Blessed and Amazed

If you are reading this blog you most likely know that the past three years have been challenging for our family. Conner's RSD and JRA, followed by Caleigh's diagnosis of absent epilepsy, and Russell's lymphoma have kept me busy. We have had a pediatric hematology/oncology specialist, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon, a pediatric rheumatologist, a pediatric endocrinologist, a pediatric cardiologist, a pediatric neurologist, a pedi. epileptologist, an adult orthopedic surgeon (2 of those), an oncologist, a psychologist (to assess our stress level), a speech pathologist (for memory issues), a physical therapist, a nurse practitioner, and 2 family practice docs. I'm probably forgetting someone. Let it suffice to say that I have not seen the doctor much in the last three years. Why? No time mostly--along with the fear that they would find something. If nobody tells me I'm sick, then I'm not sick...right?? I finally took the plunge yesterday and scheduled an appointment for myself, mainly so I could get a prescription refilled. I also thought it wise to catch up on my own care and deal with some issues that have been getting worse. I took off early from work, made it to the family practice office in the nick of time, and was told that I was rescheduled for tomorrow. I could not stop the tears from welling up. The sweet receptionist and nurse that have seen our family through much of our difficulties came to the rescue. The nurse practitioner that was instrumental in catching R's lymphoma recently moved and we now see a new NP. She was unavailable, but the one of the doctors happened to be there. I waited a few minutes and was ushered to an exam room. After asking me a couple of questions, the nurse called in the doctor. He greeted me politely, and asked: "When was your last labwork?" Tears again. "I haven't done anything except take my medication regularly in three years because..." and the whole story came out. That sweet man dropped to his knees, took both my hands in his, and began to pray for me and my family. I felt a calm come over me that I haven't felt in quite some time. He patiently explained that it is time to take care of me, and then outlined the plan. He asked about each of my family members, then excused himself to leave for a prior commitment (he drives in from another town). We have met him once before when he requested to meet Caleigh since her neurologist sends all his reports to him. It was just the most amazing thing. I have so much room for improvement when it comes to living my faith. I am going back next Thursday for a full physical. It IS time. God blesses us in such amazing ways.