It has been a difficult season for Terry - he has been limited to home, losing track of how many Sundays that he has been unable to attend Church services.
I have watched him suffer with brutal pain for months. We have spent two years going to two different orthopedic doctors and two different neurosurgeons. His back was the issue we were told. He was also told that for the level of pain he was enduring his back, though a mess, was not all the cause.
BUT GOD - (Terry has always said those are the two most powerful words) put him in a Journey group class with a young physician that Bethany and Mat had met on their mission to the Dominican Republic last Fall. This young doctor - who knows the specifics of rheumatoid - has been a source of spiritual and medical support and took Terry as his patient -- though he has a very full case load.
Dr. Geister has left no stone unturned in finding the help Terry has needed. He sent Terry to a neurosurgeon who - upon examining him felt that his hips were a problem to be considered. The test revealed severe damage to his hips and so Dr. Geister recommended we see Dr. Scott Reid as a hip surgeon, well known for his skill and ability to have a patient heal quicker and free of pain.
I found myself consumed with the suffering I was witnessing in Terry. My mood was often somber and it was always a part of my conversation with others.
We found ourselves doubtful that finally Terry could get some relief.
I fasted from social media - to give myself more fully to praying.
The morning before his surgery as we finished up reading the Old Testament, God gave me this verse that I had never read before --
The Sun of Righteousness will rise up with healing in its wings and he will go out leaping like calves from the stall. Mal. 4:2
In that moment, I knew that a brighter day was coming.
Countless people have been praying for it. We are humbled by how many people have prayed.
Surgery day - Sept 30, within an hour - Terry was helped to his feet and the therapists began working with his walking.
TODAY - almost 5 weeks later THERE IS NO PAIN IN THE LEFT HIP.
Thursday night - Halloween- Terry said he wanted to get out his old Children's ministry gorilla costume and hand out candy to the kids who came by. He later said -- "I don't know when I have felt like having fun."
I don't fully know the purpose of trials and suffering - except that each time we go through a difficult season - we lean in more completely on our Father. As we have been home bound - He has shown us in HIS WORD that HE is with us.
