WHERE WE FIND OURSELVES
I consider myself truly blessed. As early as I can remember, I have felt loved. First by my mother, father and my 3 wonderful sisters. Then, at 17 years old, to find the love of my life and be able to marry, raise a family together and share a wonderful life together…blessed!
I also feel blessed to have had all these blessings put into a clear focus and perspective for me while still a very young man.
Let me explain: At the age of 30 and in the prime of my life and probably the best physical condition I’ve ever been in; a regular racquetball player, runner, hiker and outdoors person, I became very ill. It started with muscle weakness, head and body aches and I became so weak I couldn’t get out of bed. Loie was very worried about me and got me to the emergency room where I was placed under isolation in the hospital until the doctors could figure out what was wrong with me. When Loie would visit, she had to put on protective clothing and wear masks, etc. I was poked and prodded and had two lumbar punctures (otherwise known as spinal taps) to ultimately bring my physician team to the conclusion that I had viral meningitis. So, with antibiotics to keep other bacterial infections at bay, my immune system was put to the test of dealing with this viral infection…or not.
Here I am, prime of life, wonderful family (Loie, Lindsay age 3 and Dale age 1 and a half) and so much to live for… I remember very vividly saying a prayer before going sleep one evening and not knowing if I would survive the night: Lord, I have this beautiful family and so much to live for and I am not ready to die. But Lord, Thy will be done!
As I said earlier, to have one’s life brought into such focus and to understand how precious and what a special gift each day is, has been a blessing to me every day since!
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for your grace that provides healing and the opportunity to thankfully remember each day we are given is a gift from you to be used to honor you! Amen
Dave Whitmer