A Summer Not Remembered

Summer is over. The pipes are winterized, the yard decor put away, and the porch furniture covered. Autumn has colored our world and winter is quickly approaching but somehow my mind returns to the relaxing, sunny days I missed this year.

Life took a change for me on May 25th while playing the piano at our weekly chapel service. A pain swept through my body that bent me over double. I later learned I had gallstones and needed to have my gallbladder removed. I thought I would see a surgeon, set a date, and would be recuperating before the lazy days of summer appeared. Due to a very thorough and compassionate internist, I spent the three months of summer in medical appointments, taking all kinds of test to determine my health status.

The best part of the process was all the time I spent with my daughter, Valerie. She went to every appointment with me, and became my advocate with the medical personnel. Her viewpoints resulted in every area of my health being addressed. The waiting times and trips to and from were spent in good conversation, hearty laughs, and coffee breaks. I always come away from times with Val being emotionally and spiritually refreshed.

One of my concerns for the process was how I would be able to pay all the co-pays for these medical appointments and treatments. Some were only $10 or $15. Others were up to $200. This extra expense, along with added gasoline, taxed my income to the limit. As usual, I went to the One who "owns the cattle on a thousand hills" (Psalm 50:10) He provided the needs through an unexpected refund check, and the "giving heart" of my next door neighbor.

Cliff is a very kind and generous senior citizen with a serving spirit. Even though he has some health challenges, he brings in my garbage cans or offers to pick up my mail for me. When he found out I couldn't afford to get the daily paper anymore, he started refolding his paper after he read it and left it on my porch. I've so enjoyed having the paper to read again.

To my surprise, one day lying with the paper was a half box of tangelos. Cliff said they were on sale and he couldn't eat the whole box himself. Since that first gift of food, it is not unusual to find some type of fruit, vegetables, or other food staples by my door. He watches for sales and joyfully shares them with me. He has shared everything from eggs to complete yummy meals he has cooked. I have been so blessed, often with a food item I couldn' have afforded myself.

Recently I was working on my finances and wondering how I had paid all the extra expenses this summer. I couldn't hold back the tears when I realized how much lower my food bill had been. God reminded me that I had eaten a wonderful variety of fruits and other summer favorites while being able to save enough on my food bill to meet the added medical co-pays. I shouldn't be amazed, but I always stand in awe at how my wonderful Father so creatively shows His love and care for this often needed child of His.

On August 31st I had my surgery. With the good care from my daughters, I recuperated from the operation, a painful pulled muscle, and a bout with infection. Before I realized what had happened, it was the end of September and all the usual activities of warm days had passed by me. It was time to prepare for the cold days ahead.

I may not remember having a summer this year, but I will never forget how God met my needs and took care of me. "Those who know Your name will trust in You, for You, Lord, have NEVER forsaken those who seek You." (Psalm 9:10)

This week we are celebrating Thanksgiving. I could sit all day recalling all the things I'm thankful for but I'd rather spend my time praising the One who has made it all possible. "Praise the Lord, O my soul. I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live." (Psalm 146:1)