I always wondered

why Lewis Grizzard wrote about his heart problems and his surgeries. Now,

I suspect he felt like he owed it to us. Like we were part of his world.

We were the folks with whom he laid it all out. Whether we agreed with

him or not, he made us think. He made us feel. He never stopped being

himself for us.

I suppose that

is probably the main reason why I want to tell you what's going on in

my life at this present time. I just got off the phone with one of my

editors. I had called to tell him I would be sending in several advance

columns, prior to Monday's deadline, for publication over the next few

weeks as I recuperate from surgery slated for Aug. 5.

We talked for

a few minutes about the surgery and his good wishes were warm and genuine.

He made me feel cared about. That's a good thing, you know, to feel cared

about. A therapeutic thing. I was glad I had called him.

Before we hung

up, I asked if he thought it would be appropriate for me to ask my readers

to pray for me. "Go for it," he said.

I like that

phrase. "Go for it" is exactly what both my teenage sons said

in 1986 when I announced I was leaving the field of nursing to pursue

my writing. It's a good line. Might be as good as "Just do it."

Well, that's

what it has come down to as far as this surgery goes. For years I have

fought to hold on to my colon. I have lost the fight. It has to go. I'm

ready to go for it, and just do it!

Now, the actual

surgical removal of the colon is no big deal to me. I like my doctor and

trust her. I am very comfortable in her care. Pain is no big deal either.

Pain is pain. You deal with it. I can do that.

So why do I

want your prayers?

You see, I

have Lupus, asthma and lots of allergies. I have had a number of surgeries

over the years and I really do very well in the immediate hours after

surgery. Then, in the coming days and weeks, my body gets angry. An already

very overactive immune system goes into overdrive and the body starts

to have systemic reactions to what has been done to it.

And that's

where you come in. Will you pray that my body will accept this procedure

and be happy from the get-go about the future improvement in my health?

I say "my body," because my body is not me. I've known all my

life that my body is only what I live in while I'm here on this planet.

You and I are so much more than our bodies. I hope you know that!

So, about praying

whatever you perceive prayer to be, go for it. I know for a fact that

it works. I knew it long before all the so-called scientific study results

in the past decade came out in support of the power of prayer. (The things

on which we spend research dollars continues to blow my mind!)

With all its

contradictions, all its challenges, all its intermingling of so many peoples,

so many points of view, so many beliefs and faiths, life is wonderful!

I have been quite happy in recent years to live my life quietly, remaining

at home far more than I ever did in the past. My health has dictated that

I do that. Now, however, I feel a restlessness, a desire to be out and

about again, mixing more with people, hugging folks again. Lord, I miss

the hugging! So I'm going for it!

I just recorded

my first CD (no, not singing, just reading to a soft musical background)

because I realized I had a talent I have not used well over the years.

I have been told repeatedly that I have a soothing voice, and often have

been asked to make such a recording, so I recently went for that, too.

With my nursing

background and being a real people person even with all my declarations

of how much I love my solitude I suppose I am qualified to write for and

read to folks who are hurting, scared, struggling. I've been there a hundred

times and, amazingly, I always come out on top with more joy and peace

than before.

So, when I

have recuperated from this surgery, I'd like to see you again and thank

you for your prayers. Perhaps I will be able once more to come to your

churches, clubs or small group meetings and read to you and share with

you, from my heart, and I'd like to hear your heart thoughts again as

well. Thank you in advance for the prayers and good wishes I already feel

coming my way!

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