Credit where credit is due...

On Wednesday my sweet husband took me to the VA in Baltimore for my pre-op tests, I needed a physical exam, chest X-Ray, EKG and blood work. Just so you know, I’ve heard things about the Baltimore VA, like the staff is rude. There, I said it. So I was a little apprehensive about the appointment.

#1. I was in pain.

#2. It was long drive.

#3. I didn’t know where exactly in the hospital I was going.

#4. I had been told “things”.

Much to my surprise when we got there the man in the parking garage was incredibly friendly in helping me find a spot close to the elevator. Thank you mister, you made an excellent first impression and it makes my heart glad knowing you are the one there to greet our veterans!

We got in and the lady at the front desk got us a wheelchair and gave us directions to occupational health. Nice lady who was very helpful!

The doctor saw us the minute we got there even though we were 25 minutes early! Way to go!

Blood work was performed with no wait and no pain…gotta love that!

Chest Xray, well there was a funny story there but my momma has forbidden me from sharing it. LOL They did a great job though!

EKG was done in no time at all too and we were on our way out.

And just take a guess at how long it took…four appointments and we were in and out in an HOUR!!!

So I have to say, Department of Veterans Affairs, Great Job! Every single person we encountered was not just nice; they were genuinely caring and kind. Our veterans deserve the very best and you provided just that! You make me proud to say I work at the Department of Veterans Affairs and I love our veterans!

Vows...

When I twisted my knee last month it never occurred to me that this would be an opportunity for my marriage to grow. Yet here I am getting ready to go for knee surgery at the end of the month and today I have to go to Baltimore to get my pre-op check up. It’s a long drive but that doesn’t bother me, I am used to the drive. I drove to and from Baltimore almost daily when Monkey was sick.  It’s what happens once I get there that concerned me. The walking from the parking garage to the clinic area, then to get an EKG, Chest X-Ray, and finally lab work seemed like a long painful hobble.

This morning my sweet husband woke me up and asked what time we needed to leave because he was thinking it would be good to take off half a day and help me. Surely they have wheelchairs, yes? So not only do I have company on the ride, I have a “ride” when I get there. Truly, this is “in sickness” that we spoke of when we took our vows. Thankfully this will be a short term “in sickness” and soon we’ll return to “in health”. Another season. Another reason to give thanks.

Ready For A New Season

To Every Thing There is a Season
Ecclesiastes 3

To everything there is a season,
and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

A time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

A time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;

A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

A time to cast away stones,
and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

A time to get, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

A time to rend, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

A time to love, and a time to hate;
a time of war, and a time of peace.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Sometimes the hardest thing is determining what season we’re in. A time to heal, a time to break down, a time to weep and mourn, a time to lose, I’m pretty sure these are the times I’m in presently but since they are appointed to occur I’m thankful for them. Looking forward to a time to build up, dance and laugh. But the season of joy means nothing without the season of pain.

The season of pain is where we grow. Growing hurts, growing stretches who we are to make room for what is to come. That is encouragement to me, it reminds me there is something yet to come.