Blessed with More Life
Happy Anniversary to me!
It was eight years ago today—April 11, 2011—when my life’s journey took a turn. This was the day when I had brain surgery to remove a ginormous tumor from the front-top quadrant of my brain.
That’s when God blessed me with more life.
Everything changed after that surgery. Days of running up and down steps with ease were gone forever. Forgetting how to say words became commonplace. Putting together jigsaw puzzles with my husband—now a thing of the past. A faint weakness on my right side still remains … reminding me … the outcome could have been different.
Because of that surgery, I know … without a doubt … each moment is a gift.
The doctors made it clear—they could not give me any guarantees that I’d survive the delicate and lengthy operation. They needed to cut my skull open and remove the tumor, then figure out if they could put me back together again.
Then there was the therapy: physical, occupational, and speech. I worked diligently for months trying to relearn the simplest of tasks: walking without assistance, standing and not losing my balance, learning to pick up coins one at a time, and repeating words and phrases after they were said to me.
But I celebrated because God was with me every step of the way.
And I’ve tried to never take life for granted again.
“ …‘you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” James 4:13-14 NIV
Thump-thump.
Feel that? It’s your heart beating. It could stop at any time, but instead, it keeps on going. Not because of anything you’re doing, but because it’s God’s gift to you. With each beat, you’re blessed with more life.
Come, celebrate with me. I’ve had eight years of appreciating and trusting God’s gift of a day—one at a time.
How can we celebrate your blessings?.
Robin speaks to women’s groups on trusting God through adversity. As a writer, she’s a finalist for the 2019 Selah Writing Award. Soon she’s releasing the third edition of, “Learning to Bloom Again: walking through forgiveness after divorce” and is looking for a publisher for, “God’s Best During Your Worst,” a manual on how to deal with life’s darkness and yet see God’s loving and guiding hand. Watch for it!
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I’m going through a 72-hour-EEG for seizures next weekend. I have a tumor & a cyst but both are small & have’t changed in 6 years, from what I’m told. Thank you for this post.
Christa, I don’t know your situation, but I do know Who does. I’ll pray peace and courage to you and your family as you wait. Hugs and blessings, dear friend.
I can’t believe it’s been 8 years dear friend. Such a great testimony of your journey. I count myself blessed to have you in my life.
Amen, Robin! We need people like you who’ve been through such experiences–and wisely processed them–to remind that every breath is a gift.
Thanks Mitch. Your words truly touch my soul. We each have a journey … oh, how I do my best to encourage others to discover what theirs is. So happy that you found yours.
Thanks for taking the time to respond to this post.
Blessings, Robin
Wow what an amazing gift! Happy anniversary!
Hi Terri –
Great gift … right??
Now, every day when I wake up, I thank God for the opportunity to have one more day. I am not delusional to think each day will be perfect, but God has gifted me with that day. It’s my responsibility to bless Him with what I give back.
Thanks for taking the time to read … and then respond to my post. You bless ME.
Robin
I rejoice with you, Robin. I’m glad God has given you more time to shine the light of Jesus.
Thanks for responding, and rejoicing with me!
When we’re surrounded by darkness, God’s healing light shines the brightest, right?
So true!
Congrats on this Anniversary! Seems like another lifetime–not 8 years 🙂
Crazy, right? I still remember you and the crew driving all the way just to make sure I was okay. Never will forget that.
Hugs, good friend.
At my job, we work with people who have been relegated to half their life. Just being able to take a full breath is something I no longer take for granted anymore. Or being able to stand without severe back pain. Or reach for something for yourself.
We’ve had clients who lost their livelihood because their chair breaks and they fall wrong. What a brutal cosmic joke. The older I get, the more thankful I get.
Thanks for the note, Brandon. I never knew that about you … no wonder I enjoy your posts. 🙂
We’re all a whisper away from a tragedy. When we understand that, it’s natural for gratitude to flow from our hearts. Keep writing, Brandon … your words are making a difference.
Robin
Rejoicing with you over God’s healing and the eight years He’s been tending you. Hallelujah! <3
Thanks for the note and well wishes, Sandra. Yep, He’s tending … that’s for sure! I had no idea I’d be so thankful after something so devistating.
Hugs, friend.
Thank you for sharing such an inspiring testimony. Happy 8th anniversary!
Thanks for your kind words, Butch. It’s a shame we take for granted what is most precious. My goal is to remind folks that God’s got a plan … and that plan includes every one of us!
Blessings to you, friend.