10.16.06
Seven Years Ago Today
It was seven years ago today when I woke up and found my body mottled with bruises and pinpoint red spots. I still remember how nervous I felt after waking my husband to show him. He promptly started to surf the internet for my symptoms and everything seemed to pop up with the reference to leukemia. I was incredulous. This isn’t happening to me, is it? Little did I know how my life was about to change.
After a few phone calls, I ended up in ER. And after many, many hours in ER, I was finally admitted as a patient in the hospital. While there I got my aplastic anemia diagnosis and my first platelet transfusion. So many things happened after that day. A lot of tears, fears, and other emotions came in waves. I had to learn to ride them or drown. But I learned much more than that. My whole outlook on life has changed. Things that were once my reality turned out to be farces. As I tried to learn about my illness and how to get well, a new world opened for me. And day by day, I grew to be the new person I am today. I have a new reality. Those who know me understand the changes I’ve made in my life since my aplastic anemia diagnosis. I have learned much and feel more aware of life. I see people differently and feel I have a better understanding of human nature, which has helped me to be more tolerant in some ways and less tolerant in other ways. I’m not as naive as I once was. Most of all I feel more alive than I ever have felt before. I tend to be less fearful. It was actually many things in the Bible that have come alive for me. I never realised how relevant the Bible is to our every day lives.
My aplastic anemia diagnosis was a turning point for me. The Bible says that, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” God used my aplastic anemia diagnosis to lead me back to Him. I admit I was beginning to stray far away. I was not seeking Him. It was not easy, but through all the hardship with my aplastic anemia, and just a little bit of faith, God showed me that His Word encompasses all aspects of our lives. Not just what will happen to us after we die, but what happens to us now, today. God is not only alive on Sundays, but every day. He is not only alive in our spiritual awareness, but in our physical existence, too. Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” I truly believe this means not only in the future, but now. This minute. God not only wants us to live, but He wants us to live “well.” We only need to seek Him, and we will find that He has provided us with so many means to live well. Seven years ago today, I did not know that. Seven years ago today, I was a different person.
Marlakins
Andrea said,
October 16, 2006 at 7:02 pm
Hi Marla, Quite an anniversary for you. Rob just went past his first–9/11!–and it was pretty emotional. It has turned our lives around too, and it’s all been for the good.
Jesus also said, “I have come that your joy may be full” and in Psalms–”In your presence is fullness of joy, and at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Living well, doing God’s will, is not a grim business but a truly joyful one. From Rob having aplastic anemia, I have learned to surrender to joy. As well as so many other things. Who would have thought? Andrea
Patti said,
October 16, 2006 at 8:15 pm
Marla,
Wow! God changes us one way or another doesn’t He? Neat testimony of God’s grace working in you. I can’t imagine in a million years what I’d think or how I’d feel if I ever found myself in your shoes. I think that God hands us what He does for his glory and we either give him the glory or get angry. You obviously gave God the glory and have grown spiritually as well.
God bless you with many years of healthy living and teaching others,
Patti
Administrator said,
October 17, 2006 at 3:15 pm
Thanks, ladies! Along the lines of everything having a purpose and everything working for good, I’m really glad to have met you two. You both have been very encouraging to me, and I believe a necessary part of my growth. Thanks!
Andrea, I do like those Bible passages, too! I’m glad you pointed them out to me. When I read passages like that, I think that so much of the Bible is like a love letter from God to us. He knows how we feel, and He has made sure to comfort us over and over again.
Congrats to Rob! Here’s to passing many more 9/11s! He must be getting excited about going to the Dominican Republic. Do you have family over there? That sure must be an interesting place to visit!
Take care!
Marla
Kim said,
October 19, 2006 at 1:57 pm
I remember this day and the days after so clearly, as you were filling in for another assistant sitting right behind me at work and I didn’t even know about your concerns. I also remember feeling so helpless and missing my good friend. It occured to me that Sushi (the betta fish) needed to be looked after and I borrowed a picture of you (and of your sisters) off your desk and placed it on mine. I spoke to my mother-in-law and she made sure that the prayers for you started up from members at our church.
Then the information came in little by little. I even got to talk to you on the phone one day when you were still a the hospital. You were always very brave. What else could you do? Your survival is nothing short of God’s miracle and a great testimony to share with the world, which you have done a great job here on your website!!!! I admire you so much.
Administrator said,
October 20, 2006 at 8:21 am
Oh, sweet, Kim. . . I remember Sushi! You did take such good care of him. He lived a little longer than their average 2-year life expectancy. I wish I had a picture of him, now. Gosh, I don’t think I even thanked you properly for taking care of him!! If I didn’t, please know that I really did and do appreciate that. And I didn’t know you put my picture of my sisters and me on your desk! That is sooo sweet! I just remember the box Brian brought home with all my stuff in it. Ah! and the “fish” net that you must have bought for Sushi. (Cuz I didn’t have one, so you must have gotten that. . . ) And I still have one of the letters you wrote to me in my photo album. My mom took all my get well cards and letters and put them in a big album. Your letter is in there.
I have “evidence!” LOL Thanks for being my friend, and I’m so glad that we still keep in touch even though you’ve moved to a different state!
Hugs,
Marla