Surgery #1 and #2

In June, I had surgery to remove a small cyst, a complication of my last c-section. I let a few people know about it way ahead of time, including the dear woman at our church who coordinates meals. I asked for one week's worth of dinners while I recovered. We got two weeks.

Food always tastes better when someone else makes it; and these were grand. I don't think our family has ever had so many desserts in a 14-day period! We also got some good ideas for future recipes. We were so blessed by those who shared their gifts of hospitality.

Before my surgery, two of the women from church also came by to pray for me. I was the recipient of the first shawl from the newly formed prayer shawl ministry at church. That's pretty cool. Of course, I like being first at anything, which doesn't happen often since I'm not very athletic. But this was pretty special, and I feel the prayers of these women and the many others who lifted me up really helped since I wasn't very nervous before the surgery, unusual for me.

Two weeks later, it was Lauren's turn. She had to have her adenoids out; since her tonsils would probably have to come out at some point, too, we decided to do it all at once since Lauren has such a fear of all things medical.

Lauren hates needles. When she had to get her last immunization for kindergarten, it took about three of us to hold her down. This time, she was much braver. It only took one nurse to hold her arm as Lauren sat on my lap as the phlebotomist drew blood for her pre-op appointment.

Before her surgery, she asked Dan if people at church could pray for her. So, the Sunday before, her name was added to the prayer request list. And on Monday, two ladies from church brought her her very own Lauren-sized prayer shawl. The women prayed for Lauren as did Dan and I.

Lauren went into surgery with some nervousness, but not too much. She went to the surgery in her pajamas and slippers carrying her stuffed dog and prayer shawl.

We're now both fully recovered and very grateful that so many cared for us enough to lift us up to the Heavenly Father.