No Pain! MUCH Gain!

February is often celebrated as the month of love. For me, it was a month filled with the outpouring of the love of my family, my husband and my dear friends and ward members. You see, in February, I once again had to undergo surgery. I had prepared myself extensively, and was richly blessed in that other than the physical symptom for which I needed correction, I suffered no adverse effects of my condition. In fact I felt good. I felt healthy, energized and full of life! It was a blessing for which I thank my Father in Heaven daily. 

My battle wound with the nurse - trying to
find a vein. Looks like Zoro got to me!
LOL

Since I felt so good, it was difficult to resign myself to recovering from surgery once again. I went in to the hospital with mixed feelings, yet I recognized the need for repair and I trusted my surgeon and his ability to do what was needed. Now I have only undergone anesthetic a couple of times in my life, but both times, I have come out feeling groggy and sluggish. This is what I anticipated along with pain and difficulty moving about for at least a few days.

With that expectation, you can imagine my complete surprise and delight to discover within the first hour of recovery that I was wide awake and alert! I was coherent and felt very close to normal. I was surprised and delighted to discover that I was in NO pain!!! NONE!!! What an unexpected blessing! I was able to get up and move about, and within a few short hours was permitted to eat nourishing foods. I cannot express the depth of the gratitude I felt to receive such an unexpected blessing. I still cannot imagine how it is possible for one to undergo any type of corrective surgery without pain. Perhaps it is possible, but, knowing what I needed, I could not begin to expect such a bonus. I KNOW that the Lord blessed me so astonishingly much that day. It was an unforeseen blessing that I will forever feel grateful to have received.

But the blessings didn’t stop there. The following day I was able to come home. I was able to move around - to get up and down at leisure. I was under restrictions as to how much I could lift – nothing over 5 pounds. Meals were brought in for a few days following and then we were quite easily able to take over as we had prepared a month’s worth of freezer meals before the surgery date. My family has been wonderful! You would not believe how little five pounds is! I can’t lift hardly anything – even though I feel great! So every time I am doing something that requires ANY type of lifting, I have to call for help and the kids come so willingly! This is such a wonderful blessing. My father came and spent a whole morning visiting with me. What a delightful morning that was. There caring friends who called to check on my well-being. There were others who faithfully took over my responsibilities at church for a few weeks. Above all, I am so deep down grateful for my husband, who watched over me so tenderly. He has constantly filled any need, any desire for even minor things such as a drink or a book that is across the room. He has carried loads of laundry, helped and assisted in the kitchen taking things out of the oven or freezer as needed, draining pots and so much more. 

Who am I that I am so blessed to have such wonderful and caring people in my life. I bless the day that the Lord brought Chad into my life for it has opened me up to a host of blessings that I could never have  realized alone. I am so thankful for this experience. I have learned SO much! I truly know that there is GOOD in ALL things and this knowledge fills my heart to overflowing with JOY!

It has been a full month and a half since that surgery and I feel as good as ever and it seems to improve EVERY day! The Lord has truly blessed me bounteously! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!