ACH Study Groups
Ben & Fran Gilmore – Cofounders
7659 Gingerblossom Drive
Citrus Heights, CA 95621
916-722-2501 histbuff@garlic.com
www.ACHStudyGroups.com
August 2, 2014
This is a letter to our friends –
Answers & Gratitude
Are you still writing your blog posts? How is your health? What is going on?
Cards, e-mails, phone calls and prayers have poured in. I have been overwhelmed with love and tender care. This is the first day I have been able to compose an answer. My goal – Give answers and express truly humbling and heart-felt gratitude. God is good!
On July 8th, I had surgery to repair an aortic aneurism. The aorta is the big artery that carries fresh blood from the heart to the groin, where it forms a “Y” and delivers fresh blood to both legs. An aneurism is like a “mouse” that forms on the wall of the aorta. If it balloons and pops, it is usually fatal. There are no symptoms.
Five years ago, by accident, we discovered an aortic aneurism just “north” of the “Y”. Each year we monitored it for growth. This year it grew. The procedure is to place a “Y” shaped “stent” into the artery to relieve the pressure. Not an uncommon procedure, but major surgery.
Four nights in the hospital and a week at home was better each day. Then the recovery direction seemed to reverse. I was weaker each day. Back pain kept me awake. My appetite decreased with my stamina.
Blood tests confirmed I am anemic. Normally that is caused by internal bleeding – yet – CT scans and other tests failed to show the source. Yesterday I added iron capsules to help rebuild the blood (and thus – stamina). We will monitor tests next Monday and following.
That is the physical report. Yesterday, my dear friend, pastor Mark Dahlin (Living Hope Church), came by and used some olive oil from Jerusalem to anoint and pray for me. Fran and I sensed a spiritual breakthrough. Today I am much better than yesterday. I have not been able to compose text before today.
Enough about me – During these “valley times” I have had hours to listen and pray. I am looking forward to sharing what the Lord has given me to post in this blog as strength returns.
Our “Prime Timers 50+” Sunday school class roster has been added to my blog list for just this one time. I think of these dear friends as extended family. If any wish to be added to the blog list, please e-mail me and ask-on.
For now – Continued prayer is appreciated.