Bitter or Better?

What a day this has been.  My mother-in-law is preparing to have knee replacement surgery on July 27th, so today was her Pre-Admission testing.  I've had many surgeries in my life, but I have never had to go through what she did today.

First of all, she had to sign a large stack of papers.  Then when she finished those, we were told the awesome news that she had to sign another stack...just like the first...that will be used for her admission day.  It's a lot more fun to sign a bunch of papers when you are getting a car or a home at the end.  But knowing the end result is surgery, sort of takes the fun out of getting a hand cramp!

After every line was either initialed or signed, we were taken back to meet with the nurse who began the barrage of questions.  She was very nice, which helped the entire process a little less painful.  She tag-teamed with a nurse practitioner who continued the long list of questions...who then tag-teamed with another nurse practitioner who asked many of the same questions again.  Intermingled with all the questions, Mom was poked or hooked up to an EKG machine, told to breathe deeply or given the wonderful opportunity to "fill a cup" for them....twice.

Even though there wasn't a wonderful gift waiting for her at the end of all of this, we received something much more priceless.   My 87 year old mother-in-law, who lost her husband of 66 years just 14 months ago...then was diagnosed with cancer one month later and had to begin treatments...then had to move out of her home of 61 years to move into a retirement home...and then was told she had to have this knee surgery...was told today that she is healthier than most people they see who are half of her age!  Isn't that incredible!  She is currently in remission from her cancer and displayed strength today that the medical professionals couldn't believe.  She wouldn't have chosen any of the detours she has experienced, but her faith has been in God and He has been faithful to see her through.

Through everything that has happened in the past 14 months, my mother-in-law has had an amazing attitude and spirit.  She hasn't complained or whined because life has dealt her some raw deals.  I've heard her say more than once that she has been blessed and will face whatever comes her way with the Lord's help.  

I sure hope that as I age, my attitude towards life will become better like hers has instead of bitter.   Even at 87, her light shone today and had an impact on those who were working with her.  Before we left, one of the nurse practitioners looked at me and said, "She is so sweet and just so cute!"  I'm sure those we came in contact with today saw of glimpse of Jesus in Mom....and I was blessed to witness it too :-)