Thankful for a miraculous recovery

When we believe that life is a gift, life rewards us with miracles.

~ Milan Ljubincic

Earlier this year, at the age of 87, my mother-in-law was admitted to hospital.

Uncharacteristic of her, she had become anemic, frail and lethargic, barely able to get out of bed.

While in hospital, a clot was found on the aortic heart valve she’d had implanted six months prior.

The clot-buster medication administered caused mini-strokes.

Her vision became severely impaired. She could no longer read or see afar.

Bone and muscle atrophy from prolonged bed rest were debilitating. She became incontinent and acquired a dangerous hospital infection - C. Diff.

At times, I thought she would not make it.

During the four months in three hospitals and a rehabilitation centre, a lifting apparatus and two people were required to get her out of bed, most of that time.

When ministry money for the rehabilitation facility ran out, my mother-in-law was transitioned to in-home care.

Co-ordinating that care, which included physiotherapists, occupational therapists, personal support workers, and tradespeople, was all-encompassing.

Fortunately, my husband’s sister came from overseas to help her two brothers manage that process. Her presence, professionalism and organizational skills were sincerely appreciated by all involved.

Much to everyone’s surprise, within a couple of weeks at home, my sister-in-law took her mother to church. They got a heartwarming reception.

My mother-in-law is now walking without a walker.

More recently, removing the film behind the lenses, replaced years earlier during cataract surgery, improved her vision enough that she was able to renew her license.

Closing thoughts

There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.

~ Albert Einstein

A can-do attitude, love and support from family and community facilitated the miraculous recovery.

Unexpectedly, my in-laws made the five hour drive up to the cottage this Thanksgiving weekend. We are especially thankful for that.