Monthly Archives: October 2010

For years I have arisen each day and placed glasses upon my nose.  The habit is perpetual, practiced and persistent.

Now, after cataract surgery, I only use reading glasses. 

Some mornings I wander back to my dresser to find my glasses.  Even though I can see perfectly well.  Even though I know in my head they are not necessary.

But I’m still looking for the ghost glasses that should be upon my nose.

Maybe that’s my halloween costume – a pair of ghost glasses no longer needed placed upon a willing nose demanded by a practice of decades.

I could stand, holding my candy bag open, pushing my ghost glasses up as I explain that this is indeed a costume.  This is nothing like what I would normally wear.  In fact, I have a totally new face, a mask people have never seen before.

Or, I can just stay home!

The cardiologist says – “Let’s do some more tests.” 

With tests taken up to today, there was no real conclusion on my wife’s heart condition.  We know there are a number of potential problems creating a tightening of the chest, shortness of breath and tiredness.

So, over the next short while we’ll see what further tests can determine.  Perhaps this is continuation of congenital heart problems or, hard to imagine, this is related to just getting old.

Now, that’s a true sign of God’s grace.  Jill should have shuffled off this mortal coil years ago.  With her heart problems she should never have made old (or is the “older”) age.  And now we are here, thankful for the years and looking forward to more!

I’m newly arrived in town from 30 hours off-site. 

Our senior pastor’s network (SPN) met in North Battleford.  We discussed plans for entry points into our communities, talked of our own lives and prayer needs and watched a movie together.  All good things that continued to bond us together and to help us disciple each other.

Tomorrow morning is another adventure.  My wife, Jill, has been experiencing heart troubles once again.  For over a third of a century I have lived with Jill knowing that her heart was fragile and had experienced problems from birth.  For all the obstacles to a “normal” life, she has been one of the most animated and active people I have known. 

But today, she was tired.  And has experienced this heart exhaustion more often lately.  We’ll see what our cardiologist says tomorrow – we’ll be visiting him at 2:30.  You can pray with us for clarity for the doctor and wisdom for us.

Thanks!

Surgery went well.  Even as the hours tick by, I’m seeing better and better. 

As I was warned, there is a redness that appears in front of the eye.  I understand this has to do with the bright light that is used during surgery.

As far as bruising or blood shot eyes, I’m in very good shape.  In fact, just looking at me you would not know I had eye surgery. 

I’ll continue a regimen of eye drops four times a day.  Within a few weeks, I’ll be headed to an optometrist to see what I can see.  From what I can see now, there will probably only be a need for reading glasses.  If that is so, I’ll be in very good shape.

Meanwhile, the sun in brighter, the leaves more colorful and my spirit is joyful!