GRACE UPON GRACE
The Fall
I’ve experienced God’s continuing grace since my last post about my knee replacement. On Monday, Don had an appointment with the VA. As we walked toward the door, my walker caught on a rubber mat and I fell straight down, opening a significant, deep part of my knee sutures on the knee that was just replaced.
Two women rushed over and said, “Don’t try to get up; we’ll get help.”
So I lay there, face down, and actually quite relaxed. Nothing I could do anyway!
Calling for Help
Since I’ve never been in this situation when I had an Apple watch, I was simply amazed by its capability. The watch itself immediately called the Palo Alto Fire Department, Don (who was with me), and Kyle, my Emergency Contact. The call told them I’d had a hard fall and gave them a mapped location of where I was.
Also, my phone listed my stats right on its face. My name, age, I think blood type, and something else.
A few minutes after I was taken into the ER, the fire department showed up. “Are you the person we’re looking for?” they asked.
“I think I am.” Amazing.
Continuing Grace
By God’s grace, the Assistant Director of the VA Emergency Room was outside and saw a woman on the ground (me!). He helped me up, took me into the ER, and then took Don over to his appointment.
In the ER, they took X-rays and washed the open wound. Thankfully, I had not damaged the new, titanium knee insert!
After about seven hours at the VA, they determined it would be better for me to see my original surgeon for the repair.
Stitch, or Admit?
So our dear nephew Kyle drove to Palo Alto, took us over to Fremont, and waited there with Don and me until about 1 a.m. to see whether they would stitch me up and send me home, or admit me.
Another’s Pain
We checked in at the Washington Hospital ER and sat in the waiting room. A woman who was in obvious, deep pain came in. She kept holding her head, then her stomach, and rocking back and forth. I felt God’s nudge and asked Kyle to wheel me over by her. Laying my hand on her arm, I said, “I’m sorry. It’s obvious you’re in a great deal of pain. May I pray for you?”
“Oh yes, please,” Ann said.
Kyle said she stilled while I prayed, but then later became very agitated again, went into the restroom and we could hear her sobs. I have continued to pray for her since.
Admitted
After the ER decided to admit me and have the original team look at me later that day, Kyle brought Don home and then returned to his own home. What a blessing both he and Don were as they cared for me and waited with me with graciousness and patience despite their weariness.
Believing, Loving Nurses
I was finally moved to my own room at 4 a.m. My nurse, Maria, was kind and I soon learned she was a believer. What a joy!
After Maria’s shift ended, my nurse was Sifi, an outspoken, lovely Christian nurse from Zimbabwe. God is so good.
“Sifi” or her longer name (something like “Sifori”) means “hope,” or “desire.” Sifi’s father was an orphan so when he married, he wanted desperately to have children. And Sifi was one of God’s answers to his heart’s desire. Isn’t that beautiful?
Sifi would walk into the room humming a phrase of a hymn. I asked her favorite.
“My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.”
We shared God’s faithfulness over the course of the day and just loved each other.
The Good Shepherd was There
The most amazing thing was that God was so present in that room. I knew it. Didn’t see anything. Didn’t hear anything. But my spirit knew my Good Shepherd was with me. I have been filled with a sense of gratitude there and since.
Yes, I’ll have to redo some of my PT.
No, falling and splitting my stitches open was not fun.
But God … was there and I could only thank Him.
Repaired, then Released to Return Home
That night, at the end of my surgeon’s scheduled operations, they took me into the OR for repairs, and then released me. Don’s son Brad, who lives in Fremont, graciously brought us home at about 11 p.m. What a joy to be back in my own bed, with my sweet husband and our electric blanket. I was warm again!
So once again life has taken a turn from our plans. But, as Pastor Joe said Sunday:
God is loving us while he writes our love story. We don’t know what turns our story may take. They may include challenges, loss, ill health, and/or lots of joy! However our story unfolds, God loves us and is with us.
Glory to God!
I don’t share all this to ask for sympathy. I appreciate prayers as God brings me to mind. But I want to share this to give all the glory to God for His presence and peace in the difficult seasons of life.
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”
—Ephesians 3:20-21
My friend! My goodness, I am sorry for all this confusion and pain. Yet I am impressed with your tremendous attitude, and your absolute trust in God. Now, behave!
Thank you Mom! (chuckle) I will do my best to behave going forward. Take good care of yourself, dear friend!
Hopefully you are recovered from your fall?
Thankful for your watch and help along the way. So glad you did not break anything else.
I am so careful now and only wear comfortable shoes, and cautious, easy to be a little too careful
Still recovering – quite fatigued. But it’s coming and amazingly, my range of motion yesterday was greater than before my fall! I sure appreciate your comment and care. I’m using a walker if outdoors and like you, wear only comfy shoes. I agree, better to be more cautious than less. My love to you.
Carol, you are always such an inspiration! I’m so sorry for your mishap and so thankful for your faith. Sending prayers to you. Love you always, Marg
Thank you sweet Marg. I really appreciate your prayers and send my love back to you.
Carol, what a story! I’m sorry this happened, but am so glad you had so much help and that Dr. D was able to get to you that night. Take care of yourself.
Thanks, Pat. It’s been quite the week but we have been surrounded by love and care and prayer. Grateful!
So sorry to hear of your fall, but praising God for His presence and purposes through it all. I’m praying for a speedy recovery!
I sure appreciate your prayers Ann. You and family have been in mine as well. We don’t always know why our good God allows things, but we know He will be and is with us. Love to you and Curt.
Your life and light are such a testimony to me, Carol! Nothing stops you from ministering the love and presence of God. For you to go over to the woman in ER, while you were probably very uncomfortable, touch her, acknowledge her pain, and pray for her, makes me smile and say, “Yep, that’s my sister.” One of many things I love about you.
Aren’t these Apple Watches great! Mine has gone off when I’ve fallen too. Fortunately I’ve caught it before EMT has been called😬
Thank you Sue. I fail so often but want to be hearing when the Spirit says “Go”. This time I listened. Praise God! And yes, I’ve never been so happy with my Apple Watch. Amazing. And glad you’ve caught it before EMTs were called if it was not an emergency!
O goodness! I can only imagine how that fall looked and the look on everyone’s faces! Prayers for you and Don as you get through this together
Joy is where the Lord is and praise God you are ok. Love edith
Amen to all, Edith. I’m sure it wasn’t pretty and frightened everyone who saw it. Yes, with God’s grace Don and I will get through this and I praise God I’m ok. Thank you. Love to you and Brian.
Dear Carol. Your faith, perseverance and gratitude in all the troubles is inspirational. I’m so thankful you were well taken care of and that you are doing so well. You were a blessing to all your caregivers❤️🙏🏻. Love, Bev
Thanks, Bev. This has been a harder week with lots of fatigue and pain. So your encouragement lifts my spirit to praise our God! Love you.
What a beautiful story of God’s presence and care in your life. We were sorry to hear about your fall and injury, but God gave you an opportunity to share with other believers and to pray for a lady in pain. You are in our thoughts and prayers for complete recovery and Gods healing touch.
Thank you, Norma and John, for your encouragement. God be with you today. Love you.