Well it’s been a while since you heard from me (wes©). I have been quietly trying to get my life back in order and face the new challenges of my “waiting for transplant but this time on dialysis” life. I am still struggling to get used to the dialysis process. They are still trying to learn about me. I am, as usual, not the ordinary case. So each day they put me on the machine, it is kind of a mini-experiment to see what I can take. It is uncomfortable and tiring. It’s funny, Karen and I have noticed how much it affects my thinking now. I will be brushing my teeth at night and suddenly realize that the next day is Thursday and I will smile because I don’t have to go to dialysis the next day. Or, we will be in the middle of something fun or family oriented and suddenly I will remember that the next morning I have to get up at 4:50am to go and I will start to frown. It’s like my whole life revolves around whether or not I have dialysis the next day.
My surgery site is healing well. I still have lots of soreness, especially if I do too much, but I am trying to do a little more each day. Tuesday was my first day back at the office (I have been working from home), but after a few hours of sitting at my desk, I got up and was in a lot of pain so I went home.
People always ask how I am doing. I know they mean physically, but they also want to know how I am emotionally and spiritually. Honestly, I struggle at times. I get the feeling often enough that this burden is too heavy to carry. But no sooner do I start to feel sorry for myself or weak and God reminds me that “When I am weak, then He is strong” and “Consider it pure joy when you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.”
We have a big mirror on the one wall in our bedroom. When I wake up or go to sleep, I see that mirror. A few weeks ago, I took a marker and inscribed these words on the mirror, “Though You slay me, yet will I hope in You. wes©” It was my reminder that no matter what happens in life, God is always worthy of my praise. He is smarter than me. He knows the future and He has a purpose. I have seen so many good things come out of my suffering, yet, even if I never see His final purpose, it is good enough for me that He has one.
That’s how I keep going.
wes©
Amen.
“I wish above ALL THINGS that you prosper and BE IN GOOD HEALTH “even’ as your (very) SOUL prospers…” II John 1:2 (selah)
GOD WANTS YOU WELL…
TOUCH THE HEM OF HIS GARMENT….
“KNOW( HIM & the POWER of HIS resurection” Phil 3:10
Grace & Peace….
Jane
Psalm 91
“live there”
Thank you for sharing your faith in such an honest way. You are an inspiration.
I enjoyed looking at the pictures of your weekend with the kids at Sandy Cove…I could tell that it was a great time….and I know that at times your situation seems to be too much to handle but I’m thankful that God is continuing to be faithful to carry you through it. Thanks for your faithfulness in being obedient to Him and that you fully trust Him with your life and his plan in all this craziness! I’m praying for you and look forward to seeing what God will do in all of it. Thanks for keeping this blog…I read all of the posts but don’t always respond…
Love you guys!!
I’ve observed the same thing in my extended family. Life revolves around taking Bev to dialysis for my mom and uncle. I have to remind myself what day and time it is before I call home.
Maybe there is something special that you, your wife or kids like to do that you can schedule for your dialysis days. Even if it is movie night at home, then when you are reminded of THAT next day (dialysis) you would also remember something special for that day also. Love ya Wes!!!
Thank you Wes and Karen for your example… in faith and in heart and in trust and in deed. And I thank the Lord for allowing me to know you.
I pray for continued healing (in all areas), and, you already know this, but… your story is reaching many people who have never even met you. People at work and friends on Facebook, and my mother, and even two people who are not typically fans of Christians have all been asking. It prompted a girl I give rides to work to to tell me she wants to get baptized.
Anyway, thank you both for who you are. 🙂
Thanks for your story…you have blessed me for sure – praying for you guys!
Good to hear update- SO GLAD you made it to Sandy Cove ( where we first met you) We continue road tour for another 2 weeks- spent Memorial Day Weekend inside a huge mall with the birds Susan and Rachel did not mind the surroundings, but no pool there!
God is building you in spiritual and physical stamina. May He also give you blessings and relief along the way.
WE LOVE YOU AND PRAY FOR YOU- JON, SUE, RACHEL WOOD
I know this is so hard for you Wes…and we hurt with you each day as we think of you and pray for you and your family…
I am not slapping on Bible verses but sharing these from my heart. I have read these with my parents who suffered and two good friends…I pray as you ponder what you already know somehow they will bring a measure of strength for the struggle today…
Romans 5:5
Romans 8:15-17
Romans 8: 35-39
In His Love…