I was at the hospital much of today with my son.  He was able to find his own surgeon, get to the hospital, get admitted today with no help from me although he was very glad to see me when I arrived.  This morning, it felt like my HP was saying call the hospital.  I did.  Then, ask for his room. I did.  Talk with him.  I did.  Go see him.  I did.  Stay with him.  I did.  Keep your mouth shut.  I did.  Be pleasant to his new girlfriend. I was.  Answer questions as emergency contact.  I did.  Behave like his Mom.  I did.  Encourage him.  I did.  Tell him the reasons you were proud of him.  I did.  Tell him you love him.  I did.  Don't offer solutions to other issues that he has.  I didn't.  Keep your mouth shut.  I did.  While in surgery, check on him.  I did.  Talk to the doctor.  I did.  Offer no money for a ride home or a ride home.  I didn't.  See him following surgery without his girlfriend.  I did. Tell him you're proud of him again.  I did.  Tell him you love him one more time.  I did.

His surgeon came to me after the surgery.  In whispers he told me this nation's health care was awful.  If you don't have money, they'll let you die.  "Could he have died if he didn't have this surgery?"  "No, but the problem would have just gotten bigger.  He would have been shifted from Emergency Room to Emergency Room with no help."  How can I thank you, Doctor?  "Pray.  Pray for me.  Pray for people like me.  Pray for those who can't get the treatment they need."

I asked the girlfriend how my son found this doctor?  She didn't know.  I know.  It wasn't an accident.  My son told me this doctor was very good to him prior to the surgery.  I didn't keep my mouth shut on this one.  "Honey.  You didn't find this surgeon all by yourself.  God is looking out for you."

I'd like those of us who do pray to pray for physicians like this who will forfeit what they could have been paid to help a stranger in need.

I'd like those of us who do pray to pray for people who can't get the medical care they need.

I'd also like to ask for blessings for my son's surgeon who worked all day and then came to the hospital to do the surgery for my son.  I don't know how the surgeon was even able to get my son into inpatient surgery or even a room without a penny to his name, but he did. 

Although my son's addictions are very much alive, he also told me today he has a list of AA meetings he'd like to attend.  Please pray that he follows through.  Thank you.

You have done so well. I remember when you first were asking for help!

Yes he has a miracle happening for him. I hope he is ready to accept it and cont to a good path. If not, it's his choice. Just love him as you are.

I think it was Jer who said something about an AA member could be called to go visit him. Sure would not hurt?

I know when I went to meetings, when someone would care to call me, and allow me to call them, it made me feel more welcomed.

sending you both love! hey good one on the g friend too! very smart cookie you are! hugs,debilyn

What a comfort you must have been to all present....HP is smiling.

Thank you, TT, for your prayers.  I recently attended the memorial service for our family's physician and later my gastroenterologist.  He was concerned for the health care profession back in the 70s.  He saw this all coming and was glad that he would have as he put it "some old men who could take care of him," when he got older.  He died at age 91 of cancer in hospice care.  His son told me that he'd call his onocologist who he really liked at her office at least once a week.  "I'm still here you old bat," and hang up on her.  You'd have to know him.  Anyway, I can remember him making house calls and teaching my Dad how to give shots to save our family money.  Those days are gone.  It isn't getting better.  Sad.