Time lessens the intensity of pain

It is nearly 6:30 p.m. It is almost time for Bible study. My mom insists I watch a YouTube video. I am anxious. I am in scruffy clothes. I need to change. I try to hurry and watch the video. Finally I tell my mom, "I need to get ready for Bible study." I zip off to my room. I frantically look through my closet. I find a dress. I can throw that on quickly. My mom yells, "Someone is hear for Bible study." I zip up my dress and slip on some shoes. I race to the living room.

As I move in the dress, I nearly howl in pain. The straps on the dress press against the place on my chest where I used to have my port-a-cath. Although it was removed over four months ago, the area is still very tender. I greet some of the Bible study attendees. I then excuse myself as I flee back to my room to find something else to wear. I see a light-weight shirt and a skirt. I throw those on. I am relieved the shirt does not exert any pressure on my port-a-cath site. I quickly make my way back to Bible study.

For the rest of the study, I try not to move my left arm too much. My left arm and chest are still aching from the dress. As the night passes, I praise God the pain lessens. Soon, I forget about my pain and allow God's word to soothe my soul.

It is amazing over four months have passed since my nightmare experience with getting a port-a-cath. How can a "painless" procedure still inflict so much pain in my daily life? I sigh and thank God again. Although the pain was intense, it only lasted a short time. When I was able to change clothes, the pain soon went away. As I think back to January through March of this year when medical crisis after medical crisis threatened my life, I am grateful four months have passed since these episodes ended. Although the anguish and anxiety from these experiences still exist, the constant torment is less and less as more and more time passes.

I am so grateful and thankful I have made it this far. I am so thankful and grateful God allows the sharp edges of memories to become smooth over time. The memory may always exist, but the intense emotions ease over time.

"For I will restore health to you and heal you of your wounds," says the Lord. (Jeremiah 30:17)