Dog Paddling Again

Update on My Mom: Dec 27, 2013.I can't even begin to describe to you what a miracle it was that my mom had eleven wonderful days in California visiting my brother and family. Such beautiful memories were made, not only with my brother, but with Mom's sister, Joyce and family.

I am so thankful.

With sister Joyce and nieces, Melody, Holly and Charlaat the super-duper, all-out Norwegian extravaganza.

with sister, Joyce.

When I picked Mom up at the airport on the evening of Dec 26, she was obviously rattled. She confessed to having trouble breathing on the plane. We discussed going right to ER, but Mom thought she would be fine waiting for a scheduled doctor's appointment the next morning. When her breathing issues continued after settling in at our house, we decided waiting wasn't an option and headed to ER.After numerous tests, a CT scan revealed a blood clot in the right lung - this while on baby aspirin and two blood thinners. She was admitted to the hospital for more tests and observation.

As you may remember, Mom has been diagnosed with Trousseau syndrome - a condition tied with cancer in which the tumors send out factors that cause blood coagulation. She is currently on a continual heparin IV drip as they attempt to stabilize the coagulating levels in her blood.

Waiting on several more tests. Mom will be here one or two more days.

Mom is tired, but her gracious self, speaking blessing on all the medical staff. Since they changed her pain meds 10 days ago, she has had NO pain. That has remained the situation here at the hospital. I cannot express with mere words the gratitude I have for that.

As I find myself again at the hospital, at the bedside of my mother -- from a Christmas devotional I just finished, The Greatest Gift by Ann Voskamp:

When you can't touch bottom is when you touch the depths of God.

Jesus,

today on my journey of faith,

when I'd rather be splashing in the kiddie pool,

I find myself dog paddling in the deep end,

getting water down my throat

and gasping for breath.

Be my life preserver.

Again.