7.00 p.m…
Irene was hospitalized on April 30th after a VERY WEIRD month when she was experiencing LOTS of mysterious symptoms which were ultimately identified as “Nephrotic Syndrome” and which lead to the diagnosis of Primary Amyloidosis. Life went into in EMERGENCY mode until things settled down enough for her to be discharged on July 20th.
We’ve moved from EMERGENCY mode to a TRANSITIONAL stage where we’re trying to figure out what the next part of this journey will look like. We know it will be a very long and circuitous route. Irene needs some level of home support, but not 24/7 assistance. Dialysis is ongoing and trips to UCSF are frequent. I need to work full time. We hope to define a new “routine”. As we contemplate the future, we face a lot of unknown issues, as well as yet to be realized circumstances.
…But wait a minute…!!!!!
Yes, Irene has a rare and incurable bone marrow disease. Yes, she had a stem cell transplant with LOTS of complexity and was in the hospital for 12 weeks. Yes, our lives have been forever altered and will be very different in the days ahead. But no one knows what tomorrow holds…in fact, none of us know what is going to face us in the hours ahead of today.
So, despite the circumstances we find ourselves in, we move forward…by faith and not by sight. We can’t see the future, but we know that HE does. One of Jesus’ most penetrating questions, when he talks of his second coming is, “will I find FAITH on earth?” He longs for obedient and faithful hearts completely surrendered to him. …and that’s what we endeavor to be.
Irene had dialysis treatment this morning and rested most of the afternoon. We also learned that the test results are in. Irene’s kidneys are not “waking up” to the degree that will allow two days a week of treatment rather than three. So, three days a week it is…every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, until further notice.
Although somewhat nauseous, she was able to hold down a light lunch and dinner. She even exercised her arms somewhat today using 3 pound “Barbie bells”… 
As we transition to this new season, our hope and confidence is in our Sovereign Lord.
© 2004 Hosanna Loh
Caminando con Fé
Dave
