Life on the Hill

A trying time

Thnak you for your encouragement to write something new, Mama Duke.

The last 2 weeks have been a trying time for us.  2 weeks ago my husband began feeling ill in a general sense.  He has been under an unusual amount of stress at work so I thought it was related to that. He took a couple of days off at the end of the week, and I was glad.  I worked all day on Saturday, but he stayed home with the boys and they "piddled" around (which is south Alabama for not doing much of anything) then went over to my Aunt and Uncle's house to watch The Game ( at my house, that is Auburn football).  He had a attack of really bad back pain and nausea while he was there, but it resolved on it's own.  Sunday, he stayed home from church, which is unusual for him.  Sunday night he woke me up at 3:30 AM saying he was hurting so bad he needed to go to the ER......so off we went.  As we had suspected that night, it turned out to be his 3rd kidney stone.  The said it was small enough to pass so they gave him high octane pain and nausea meds and sent him home.  He used the meds as often as he could but by Tuesday night, we were back.  After waiting in the waiting room for 3 hours in pain, they finally got him back and got his pain relieved.  Imagine my distress when the on call urologist refused to admit him.  Well, I haven't been a RN for almost 20 years without learning how much good a well placed, old fashioned hissy fit will accomplished and I figured this was a good time and place, because I was NOT bringing this man home with me in that condtion.  Mission accomplished.  I got them to call his primary MD at home and tell him who we were and that I wanted him admited and the dear man he is, he agreed. (it helps that I have known him for years).  They had no empty beds in the whole hospital, so we stayed in the ER until 4:30, when one opened up.

It was a trying week. He was in pain and nauseated and having to take very strong IV meds until Thursday.  They wouldn't go get the stone as he had had done before when we lived in Dothan.  The whole ordeal reminded me why I work in women and children's health. ....don't like dealing with sick men in pain!!!! By Friday  he was feeling much better, but no one could tell us for sure if he had passed it or not, but since his pain and nausea went away, we went home.  We did learn he has another stone up in his kidney that can make it's appearance at any time.

Which brings me to the spiritual side of our ordeal. My DH has been focused on the scripture " the fellowship of His suffering" and he feels like some of what he has gone through is in answer to his questions to the Lord on this matter.  Jesus did endure unimaginable suffering while he was here, in all kinds of ways.  Richard has since recanted to desire to know more of His suffering, he says he's had enough.  Seeing him go through this and the other ordeals he has been through of late, makes me know even more what a remarkable Elder Brother we have. As verily man, to go through what he went through like a lamb to the slaughter, never opening his mouth to complain or utter an unkind word to or about the ones around him, is indeed astonishing.  I have learned more of what practicing Agape love is all about.  Loving when someone is acting unlovable.  Loving no matter what.  Loving the way Christ loves us.  I get just a glimpse of it sometimes.  Oh to be able to love like that always!!!!! And by the way, learning to be thankful for the opportunities to love like that.

My goodness ...

11:48 PM, Oct. 20, 2006 .. Posted by MamaDuke

I'm sorry that life has been so difficult for y'all lately. I hope Richard will feel better soon. I'll add him (and you) to my prayer list. And you're right, our daily struggles and pains are only a small glimpse into the suffering Jesus did for each of us. It's a very humbling thought. I hope you don't mind, but I added you to my friend list. It seems you could use one right now! God's blessings this weekend (and always)...

Hello!

8:40 AM, Nov. 27, 2006 .. Posted by MamaDuke

Hey, friend ... are you OK? I've been checking your blog and haven't seen any activity lately. Is your hubby okay? How about yourself and the munchkins? I just thought I'd check in ...