Thoughts before surgery

"Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." Romans 12:12 

This week has held more than we ever imagined. 2 surgeries, a seizure and three hospital stays. In the past week, we've watched Pierce endure more than I think I've ever had to in my 27 years.

When we arrived in Durham yesterday, Pierce woke up, realized where we were and pathetically said, "Go home, please." It broke our hearts to take him back to the hospital for the third time this week. We knew what was coming. He knew what was coming. And when the surgeon told us he would need surgery yet again, our hearts broke again. 

We are all so exhausted it's hard to describe the emotions. 

We are so thankful for you. Every text, call, email, Facebook message- they have carried us.

Trials have a way of bringing us to the end of ourselves. It's easy to trust when you have nothing else to cling to.  And therein lies a silver lining- trials shatter the veil of self reliance that we put up. They remind us how little control we truly have. And they point us to the One who can share in our suffering. 

Trials also fly in the face if the notion that if we can just bring more to the table, be happier, have a better attitude, etc. then God would rescue us. Maybe God wants us right where we we are. This dark hospital room is part of his perfect plan for our lives. The heart of the Gospel is that His mercies are not reliant on us. Thank goodness because this week I have had a pretty bad attitude. But his mercies have come. Maybe not when we expected or how, but they are there. 

Tomorrow morning at 1pm Pierce will undergo another brain surgery to revise his shunt. Please pray for protection against any adverse affects, against malfunction and infection, against post-op seizures and for a quick recovery.

Thank you for walking this journey with us.

Lindsay