I didn't post last month--completely forgot because my family was in the midst of a scary health crisis. My only sister, who is just one year older than me, had a heart attack and went into cardiac arrest. Thankfully (thank you, Lord!) my nephew (her son) was home at the time and gave her CPR, saving her life.
The next ten days while my sister was on a ventilator in ICU fighting for her life were the most terrifying I think I've ever known. Much more frightening than when I was fighting cancer--and potentially for my own life--fifteen years ago. It's an awful, terrible feeling when you see someone you love hooked up to so many machines and you're powerless to do anything to help. Except pray. And pray. And pray. And be there.
My sister and I were very close when we were little--slept in the same canopy bed with lilac forget-me-nots, said our "Now I lay me down to sleep" prayers together, and would sing together at family gatherings, pretending we were the next Lennon Sisters. (I'm really dating myself here :) But over the years, and for a variety of reasons (geography, life choices, different paths, family politics, blah, blah, blah) that closeness disappeared.
It returned in a heartbeat when Lisa's heart stopped.
It felt as if my own heart were being ripped from my chest each time I'd go in that ICU room and see my sister hooked up to all those tubes and machines, her eyes closed. The day those beautiful eyes opened was a day of much rejoicing. And great thankfulness.
This Easter, as we celebrate our Lord's resurrection, I'll also be celebrating how He saved my precious sister and brought her back from the brink of death. And resurrected our relationship. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Lord. Abba. Father.
Gratefully in Him,
Laura
Laura Jensen Walker is the younger sister of Lisa and the author of the recently released Miss Invisible (Nelson, March 2007). Her other novels include Reconstructing Natalie, Dreaming in Black & White, and Dreaming in Technicolor. Please visit her website at www.laurajensenwalker.com
Father, thank You for providing for Laura's family. Give continued recovery to her sister, and bless all of this precious family with unexpected blessings that make them gasp in awe of Your greatness. Hold them close, and love on them till they can't stand it...In Jesus' name, amen.
Posted by: Deena @ The Bookshelf | April 06, 2007 at 05:06 PM
I'm so glad that your sister is going to be ok. I don't know what I'd do with out mine.
God is so good.
Posted by: Melissa Bishop | April 09, 2007 at 03:17 PM