In a moment, I changed from apologizing for coming to shocked at what I faced. Everything started on Tuesday. I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off in my eye. The one I had surgery on. Wednesday morning, I called the doctors office. I struggled to describe the situation because it wasn't that bad.... Continue Reading →
The frustrations of eye surgery recovery
Surgery recovery frustrates me Friends of mine tell me I should check for a Bear if I ever see them running. Generally, if you see me running into Kroger or out of my house I'm just going the speed I enjoy. I like running. Now, I walk about as fast as a slow 80-year-old. My... Continue Reading →
A one-eyed perspective on Palm Sunday
We broke the rules this year. But hey, why work at an independent church if don't switch things up? I know some will see this as a significant eye-roller but celebrating Palm Sunday a week early is living on the wild side for me. Having arrested your attention, let's talk about Palm Sunday. In short,... Continue Reading →
What Recovery from Vitreoretinal Surgery Looks Like
I woke up Wednesday, looked the mirror, and immediately called the doctor. My operative eye looked like something went wrong! Day 2 of recovery had begun. Coming home from surgery Undergoing surgery with local anesthesia meant I felt great on Monday. I enjoyed the combined effect of significant painkillers and a super-powered version of Valium.... Continue Reading →
Yes, we lost insurance again due to bureaucracy
April 1, 2019, I underwent emergency eye surgery without insurance. This is not an April fools joke. This is government bureaucracy. (Read about the first time we lost insurance due to bureaucracy.) Let me explain Due to the confluence of many health problems and the pay limitations of my (honestly generous) little church our family... Continue Reading →
Retinal Reattachment Surgery
Staggering into the bathroom this morning, I discovered my vision worsened through the night. A cloud of black now eclipsed 80% of my left eye. I clung to trust in God and the hope of surgery later today. A wrench thrown in the works Everything changed at 10 AM with a phone call. The original... Continue Reading →
Introducing the slightly freaky world of retinal detachment
Midday Friday I experienced blurring and flashing in my left eye. Not really thinking much of it, I dismissed it until dinner. Briefly mentioning the issue to my wife set off a flurry of Google searches. The doctor visits begin Thanks to the consultations of Dr. Google with my wife, we first attempted to contact... Continue Reading →
A letter to my church
I write you all looking down at the clouds from 30,000 feet and 500 miles an hour. Mountains of clouds hide the ground below. Dark blue above scares me with how little separates us from outer space. The girls chatter in the row ahead, and Ashley periodically reminds me how much I owe her for... Continue Reading →
Three reasons you should consider going minimalist
Two years ago I left behind an old friend. The standby of my college years and partner with me on adventures from rockclimbing to hiking bit the dust. You see for nearly 7 years I lived, adventured and traveled in Chaco sandals. With 2 pounds of arch-supporting rubber I loved my inch of sandals guarding... Continue Reading →
A slightly shocking encounter with Jesus
Serving a cash stretched church I indulge in a fantasy. One Sunday, in the middle of the sermon, a super rich and young man will enter the back door of the church. Interrupting the service he will ask "Pastor what must I do to be saved?"Knowing my scripture I will reply just what the Paul... Continue Reading →