I think it was Steven Covey who told the story of the man who climbed a Tibetan mountain in order to ask a wise sage, “What is the secret to living forever?” The (reputably) wise man replied, “Keep breathing.” Well yes, that might be helpful if we could actually DO that, but of course, it is quite beyond our control.
I was reminded today of how fragile is life and how we all are dependent on God for our very next breath. Paul speaks of Jesus when writing, “And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else.” Acts 17:25
Concentrated breathing can be a form of meditation and worship. Breathe out your concerns and natural self; breathe in the freshness and restoration that is God.
I was also reminded of the dangers of transfusions and the vulnerability that Leukemia presents. Just minutes into starting platelet infusion I developed a severe allergic reaction: Itching and hives quickly appeared all over my body. My throat started hurting and to close up, along with my nasal passages. Lips swelled and became numb. Breathing became so difficult that the thought of an emergency tracheotomy strongly came to my mind. (And to add to the pain, I couldn’t contact Marcia because she was in Newton and her cellphone had just died!)
My nurse was present through all this and knew to immediately disconnect the platelets and commence emergency response protocol. Ultimately I had four nurses working on the situation including one from the Emergency Response Team. If my body hadn’t responded, I would have been minutes away from being transferred to ICU…Or elsewhere. However with 75mg of Benadryl, oxygen, and a steroid, an hour later my allergic symptoms started to reduce. Four hours later, I was almost fully recovered. Just a little swelling at the back of my throat remains. Tomorrow, I will make another attempt to get some needed platelets, and maybe blood.
Wow, life can turn VERY quickly…in either direction. This could have happened to any of us through toxic reaction food, medicine, environment, chemical, etc. It is a reminder that:
Life is fragile. Handle it with care AND prayer.
Oh, the real secret to LIVING FOREVER?
“Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.” John 5:24
Praising God for His mercies to my beloved son. Loving prayers are with you both.
We have witnessed that fragility at the bedside of a best friend, several loved ones, and our parents. It is not unlike watching a baby bird that has fallen from his nest and grasping for every breath. I am thankful for a God who not only created us but cares about us and our every breath. Thank you, Bryan, for reminding us how fragile we are and how great our God is! Continued prayers for you and Marcia for extra strength in those fragile moments.
I thank God for your amazing nurses and those who trained them to save lives!