I called my little sister yesterday, and she reminded me that this week marks one year since I stayed in the hospital for two weeks. When I look back on that experience, I'm surprised at clearly the details of that experience have stayed in my mind, which is a good thing since it has only been a year since it happened. This picture is from one of my better days, just after they took me off the IV fluids that made me gain 10 pounds.
I can actually laugh about the experience now. I laugh when I think about the time that I burst out in tears after swallowing my gum. I laugh when I think about the time that I was almost unnecessarily operated on (key word: ALMOST). I laugh when I think about the time that I apologized to the anesthesiologist who would be "breathing for me" for not having brushed my teeth for a few days. I laugh about how I had to breathe and attempt to laugh so it wouldn't hurt me after someone told a joke or I watched a funny movie.
I always think of that experience when I think of a trial that truly humbled me. I'll admit I could, and should, have endured it better. I cried, wished, hoped, prayed to be delivered from that pain, frustration, and suffering, but I wasn't. I was required to experience more physical pain than I have ever felt before. I took weeks to recover fully from my surgery and all complications at the hospital.
But I know that I received strength enough to get through it. I had my family to help me. I know that people prayed for me. I know that God was there for me even though I might not have seen immediate results. I hope I have learned more patience and faith. I have learned to trust in God and His plan and learned that we are never truly alone.
