Coincidence? I think not...

Today we found out Erica has to have another surgery to take care of a nasty tumor-like mass growing in her back.


She had the same procedure last May.  The doctors injected the "vascular malformation" with a chemical designed to shrink the mass.  


Since then, it's grown...so in two weeks we'll go back to Duke University.  The doctors will again inject the blob and hopefully get the stupid thing to stop growing!


We're grateful to be just a few hours away from some of the best specialists in the country.  We're thankful to have health insurance and, more importantly, family and friends who care so much about us.


Still, it stinks.  Poor Erica does NOT want to go through another surgery...and the doctors can't guarantee the mass will go away.  Vascular malformations have minds of their own and they grow when and where they want.


Today's appointment came less than 24 hours after one of our dear friends was in a near fatal car accident. 


Sunday night it snowed in Richmond.  Monday morning April left for work, hit black ice as she entered the interstate, and her Toyota Camry slid under an 18-wheeler.  


She was trapped inside her car for nearly an hour.  Rescue crews had to cut the vehicle in half and bring in the jaws of life to get her out.  It was the worst snow-related accident in Central Virginia this weekend.


It is absolutely, without a doubt, a miracle she wasn't killed, decapitated, or paralyzed for life.  


Still, it stinks.  She's in the ICU with a fractured pelvis and has a very long road of recovery ahead.


Tonight, as Erica and I began the two hour drive home from North Carolina, we decided to have our daily scripture study.  Lately we've been reading inspired talks given by living prophets.  (You can too - click here)


Erica pulled the talks up on my phone and found the next one on the list. 


Waiting upon the Lord: Thy Will Be Done


Within a few minutes, Erica read these words:


"I have often pondered, Why is it that...all the faithful Saints have trials and tribulations, even when they are trying to do Heavenly Father’s will? Why is it so hard, especially for them?"


How is it that, out of the 40+ talks we have or will study, this one happened to be next...on a day we so desperately needed to hear it?


It's because God often sends us these "tender mercies" to remind us He loves us...even...no, ESPECIALLY...when life is tough.


We know April will recover and be back to her normal self soon.  If anyone can face challenges with optimism and faith, it's her!


Erica is going to take her surgery like a champ!  I'm proud that she's such a strong woman and continually remains happy and upbeat...even though she's in a lot of pain.


Tonight, some of the last words Erica read as we finished our studying, were these:


"Every one of us is more beloved to the Lord than we can possibly understand or imagine...


God knows your sacrifices and your sorrows. He hears your prayers. His peace and rest will be yours as you continue to wait upon Him in faith."