August 17, 2004

Gracious Friends

One of the benefits of facing surgery is that it brings out delightful and humbling expressions of caring in one's friends. The cards sent, presents delivered, jokes told, hugs received and prayers promised have been overwhelming—especially for a basically shy guy like myself (no guffaws please). So many people have told me of little events which they remember fondly. that I feel somewhat embarrassed that I haven't told them of similar times when they embodied grace to me. It seems to take something dramatic to break through our natural reluctance to share appreciation and good news with other people. My cup runneth over and expressions of gratitude can never convey my sense of being enfolded in countess hearts. This blog has been a wonderful distraction as I prepare to enter the hospital tomorrow. I go with no conscious anxiety and with an eagerness to address my medical problems. I suspect I will not write here again for some days as I am leaving the computer home and won't have access until some time in the recovery process. In the meanwhile I will be depending upon my family to keep the blog up to date. I look forward to returning and hope my sense of gratitude and confidence will survive the recovery process. But whether or not it does, you'll be the first ones to know. Posted by Donel at August 17, 2004 10:14 PM

God speed.

Posted by: Jennifer at August 17, 2004 10:23 PM

We send wishes for a speedy return to your computer and everything you love!! We love you, we are with you and Marilyn, and holding you both in our hearts.
Love, Linda, Pat, Jeff and Eric

Posted by: Linda at August 17, 2004 11:22 PM

OUr prayers are with you and Marilyn during your surgery and recovery. I'm especially anxious that you find SOMETHING funnier than Austin Powers. The Three Stooges, maybe. Love, Barb

Posted by: Barbara at August 18, 2004 10:54 AM

Dear Don,
A lot of thoughts have been running through my head about there being a reason for everything. We had a 3 week trip to Scandinavia planned, departing on August 5th. The week before I fell and, while not seriously injured, my knee and leg became quite swollen and bruised. My doctor said I should not fly. The bottom line is: If we had gone on the trip we would not have received your email and would not have started praying for your recovery until our return. Yes, God works in mysterious ways.

Our prayers are with you.

The Collins Family

Posted by: Anita at August 18, 2004 11:29 AM

Dear Donel,

You have been in my thoughts so many times every day and that will continue as you travel to Seattle, enter the hospital and have surgery in what you call an "adventure". Since you are my all-time best and favorite preacher I expect to be hearing about this "adventure" both privately and in sermons. You have a way of taking an idea or experience and turning it into a wonderful learning experience for your listeners.

Take care and come home well.

K

Posted by: Kay Porter at August 18, 2004 12:22 PM

Today I am thinking about hands. The whole world is in God's hands. The hands of the surgeon. The hands folded in prayer. The hands in applause. The hands raised high in hallelujahs. The hands holding other hands. We are holding yours.
With Love, David and Cheryll

Posted by: Cheryll & David at August 18, 2004 05:42 PM

I'm not very good at expressing myself, Donel. Just know that I think of you and Marilyn and ask
God to let things go well.

Julia

Posted by: Julia Couchman at August 18, 2004 08:48 PM

A side note to Barbara - He does now have something funnier....I scored a copy of Galaxy Quest whilst browsing at Henderson's the other day. Plus, if he gets especially down in the dumps I also got the best Star Trek epidsode ever...A Piece of the Action...where Mister Spock learns to drive a stick shift on the gangster planet.

Posted by: Janet at August 19, 2004 02:40 PM

Like everyone else our prayers are with you and the entire family. You've been unusually upbeat so remember that "real men can cry." The quilt the congregation is doing for you is as much for us as it is for you. We need to feel like we are doing something. When you feel like it, look closely at the pieces. Some contributors almost made their signatures a part of the design so they're hard to find. You have our best. Joan

Posted by: Joan and Paul at August 21, 2004 07:39 PM
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