Ragamuffin Gal

".. from my ragged heart to yours"

December 5, 2010

**~5 Stories of Christmas.. #1 ~**



Today
I will share with you my first Story...

In 1989, 
Mark and I moved to Dallas, Texas where he
began his Master's in Theology
and I began my Masters in learning
how to lean into God's arms.

On Sunday morning, Dec. 15, 1991
while walking into church,
I experience a crashing blow!
It felt as if someone had taken an ax
and sliced into the back of my head.
I fell and lost one of my shoes.
I pulled myself up the back stairs
to Mark's office.

As he sought help I tried to hold myself up
by clutching his desk.
I prayed simply "Lord help me."

Mark returned with ushers who along
with Mark carried me to our car.
We were about 5 minutes from
Baylor Hospital, so Mark
decided to drive. He held me close 
and prayed for me all the way there.
I felt sleepy, but struggled hard against it.
We had no idea how serious it was.

Once there I was loaded onto a gurney
and away I was rushed to have a CT scan
later a diagnosis was made
 that an aneurysm had burst
 and had filled my brain up with blood.  
But the artery had clotted up
on its own. For a time, it had 
stopped bleeding on it own.

the situation was dangerous and critical,
immediate surgery was required.
I asked to call my mom and dad,
and was told no, there was no time.

As I was wheeled in surgery with Mark
by my side.  I had a 50/50 chance of
surviving.  We sang short praise songs
amid tears and kisses.  
The door closed.

For the first time that it mattered I realized
it was just me, all alone,
 putting myself
in the hands of strangers.
But wait...



I was not alone.
I could feel a strong anchoring presence.
One that was allowing me to rest in loving
confident arms of peaceful assurance.

At that moment I knew,
I just knew that whether
I lived or if I died,
I would not be alone.

And peace like a flowing river
washed over me.
I went to sleep.





When I awoke...
I was in a dark room.
Louise (my boss, my mentor, my praying angel)
was leaning over the foot of my bed.
Mark and other friends were stationed
around my bedside.

The surgery was successful.
After 3 days in Intensive Care,
and 6 days in the hospital,
on Christmas Eve
I walked out 
to our car
and went
home.





I thought I would share a photo of my first
day back at work 6 weeks after my surgery.
Louise and other friends at work had
decorated my office with sweet 
animal posters.
I was and AM
so blessed.


May you fall back into the arms of God
when you really need it,
and
may your week and season
be blessed.


Katie


Later this week I will share another Christmas Story.

17 comments:

Janet Ghio said...

Wow! What a powerful story!

Snugglebug Blessings said...

Thank you for reminding me how precious and fragile life can be. 3 Years ago, the day after Thanksgiving, my father abruptly died of a heart attack. No one was ready or prepared for him to go that quickly. But he lived and died a happy man, a loving father and husband and a follower of Christ. We are so blessed to be with everyone who surrounds us. Merry Christmas to you and your family. God bless. Cathy

summersundays-jw said...

Thank you God! What would we do without you? Jan

Joanna said...

WOW! That truly is a WOW story, isn't it?!

xx

Janet said...

Katie, thanks for sharing your powerful story. You are truly blessed.

Lovey said...

Katie! Thank you! Thank you for sharing your story of strength and God's love! I needed to hear it. I needed to read it. Such peace as i read through it that God is with us always. I find myself feeling alone more than I want when I go into the Dr offices. Surgeons who don't know me at all...operating on my body. I have felt scared and alone so many times. I am praying and calling on the Name of JESUS everyday. For the safety of all my loved ones near, far, in blogland, in my home...me. It's a difficult journey but one that I am on none the less. Thank you for sharing your story of hope and God's love. I needed it tonight...thank you my Angel...

Patti Edmon Artist said...

Oh Katie, I feel blessed to read your story though I cannot imagine how powerful the entire experience was, all the emotions, the danger and safe passage...
You have been a tremendous inspiration to me in art/blog land and perhaps now I know a bit more why...
Thank you for sharing!
xo

kay said...

Oh Katie, Thank you for sharing your story of leaning on the arms of the Lord. It always blesses others to hear the living faith of someone we know and love.
I need to visit your blog on a regular basis because I do feel as though I have visited a friend. I can almost smell the candle burning, see the fire in the fireplace, the Christmas tree all adorned with ornaments, and the decorations all throughout the house. Thank you for sharing!!

Kateyed said...

Thank you, Katie, for sharing this right now. We are off to Stanford and I really feel blessed hearing it!

Love,
Suz

dulcy said...

Thank you for the sweet comment on my blog! Your story always gives me goosebumps, and so thankful for the happy ending..... looking forward to our getaway day!
xo

karlascottage.typepad.com said...

What a terrifying experience! I'm so glad it had a happy ending.

~*~Patty S said...

so beautiful touching and uplifting dear Katie ... thank you for sharing and touching so many hearts with your faith and goodness!
oxo

Healing Expressions said...

Dear Katie,
What an honor to hear and enter into a part of your story..and a powerful one as well!Thank you for your openness in sharing and the sweet reminder of God's never ending presence in our lives no matter what the curcumstances! May this Christmas bring you peace and comfort!

Linda Jo said...

Yes, what a wonderful story! What a wonderful message!

Relyn Lawson said...

I'm not sure what to say, my friend. It all sounds far less than my heart intends to say. When I say I'm proud of you, I am afraid I sound paternal, though I am proud. I think the courage you showed then - and now to tell you story is incredible. To say I'm grateful that He spared your life is an incredible understatement. To say that I know He has MUCH for you to do in His name is also grossly inadequate. All true, though. I love you, my friend. I love you.

Anna said...

What an amazing story, Katie. I know that you were put on this earth to do great things. And as you often write such inspiring stories on your blog you remind us (your fan base) to remember who is really in control, our Lord. Katie, you are a unconditional gift giver, and I am not even sure that you realize how special that is. I am sooooo happy and ever blessed to come to a safe, happy blog and get to know your kindness, generosity and gracious spirit. Thank you Lord for the all the days you have blessed us with dear heart Katie!

Diane said...

Katie....What a wonderful story of how you leaned into the loving arms of our Savior. I had no idea, but have been so blessed reading your blog this morning....
May we all really learn how to lean into our Savior, even before we must~