THE JOURNEY SO FAR

(I've worn this medical bracelet for 4 years now. Read on and you'll find out why I'm not wearing it today.)

I had a chance to see the surgeon in Atlanta who rescued my arm 4 years ago. A damaged artery began filling all the vessels in my right arm and hand with clots. The doctor tried to encourage me in the emergency room that day by saying he'd "try" to save my arm. I learned that wasn't the same expectation he'd shared with those who'd brought me to the hospital. People started praying for me and many have never stopped.

That was 4 years ago. Since then I've relearned how to use my hand and arm and live a fairly normal life (at least as far as hands and arms go). I've been on a blood thinner every day since then, and have to modify my use of the arm so it doesn't fall asleep. The main artery that runs through the center of my shoulder never recovered and my secondary vessels have had to learn to work harder to keep the blood flowing.

Back to the visit this week. The sonographer created images of my current vascular situation. "Whoa... will you look at that. This is amazing." The surgeon came in. First he shook my hand. "Warm hand... great!" Then he said, "I've got one question. Are you still able to play the guitar?" He smiled at the answer.

Then he looked at the sonogram. He was looking at what was supposed to be a small little vein that runs down along the front of my shoulder. "It's a miracle. That vessel is now as big as your original God-given artery. I'm taking you off the blood thinner. Feel free to use that arm as much as you can. It looks like God must want you to keep playing that guitar of yours, because this is a miracle."

I will.

Labels: health, prayer