Surgery…..

Sometimes seasons come in waves that make it a little hard to catch your breath.
Three days ago (Monday), I had back surgery.
Which, if you know me, you know I’ve struggled with back issues on and off for years (thanks to the chiropractor I’ve made it this far), then we did physical therapy, epidural injection (which allowed me to care for my dad and make it through his service), and now surgery. A severely herniated disk and impinged nerve root (not to mention excruciating pain for the last month and more) meant it was time.

Photo 1 is today, getting ready to do another 15 min. walk—the goal is at least 3 per day.

Photo 2 is a beautiful flower delivery from @jennifer_pfleging , whose family’s prayers have carried me (along with so many others!)
@kelamico @emilyballi @jodymelia
@pamlamo @bschottky @fletcherjana @fawnparish @debbieevans495 @mrs_bailey3 @itskaybeeeee
And many others! Prayer is real. It’s powerful. And it is necessary🙌🏻❤️

Photo 3 is my sweet Noah, pushing Andrew in the stroller and walking with Elijah on my second walk of the day.

Photo 4 is Ben and I with Emma. She left Wednesday morning to head back to Westmont for a couple of days of classes before flying out to ISRAEL on Saturday. God provided in a miraculous way and this is an amazing gift for her—although I was pretty bummed to not be very present for her last days with us before leaving.

Photo 5 is Emma and Andrew getting in some serious smiles and snuggles before she left.

And photo 6 is Emma showing Andrew on the globe where she is heading!

A friend said these words that breathed life into me: you’re on the mend—even if it hurts and it is hard. And deep in me I felt a response rise up, “Lord, I trust you for the mending.”
Some seasons come with both joy and sorrow. But as Ev reminded me last night, “It will not be so in the mended wood.”

#greenember @sdsmithereens