When we moved here to Golden Valley, AZ back in March of 2017, we looked forward to living here in the high desert with plenty of elbow room and lots of peace an quiet. As my husband, Ken, is a Vietnam Veteran, he decided to visit the local Veteran’s clinic.
The clinic experience was very positive with the Doctor ordering a test due some sporadic discomfort my husband was experiencing. Fast forward a month, as the local hospital was not responding quickly enough the Doctor became quite irate and we had a last minute appointment within 48 hours.
That last minute appointment on a Friday afternoon turned into an emergency room visit followed by an order for an emergency surgery. The reason is the test revealed a presumed cancerous tumor attached to his small intestine. Since he had a small fever, the surgery was scheduled for the following Tuesday after the surgeon had another test performed.
The tumor was removed and husband was home within a few days. As this surgery was somewhat complicated, recovery time was over the course of six weeks.
Thankfully my husband had a great attitude and followed the doctor’s instructions. Now eight years later he is doing OK, cancer free, given this experience as well as a new diagnosis of heart issues as a result of exposure to Agent Orange.
I was reminded of this experience after reading Debe Maxwell, CRS 's post regarding her husband’s injury. Thank you Deb for sharing that wonderful story.
For me, sharing this experience is important as I have the best husband in the entire world. His forthright attitude is something I continue to admire and respect. I am so fortunate that he continues to move forward with little complaints. After now 34 years of married life, I am so beyond grateful and looking forward to our 35th Anniversary.
As an aside, I believe with all my heart and soul had we not moved to Mohave County, AZ my husband would not have survived. The Veteran's Clinic in NW IN was a dismal mess and non-responsive compared to the Veteran’s Clinic here In Kingman, AZ.
Life Does No Guarantee Promises
Ken’s emergency cancer surgery was a complete surprise. And, I continue to thank God for his recovery, and he is still with me now eight years later.
What we fail to sometimes recognize is the human spirit is very resilient even in challenging and unexpected times. How we react to those challenging times is 100% in our control.
Often after reading the significant challenges experienced by others such as Debe Maxwell and her husband, I am reminded of this quote though not a direct Biblical quote from 1 Corinthians 15:10.
“There, but for the grace of God go I.”
This is my third entry into June’s challenge sponsored by Anna "Banana" Kruchten and Debe Maxwell, CRS.
P.S. Golden Valley, AZ is home to many Vietnam Veterans as is Kingman, AZ.
#LetsGetBackToRealConversations #WeDoThingsDifferently
Leanne M Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent Who Goes the Extra Mile Because Life Begins Where the Pavement Ends.
Feature Photo Courtesy of Leanne Smith
Any reproduction of Leanne M Smith’s blog for use by any AI or GAI, distribution or reproduction including but not limited to electronic newsletters e.g. PDF’s Internet sites or physical products e.g. newspapers, CDs without prior written permission and consent by me, Leanne M. Smith (Leanne Hoagland-Smith) is strictly prohibited.
Comments(12)