Author: Ron Baker

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!

One of the fond memories of times with my dad was rummaging through junkyards trying to find just that unique and exquisite piece!  The piece didn’t need to be practical or useful.  Just unique.

Like the time we picked up some seatbelts.  They just looked neat.  Didn’t fit any car we owned.  Couldn’t be adapted to any car we owned.  Weren’t useful for any car we owned. 

But they were unique.

The time spent was not so much about the prize – this was male bonding.

And so today, I was reminded of the richness of life as we (my wife and I – this was marriage bonding!) wandered through Buck’s Auto Parts in Saskatoon.  The field was just abandoned car upon abandoned car.  Lined up in Ford, Chrysler and GM order.

We found the small parts we were looking for, extracted them and returned to the office.  There the owner looked over the treasures, said they weren’t really worth much and ushered us out the door with a smile and “no need to pay.”

What a day!  What a bargain!  And by that I mean a true bargain – the last time I picked up this part at our local GM dealer the cost was well over $100.00.

Came home and the piece worked perfectly.  Now, isn’t that a great day!!