Dear Ones:

As you may imagine, today’s Musing doesn’t wander far from Dani’s brain surgery today. Some things overwhelm all other threads of concentration. Counting out Aggi’s (our dog) pills this morning and smooshing them into her favorite gummy candy, I was taken aback, because next to the newly filled pill cup was another pill cup containing the pills, each stuffed into a gummy. Clearly, I had done that task earlier in the morning and had no actual memory of having performed that part of my morning routine. I’m finding myself making sure the keys are in my pocket several times each time I get out of the car. Deep thought clearly takes up a lot of space, crowding out the mundane mental wanderings of an average day.

There in my brain, which will not be operated on today, sit the thoughts of dozens of conversations, lots of emails and texts, all pointing to your companionship with us. The certainty of your love, faith and support helps account for a sense of peace and comfort that transcends the ‘to do’ for today. Without question, we are not alone; and your expressions of kindness and concern give audible voice and tangible evidence of God’s promise to neither leave nor forsake. Perhaps you think you are only being thoughtful or helpful; more than that, you continue to be nothing less than a manifestation of God’s presence.

In the days ahead, I will continue to keep you posted. The surgery this afternoon at Northwestern Hospital will involve a neurosurgeon, assistants, surgical nurses and, thankfully, an anesthesiologist. As far as I am concerned, all their education, skill and practice have been “dry runs” in preparation for this most important of procedures. They will understandably move on to their next case—the next patient with perhaps an even more complicated diagnosis; surgery is their job, and Dani’s time in their operating theater is but a single act in their lengthy and ongoing performance. We, on the other hand, care most deeply about this particular scene; I am most grateful that you have come to sit quietly with us as the story unfolds.

With gratitude and peace because you are here, I remain,

With Love,
Jonathan Krogh
Your Pastor