Dark Clouds and Bright Skies

I awoke this morning to dark ominous clouds, a sure sign of the thunder storm typical to Houston Texas this time of year. Sure enough, later in the day the clouds opened and it poured buckets (they must have been large buckets). No sooner does it stop raining the clouds move away and there are bright sunny skies. We’ve experienced this several times during our two trips here to MD Anderson Cancer Center.

We experienced the weather this morning but we also experienced the dark clouds and bright light in a different way. Karen spent last night and most of today in ICU. The woman in the room next to hers passed away today. Karen wondered what all the commotion was about. She wondered aloud if they were moving furniture. There were many people along with much commotion. I guessed what happened but chose not to tell Karen right away. My guess was confirmed later when I saw the grieving family leave. Karen’s nurse apologized for “being busy” next door and later acknowledged losing a patient. Seeing the grief caused by the passing of a loved one certainly was a dark cloud for that family, one we watched as it passed by.

Just as bright skies follow the dark clouds with the weather, we (or at least I) experienced a bright moment today. Houston (the omelet chef, not the city) brightened my day this morning. I’ve taught him what a Joe’s Scramble is and he asked me if that’s what I wanted as soon as he saw me walk into the hotel restaurant. He also asked where Karen was. I explained the medical procedure she had and the fact that she was in ICU. Well Houston wasted no time and began telling me that God would take care of her and He knows what’s best. He then told me that he would be praying for Karen today.

Karen and I had suspected that Houston might just know the Lord. Having been here a week we’ve spoken to him several times. I'm sure Houston has experienced his own dark moments in life as all of us have. In spite of that, Houston (the chef) has always been happy, outgoing, and has not been afraid to tell us to trust God. My thanks go to Houston for brightening my morning.


Karen’s day today is not one she will remember. She’s got some pretty serious pain meds on board to knock down the discomfort in her right leg. I find it amusing to talk to her because I can start a question and find she’s asleep before I finish. Kaydee tried to talk to her on the phone and just ended up laughing. I’m sure she will write about that one in her own blog.

It was also moving day for Karen. She’s been moved to a room with a view, moving from the 7th to the 11th floor. We learned that the wing she’s in is rehab. I suspect they will have her up and walking tomorrow or at least having her sit up in a chair. It’s hard to imagine her walking with not being able to keep awake. Maybe they will just have her stand for a minute to start out with or like I said just sit in a chair.

I would tell you all that Karen says “Hello” but she didn’t. I’m sure she appreciates your prayers but she didn’t even say that. She just couldn’t stay awake long enough today to express much. I can say with all certainty though that she says and feels those things in her heart. She would tell you if she could. I know I am thankful for all of you. Your support and prayers mean more than I can tell you.

God Bless you all.