In Sickness and In Health
by
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They quickly went into action at the hospital, drawing blood and asking questions trying to determine what was causing the fluid retention. Doctors began coming into the room, each with their own specialty. After several hours and tests, it was determined that Don was in kidney failure. In five days his kidneys had gone from 50% to 6% function. The kidney specialist told us he would need dialysis the next morning, maybe even that night.
He sat down and explained the seriousness of the situation. I was told that he could possibly die that night, or he might have a few months at the most. I really didn’t internalize this information because of hearing it so many times the past two years. I just refused to believe it. In the very deep recesses of my mind I think I knew that it was true, but I had fought so hard – Don had fought so hard! Somehow Don was eventually resting comfortably, and sometime around midnight I headed home. I was so tired – numblike. But I tried to not panic and to be positive. I talked to myself all the way home in my head, trying to find inner
strength.
I walked into the house and was greeted by all my furniture piled in the middle of the room. I lost it; I kicked the furniture; I cried; I screamed out to God -WHY? Why did we go through all this just to have Don die before he could benefit from it?
The past months had been some of the most difficult times. The house was torn up and filled with white dust that covered everything and penetrated every nook and cranny. At times it was more than I could handle. I started out the first few days cleaning for hours after they left only having to repeat it the next day and the next. Weeks turned into months. Finally I gave up cleaning. My biggest concern was my husband’s health. Our sons kept asking if I was ok. They knew me well and how I felt about the house. I was stressed to the max! They figured the mess would send me screaming into the streets.
It just didn’t make any sense at that moment, walking in and thinking that it had all been for nothing. I finally stopped my tirade and settled down enough to realize I had not eaten and decided to fix myself some soup. The ceramic stove top was thankfully clear. I put the soup in the microwave, pulled one of the chairs up to the stove and that is where I ate while continuing to calm myself.
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Book Details
About the Book
In Sickness and In Health was birthed by a single incident, or divine appointment, as I believe it to be. Not wanting to forget a single word or detail I immediately wrote each down. Eventually I shared a little of the story with David Webster who helped edit my first book. He wrote in his notes back to me, “This is your next book!”
Shortly after this I received an e-mail from David Oltman, one of my art students. It read, “I hope you are writing down your raw emotions and innermost feelings as well as your tremendous blessings during this challenging time in your life.”
As I thought about that statement, I was prompted in my spirit to write our story knowing it was one many could relate to in their own lives. I pray it will be an encouragement to those going through the tests and trials of sickness and disease. May it also be a special blessing to all the caregivers. God's promises are true, and prayer is powerful!
About the Author
Rena resides in Hope Indiana where she has taught art classes for adults and children for twenty-nine years. Her studio is located on the Hope Town Square. In Sickness and In Health is her second book written after the passing of her husband Don in April 2008. Her first book Patchwork Pieces of Life, is also an autobiography. She remains active in her church, community and the Art Guild of Hope. Her children, grandchildren and extended family continue to be her source of joy and inspiration.