Healing

As I prepare myself mentally and physically for surgery in the morning, I have been very blessed over the past couple of days. (I must pause to note that hopefully everything will go ahead as planned tomorrow; I have suddenly acquired some delightful hayfever that has me all stuffed up and I hope that won't be a detriment to the general anaesthetic.)

I spoke at length to a priest friend on Thursday who encouraged me to seek the Sacrament of the Sick before surgery. Although reluctant, since it would mean asking one of my bosses for this, I finally agreed that I would definitely consider it.

Come Friday morning, I made the mistake of mentioning this suggestion to another, much older priest friend, who told me this was an abuse of the Sacrament since it was intended, as per the Catechism, only for the "gravely ill", which clearly I am not. He did offer to celebrate Mass for my intentions instead but told me not to seek anointing.

After balking a bit and seeking a rebuttal from the original priest friend when I raised the concern with him, I decided I would probably just go to Reconciliation on Saturday. That's what I did, and in the process of the confession, I mentioned my impending surgery to the confessor. At the end of a very positive confession experience, he inquired, "Have you been anointed, or would you like to be?" I said, "I would love to be," and he did so.

This is the second time I have been anointed, and once again, I felt a considerable amount of peace and healing. It's very powerful and I hope to face my surgery and recovery with less anxiety and a great deal of trust in God.

When I got home, I was further pleasantly surprised by an unexpected phone call from a friend in the city who offered any help if I need it and wishing me good luck. I really appreciated that very much and was reminded again how many good friends I have. This is the fifth person who has offered to help in any way they can - three good friends, including one who offered to pick me up from the hospital if necessary (I declined only because it would be awkward for him to come down, my time of discharge is uncertain, and also because no friend should have to see me in the shape I will be by the time I am leaving the hospital!), and two parishioners who noted they live close by and would be happy to help either my mother or myself should I need it, me as I recover and her since she is on her own in the city. I really am blessed with wonderful people in my life.

God is good.