The past two weeks have been quite different for us. On February 4^th, I entered the Institute for Joint Restoration and Research in Fremont, California to have my right knee replaced.

My left knee was replaced five years ago. I had concerns about going under the knife again. Instead of full anesthesia this time, I got a block (like an Epidural) from the waist down, so I was awake throughout the surgery.

The staff took wonderful care of me and allowed Don to be with me as long as possible.

In the surgery room, a curtain entirely blocked my view–even of my surgeon!

Watching my Surgery

I chose to watch the surgery on a TV monitor above my head. After surgery was complete, I was taken to my room, where Don greeted me with kisses. Then, knowing I would be out of it for most of the night, he spent the night with his son and daughter-in-law in Fremont, returning the following morning to go through the PT (physical therapy) class with me.

I was surprised that of the six of us who’d had surgery, I was the only one who elected to watch the process!

The First Week

Rough! Between constipation and diarrhea (sorry, folks) I think I had more stomach than knee pain.

The Memorial Service

A memorial service for a dear friend was scheduled for eleven days after my surgery. I’ve known Jerry, first through business, for thirty years! Karen, his wife and my close friend, had asked me, if I could, to be one of two speakers.

I wanted to.

Badly.

But we had this awful week after surgery. Could I honor my friend, and my commitment, without crashing in some form at the memorial?

I Can’t Do It

Wednesday afternoon I told Karen I didn’t think I could do it. Always gracious, she excused me from the request and asked, if I were up to it, if I could write something for someone else to read for me. I knew I could do that.

But Thursday, life looked a bit brighter.

A New Day

I hadn’t styled my hair in two weeks, although I had washed it.

Friday afternoon I showered, washed my hair, sat on my “transport chair” (the walker with a seat on it), put on a bit of makeup and dried my hair.

Saturday morning Don and I prepared for the service. A new friend picked us and my transport chair up and delivered us to the Clubhouse, where the Memorial was being held.

God’s Got This

Have you ever been in that situation where you know God’s got your hand, and you’re going to be ok? I knew God had helped me to prepare and would be with me.

The room was full, needing extra chairs to be brought in. It was an amazing combination of groups:

• Old friends from Community Bible Study, where Karen was Teaching Director for quite a few years and Jerry led a men’s group.
• Current friends from their “Search the Scriptures” Bible study.
• Friends from Sunday school classes both Karen and Jerry, students of the Bible, taught over the years.
• Neighbors from The Villages.
• And others I have no idea about.

They Touched Lives

I do know Jerry and Karen have touched many lives for Christ in their years of service.

There is something precious about being in the Body of Christ (those who believe Jesus is God’s Son, our Savior) when grief comes calling. Many of you know what I’m talking about.

Scott (Jerry and Karen’s son), welcomed everyone and told some “Jerry” jokes, but also spoke with love and respect for his father. I couldn’t help thinking how much like Jerry he was.

Kristen, their daughter, chose not to speak but worked hard helping Karen prepare for income taxes, bills needing payment, etc. Each used their special gifts to honor their parents.

Our wonderful mutual friend, Ken Carter, sang “I Can Only Imagine,” and led us in singing some of Jerry’s favorite hymns.

My Story

When it was my turn, Tanith brought my transport chair to me. I walked to the podium and turned to the audience.

“I met Jerry Kleinberg thirty years ago,” I began. “We stood next to each other in line at a Society of Human Resources Managers’ dinner in Santa Clara. I don’t know who brought it up first, but it didn’t take long at all to realize we were both Jesus followers…”

I shared how our friendship had grown as we did business together, and my husband and I learned to know and love Karen as well.

By God’s grace, I spoke clearly and well. It was a privilege to share about this man who had a wry sense of humor, who loved God and his family with all his heart, and who enjoyed teaching God’s Word.

Far More… Than All We Ask or Seek

I know miracles are above and beyond the possible. My ability to speak was not a miracle; but it was definitely God’s grace that strengthened me to speak, to the glory of God, and to honor our friend Jerry.

I was on a high – the high that comes from God reaching out to enable us to do above and beyond what we believe we can do.

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

—Ephesians 3:20-21