We rejoice in our sufferings...

Romans 5:3-5 is a verse that has stuck out to me this evening as I struggle to explain about the events of this past week....

"More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us."

So there's my post.....ha...just kidding. I'll actually give you an update :)

We arrive Sunday evening in Cinci at my aunt and uncles house. They live 10 minutes from Mercy Anderson (the hospital where Chris had surgery) so this worked out PERFECTLY. Another little miracle we prayed for.... We had to be at the hospital bright and early Monday morning, so this was nice :)

Still dark cold out, we arrived at Mercy Anderson ready for the biggest change in our live so far. I had so many thoughts walking in to the hospital....I had all the, "This is the last time that....". I couldn't help myself. Just knowing that the next time we left that place, it was going to be totally different. A good different I might add! So doctors are always on time with surgeries, right? Wrong....9:15 came and went...so did 10:15....close to 11:15 the anesthesiologist came in to go over what drugs they were using. After all this waiting, I only have 30 seconds with my husband before he was wheeled away for surgery. I felt I had just been jipped  with precious alone time. So I gave Chris a quick kiss and told him how much I loved him and how proud I was of him. And he's the one whispering in my ear to BE STRONG. He's amazing...

But I didn't mention something.....we had some amazing people come to show their support. Two of Chris's closest friends were able to pray with Chris before surgery. Something Chris didn't know about. He was so surprised. One of his buddies came from a town in Ohio FOUR HOURS away!!!!! And he has two small boys at home plus a newborn!

I walk in to the surgery waiting room, see all my friends, and just loose it. Tears are freely flowing and I know I am in good company to do this. I don't even know why I'm crying....I don't know whether or not I'm more sad about my husband losing a leg, or him being cancer free.

The wait is unbearable....I get the word that he's out of surgery then I get to talk with the doc. This was assuring. Everything went great and it was just nice to ask questions and have some immediate answers!! Something we were not accustomed to having over the past year and a half. Then I was told I couldn't see Chris for 2 hours....which turned into almost three. With the help of my mother in law and two great friends, that time went by so fast.

We all rush to his room to be there waiting for him. My friends and Deb are waiting in the Atrium of the hospital and it's just Natalie and me waiting in room 167 for our hero. I'm standing at the back of the room just waiting, then I see the nurses aid wheel him by. I just lose it. I see his face, the tubes, the IV pole, the indention of where his left leg used to be. The next 2 minutes was all a blur. The guy peeks his head in to the room, asks if I'm ok, then gives me THE BEST pep talk I've ever had. He reminded me what I have to be thankful for...my two girls....a strong husband...and he also said that out of this whole battle, NOW is the time to be strong. I needed to put a loving, brave smile on my face for my husband. He handed me a few tissues, told me to take the next 30 seconds crying, the I needed to dry it up. So while the tech is switching out the beds, I look at Natalie and tell her this is it!! I get to see her daddy CANCER FREE!

What a freeing moment this was. Sweet Chris...he was so drugged up. He looked so happy and freed. To not be hurting because of cancer, but because of healing. I had my moments with him then went on the hunt for Deb so she could see her son!!!  I could barely get out the door without bawling my eyes out again. I took about 5 minutes of crying outside his door with Natalie so I could compose myself before seeing Deb and my friends. The sweet nurses brought me tissues and just gave me my space then gave me a hug to tell me that everything is ok. What amazing people they are....

The next few days are filled with physical therapy sessions and doctors visits. Chris was able to walk to the door and back of his hotel room...I mean hospital room just the next day. Later that afternoon he wheeled his happy self out to the atrium while Deb, Chris, and I listening to piano and violin playing for over an hour. During this serenade, Chris's boss, and Chris's bosses boss (confused yet?) and the first shirt came to visit. I saw the ABU's come walking through the revolving door of the hospital and get once again teary eyed. Just the support these people have shone us during this journey...I don't even have the words to describe it.  The afternoon was followed by more visitors and the highlight of the day was when Chris said, "I don't even care I don't have a leg. I'm just happy." PRICELESS!!

Wednesday Chris walked the furthest ever. Down the hall!!! He then wheeled himself to the PT room to practice walking up a step. THIS IS NOT EVEN 48 HOURS AFTER SURGERY!! All of the hospital staff was amazed at his determination!! And then even better news later that afternoon: we could go home!!

So here we are...as happy as can be. Living life WITHOUT cancer. Don't get me wrong...it's going to be a long journey, be we are prepared and well equipped!!

Once again:

"More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us."