Blessings in the Waiting

 

“Hello – your daughter Marie was in a car accident.”

A phone call that began a journey of panic, fear, hope, waiting and blessings – yes, blessings.

As we continue to wait, and wait, for surgeries to be complete, test results to come back, medical teams to meet with us, updates from nurses, setbacks, accomplishments, and more setbacks, I notice the numerous blessings that are pouring in.


Each member of our family reached out to their network of friends and extended family; the blessings began and haven’t stopped.

Friends in my church – brothers & sisters in Christ – immediately began praying and continue to do so.  Close friends – both through church and in other areas of my life – constantly send messages of encouragement – prayers – scriptures – words of hope – and immense love.  These blessings continue and carry me through each day, each restless night of sleep, and each minute while waiting at the hospital.

My nephew (my sister’s son) has a network of support that absolutely amazed me. He has played basketball since he was a little boy holding an immense ball running around the court.  He played all through elementary school, high school and through college – and now coaches kids himself.  Coaches and teammates poured into the hospital.  This included coaches from when he was that little boy all through those he now works with, being 27 years old.  The comradery among these men, young and old, is truly a brotherhood that reaches deep into their hearts. Their visits, their words of encouragement, their love for both my nephew and my sister are truly an immeasurable blessing.

While at the hospital, as we sit in the waiting area while many visit with my sister, we began many conversations with others whose family member is also in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit.  Sharing concerns, encouraging one another, praying with one another, brought us closer and closer together.  Soon this was another family member we were waiting to hear updates about as well.  I saw this as such a blessing that we were given the opportunity to encourage others as they too encouraged us.  Waiting didn’t seem so dragged out – and moments of laughter also happened as we got to know each other and our hearts were becoming one.  Another blessing, as we grew to love and care for others while each of us continued to wait.

While we stayed at the hospital, many times through the night, friends began bringing us food & treats to hold us over and give us a break from the hospital cafeteria.  Each time we unwrapped some delicious meal or treat, we were able to smile, and actually enjoy a moment eating together.

We continue to wait, but we also continue to be blessed – blessed by prayers, encouragement, visits, meals, love, shared hope, shared hearts.

We wait as we watch my sister continue to battle the injuries and trauma that was instilled in her body.  We wait for each and every accomplishment in her healing.  We wait to see moments we can reach out to one another - when one is feeling like they can’t hold on any longer.  We wait as someone smiles, holds us tight, and lets us know that they are there for us, telling us how much they love us.  And we watch Marie – also waiting for her own body and health to improve.  She is now in a state of waiting; waiting for the next test to give hope, waiting for the next day – another day closer to her complete healing, waiting for the perfect moment when she will open her eyes and see all who love her surrounding her bedside – waiting for her smile.

 

 

 

They who wait on the Lord

shall renew their strength;

they shall mount up with

wings like eagles;

they shall run and not be weary;

they shall walk and not faint.

- Isaiah 40:31