Sunday, September 30, 2007

Tick Tock Tick Tock



There are so many ways to start this blog I'm not sure which one to use.
"Manipulative Tactics Wives Use to Make their Husbands Stay Home from Hunting Trips"
or
"A Stroke of Bad Luck."
or
When I began talking like this "hujan canook won labilly ham!" my daughter Amy, bless her heart knew she should take me to the Dr. immediately, do not pass go, do not collect two hundred dollars.
Unfortunately, he was gone for the day and I was able to convince Amy to bring me back home where I began calling friends, now that I could communicate a bit better. I was hoping to find someone who would tell me that I didn't need to see an m.d.
Couldn't find one, so Rod and I headed to the e.r.
FYI: if you ever want medical people stumbling over themselves to help you in the e.r., rather than that lovely 6 hour wait with the partying, bleeding pajama clad people in the waiting room,(You've all seen them, you know who I'm talking about) just mention how you have been speaking wrong. Works like a charm. I was whisked back in a nano second and had all sorts of people hovering and testing within moments. Very impressive.
By the time Rod had parked the car, I was being wheeled in for the first cat scan. I am not kidding. These people were fast. Throw a few "gar chew manap!" at them and they acquire superhuman speed.
Long story short (er, sorry, was it already a long story?) they found that an artery in my neck had torn, causing bleeding or clotting in my brain. This tear needs to heal so that it doesn't bleed again causing a stroke. (they can't operate because of where the tear is located)
They kept me in the hospital for the next three days, where I met the most amazing doctors and nurses. So kind and patient and most with great senses of humor. Except for one notable exception who might have not been a nurse at all but was apparently taking time off from the set of "Children of the Corn." Still not sure. But that is an entirely different post.
So I have to take it easy for a few weeks. No lifting, no exercising, being especially careful of my neck. When the medical professionals throw out statements like, "possible blindness, vegetative state or sudden death," Things get serious pretty quickly. (Oregon IS one of the vegetative states, right?)

Actually, it's all good. Today I can hear the "tick tock" of my life's clock, the time that God has allocated for me loud and clear. That is a gift.
Our church is working through John Piper's book, "Don't Waste Your Life" right now. Perfect timing for me and lots of others, I'm certain.
There are so many vital important points that are made in this book,(and I'm grateful to GSCC to introducing us to it, and very much indebted to Alan H. and Dan Franklin for preparing and giving messages on it already) but it boils down so far to this: whether I live or die, whatever I do, I want (really desire) to do it for the glory of God.(I am happiest when he is glorified.) I will pray to this end daily. Sounds so simple, but these have become just words to our generation. Piper dissects them and lays out the meaning so we can embrace it wholeheartedly.
So there is no way that this inoperable artery of God's is a curse or a handicap. It is a blessing and a reminder of a loving creative Father who sings over us with joy.

7 comments:

Unknown said...

Diane, oh my gosh!!! I'm so glad that you couldn't find anyone to let you stay home. And so thankful for your good doctors! I love your ever witty spirit and right attitude. Thanks for being such a Godly focused woman and I'll be praying!

ann said...

Thank God and your family that you were able to get to the ER and they could diagnose you so quickly! Hope you enjoy your downtime!
In His Love and Blessings,
annb

Wendy said...

Diane, what you've shared is an encouragement and a blessing. I'm just sorry it took me so many days to get over here to read it (forgive me, please!) I'll be lifting you up in prayer. Keep us posted (when you can). God bless.

Anonymous said...

Just stopping by to ask how you're doing. I hope you're doing well!

Take care,
Karen
http://thetagblog.blogspot.com/

Lisa Bolling said...

My stars - what a scary thing to happen. I hope you are feeling better and I pray that God heals you completely.

BTW - thanks for visiting my blog. Maybe while you are resting and taking it easy you can get your hands on a Chonda video. Any of them are great but my favorite is "On My Soapbox"

Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Blessings,
Lisa

Kristy said...

Oh my word ! How scary, hope this finds you doing much better today!
Yes! We were in bible study together, oh man, like maybe 5 years ago? I'm trying to remember who the leader was.....maybe Vicki A.?
Thats so funny; Wisconsin, Cabelas, GSCC..........small world! By the way - we LOVED Wis. - so beautiful there!
Hey. What's up with "Supper Clubs"? Why do they call them that?
Very cool to "hook up" with you, and again, am praying that your doing much better!!
In it for His glory ~ Kristy G.

Anonymous said...

Hey there! Just wanting to know how you are doing. Let us know when you feel up to it! I hope you're doing well! I said a prayer for you today.

Take care,
Karen
http://thetagblog.blogspot.com/