Pads rides again

Pads rides again, originally uploaded by agent_mikejohnson.

Pads is off to the hospital again now (not in an ambulance! - click on the picture for more about it). He's first on the list tomorrow morning so will be staying overnight. He should go down at 8am and the operation could take 3-4 hours.
The others all went to school knowing what was in store, including that the holiday next week is 'off the menu'.
P was awake at 5 this morning - not having slept very long. He's been tossing around whether it's better to be rifled through the NHS like last time or for things to be more step-wise. On reflection, this time is better, if only because the pain that he currently feels is no-where near the fever pitch of August 2008. This side of surgery it's hard for anyone, least of all P, to grasp what's unfolding. Apart from the occasional throb, he feels fine, is healthy and happy. He knows the routine and we're taking it a step at a time.
As news gets around, we've had visits and messages of all different kinds, offers of more help than we know what to do with. Every one is precious. Once again we feel bouyed up with everyone's kindness. For example, someone said, 'Where else have we to turn but to our precious Saviour?' Well, sadly, it seems that many people today want to look anywhere else than that. The news was put pretty plainly yesterday and Ally responded by sharing something about God helping us and Pads in particular. The consultant wished that others in our position had the same. It reminds me of Paul's trial before Agrippa:
'And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.' (Acts 26:29) - or, in our case, 'except for this circumstance'. And yet... I cannot sign off without acknowledging that there is more to this 'happening' than bleak awfulness. Much more. Someone reminded us that David preferred to cast himself upon the mercy of God, which is 'great above the heavens' (Ps 108:5)
In Jeremiah 31:25 God claims to have 'satiated the weary soul, and I have replenished every sorrowful soul.' This is our experience. It can be, needs to be yours too. Seek Him while you still can and while He may be found.