Scars

A year ago today I was literally fighting to breathe. Bacterial pneumonia in both lungs with empyema. The closer and closer this "anniversary" date has come, the more my mind turns to that time, and all of the events and feelings surrounding it. As a friend once said, "That's an event that you mark your life by." She's right. It's one of those experiences that I wonder if I will ever forget. In many ways I hope I never forget.

Upon returning home after two weeks in the hospital, I remember having a chance to shower and take a good look in the mirror. Standing with my back turned, I looked at the "damage" that was done following all of the procedures and operations: a thoracentesis hole, Three chest tube slits, and one six-inch incision for a Thoracotomy. It was shocking to run my fingers over my different landscape of skin: painful, jagged, angry, red scars staring back at me in the mirror.

One of my chest tube scars looked to me exactly like a bird in flight.
The first time I saw it, it made me feel a little better. It was a symbol to me of Hope. It was like a little nod from Heavenly Father saying, "Yes, you have wounds now, but those wounds will heal because of Me."

And they did.

I saw a quote the other day that I loved:

That's miraculous when I think about it! Modern medicine. Antibiotics, modern surgical techniques, sterile hospitals, specialized doctors. The fact that I could be transported by a speeding vehicle to a hospital and receive immediate treatment by an expert in the necessary field.

The scripture story of the woman with the issue of blood has always been a favorite:

Trust in the Lord, by Liz Lemon Swindle

Mark 5:25 And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years,

26 And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse,

27 When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment.

28 For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.

29 And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague.

30 And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes?

31 And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?

32 And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing.

33 But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth.

34 And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.

I had faithful family and friends fasting, praying and petitioning Heavenly Father in the temple that I would live and be healed. A priesthood blessing was given and received. Yes, doctors and modern medicine had a hand in my treatment, but I too felt the Lord's power healing my body, both those weeks in the hospital and this past year.

What a thing - to be healed.

A year later and I feel healthy and strong. My wounds have healed and my scars have faded. They still remain however, and I'm glad of it. It's a constant, daily reminder of Heavenly Father's love and awareness of me and my family, of the power of the priesthood, and the Master Physician. Christ, who can heal us all of wounds physical and spiritual, both seen and unseen, if we, like the woman, will come to Him.

Luke 5:31 And Jesus answering said unto them,
They that are whole need not a physician;
but they that are sick.