Thursday, October 1, 2015

WHEN LIFE STRIKES by Marta Perry

The last week in August I was plugging along as usual--doing the edits on the last book in my Keepers of the Promise Amish series while writing the new Amish romantic suspense, planning a book event, trying to keep up with the schedule I'd imposed on myself. Then, within a matter of days, what seemed to be a simple flu-like virus attacked my husband and turned rapidly into a full-scale assault. Before we could grasp what had happened, he was in intensive care, fighting for his life as one system after another failed.

Needless to say, my writing schedule didn't receive even a passing thought during those days. All my strength and energy were required to face nothing more than the next step in front of me. Thanks to skilled doctors and nurses and the powerful prayers not only of family and friends but of people we've never even met, he finally turned the corner. Two weeks in the medical center was succeeded by another two weeks in the rehab hospital. Finally, praise God, he came home, and after a few days of adjusting to the "new normal," we began to feel as if we could breathe again.

When the time came to go back to work, I approached the computer with a great deal of anxiety. The story that had once seemed so clear in my mind had vanished entirely. Things that once seemed crucial to me no longer had meaning. And I honestly didn't know if I was capable of writing again.

Strangely enough, once I actually put fingers to the keyboard, I found it all came back again. Without the involvement of my conscious mind, somehow my writer's brain had stored what I needed. The story began to flow again.

All of this is said not because my story is especially unique. I met many people during those days and nights in the intensive care waiting room who had more tragic stories and worse outcomes than mine. I'm saying it as a reminder that in a time of crisis, all of the unimportant things fall away, and we see clearly those things that are, and should be, paramount in our lives. Family. Faith. Love. We were the recipients of so many simple acts of kindness during those days--words and acts that may have meant very little to the people who gave them but meant the world to us. I hope I never forget. I hope I never put other things, no matter how worthy, before the need to serve God through loving all those He sends my way.

In Love,
Marta

9 comments:

Leann Harris said...

Marta, I am so grateful that your husband is doing well now. I understood only too well your words, your heart. The same Savior walks with us through that valley. Aren't we grateful. I'm glad your story came back.

jcp said...

I hope your husband is resting well.

Jill Weatherholt said...

Such beautiful words, Marta. I'm happy your husband is doing better and that your story came back to you.

Jackie Smith said...

Marta, I am so thankful your husband is doing better; will be praying.
Looking forward to reading your great books!

Pamela Tracy said...

So glad your husband is doing better. Very scary. I'm glad there was the happy ending we writers so love.

Jennifer said...

How scary that was! I'm so grateful that God held you both close to Him during the good and bad times! Many hugs and prayers Marta! Sincerely, Jenny

Jenna Mindel said...

Marta,
So grateful your husband is doing well. What a scare, but God is good - always. He gives us the strength we need. Best to you both.

Shirley said...

I am so glad to hear that your husband is better. There is nothing like the scare of a loved one being critically ill to bring what is really important into focus. Prayers for him and for you as he continues to heal.

pol said...

Thanks for sharing about your husband and his illness, happy he is better and home again. how true when the unexpected happens we drop all and just do what we can,not thinking about all the daily stuff still there. It is a learning experience to go through and draw us closer to our Lord as we go through our days and get so complacent.
I look forward to reading this book and it will take on more meaning as I know how you struggled through the time it was written.
Paula O(kyflo130@yahoo.com)