by Mandie Finley

Created on: April 28, 2008

In March of 2006, my husband was having abdominal pains that were very severe. The doctor told me that he needed his appendix removed. I breathed a sigh of releif that this would be a routine surgury. How bad can it be if the appendix isn't ruptured? Needless to say, the operation is what changed our lives. Sometimes bad things happen in operating rooms, we can either let it destroy us or make us stronger. We had to become stronger because of the operation. I realized in the short time that it took to almost lose my husband, that life is precious. And that accidents don't just involve the person it happens to. It involves everyone who loves that person, or relies on that individual.

Both me and my husband, ended up suffering from depression because of that trauma and stress. My children were afraid that everytime they went to sleep, their father wouldn't be there in the morning. I take pride in being a strong female, but noone prepared me for all of the tramatic ups and downs. You have to learn to rely on individuals that you hardly know, do a lot of praying and try to find all the peices, so you can put it all together again. I spent a lot of time trying to help my husband regain his strength, after he lost all muscle from being confined to a bed. I had to help my children emotionally and in school. Their grades took a huge turn for the worse. My son started fighting in school. And our newborn daughter seemed to sense everything that was wrong.

I am extremely greatful for this experience. Even though it sounds bizarre, it taught me more about myself, my husband, and the love of community and friends. Our community that we hardly knew came together for moral support and prayers. Family and friends helped in every way that they could. I had offers of people willing to provide child care. I learned that life is not about how much money you make in order to give. People helped us through so many ways. Time, peace of mind, child care, household services and so many other ways. I have been blessed with knowing that I can give of myself and not have to be rich. That the greatest gifts are my family, friends, and community.

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