132 - One Year Later

On the same summer evening in 1996 that I entered the ICU in respiratory distress, a friend’s husband was involved in a serious car accident that left him paralyzed. Always, at this time of year, I reflect on the events of those months in the hospital and the slow move toward recovery and acceptance. I was luckier than Mike; he is no longer with us. Anniversaries are a time for all kinds of emotions: melancholy mixed with hope.

One Hundred Thirty-Two

One Year Later

In that instant, Holy One,
Goading me to choose life,
Hovering, guiding skilled hands
As I hovered, questioning my choice.

In these instances, day by day,
Goading me from terror and doom,
You hover by my right hand,
You steady my left hand.

This is a day for remembrance.
This is the day, where slowly facing
The changes and hurts, I reach out
To replace brokenness with Your touch.

These are the years for remembrance,
Holding memories as guideposts
To future uncertainties,
Held firm with love and faithfulness.

Gather the choices and days;
Gather new routines and restlessness
To transform this enormity
With courage of Your care.