Once a person realizes that surgery is needed, the wheels start turning in preparation for the Gurney Journey.  Different images, feelings, and expectations come to mind….mystery, adventure, captivity, surrender, vulnerability, fear, anxiety, curiosity, hope, and more.  My own preparation in facing the unknown always includes a bit of “rabbit trails”.  I imagine a few different scenarios of what could happen and then travel down each road awhile to prepare myself.  I find a way to deal with whatever might occur.  This works well when one’s ultimate trust remains in God.  One of my favorite sculptures is called “Compassion’s Touch” by Eugene Kamrath Mygdal.

God is present, bringing a touch of healing.  Recently I was at Methodist Hospital and again encountered this sculpture.  After passing by, I stopped and quickly retraced my steps.  This time I chose to place my own hand within the clasp. I wanted to be a part of it more intimately…

Comfort came in the realization that I was always the recipient of the touch.  Yet in every circumstance, I could also be the giver of compassion’s touch.  With that attitude and affirmation, I was now truly ready for the Gurney Journey.

TRAVEL LIGHT…You will not need much baggage for the Gurney Journey. You will be given all you need.  The gown placed upon you is an interesting surprise.  It is a fairly new contraption called “Bair Paws”.  It typically opens in the back but has a vacuum cleaner type hose attached.  This serves as your own personal heating/cooling system.  You may dial the temperature you desire at any given moment.  Be prepared then as the sudden gust of air enters the gown and blows it up like the vacuum bag.  Picture Pillsbury Dough Boy.  

THE TEAM…Persons will now begin to pop in and out of your room.  Each one has a specific task related to your Gurney Journey.  They come and go, but when the wheels finally begin to turn on your gurney and you exit the room, you realize they are all waiting for you just outside your door, ready to go with you.  They are each wearing the same shower cap you are wearing.  They are your team!  Immediately they all jumped on board surrounding my gurney, and I remember raising my arm high in the air and shouting, “I have the best team!”  Their reply as we turned the corner, leaving Bill in the dust, was this, “We’ll take good care of her!”

Now you are off to the party.  There is no worry about passing out.  By now you have probably already done that.  Yes, total surrender.  You will definitely be the only one at the party who sleeps through the whole thing.

RECOVERY..If you have previously been the cook at your house, someone else will need to do this for awhile.  If they are not experienced, here are a few tips:

–  It takes a long time for the smell of burned brussel sprouts to leave the house. Even the best scented candle will not work.

– Be grateful no matter what.  Whoever is cooking is in control.  

– Gas X comes in Extra Strength.

– A notable quote last night from Chef Bill…with a new skip in his step he set the tray before me.  Turning away, he glanced back over his shoulder and with a twinkle in his eye, he proclaimed, “I’ve discovered that if you wait a little longer to serve the meal, it will taste even better!”

HOME AGAIN… On my first morning back home from the Gurney Journey, I awakened to this view out my window…

Ah…so beautiful !!  God has spoken!  Life is a GIFT and I have more to give.  I have been given a new lease on life!  Thanks God!

nk