The moment we’ve been waiting for has finally arrived.

“Shirley, when will you finish this pack of pills?”

“Thursday, and I will need another pack.”

“Well, your insurance finally approved your surgery … and I have an opening Friday.”

PAUSE

“Um …” nervous laughter … “This Friday?”

“Yes, that is all I have available.  Would you like to schedule your surgery for that day?”

Another pause, as inside I’m screaming “OH MY GOSH – CHRISTMAS IS MONDAY!!!” before finally responding again.

“Sure … “

I sat there in disbelief as the nurse proceeded to tell me that they just received notice of the long-awaited insurance’s approval.  She talked of appointments, procedures, pre-op, post op, scheduling with the hospital.  Meanwhile, my head was swimming, and I could feel the anxiety building in my chest.

After scheduling all the necessary pre-op appointments, I placed the phone down for a moment and just sat there in silence.  Then, I called my husband, who seemed even more upset than I was.

Why did we react this way when we wanted the surgery?  For months we have tried to persuade the insurance company, and we have fought them tooth and nail the entire time.  Now, finally after three months, they approve!  Why this reaction?  Because it’s major surgery, with possible risks and complications … and quite frankly, the fear of the unknown SCARES US!

I have received an unexpected Christmas present this year.

This week has been filled with appointments, anxiety meds, pep talks to my husband (and myself), reassuring my children, and doing a LOT of praying!

Would you please take a moment out of your time to say a prayer for me, as I go through this Friday at 10:45 a.m.?  Please also pray for the doctor, nurses, anesthesiologist, and basically each and every person on the medical team that will be tending to me?  Thank you in advance from the bottom of my heart!

I realize this is major surgery.  I have known that for quite some time, but it was concreted in my mind today as the doctor went through every detail of the procedure.  I was informed of the risks and pray I do not have any thing bad happen to me before, during or after the surgery.  I have two children that need me, and I pray that God allows me many, many, many more years on this earth with them!

Thank you for taking the time to read this and pray, if you will, for a little ole Southern girl who is trying not to shake in her boots over here.

I’m clinging to Jeremiah 29:11 and the knowledge, too, that God is the ultimate physician.  He is in control, and I know He will have His hands on me and on the surgeon guiding his every move so that everything goes smoothly.  I have confidence in this doctor, and my faith in God is strong as well.

This unexpected Christmas gift will, hopefully, enable me to have much better days ahead and be in good health as we will soon be ringing in 2018.