A Post Card from the Pink House

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It’s hard to believe that it was just four weeks ago, on a bright, sunshiny morning just like this, that I was clinging to my husband, giving him another goodbye kiss before I let him go.They were going to make bio diesel first thing that morning, he told me.And I watched him walk towards the shop, then raced after him for just one more kiss.

Hours later, I was holding my husband’s hand in a hospital room, waiting for the doctor to come get him for surgery.Just four weeks ago today.
Now, it seems normal for Merritt to be hopping around the house like a Narnian “Dufflepud” on one leg.(He doesn’t recommend carrying a cup of flour across the kitchen floor in such manner, however.)I won’t know what to do when my husband’s off his crutches and able to chase me when I tease him.And I’ve rather gotten used to bringing him breakfast in bed, dinner in his recliner.Some traditions, I suppose, we’ll have to continue.

But in many ways, life seems little different than it was four weeks ago.Everything still takes longer because Merritt can’t help me as much.And he doesn’t have to be out irrigating early in the mornings, so we can enjoy a leisurely breakfast and read the Bible together before we go work in the store.But I will be glad when he can carry those 25 pound boxes of fruit again.

Today, once again, is errand day.And thus, I can pop this virtual postcard into cyberspace when we stop in front of our local library.We can use their wireless internet access to check the latest Dell battery recall and order a few pictures of Merritt’s x-rays and our niece and nephews with my laptop, without ever leaving our car.A far cry from the old days on the farm, and the postal methods of the Pony Express, but we could pretend it’s old-fashioned.

Thank you to each and every one who has been praying for us.Merritt is improving so much each day—and when we think back to last week, or the week before, the change is like night and day.His stitches are out, the wounds are healing, and he even wore jeans, socks and tennis shoes to church on Sunday!Yesterday was the first day he worked in the store all day long, and his foot wasn’t nearly as swollen as we thought it would be.Merritt still gets tired out much more easily than my strong, energetic man used to—but his body is busy healing, and crutches, he says, are hard work.It is nice to have Merritt able to drive now.I am just looking forward to the day when his arms aren’t busy with crutches and I can hold my husband’s hand once again while we are shopping.

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11 Comments

  1. I’m so glad that Merritt is on the road to recovery. I’m glad to hear that it’s only his body, not his spirits (or yours, Gretchen) that need recovery.

    Gretchen, the way you write about your trial with such a joyful attitude has inspired me to try to live more joyfully myself, and to keep a bright attitude. I figure if you can live through this without showing despair though I’m sure it’s hard sometimes, I can live with my petty trials and still obey the command to “Rejoice always, and again I say, rejoice!”

    God bless you both with a long and happy marriage, always with faith in Him!

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  2. Your bright spirit and beautiful posts are so appreciated! I am praying for quick healing and complete recovery! May the Lord richly bless you!

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  4. It’s always so good to hear from you, Gretchen! *hugs* I’m a fairly new visitor to YLCF (I started reading it a few months before you were married), but it’s become one of my favorite stops online. I’ve been praying for you and Merritt, and I hope he heals quickly.

    Your bright, positive attitude is such a lovely example. Reminds me of that old song, “Keep on the sunny side, always on the sunny side, keep on the sunny side of life! It will help us every day, it will brighten all our way – if we keep on the sunny side of life!” Seems like you and your man do just that. 🙂 God bless you both!

    ~Lita

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  6. Hi Gretchen, thank you so much for the update on Merritt.
    We are all so happy that he is doing so much better!
    Ahh God is good! 🙂

    God has blessed me in so many ways from reading about your experience with hardship and still staying faithful in spite of it.
    That’s just so wonderful to know.

    You and your husband have inspired me truly to live a more wholesome and a more greatful life.
    My Walk with God has strengthened in the last few months, and your story truly touched the bottom of my heart.

    Thanks so much for the update on Merritt 🙂

    I’m always happy to read your posts, they are so refreshing, life a breath of fresh air. 🙂

    Well sorry that this is long, just want to send you more prayers and hugs~~~

    Take care, May God Bless You and keep you!

    Jane.

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  8. Praise the Lord:-) It doesn’t seem like a month ago, but I guess it has been. It’s always nice to hear from Gretchen and her life in the pink house with her man. I’ll continue to be praying for them!

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  9. God bless you, Gretchen! Keep up your good spirits. You are a real testimony to the true joy and peace of Christ that shines through — even in the midst of the darkest trial. May God continue to be with you both!

    Your Sister in Christ,
    Claire

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  10. Wow–I can’t believe it’s only been four weeks either! I’m so glad he (and you too!) are getting along so well!! (And getting to use the internet from your car is just too “cool”! ;))

    Morgan

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  11. Thank you, Gretchen, for the update on Merritt. It seems as if he is making siginificant progress. We serve a faithful God, don’t we?!

    Reply