It Doesn't Rain, But It Pours

Have you ever heard the expression “It doesn’t rain, but it pours.”?  Well, in accordance with this expression, it has been a very “wet” week in the Vance family.

On Tuesday, October 5, my uncle, Jerry, had knee replacement surgery.  He was only supposed to be in the hospital for a few days, but recovery complications occurred and as of today, he is still there (to my knowledge).

Last Saturday, October 9, my grandpa, uncle, and cousins were out cutting down trees to make firewood.  When it came to one of the more difficult trees, grandpa decided he’d better take that project for himself because he “had the most experience,” which I suppose is true considering he turned 85 years old this past July.  Since I wasn't there, I can’t tell this story in its most accurate form, but I can tell you that somehow when this tree fell to the ground, it rolled over top of grandpa.  He ended up pinned between the ground, a chainsaw (which mercifully stops running when you let go of the safety switch), and this tree.  He was air cared to Iowa City to the University of Iowa Hospitals where he has been in the surgical Intensive Care Unit since his arrival.   He suffered numerous fractured ribs, a fractured sternum, a collapsed left lung, fractured ligaments around parts of his spine (one spot in his neck and one spot in his mid back), and multiple minor external injuries. He was to have anterior surgery Wednesday to fuse together the vertebrae in his neck that were damaged and posterior surgery to put 4 pins in his back where the fractures occurred.  As of today, he has not had this surgery.  The doctors keep postponing it because grandpa’s oxygen levels (and other vitals) are not at a level where surgery would be safe.  It’s taken a toll on our family having to drive to Iowa City every day, but until he’s home, we’ll keep making the drive.  Please pray for him and us!

Last night, my aunt called to tell us that my cousin (who had a cousin passenger with him) had rolled his blazer.  Thankfully, although the vehicle was totaled, they walked away from the accident with only minor external injuries. Praise the Lord!

Through all of this major upheaval, it has been good to know that God is always in control.  God isn’t surprised by any of these things.  He isn’t wringing His hands, worried about what might happen next, and we should be either.  God has everything under control, and we can trust that, whatever happens from here, He will still be in control.  Sherry shared this verse in GIFT class on Wednesday, and I have found it quite encouraging during this time:

       

“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!  For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?  Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid? For from him and through him and to him are all things.  To him be the glory forever. Amen.”  Romans 11:33-36