It's Your Leg Or Your Life!

At this frightening time in my life, my children were 16 and 17. As you know by now they had been through many horrid near death experiences with me. These two wonderful, sweet kids had been pushed in to adulthood way to fast. They no choice but to learn how to do everything from helping me change clothes to bandaging wounds. More serious things like how to keep a sterile field or how to debrid (clean/scrap debris from) wounds correctly at the ripe old age of 6 and 7. So consulting with my children about my leg amputation made complete and total sense to me. This would effect their lives more than most children, because by then they had the responsibilities of being my home health aides.

I felt calling a family meeting was a necessity, which had to be conducted from my home away from my 'hospital bed'. During any moments of lucidity, I went to work to make this happen. Courtney was easy to get a hold of. She lived in my house and visited daily. But reaching Ace was a problem. He was still in lock-up and restricted from phone calls for causing a fight between two of the other detainees. Still hard headed to a fault!

My extremely, wonderful, sister, Glory made a few phone calls on my behalf to parole officers, counselors and the head of the facility. Perseverance was the key.

Finally we had it arranged that at 7:00 pm Thursday the three of us would have a family meeting, whether on the phone (Ace) or in a hospital room from a chair (Courtney) or bed (Yours Truly).

First I told them how proud I was to be their mother and how much I loved them, for fear I might not ever have another chance to tell them. I mean, by now I knew how unpredictable my body could be. Then I explained the situation, but could not say the word amputation completely without falling to pieces. Then I said, "This will change ALL our lives, so I need your input on what should be done."

With all the wisdom of Ghandi they said "When it comes down to it Mom. It's your leg or your life! There's no contest! Give them the leg! We want...NO!...need you to live!" The shock and horror that came over me was eye opening, I hadn't really thought of it this way. I answered, "OK! There's just one more family member to consult. God! Let's pray and get His opinion whether amp..." I sobbingly, choked. "ampu...amputa...this procedure is His will?"

We immediately bowed our heads and fervently prayed. As we were finishing I felt a peaceful warmth, that is beyond anything I have ever felt. I said, "Kid's I now know having my leg amputated is God's plan for me. I have such a warm, peaceful feeling running through my being."

Simultaneously, Ace and Courtney with a smile in their voices said, "We know it's the right thing too. We know your at peace, because Mom, you just said amputation without stuttering, stammering or crying."

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:7

I am blessed

Merrym Dawn Mathis Bruce