Surgery In The Morning

“We will do surgery in the morning.”

It’s ironic how one sentence can bring such relief and fear all at the same time.
First thing tomorrow, Chase goes into surgery for an unknown duration.  In the words of his chief neurosurgeon …”As long as it takes.”

Later this afternoon while in an EEG, they discovered that Chase was having multiple “sub-clinical” seizures.  Meaning that his brain is seizing without any outward symptoms.  A team of neurologists watched him have a seizure while eating a french fry.  (warning: inappropriately timed humor ahead)  I’m just saying, if you have to have a seizure, you should definitely be able to eat french fries.


Because of his need for continuous monitoring, he has been moved to the PICU.  Every time there is a status change, and sometimes even more often than that, my heart sinks and I’m in a place of fear over faith.  I’m so very thankful for the moment by moment grace that I/we are being given.

Malignant or benign, removing all or some, what will be lost not to be regained, and what will the hours/days/weeks after the surgery hold?  All of these things are issues they can only discuss options on…not to be more fully known until after the surgery.
In moments of such great unknown, we feel so alone, and yet, as a friend (and mother of a child who survived heart surgeries) reminded me – sometimes that loneliness is good because it reminds you that all you have is Christ and that’s all you really need.

Chase sleeping peacefully with a precious message written by a dear friend in the moments of our admittance: “Jesus is near”

“I stand upon the mount of God with sunlight in my soul; I hear the storms and vales beneath, I heat the thunders role.  But I am calm with Thee, my God, beneath these glorious skies; and to the height on which I stand, no storms, no clouds can rise.  O, this is life!  O this is joy, my God, to find Thee so: They face to see, Thy voice to hear, and all Thy love to know.” Horatius Bonar, Scottish minister who returned five young children to this same God

0 thoughts on “Surgery In The Morning”

  1. Oh, sweet friend. I’ll be lifting you all up in prayer tomorrow. I know there are so many unknowns right now and I know the wait will be anxious while he’s in surgery but no matter what happens, you will all get through this. You will adapt and learn and do what needs to be done. I’m here for whatever you need.

  2. Bob and Ellie, we will be praying all day. In our one lonely moment in the hospital emergency room and later surgery, I felt more fearfully dependant than at any other time in my life.

    “sometimes He calms the storms, in a whisper, “Peace be still”. He can settle any sea, but it doesn’t mean He will. Sometimes He holds us close and lets the wind and waves go wild. Sometimes He calms the storm, and other times he calms His child.”

    I wept to that song during those scary days for us. What you’re facing is even more scary. I so wish I was there to come to the hospital, to watch the kiddos, bring food. I’ll do what I can, which is pray. Furiously.

  3. Tim and I are praying for your family. So thankful that God gives us the grace we need for each day…HIs mercies are new every morning, Great is Your faithfulness O God! We pray for a miracle.

  4. I came over after reading a facebook post by Bethany Engelkemer. Praying… and will continue to do so! ~Heidi

    LORD,
    Thank You that You are the Great Physician… the Healer of all! I ask today that You guide the hands of these incredible people surrounding Chase. I ask for divine wisdom and clarity. I pray that you would protect Chase in this moment. Surround his parents with peace… that peace that only You can give that transcends all understanding. I ask for joy in this journey and that above all You will be magnified and glorified. In Jesus’ name, Amen

  5. Praying for you today. I got your post from my daughter (Moody grad) because she knew I could identify. My youngest child (of four) had surgery for a mass that size in the middle of her head when she was six years old…biggest trial ever in our family. God is good, God is in control, and God loves that child and will take care of him. Incidentally, our Stacy is now 23 and though there were after-effects from surgery and subsequent radiation, she compensates well. Praying for you and your journey…

  6. As a mother myself, my heart breaks for you and your family. To see your child go through such pain and not knowing the future. I am praying for you and Chase this morning. Praying the surgery is successfull today and that Chase has complete healing. Praying for peace and comfort for you as you care for your child and other children.

  7. Oh Dear God please be with this beautiful child and his family. Please take him in your arms and heal him and give his family the strength that only you can to see it through. Please I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen

  8. My dear neighbors Bob and Ellie:
    I am in shock that darling, happy, outgoing little Chase has been so afficted. It is so hard not be be disconsolate, but, I have repeatedly “turned it over” as we know that is why HE is here for us. I think of you, Chase, and all the kids. smiles, love, lovely little people that bring so much joy to our world. I love you, and am praying ceaselessly for Chases’ complete and perfect recovery. Love and Blessings, Maralee Green, Mill Crossing

  9. upon reading this last information, I drop to my knees and turn to God.
    Take this God please. You handle this, be with the doctors as they care for Chase. Please be there, and hold them all in your precious arms. In Jesus’ name. amen and amen.

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