Heart Stents and PET Scans.

It was totally unexpected.

It was Monday afternoon when my husband suggested we go for a walk around our neighborhood. I was recovering from spinal fusion surgery, and walking was an integral part of my physical therapy. We trudged up the hill from our driveway, walked around the block, and had barely turned the corner to do another lap when he stopped.

“Are you ready to go home?”

I was feeling pretty good, so I suggested we do one more. But I could tell that something was wrong.

He was feeling an ache in his shoulder, similar to the one he had felt four years ago.

After we had been home for a bit, he decided to try again, this time on the treadmill. It was probably just a muscle strain from leaning forward on the bike, so he headed upstairs. He was back in just a few minutes. The pain had returned.

I asked if we needed to go to the ER, and he said, “Yes”.

It’s always unusual when men actually agree to go to the doctor, but it’s even scarier when they agree to go to the Emergency Room.

X-rays, EKGs, CT Scans, Ultrasounds, and a heart Cath.

And a mass in his lung that had shown up on an X-ray.

What do you do when life throws you an unexpected double whammy? A PET scan.

As they were wheeling him out of his hospital room, we held hands, looked in each other’s eyes, and said, “Even if.”

•       Even if it means open heart surgery.

•       Even if it’s cancer.

•       Even if he doesn’t make it.

•       Even if.

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"I know You're able, and I know You can,

Save through the fire with Your mighty hand.

But even if You don't, 

My hope is You alone.

I know the sorrow, and I know the hurt.

Would all go away if You'd just say the word?

But even if You don't,

My hope is You alone.

You've been faithful, You've been good all of my days.

Jesus, I will cling to You, come what may.

It is well with my soul.”

 “Even if” MercyMe ‧ 2017

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Long story short…

His stent was cleaned out, the PET scan was clear, and he was good to go… but it's not always the way. Whatever your unexpected double whammy today, rest in His faithfulness.

Even if.