcomed Nancy, saying, “Well done, Nancy! You are finally home!” 

Bless and be a blessing!