“He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside quiet waters.” Psalm 23:2 NIV

October 20, 2021,

I learned to drive in the San Francisco bay area. For many years I drove in Alaska, over all types of terrain and in all types of weather, and then there were the years of driving sons everywhere they needed to go. I think I’m a pretty good driver, but I don’t like to drive. And for the last decade Doug was more than happy to take the wheel. I got used to that.

As we left things last week, I was alone in an unfamiliar place. Doug was flown to the trauma center in Tucson. And as promised, his friend showed up the next day to lend a hand.

I admit, I felt like a wimp accepting help. The surreal nature of the situation and my foggy state of mind were frustrating. He let me buy lunch, but wouldn’t let me pay for his time and trouble. He led the way in Doug’s truck and I followed in his car. It was a completely uneventful drive.

He left almost immediately after we arrived in Tucson. He understood I was anxious to get to Doug and he still had a long drive to his own home. My wimpyness was somewhat alleviated when he acknowledged the truck was a bear to drive. Maybe he was just being nice. I will forever be grateful for his help.

Before I checked in, I could see I was in a great location. The hospital’s parking structure was the only thing between Doug and the hotel, there was a Walgreen’s drugstore across the street, and a family dining restaurant on the corner. What else could I want?? Except for my husband to be well, that is.

I had a moment of fiscal reality at the check in counter. I spent a few minutes in my room going over the check book and fretting a little if we should have to stay very long. But I couldn’t carry that worry and let it go. If it took every penny left in savings and some credit card charges, what did it matter? There was no way of knowing what lay ahead. I knew I had a cushion that could handle expenses for awhile. The only option was to trust God was working and that everything would be ok.

Later that evening I stopped at the front desk to reserve a room for David, who was arriving the next morning. I let them know I might have another son or two arriving over time. The desk clerk noticed my wrist band from the hospital, and since we were there due to medical emergency, he reduced the room rates significantly. Like I said, could I have been in a better location?

I settled in my room for the night with unrealistically high hopes. I had just seen Doug. He was alternately joking with the nurses and being difficult… all classic Doug. He was angry because they wouldn’t let him out of bed. The nurse tried to bring me up to date, but my brain was not computing. I just nodded my head and thanked her. I chose to believe that in a day or two, three or four, Doug would be okay and we’d be on our way back home.

That night, I imagined Doug would need a couple days to recuperate after he was discharged. This hotel would be perfect. Besides the restaurant on the corner, there was a restaurant and bar on hotel property adjacent to the pool. We could get breakfast there every morning and dinner most evenings, even room service if he needed it. As I said, my expectations were unrealistic.

The reality of my situation escaped me, just as it had the night before in Bisbee. What I know now is that God had given me a soft cushion to land on. I had a place to gather myself and get a good meal. I had a mini home away from home. God knew what lay ahead. I did not.

My 3rd floor room overlooked the courtyard and the swimming pool. Off to the right of the pool, was a lovely gazebo area with comfortable seating. I didn’t know it then, but that gazebo would become the gathering place for me and my sons.

It just wouldn’t be in the way I imagined it that first night.