Hallelujah - Update from Claudine

Ask my mom. I was having a hard time finding the "joy" today, as it began to snow again--and just flurries--but 6-10 inches--after what were signs of spring. After battling the Sunday crowd and lines at Walmart to do some simple grocery shopping and wondering if I would ever NOT be in a hurry again in my life. How quickly we forget our blessings and so easily focus on the immediate! It was just this past Tuesday that I went to Froedtert for my 6 month appointment with my Neurosurgeon.

Let me share with you my news, I will try to use my doctors' exact words....."your brain looks as healthy as your Dad's...okay maybe a bit younger, but just as healthy. The blockage is gone. It's gone for good. 100% repaired, not to come back!" He emphatically used his hands to tell us the good news that the MRA showed and to convince us we could take a moment to rejoice!

Picture my Dad and I bent forward studying the image on the screen looking for any sign of irregularity, any sign that this ordeal might not be over, any sign of anything. Let me just tell you, this Neurosurgeon, this amazing and incredibly talented doctor is also one of the most compassionate doctors I have ever met. He explains things in simple terms and genuinely looks happy when both my Dad and I sat back in our chairs with tears in our eyes and sighed with relief! Praise God! I mean it! Praise HIS name and Blessed be HIS name!

I actually lifted my arms to the sky when I leaned back into my chair. Not realizing it then, but I know I was praising God in this Doctor's office.

I will continue to be monitored, my next MRA will be in October...1 year later. And, then probably every 2 years I will have MRA's to watch for other aneurysms. I still have not heard the results of the genetic testing, but let me tell you. He told me it won't change how he will monitor me. I may have MRA's done of other parts of my body, but they won't be any more frequent. He re-assured me that in most cases any possible aneurysms would probably be detected and dealt with before rupture. He reassured me that in most cases there is time even if the aneurysm does burst that I don't need to panic. Not that I am a panicky person....but oh wow! Praise God! The genetic tests results take longer than anyone expected, so probably another 3-4 weeks before I have the results.

Let me share why I chose the songs I did for this blog message...I guess Hallelujah used to be used in deep despair when crying out to Jesus for HELP over the years. It turned to the utmost praise you could shout to the Lord. I felt that I could have used it in both ways and it just moved me to know that I can not only use it to call on our gracious God for HELP but also to praise HIM!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKcRVUpRVx0

The second song. I love this song. Hallelujah...grace like rain! On days when I have a hard time remembering the joy of knowing I have his Grace, well Hallelujah that his grace falls on me like rain (or in today's case...lots and lots of snow!) Thank you my dear sweet Lord for the reminder....

Love, Claudine