Sharing My Story Of Healing

MY JOURNEY

I was born with an abnormalheart valve. We were told a couple of years ago that I would need areplacement. Two weeks before my (first) surgery February 12, 2009, I experienced shortness of breath, I knew something didn’t feel right. I made an appointment with the doctor, a testwas ordered, surgery date was scheduled, I contacted my family & friendsand begin to pray & focus on what wasgetting ready to take place in my life. Blockage occurred after the firstsurgery, then I received a pace maker (second surgery), February 16th, 2009. Recently (June 23rd, 2010), after a regular check-up (pace maker reading)at the doctor’s office, my third surgery (pace  maker revision) tookplace the following day.            

Before the procedure on Feb 12th, I contacted my family members, Pastor & Church Family, employer, co-workers, friends, neighbors, etc. My (strong) support system provided prayers, phone calls, flowers, books, beautiful cards, hospital visits, home visits, meals etc. It was important to provide supportfor my husband & children. We discussed the surgical procedure with ourchildren. It was necessary to continue providing a secure & stable environment. The door is always open anytime for the kids to come to us with any questions or concerns. The valve replacement surgery was successful, then I developed blockage. The doctors notified my husband that I would need a pacemaker to help my heart function. It was unplanned but necessary. The second procedure took place four days after the first procedure. We prayed with the Chaplain before the heart valve procedure. I also received visits from the Chaplains (by my request); throughout the time I was hospitalized: a total of eleven days. June 23rd, 2010, I returned to the hospital: outpatient surgery: pace maker revision.

MyFaith in God, support from my husband, family, Pastor  & Church Family, medical staff, friends, neighbors, Radical Love Family, co-workers, employer, etc... continues to play a major role in the healing process. I know that Godloves me & promised never to leave me alone. He helped me get through this time of testing. Jeremiah 30:17: “For I will restore health unto thee, and Iwill heal thee of thy wounds, saith the Lord, because they called thee an Outcast saying, “This is Zion, who no man seeketh after.”

Acceptanceis crucial during the recovery stage. Not living in denial, but accepting thedaily challenges: occurring inside my body, coping with breathing issues on adaily basis, living with a pace maker, taking coumadin for the rest of my life, dealing with the discomfort in my chest. etc…….Where does my help come from?

Believing & trusting God with my life. I know without a doubt that he is a
healer. God is also loyal & faithful. Psalm 107: 1 “O Give Thanks unto the Lord for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.” My relationship with my husband is even stronger. We were married in 1993 and promised to loveeach other unconditionally. He continues to provide emotional, physical, mental & spiritual support. While I was recovering he helped the kids with theirhomework, made daily trips to the grocery store, irons the kid’s clothes,worked hard every day and spent quality time with me. I thank God for my soulmate.

When I returned home from the hospital, my son (age 10), quietly walked in my bedroom and prayed by my side every night.  It was very important for him to thank God for healing his mother. When my daughter, (age 7), saw the scar on my chest (incision from heart surgery), it made her very uncomfortable. She thought I was in pain. I spoke to the school counselor about the issue. My daughter touched the scar & saw that I wasn’t in pain. I’m happy to say, my daughter is now comfortable with the scar. After my surgery, our children asked about the limitations, when I would be able to drive again, how did I feel overall etc. We continue to keep the lines of communication open in our home.

It’s very important for our children to express their feelings. I continue topray for my husband & children. We are determined to face any obstacles “together” with God’s guidance.

Through FAITH, FAMILY, & FRIENDS, I’m able to face each day & know within my heart that God continues to bless me & my family.  

Everyday is a GIFT from God.

Mrs. Kimberly A. Goodloe

See more at http://4wedobelieve.wordpress.com/