Tough Love

Last night I woke up to a sight I will not soon forget.

You see, early yesterday evening, my wife took me to the emergency room at our local hospital. I had been feeling poorly for a few days and on Tuesday I was told by my doctor that if I started to feel worse or got a fever that I needed to get to the hospital as soon as possible. Both happened. I could barely walk for fatigue and shortness of breath, my mind was in a fog, I could barely stay awake and my temperature was up. And so off to emergency I went; a part of any hospital that I really hate.

It took about three hours before I finally was looked at. I kept falling in and out of consciousness. We were pretty sure that the problem was dehydration. For some reason, I have susceptible to it for the past couple of years. Not exactly something one would expect in southern Ontario where it is so humid. Guess I don't drink enough (and I am told that coffee doesn't count as a hydrator).

Anyway, I must have fallen asleep for a few hours because I woke up at one point, and looked up to see my wife sitting in a chair at the foot of the bed. I glanced at my watch and was astonished to see that it was 3:00 a.m. I was so touched that she loved me so much as to stay with me for so long. She could have gone home (and really should have), but she stayed. That act, in and of itself, touched me deeply inside.

I am glad to say that she did go home shortly thereafter to get some sleep. And this morning, I was released from hospital, although I have to go to the transplant clinic in Toronto tomorrow. But this experience has helped me to realize anew what a special lady I have. I guess that is what love is all about; hanging in there when things get tough. And the last year has been tough for her.

It also reminds me of those who write us complaining that our programs are too graphic or that they really can't handle hearing about the suffering of the persecuted. It makes me think; how much do they really love the Body of Christ if they can't hang in there when things get tough? As 1 John 3:18 says, "Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth."