by Rachael Larson

About two years ago, our world was turned upside down. My husband Nate had been feeling some major pains in his body but had tried to shake it off. When he finally went into the doctor, he found out that his gall bladder was severely inflamed and needed to be removed. As this was a “quick” and common surgery, we didn’t think much of it when we went in for the outpatient procedure.

About an hour and a half in, I was informed that there had been complications. Without going into great detail, that’s where our journey really started. The complications lead to a 9-month black spot in our lives where Nate was in and out of the hospital due to ongoing infections and complications – at one time 19 days without seeing our two young boys due to COVID visitor rules. As the primary caregiver in ourfamily, this was especially hard. He had CTs almost every week, multiple procedures and lived with drainage tubes for over 9 months.

I don’t know how we could have survived this ordeal without the compassion of others. I was struggling to juggle the kids, hospital visits and my job. I often felt alone, so when RLC members and Pastor Beth would reach out, it helped to know they were praying. This show of compassion really helped our family get through each day. We also received a meal, blanket, and small pillow that reminds us of God’s love through his people. This is part of what “abundant life” is all about – even in the most trying times, we have people who love and support us.

Having lived through this nightmare, we have a deeper understanding of the impact we can make on others through a compassionate act. I’m proud of the work Resurrection Lutheran does and the part we can play in it by financially supporting the church to continue this kind of compassionate acts.