Stuff happens...

Early last week, my father fell and broke his hip. At his age, this isn't an inconsiderable event, but his hospitalization was complicated by pneumonia, which led to respiratory failure. He has been in intensive care, and although he is doing better, things can still go either way. Once he stabilizes, he will still need to undergo surgery to repair his hip. Assuming that this procedure goes smoothly, he will face a period of rehabilitation. And his recovery is complicated by one additional factor: my father's beloved wife died just over a year ago. He has told me repeatedly that every day has been painful to him, and that it is his greatest desire to be with her. 

For much of the past week, my father has been sedated on a ventilator. I've been wide awake, and as with so many other situations in my life, I've found myself fully aware that I don't have the first idea what to pray for. Do I pray for him to recover, knowing that it will tax reserves of mental and physical energy he may not have? Do I pray for him to pull through this, knowing that he will still mourn daily for the loss of the woman he loved so much? Do I pray for a peaceful death for him, knowing that life may well hold moments of joy for him as well? Or do I "pray smart"... asking only that God take charge of this situation and do what He thinks is best?

I've chosen to "pray smart", knowing that His plans are always - always - more perfect than mine.

Sometimes in situation like this, it's difficult to see the blessings. But we are blessed. Dad and I had time to talk about whether or not he would agree to try a short course on the ventilator to see if he can pull through this. I don't have to wonder if I made the right choice for him, because he made this choice. I've got the freedom to be here with him, some 8 hours from my home, while my husband continues to "keep the home fires burning". And although it's been years since I've lived in this area and most of my connections here have been broken for years, people have come out of the woodwork to support us. Kind people. Good people.

So in the midst of confusion, there is comfort. And for this, I am thankful.

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