Take the Leg!

The next morning I was awoken by the Orthopedic Surgeon, he was an older man, in his sixties and very set in his ways. Everything from that point on is so vivid to me, it's like it happened just moments ago.

He stood over my bed in his crinkled, yellow, paper scrubs, with his gangly arms folded across his chest, as the overhead light glared off his melon shaped, bald head. He said, "Ms. Bruce, you have an extremely rare infection. I've had you quarantined for fear that it's contagious to the touch. You may pick only two people that will be allowed to visit you, as long as they follow the rules of the quarantine. Meaning scrubbing their hands and forearms for five minutes before entering and, after exiting each time. Plus, they'll need to gown up and wear gloves for every visit, which are to be disposed of in the hazardous waste receptacle right outside your door. You are on the strongest antibiotics any human system can tolerate to try and kill this malicious germ. You now need to make a decision; you can stay on quarantine for 30 days while we pump these antibiotics into you and maybe we can save your leg or; we can amputate your leg. Your toes are already dead, so no matter what, they need to be removed."

Now for the eight years that I had been Dr. Muse's patient, he had been preparing me for this day. Every single time I went to visit him, whether it was about my leg or not, the first thing out of his mouth was always, "Merrym, you do know you wont have your leg all your life? With the way it gets infected bi-monthly, there's going to come a day we wont be able to cure one of these infections." My answer was the usual, "I know," and a quick nod of the head yes. This I had long ago accepted.

So my answer to the Surgeon was so speedy, it left his head spinning. "Take the leg!" I replied with a shaky voice, trying to choke back the tears that seeped from my eyes. He said, "You didn't even give that much thought! Take a week to consider this life changing matter. I'll ask again after the weekend." I tearfully answered,"OK, but my decision wont change!"

As the doctor left, I knew again, this was a time to put my trust in God. I sobbed, "Help!" God whispered, "Consult with your kids. This effects them too!"...

In you I trust, Oh my God.

Psalm 25:2

I am blessed

Merrym Dawn Mathis Bruce