The Hands of a Surgeon

I'm not sure why I'm always amazed that a certain devotional I've read on a particular morning seems to be so applicable to my life. But I just had to share this.

"He...guided them by the skillfulness of his hands." Psalm 78:72

My thoughts over the last few days have been consumed with making a decision as to which surgeon and what procedure to have for my acl reconstruction. For anyone who knows me well, they would understand that I tend to make decision-making more difficult. I look at all the options, but then vacilate. It drives Bob crazy. He's a "just make a decision and move on" kind of guy. I'm always questioning. Anyway, back to the devotional.

"When you are doubtful as to your course, submit your judgment absolutely to the Spirit of God, and ask Him to shut against you every door but the right one..."

I think He shut one door for me. Two weeks ago I went to a massage therapist that was recommended to me by my chiropractor. She knew about my injury and mentioned that she had other clients that had knee surgery by local doctors. Unfortunately these women were not happy with their results. I asked her to find out the names of the doctors so that it would help in my decision-making. She was happy to do that, and yesterday, she phoned me with the info. It turns out that all three women had the same surgeon, and he happened to be one of the two I was considering. I think I just heard a door slam.

"God guides us, often by circumstances. At one moment the way may seem utterly blocked; and then shortly afterward some trivial incident occurs, which might not seem much to others, but which to the keen eye of faith speaks volumes. Sometimes these things are repeated in various ways, in answer to prayer. They are not haphazard results of chance, but the opening up of circumstances in the direction in which we should walk." (F.B.Meyer)

The internet is great when used properly. I have been on it alot, researching about acl surgery. Now, bear with me as I get a little scientific here. There are really four ways you can repair an acl using grafts. The most common way is to use a piece of your patella (kneecap) tendon. Another way is to use the hamstring tendon. Or you can use an allograft (from a cadaver). And still another way is to use a quad tendon. The last two are not recommended, so the choices are the first two. Surgeons have their preferences. I went to see two docs, and one only did patella graft, while the other only used hamstring tendons. That didn't help me much. I called around to other orthopedic practices in Dallas, but unfortunately, I am a workers' comp patient, and very few docs take those cases. So I can't get past the receptionists. I did, however, get on one website, Texas Sports Medicine, that includes the surgeon who is the team physician for the Dallas Mavericks, Dr. Souryal. He is an expert in the field, and specializes in acl injuries. I guessed he knew something about this. And would you believe this? He actually had an email address and way to contact him directly. I didn't see that on any other website. So...I sent him an email and asked the question...patella or hamstring? I really wasn't expecting an answer seeing that he must be a very busy surgeon. But I got one from him the next day! He told me he would gladly see me and that he prefers patella grafts.

"If you go to Him to be guided, He will guide you...He will show you only into a way where, if you go cheerfully and trustfully forward, He will show you on still farther."

Reunions

Sometimes pictures can say it all...

Sunset at Cape San Blas
Becca and cousin Amelia
One of my favorite couples.
The grandkids

We just love this place!

We're Off to See the Family!

After 12 years, my family is getting together for another reunion at the beach. Back in 1995, we all ventured down to this relatively unknown area on the Florida Gulf Coast called Cape San Blas. In fact the area is known as the Forgotten Coast. It's in the Florida Panhandle, but hours away from the crowded, more popular areas of Destin and Fort Walton Beach. My parents liked it so much, they actually bought a piece of property back in 1995. They later built a bed and breakfast on the property, which they ran for a few years before selling it for a nice profit for retirement. My parents now live in a small town called Lecanto, about an hour north of Tampa. There my dad gardens (he has the greenest green thumb of anyone I know!) and has taken up oil painting, like his own dad and uncle. He does amazing work, and my brothers and I are all standing in line for one of his paintings. I'm the oldest, so I think I should be at the head of the line!! My mom volunteers at a local elementary school. She always was a good reader! She frequents the town library, and has started in a Curves program. I'm very proud of her.

So on Friday, Bob and I, along with Pam, John and Becca, will make the drive down to the Cape. We plan on stopping for the night in Mobile, Alabama, and possibly visiting the Naval Air Museum in Pensacola, Florida. We had been there before in '95, but a new section was not completed, and it looked like it was going to be awesome. Mish and Steve left today, by air, to visit some friends in Miami. They will be renting a car, and driving pretty much the whole length of the state on Saturday. About 9-10 hours worth of driving. But hey, it's a first for them. A new adventure. My brothers are coming in from Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Savannah. There will be 22 of us at this beach house. Yes, it appears big from the picture. But just in case it gets a bit crowded, Steve and Mish are bringing a tent! The families have been emailing "The List" back and forth, adding and signing up for the necessary items. I think we'll have enough food for the entire summer. As well as adult beverages, which might be quite necessary with that many people in one house for a week! But the house is right on the beach, with one of the most beautiful state parks right behind it. They'll be plenty of space for everyone.

Though the house has wireless, I may not be blogging next week. Hopefully the weather will be nice and we won't be inside much. Enjoy your week!

Rain, Rain, Go Away, Come Again...in September!

Enough already! I'm waterlogged. The mosquitoes are setting up camp in my backyard. I want to move. I had a river running through my yard this week. A big 'ole frog came out of the garden and stayed on the patio, just watching the water rush by. Smart guy. He might have ended up in Dallas. It was not safe. I had water features in my backyard that I never even paid for. A few waterfalls over the rocks and shrub bed edging. In the 21 years we've lived here, I don't think I've ever seen the water flow so fast and hard on the property. My driveway has been a continuous mud puddle. Bob got out yesterday, again, to shovel the dirt that washed out of the garden onto the driveway. Prior to all this rain, back in the spring, we had planted a new shrub bed. Bob rented a tiller and prepared the soil. We planted a few things, but the bed wasn't complete. Then the rains came. And came. And came. Those poor little shrubs and trees couldn't take it all. So yesterday we had to bring back two dead trees to Lowes. I've also got some dead azaleas to bring back to Home Depot. I'm not replanting until the fall!

But we did get a nice little reprieve last night, just in time for fireworks. We didn't go see any, but we could hear them from the house. Bob and I went to see "License to Wed" yesterday afternoon. Cute, but definitely one to wait till DVD. Not one of Robin Williams' best works. If you're a fan of "The Office." you'll see Jim, Kevin, Angela and Kelly in the film. They pretty much play similar roles in the film as in the TV show. Wanda Sykes has a small funny spot, but she's definitely used more in "Evan Almighty," which, by the way, was very enjoyable. I know the reviews for that movie were not very good, but who really follows the critics?

Well, I hope we dry out soon. The cooler temps are nice, but the humidity is nasty. I really don't want to have to move!