The E.R. Trip

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The place where I used to work was the place I also dread…of going into with other purposes aside from just working…

After my husband got over his man-cold, my son became ill right after. We recognized the symptoms. We knew it wasn’t the flu. There was one moment couple of years ago where we had gone to ER for a couple of trips as he started having headaches. Despite the nausea and vomiting plus the headaches, every test ordered for him came back normal. As the three of us were gathered in that tiny, very busy guerney, reserved for non-trauma cases in our town’s busy ER. 

I just got done with my errands last Friday and after the chilly temperatures, my son, being sick already for a week, managed to get back to school for 2 days and on that Friday, as the sun’s hottest rays hit him, he started not feeling well again. I got a call the moment I was parking my car in the garage. It was him, wanting to go home and the nurse needed my “okay.” I wanted to make sure he was okay to drive and he said he could. The minutes of waiting for him while I was in the garage felt like in a slow motion. I was never bothered anymore with anything, not even the heat. The lunch I bought, warm and with crispy fries, grew cold. Untouched.

He rested and I gave him fluids. He slept well but when he woke up late in the afternoon, he complained already of a mild headache. He knew it now as if he was rehearsed from those previous trips we had done to ER. He was calmer. I wasn’t sure if it was because of his more maturity or just being used to this illness from his seasonal allergy, he was gentle in uttering his symptoms, laughing at times even. Maybe he didn’t want me to worry. Or…He didn’t want the trips to ER knowing I would bring him if his symptoms got worse as I told him I was concerned he had been ill for a week. As a mother, I knew he might be just getting dehydrated for not eating enough (though he was drinking adequate fluids). I was not as afraid also. Same with my husband.

He vomited more. He felt weak. He knew. It was time. I had all the things we needed ready well ahead of time. I got the car keys and drove as my son sat next to me, my husband toting the other stuff at the back of the car. The air was a stark contrast to the day’s heat. The ER was full. That sight discouraged my son. Knowing the wait would be forever. But I asked for him to be PATIENT. There was no choice. He knew. He needed something for his headache and vomiting.

They called him within an hour. As my husband and I silently prayed. 

How true that God indeed helps us learn from tough times. 

We learned so much from those previous ER trips. That now, the three of us knew deep inside. It would be okay. No matter what outcome…

For whether the outcome would be good or not, we all knew the truth by then:

That… neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:39;NIV).”

I dreaded that place. The smell of antibacterial cleaners. The throng of people seeking treatments. The sounds of vital signs monitor. The conversation between doctors and patients. The procedures done. The medications given. People weary from all the waiting and the symptoms they were experiencing.And the only thing that came to mind and made me so grateful was this:

Through troubled and calm journeys, none would change the fact that God’s love would never be abated in those circumstances. All those unpleasant things signified nothing. But even if death came, it would only bring a believer closer to God. One thing remains...Only one thing: God's love never fails!!! Glory to You Oh Lord!

(P.S.)

Thanks be to God, my husband and son are both doing well. My son started eating more yesterday and already looks so energized this morning as I checked on him. I also thank the Lord for giving me the strength to be able to help them and Him, keeping me from getting sick.

Lord, I lift up all of Your children who are going through tough times right now. You know each of their needs. Please help them with their faith that they may seek You more and be drawn nearer to You. For those who don’t know You, may they be able to open up their hearts and minds to know and accept Your unconditional love. Thank You Lord for Who You are. For everything that You have done for us. Thank You for Your love and mercy. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.