A Torn Meniscus and the Good Fight of Faith

It's been several days since I updated you about Mom.  The delay is not because there has been a lack of activity, but because there has been a lot.

Since she cannot put any weight on her left leg, we help her move using a sit-down walker.

We have learned ways to get her to recliner chair, to toilet, to bed with the least amount of pain possible.  That said, her pain at times can still be very bad, and there is a level of unpredictability to it.  Tuesday night she didn't get any sleep; last night she got a pretty decent sleep.

Part of the complication is in dealing with the pre-existing problems of her osteoporosis and colon paralysis, both of which cause pain of their own.  Not being able to walk at all has only intensified this.

On Tuesday we received the results of her latest Dexa-scan (bone density measurement).  The results were a blend of encouragement and fear: her spinal bones have improved about 3% in the last year, while her hip bones have lost about 9%.  A hip fracture would most likely ultimately prove fatal for someone in her condition.

Today a friend who is a good physical therapist came over.  After examining her leg, he believes she has a torn meniscus which would not improve without surgery.  But a verifying MRI is in order first.  If she has surgery, a post-op stay in a rehab facility might be needed.

For a healthier person, such an outpatient surgery and subsequent rehab are no great hurdle; for someone in Mom's condition, they are a daunting challenge. 

But the challenge is not just physical, but also emotional and spiritual.  And the challenge is not just for Mom, but also (to a lesser degree) for Dad and I and all who care about her.

The fight is for faith.  The battle is to believe.  To trust that God has a wise and loving purpose in this, as in all suffering.  That all things (whether they be miraculous healing or surgery and rehab) will work together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).  That this momentary, light affliction is producing for Mom an eternal weight of glory, far beyond all comparison (2 Cor. 4:17).  That the things which are seen (like Dexa-scan reports and terrible pain and our house in disarray) are temporary, but the things which are not seen (like the honor God will receive through this, and our eventual joy of forever being in the presence of Jesus, with other redeemed sinners) are eternal (2 Cor. 4:18). 

As Paul reminds us, the fight of faith is a good fight.  (For a wonderful message from John Piper about why it's a good fight, click here.)  And we are grateful for your help in this fight.  Through your prayers and encouragement, you have been strengthening our grip on God.  (1 Sam. 23:16)  Thank you.  And please, don't quit!