The call came at 5:34 a.m., waking Steve and me from sound sleep. Immediately he thought, This is it. My brain hardly registered a phone ringing.
Within moments, however, my body was in high gear, preparing to leave for the hospital. This day—December 19, 2018—Steve would receive a new liver, the only long-term solution for his liver cancer, caused by non-alcoholic cirrhosis. He had been on the transplant wait list for six months.
That predawn phone call became Miracle #1 out of at least twelve over the next two weeks. Steve’s name had only been moved to the top-tier twelve days prior. (Some patients must wait a year or more.)
Upon arriving at the hospital, Steve underwent two hours of surgery prep. And then we waited, and waited some more, until the orderlies finally came and wheeled him away.
Miracle #2: Much of the day I waited alone, although H., our daughter-in-law, and a physician at the same hospital, sat with me as she could, especially in the evening. But God’s peace that transcends all understanding absolutely guarded my heart and mind the entire time. I knew all would be well.
Miracle #3: The first hours in ICU are critical for any patient. God chose a special nurse to care for Steve, one that a colleague had highly praised to our daughter-in-law. In addition, Steve was her only patient for about six hours.
Miracle #4: H. insisted on spending the night in ICU. As Steve’s blood pressure and some bleeding became an issue, she was there as an extra set of eyes and ears, ready to advocate on his behalf. (Her expertise and support have been invaluable for the entire nine months since Steve’s diagnosis. She’s even attended some appointments with us.)
Miracle #5: The next day, the breathing tube was removed, and Steve was able to sit up in bed. His voice sounded raspy, but he wasn’t groggy, and soon Steve was joking with the nurses, Scot and Mac (What delightful, attentive young men!). By afternoon, they had Steve walking around the nurse’s station. His progress toward healing amazed us all.
On Day 3, Steve was transferred to the step-down unit where Laura and Katie took over his care. Again, such kind, helpful nurses. In fact, we’ve been highly impressed by the expertise and compassion of the hospital staff.
Steve continued to make rapid progress, sitting up in a chair for longer stretches of time, circling more laps around the unit each time he walked.
An added blessing those first few days: a young mom from our church babysat for our granddaughters so our son Eric could run errands and visit Steve.
Pastor Michael came to see Steve that day, stopping short upon entering the room. “This is not what I was expecting!” he cried. Although Steve was in bed, he was sitting up, looking perfectly healthy and alert.
On Saturday, H., our five-year old granddaughter, and I were supposed to attend The Nutcracker. I expected to miss the performance, with Steve only three days post-op.
But because he was recuperating so well, because Laura and Katie were taking such good care of him, and because our son could keep Steve company for part of the time, I felt confident all would be well in my absence.
Eric was even allowed to bring our almost two-year old granddaughter, with the understanding that hugging, kissing, and sitting on Papa’s lap would be forbidden. That was okay by her. Papa’s walker provided great fun.
Meanwhile, we three girls enjoyed the ballet performance—glorious moments of respite. (God knew I’d be ready to lose myself in the Land of Sweets!)
Miracle #6: Steve was released the afternoon of the 24th, just five days after surgery. Christmas Day we reveled in the granddaughters’ gift-opening at our home—not at the hospital.
Miracle #7: Our younger son and his wife arrived the 26th, our daughter and older granddaughter flew in on the 27th. They had all planned to visit anyway, but what perfect timing God supplied! For ten days they provided gracious help.
Miracle #8: Insurance is covering a visiting nurse on Thursday, so we only have to go to the hospital for post-op check-ups once a week.
Miracle #9: Steve has experienced very little pain. Within twelve days he was taking only Tylenol at bedtime. Now he’s not even taking that.
Miracle #10: The discomfort of acute swelling caused the most trouble after returning home. The doctor told us the edema could take up to three weeks to resolve, but within one week it was much improved.
Miracle #11: Transplant patients almost always require insulin until the medications that raise blood sugar can be reduced. Steve’s insulin dosage has already been lowered, and only several times has he needed extra insulin beyond the once-daily dose.
Miracle#12: The huge outpouring of love, support, and prayer throughout this entire process have contributed greatly to Steve’s healing. Many of you reading this post are part of this miracle.
At Tuesday’s post-op check-up we were told his platelet and white blood cell counts are continuing to rise. “Your new liver is happy!” exclaimed the physician’s assistant.
Needless to say, so are we.
* * * * * * * * * *
Just these past three weeks, O God, You have done such great things for us! “Our hearts brim with joy.” Now may your unfailing love rest upon us, even as we put our hope for the future in you.
(Psalm 126:3; 33:21a MSG; 33:22)
(Nutcracker image from http://www.flickr.com.)
From the Inside Out 
PRAISE God through whom all blessings flow! So happy for you guys. Continued prayers. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, David!
I am praising God with you, Steve and your family and friends. I am happy for you and pray that the miracles continue throughout Steve’s recovery. God is so good!
Thank you, Bill. You are a tenderhearted, selfless man to celebrate so enthusiastically with us!
Thanks be to God!! DELIGHTED to read this report, Nancy. What a lovely, lovely story of hope and healing.
Thank you, Diana. Indeed, may Steve’s story offer great hope to others. God IS good!
This post reminded me of a similar call I received five years ago at 3 a.m. I was called to take my brother to the hospital to receive a kidney transplant after more than four years on the waiting list. I am still astounded by his recovery. Praise God for Steve’s healing and the new liver! Thanks for sharing your experience.
Praise God for your brother’s healing! I’m so thankful for the wherewithal God has given physicians, technicians, researchers, etc. that makes these procedures possible!
Wonderful, wonderful news for a special man AND his special wife!
Thank you, Grace! (You are living up to your name with your gracious comments!)
Praise God from whom all Miracles and Blessings flow! The healing power of prayer and wisdom given to Doctor’s and all. Praises his body is accepting the new liver so well. Healing prayers continue. You wrote and said it well Nancy. To God Be The Glory! Love, Janet
Thank you, Janet. We greatly appreciate your continued prayers for healing!
What a wonderful report! Not only fantastic news of recovery and healing but one has to wonder at all the lives that this situation may have affected. Those caring nurses and doctors who witnessed your trust and faith in our Father may be inspired to follow your example and accept His gift of salvation for themselves. They may share your story with a loved one or with the next patient who needs comfort…. who knows how far your experience can have a ripple effect. It’s exciting! All things work together 😉
Wouldn’t that be a wonderful outcome from this event?! Thank you very much for your encouragement, Lisa.
Nancy, thanks for so eloquently summarizing these 12 amazing miracles of God in Steve’s journey! (Not to be trite, but much better than the original Twelve Days of Christmas!) Praise and Prayers continue! Love, Cheri
Your observation made me smile. I may never view that holiday song the same way again! 🙂
Continuing to thank God with you, dear Nancy!
Thank you, Mitch!
Praise the Lord!!!
Indeed! At least three exclamation points ARE appropriate for the praise due to God for what he has done! 🙂
Nancy, Nancy and I are so excited for what God has done for you and Steve. “Our God is and awesome God”
Amen and amen! Thank you, Jim and Nancy!
amen! So many miracles. God is with you both and in my prayers
Thank you, Jean! We are SO amazed by and grateful for ALL the prayer that has carried us through this journey!
Nancy, We serve a mighty God and thank Him for what He has done for your family and Steve! PRAISE THE LORD from whom all blessing come!!!
Yes, indeed, Mary!
All I can say is Praise God. Your faith and God’s love has been the healing tool in Steve’s healing. Happy for you both that Steve has a happy liver. God bless you both. Laura
Thank you, Laura, for your loving comments and prayers!
God is so good, so amazing!! I love all the miracles listed!! To God be the glory! We praise Him and rejoice with you all❣️
Oh, yes–to God be the glory–AMEN! Great things he HAS done–in your family and ours. Praise God his faithful love IS toward those who fear him (Psalm 103:17)!
I’m a little late to the praise party, Nancy, but I just read this as well as your caring bridge journal…all I can say is, Wow! What a wonderful Father we have!! Thank you for sharing your journey. I’m joining you in thanks and praise to our gracious God, and pray for continued healing, peace, and provision. (I LOVE this miracle list!) 😊.
It is never too late to join a praise party, Rebeca! Thank you for your prayers for continued healing, peace, and provision. And thank you for the cue that it’s time to update Caring Bridge! 🙂
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