Home Again...for now...

We just got back from a crazy three days that I don't want to ever relive again. We went to Skip's check up on Thursday in Austin and we were immediately admitted to South Austin Hospital where Skip underwent surgery at 9:00 that night. He had a hematoma in the middle of his incision which got an infection. The doctor said it could be really bad if it reached the new joint. He took cultures at the appointment which were positive for a bacterial infection, but in order to get deep cultures he had to go under the knife. We had the kids with us so we had to get the grandparents to come get them and take them to Victoria. We luckily had brought a change of clothes with us and some toiletries. As they took Skip in at 9:00p.m., I was all alone for about an hour until my sister and her husband got there. I went to a small chapel in the hospital and literally cried out to God like I never had before. My arms were lifted up and I didn't care if I was seen or not. I know what an infection at this stage can do, but I also know that my God is bigger. As I kneeled at the small altar, I saw an open bible there. I wanted to turn quickly to familiar scriptures to bring comfort, but started reading where the bible was bookmarked. I read Psalm 141:1-2. I immediately started crying even more. God gave me a scripture that I knew was just for me at that particular time. It says, "O Lord, I am calling to you. Please hurry! Listen when I cry to you for help! Accept my prayer as incense offered to you, and my upraised hands as an evening offering." I couldn't believe the peace I had. I then spent about 45 minutes in prayer and God gave me beautiful words for a new song to top it off . My sister and her husband were there by the time the surgeon came out to speak to me. They reopened the incision which is 8 inches long and cleaned the area and took samples by the joint. He thought the infection had stopped before it reached the joint. "Praise God", I exclaimed. I knew it had not spread before the doc's words were spoken. Skip is on very heavy antibiotics and still is being closely watched for further infection. His blood level is very low but they did not do another transfusion. We will pray for the level to go up on its own. Prayers have been heard, but please continue. Skip is very sick of everything. I am praying for his mental health as well, to handle all that has happened to him. He has often broken down, as anyone could understand. We are trying to count our many blessings through it all. Thanks again to everyone who has prayed, encouraged and helped us thus far. We love you all so much. May God bless you for your kindness.