God Provides A Way

It was time for Merrym to leave the hospital after her amputation. All the family had gone home and here I was to face new challenges again. Merrym had been so positive in the hospital, but I knew this would change. Before the surgery, they had given her hope of having a prosthetic, but she had just found out this was not possible due to her delicate skin. I was also concerned because they had not given her physical therapy so she would know how to cope with her missing leg. The doctors seemed to think she didn't need any!

What were we going to do? I was taking Merrym to my house for several days while she had time to heal. We faced one big problem! I had two steps, with no railing, to get into my house. There was no one home to help get her in. As Merrym and I drove home, I explained my concern. We both started praying. When we pulled into the driveway, I stared at my garage door. I exclaimed, "I have an idea!" Next to the door that enters my living room from the garage is a metal bar that is part of the large door support. I got Merrym out of the car, rolled her into the garage and up to the steps as close as possible. She put her good leg on the bottom step and grabbed the bar with both hands. As she pulled to get her self to a standing position, I pushed her body to help her. Once she was standing and felt secure, I took the wheelchair around through the front door and as close to the steps as possible. Merrym then sat down and scooted back. Thank you God, we made it! (We still get her in my house this same way. )

After conquering the first problem, we were able to work out ways to get her in and out of the bathroom, get her bathed and move her around the house. Then came the time, as usual, to change the bandage on her stump. Again my fears of the unknown came rushing back. Could I do this? Looking at Merrym's face, I knew I had no choice. I changed the bandage with her instructions and all went well.

Depression set in almost the moment we got to my house. I was feeling depressed about Merrym's situation myself, so what was I going to say to help her? I grabbed the Bible, read it to Merrym and we prayed. This would help for a short time, then we would repeat the process. She slept a lot after she took her medication and this would give me time to regroup, clean and do things to keep the house in order.

After several days, Merrym was ready to go home and the adjustments started over. I stayed one night at her house, making sure her kids could take care of her. We talked on the phone many times each day and eventually Merrym could take care of herself with very little help.

Recently Merrym and I were discussing her amputation, I realized she didn't even remember coming to my house. I think God blocks some things from our memory for periods of time, so we can handle all that we have to face.

Then I would still have this consolation -- my joy in unrelenting pain --that I had not denied the words of the Holy One.
Job 6:10

Love, Mother Hen, Glory