❤️🩹
Nine days ago, I woke up from a six-hour surgery and, for reasons I still can’t explain, I took this photo.
At the time, I didn’t know why.
Maybe I wanted proof that I had made it through.
Maybe I wanted to remember the moment.
Or maybe God knew I would need the reminder later.
Before surgery, I asked for prayers. What happened afterward humbled me beyond words. The comments, messages, phone calls, and prayers from family, friends, former classmates, neighbors, and even people I haven’t spoken with in years wrapped around me like a blanket.
And I want you to know something.
I didn’t just know people were praying.
I felt it 🥹
There are some things that are difficult to explain unless you’ve experienced them yourself, but I truly felt covered by God’s peace, God’s presence, and the prayers of His people.
As for the surgery itself, it was far more extensive than anyone expected. What was originally expected to take a two and a half to four hours became a six-hour procedure once the surgeon got inside and discovered more work needed to be done.
The surgery was successful, and for that I am incredibly grateful.
The recovery, however, has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever experienced.
For days, it felt as though my entire torso—front, sides, and back—had been put through a battle. Pain seemed to radiate everywhere. Sleep has been elusive. I’ve spent most nights trying to find a comfortable position and failing miserably. I’ve slept sitting nearly upright because lying flat simply isn’t possible.
The recovery has also aggravated my asthma, leaving me with a persistent cough, which certainly hasn’t made healing any easier.
There have been moments of discouragement. Moments when I wondered if I would ever feel normal again. Moments when the road ahead looked much longer than I expected.
But somewhere over these last few days, something began to change.
The pain hasn’t disappeared.
The recovery isn’t over.
But I can finally see glimpses of progress.
Small victories.
Tiny improvements.
Little reminders that healing is taking place, even when it feels painfully slow.
When I look at this photo now, I don’t see someone who had the answers.
I see someone who had just begun a difficult journey.
And I see proof that God was already there.
Thank you for every prayer you prayed, every message you sent, every encouraging word, and every moment you thought of me.
I am healing.
Slowly.
Sometimes impatiently.
But I am healing.
And for that, I am deeply grateful シ
Recovering from major surgery is not just a physical journey but also a deeply emotional and spiritual one. From my own experience, I found that the initial days were incredibly tough — managing intense pain, sleepless nights, and unexpected complications like aggravated asthma that led to persistent coughing. These challenges often tested my patience and resolve. What truly made a difference was the overwhelming support network around me. Messages, calls, and prayers from friends and even acquaintances created a comforting sense of community, reminding me that I was not alone. For anyone undergoing a similar experience, reaching out and accepting help can be a vital source of strength. Another key factor in my healing was embracing small milestones. It’s easy to get discouraged when progress feels slow, but celebrating tiny improvements — like better sleep or reduced pain — fostered hope and motivation. Documenting these moments helped me stay connected to my recovery journey. Faith played an essential role, too. Feeling God's peace and presence amid uncertainty added a powerful layer of comfort. Acknowledging that healing is as much a mental and spiritual process as a physical one helped me cope with the ups and downs. If you find yourself facing a long recovery, know that experiencing setbacks is natural. Listen to your body, maintain open communication with your healthcare team, and prioritize rest. Patience and perseverance, combined with support and self-compassion, can guide you through the toughest days. Remember, healing doesn't always look like a straight path. It can be slow and sometimes frustrating, but every step forward is meaningful. Take heart in the progress, no matter how small, and trust that with time and care, your body and spirit will mend.
