A Fragile Life

Gram is fragile. Her life is fragile. All of life is fragile. Health and life, so often taken for granted, can become delicate and fragile before you can realize what's happened.

My dad dropped by Gram's on his way home from work on Friday around 11:30 to check on her, because she didn't answer her phone. He found her in a dilusional state, much more severe than as has been the case with her mini strokes. She was taken to the ER, and the standard procedural tests were run. The doctors found blood on her brain, and because she was on a blood-thinning medication, it wasn't clotting. She didn't know where she was. She didn't remember what had happened. She didn't know what year it was. Her mind and her memory were going quickly because of the blood. The blood eventually clotted, and the bleeding stopped. She was moved to intesive care shortly before J and I got to the hospital around 5:00. Dad was teary and emotional, Aunt Barb was reading her Bible, and Uncle Mark rattled off the latest update. Upon entering Gram's room, she was no where to be found. What was there was a fragile, white-blonde haired lady who somewhat resemebled my grandma, not the grandma who cared for us after school, who taught us how to play cards, and told us we could do anything we put our minds to. She was so fragile. I know she didn't realize how her life had changed in the last few hours, but when I saw her, it was as if I hadn't seen her in years. She had aged and become delicate and fragile. Fragile is the only word I can think of. Fragile describes her condition...the tense feeling in her room...the decisions that would have to be made...her life.

We're just taking things one day at a time; a few hours at a time. No one knows what's going to happen next. We are at peace that our Sovereign God is in control, no matter what is next. He has shown me that life is fragile. We never know what lies ahead, be it a year from now or 5 minutes from now. I spent most of last Saturday with Gram, and I've never been happier to have done so. Cherish the life and the health God has given you. Make the most of every opportunity He presents. Let the people you love know you love them, because life is fragile.