Now that I’m still living life and looking forward to the rest of it, I have decided I will have my nails fixed, get a hair cut and get my teeth fixed. Joking, a bit. But it is nice to come back to myself and realize I an not at death’s doorstep.
I would drop the subject but I feel an urging from the Lord to share where I have been spiritually this last month. I realize how susceptible I was to the fiery darts of Satan regarding the latest health “crises” that was not really a crises. Maybe some of you are walking out a crises of faith and need to know this part of my health saga.
First let me remind you of the amazing episode of healing which God did for me in 2013. In my mind I said to Him, “The only Biblical example that I can claim for this extended life is that of Hezekiah, who was granted an extra 15 years. So, Lord I am going to trust you for that.” And that is where I have been walking. That 15 years is only a little over half over.
Near the first of March, I had a strange sound in my ears, enough to disturb my sleeping. I also gained too much weight within that week, so I called my cardiologist. She made arrangements for me to get an untra-sound. (Is that what it’s called? I think so.) During the process, I knew the technician was bothered. She left the room a few times. After she was through, she said she was going to be sure my results were sent to the doctor immediately.
When she came back, a man with a wheelchair came with her. They rolled me immediately to ER. I had no idea why. I told them I was well, I would be doing my daily walk except for them. But I might as well have talked to the wall. They kept me and said I would be going to a room shortly. I was rigged up with an monitor and I think maybe an IV. I’m not sure about that.
They did all the work for me. Getting me registered, etc. Nice folks. I was bamboozled. Finally a doctor came in. Then went back out; then came in and said he had contacted my doctor who said to send me home. The next morning my primary care doctor called and said I had a dissected artery in my neck and urged me to be sure to follow up with the cardiologist. That sure sounded fearful to me because I knew that is what happened to my heart during the biggie!
I remembered that I had been trusting God for fifteen years more to live, and I believed He was going to let me have them. But I also knew sometimes God does not do things like we expect and hope and pray for. It was like the three Hebrew Children thrown into the fire. They said, God can protect us, but if he doesn’t… So I made too much room for the “if He doesn’t” part. I was somewhat in a tail spin.
I decided there was just far too much that I wanted to do long range to try for any of those projects. I lived day by day doing what I normally do, when I’m not thinking I’m about to step over death’s door.
I began to wonder which blogger I should contact and ask to leave my good-byes to, someone who was active in my blogging community and knew many who I also knew. Or I wondered if I should show my daughter-in-law how to log in to my blog and say my good-byes for me.
Sorry folks, I’m just telling you all this because I believe it is important to someone. I believe it is the reason for the sound in my ears. Without that I would not have contacted the doctor in the first place. The sound has not been back.
Anyway, on with my story. A few days later, I received a call from the cardiologist’s office saying that I had an appt for a CTA on March 12. That was about ten days out. I got some comfort because the matter did not seem very urgent to her, on the other hand – did she even care? So I was torn about putting my faith in her also.
Well, finally the test day came, I did it. Then a few days later, I met with her. She said that I indeed did have a dissected right artery, but it appeared to have happened at the same time the artery in my heart dissected. It was now eight years past, there was no disturbance of blood flow, no leakage or any other sign of trouble. She asked if I felt bad – no, I felt find. She said in that case, what you have is chronic but stable. Wished me well and told me to keep track of my blood pressure.
Now I have to take care of the teeth, nails, and hair situations.
Sweet aroma 
I’m glad God has seen to letting those little things get some attention— you know in the big scheme of things a haircut and manicure do make us feel better 🥰
Well my maintenance needs were caused by covid for too long. I couldn’t have gotten in such a mess in only one month! Went to do nails today but the line was too long; I came home and slept. But you are right, in illness and/or in health, a bit of paint and polish help face the mirror and the world. Nobody cares to look at someone who seems not to care.
I didn’t get a hair cut during the entire time the kids and our daughter-n-law stayed with us during the “lockdown”–a good three months…thank goodness for ball caps!
This move has also proven not to be conducive to my hair as I’m struggling to find someone who can cut it as the gal back home.
Event hough I use to ‘fuss and cuss’ her…my hair is struggling 🙂
It is my achilles heel—a love hate relationship—random willy nilly waves I’ve painstakingly spent years cutting out or straightening…
When and if I make it to Heaven—I hope to be able to do two things—have hair that matters not and a voice that can sing 🙂
I’m sure that you will not worry about your hair and you will be able to sing. Some are sparrows other meadowlarks but all make beautiful music. Sounds like you have hair I long for. I got an appt. 10:00 Monday. I still won’t go very short however. Best of weekends to you.
Short hair— it’s been short forever— but near impossible to style!!!
I’m with Julie. We need to take care of the little things because they do matter. I haven’t had my nails done in over a year. My daughter used to do them for me, but with the pandemic I decided to grow my own and found out they didnt take too long to grow. They still aren’t as strong as they should be because I had acrylics for years. I’ve been cutting my own hair so would really feel good to get a professional haircut. You are amazing Oneta and so is your story. Praise
God we all have a story to tell.
Hold the banner up for a bit of spit and polish habits. Kathy I wrote something one time about the “go tell” or “go and not tell” situation. Jesus did tell some to not tell what He had done. That was a real problem for me. I don’t want to be a gloating Pharisee going on as if I were receiving a special pat on the head. The most important thing in the Gospel story is that Christ died for our sins and salvation is possible. But our health, our attitudes, our relationships, our battles and our victories are also in His caring. We should tell that he is more than a fire escape! Bible stories were not just for the days of long ago. We still learn by testimonies.
Thank you for this timely and explanatory post. Your journey is truly inspirational. Praise God indeed!
At the time of my breast cancer second scare. I know now so much swirling around me was NOT of God. I have put into place since that time Maintenance appointments just like for an old car face, hair , face, rogue eyebrows toe and fingernails. It certainly helps to face the world with an eternal focus even while the body deteriorates. No sure with me whether tt’s heart or cancer that may one day take me Home but in Him let us journey onwards. Once it looked like 75 for me but in 2021 its…………not even predictable…Maybe 100. I will be estatic if I thought 90 was possible. Thank God He knows. Love xxxxxx
Dear Faye, I love your phrase “face the world with an eternal focus” even while acknowledging a duty to earthly customs. It is good manners to show respect to others by taking care of ourselves and “cleaning up” for them. I am so thankful I have not had to face the cancer terror in my own body. It has been a horror to some I have loved. Victims need your story. A story I cannot tell.
Glad you’re taking care of yourself 🙏🏾
Thank you for caring, Maria. Best to you.
Oh my, Oneta! I am sorry for the health-scare. My heart was pounding just reading along and I am lifting up a prayer of gratitude to Our God for no imminent harm. You shall remain in my prayers for continued sustained health – we need your wisdom for many more years to come. Hugs to you for thinking of all of us in that tailspin, we would most definitely wish to have an update to help carry the burden with you in prayer, love & support! 💕
Thanks, Dawn Marie. I really value the love, prayers, and support of my blogging community. I’m on top of things now – but still accepting all the love and hugs I can get. Can you feel me hug back?