Thursday, December 1

Grace at Home No. 488


Happy December!

Oh friends. I can hardly believe that we're nearing the end of 2022, and while I hate to wish away any time, I can honestly say that I've been in the most challenging season of my life. Many of you know that my husband has endured multiple hospitalizations and several surgeries this Fall. It seemed as if he had finally turned the corner toward full healing, and we were looking forward to a wonderful Thanksgiving, when we got an urgent text from our youngest son, who lives more than two hours away from us. The next thing we knew, he texted us this photo:


Thank God, this ambulance took him straight to the Emergency Room, where he was seen right away. I spent all of last week in the hospital with my son, most of it in the Intensive Care Unit. I'm grateful that I was finally able to bring him home with me, and he'll stay with me and my husband until he is able to have a surgery he needs. Waiting for the surgery is hard, but apparently people with this condition have much better outcomes if the surgeons wait a few weeks before doing the repair.

We have not had the kind of Autumn we wanted, and we most certainly did not have the Thanksgiving we'd hoped for. And yet I am more aware than ever that there is so much to be thankful for. My husband is alive! My son is alive! We have access to wonderful healthcare. Our oldest son is home from deployment. We have friends and family who have been so supportive through these long weeks spent a the hospital. The list goes on and on, and I am grateful.

And now I am thankful to welcome you to the Grace at Home party, where we celebrate all the way we make our homes places of grace and beauty. Believe me, friends: this work of reflecting God's goodness and grace to everyone around us really matters. I know at times it may seem as if no one cares, that nothing you do makes any difference. But it does. It all matters.

Here at the Grace at Home party, you can link up any post you've written that demonstrates how you're filling your space with truth, goodness, and beauty. I invite you to link posts about
  • DIY projects
  • decorating
  • recipes
  • hospitality
  • homemaking tips
  • parenting
  • marriage
  • faith
  • self-care
  • soul care
Whatever you do to make your home or sphere of influence a place of grace, I'd like to hear about it. Here's what I ask of you.  Please include the permalink to your post, not your blog's home page. Please let people know that you've linked up.  No more than three posts per person, please.  Note that if you link a post here, you are giving me permission to share your post, including a photo.  And visit at least one of the other party participants--that's what really makes it a party!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

26 comments:

  1. My prayers are with you - it's unbelievable how much your family has experienced this year.

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  2. Oh Richella, my heart goes out to you. Praying for God's comfort to be yours.

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  3. How scary! Yes, it has been a tough season for you. Sending prayers for your son and your family.
    Shelley

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  4. Oh my, Richella. What an autumn you all have had. I'm so thankful your husband and son are alive and that you've had good support through this time. I pray for healing and help and grace. Thank you for taking the time to host Grace at Home. These things do make such a difference in our daily outlook.

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  5. Richella, how gracious God has been! You are walking through this period of suffering with grace. So glad your son will be able to have surgery. I'll be praying for you and your family. I'm sure you will be glad to usher in 2023. Thank you for the party!

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  6. dear Richella, I'm praying for your son and the entire family. I know you're trusting God for His hand to be on your son and for complete healing. Thankyou for having us over even during this challenging time.

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  7. Richella,
    I am so sorry to hear about the medical issues not only with your husband but also now with your son...Yes, you do have a lot to be thankful for because both issues could have taken a deadly turn....Sending prayers for their continued recovery....
    Thanks so much for hosting this delightful party each and every week!! I really appreciate the time and effort that goes into it along with visiting all the links and choosing Features especially dealing wtih all that you now have on your plate!!! Thank You!! Stay safe, healthy and happy!!
    Hugs,
    Deb

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  8. I'm sorry to hear that your family has been through so much lately! May the Lord give you grace and peace as you pass through this valley of trials!

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  9. Richella, I am so sorry to hear about your son's medical problems. At times like this, it's so important to believe that God is still sovereignly overseeing all the events of our lives. Your testimony is sure to be an encouragement to others who are struggling. We have had our own setbacks this year though they are of a different kind, so it was an encouragement to me personally. Praying for your son's upcoming surgery this morning.

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  10. Sending blessings of healing and happiness your way, take care in these trying times.

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  11. Thinking of you and your family. Sending prayers for both your husband and son's continued recovery. xo

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  12. Goodness Richella! I'm so glad both your husband & son are okay!

    You've had a heavy load to carry these few months but so glad you've had support to carry that load.
    Praying for you & your family.
    Bless you, Jennifer

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  13. Dear Richella, I will certainly add you to my list of those I pray for! What frightening experiences you've gone through these past several months. I know from my sister advocating for and nursing her husband over a couple major surgeries these past several months that it can be seriously draining for you, the caregiver. I pray you have respite time and that those around you are cognizant of your needs also. It seems trite to be sharing Christmas decor, but I hope in doing so you feel some sort of comfort. Thank you for checking in and allowing us the chance to pray for you and your family

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  14. I am so sorry to hear that you have been going through such trying times. I didn't know, but I will keep you and all your family in my thoughts and prayers. I believe that all the doctors and surgeons need prayer also, so I will add them to the list. God Bless you and Keep you in his loving hands.

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  15. Oh Richella I am so sorry to hear about your troubles these past few months. I'm keeping your whole family in my thoughts and prayers!

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  16. Richella, how very scary that must've been for you and your family. I'm so sorry this season has been so hard for you and yours. Praying that what the enemy intended for evil, God will use for good!

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  17. Richella, you and your family deserve a quiet and healthy Cnristmas. Prayers for full recovery for your husband and son.

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  18. Richella, I am SO sorry to read this. Bless your dear heart. I am praying for you and your family right now.

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  19. I am so sorry you're all going through so much right now Richella! I am keeping you all in my prayers!

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  20. oh Richella! I'm glad your son was able to get good care and wishing him a speedy recovery as you wait for surgery. thanks for hosting as always!

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  21. Praying for you & yours Richella. Your husband and son are lucky to have your strength and support by their side. Stay well & thanks for hosting us. XO- MaryJo

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  22. Richella, you are going through so much and yet you are positive and brave! I am so happy to hear everyone is okay. I hope a fast recovery for both and that you all get to have a wonderful Christmas.

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  23. I am keeping you and your family in my thoughts!

    Alexandra
    OnRockwoodLane.com

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  24. Oh, Richella… I’m so sorry for all the trials you and your fam have been through this year! My prayer is that you and yours will be experiencing HIS joy through these trials. I’m encouraged and edified by your thankfulness during this season… all this and Jesus, too, right?! Hugs and love in Him!

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