260 - For Healing, For Recovery

On the twenty-first day of the Omer, my husband’s heart attacked him. The following day, he underwent coronary bypass surgery. Reid is strong and is healing well; we expect him to come home before Shabbat. We count the hidden blessings: he realized he was ill while at work, Evanston Hospital. Without even a moment of delay, the situation was in hand. In a week, we would have been on an airplane to Italy to join E.G. and Mario. My years of illness have taught me that God’s hand is present in the details of mazal, the positive “what ifs” that soften the decree.

I have added a new calendar. Each night, after I count the Omer, I say: “Blessed is the Eternal our God, who brings health and healing,” and count Reid’s days of recovery.

Two Hundred Sixty

For Healing, For Recovery

Your arm has sheltered us before,
Again we call Your name for healing;
Your vigilance deferred disaster,
Holy One, Your care will sustain us.

We are not reduced by adversity:
You help us to summon untapped courage;
The roles of our lives do not reverse,
We adapt, and in change find strength.

Join us on this new path of recovery,
Guard the newness and sameness of this road;
Bless our years of love, our compass,
The beacon of affection that leads us home.