Surgery Again. The Complicated and Necessary Right to Suffer

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“My feelings of pain and guilt for failing not to suffer became more unbearable. The physical pain seemed almost easy in comparison.”–Lucy Grealy, Autobiography of a Face

I’m sitting at chemo today. It hurts.

My spinal cord is re-tethered. It hurts.

I want the pain and guilt of being sick to stop even more than the actual physical suffering.

There is much to share about my trip to DC. Some hard. Some pure Grace.

I need spinal surgery again. It’s scheduled for Wednesday, November 8th. It will require 3-4 days in the hospital and 7-10 days in the area after discharge before I’m released in a post op appointment. It seems as impossible now as the first time. I have to allow myself to sit here for a minute and acknowledge how this feels to me, because it’s happening to me. I won’t stay in this place. I will move forward to all the planning and logistics and finances and caring for other’s emotions surrounding it. For now I will endure this chemo and the awful ache that follows. I will crawl into bed and cry until the tears run dry. I will wrestle with God through the night. Tomorrow I will rise and begin to do what must be done. He will make a way. I will write about it. I will tell about it. He will get the glory, but today I believe He understands my complicated and necessary right to suffer.

“As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him; for He knows how we are formed, He remembers that we are dust.”–Psalm 103:13-14

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2 Comments on Surgery Again. The Complicated and Necessary Right to Suffer

  1. Tatia Cook
    September 25, 2017 at 4:16 pm (6 years ago)

    I am so very sorry, dear woman. I find such comfort in that verse – He remembers that we. are. dust. I agree with you that He understands your necessary right to suffer. I have NO DOUBT that He will meet you there. Jesus, be her Peace! Praying for you, Monica!

    Reply
  2. Susan Barone
    September 25, 2017 at 11:07 pm (6 years ago)

    Oh, Monica. I cannot imagine. I read your verse that is straight from the Father’s heart. This is much too large to carry without grief, without pain. I will continue to lift you and your family in prayer.

    Reply

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