2025 – A Summer and Fall of Surprises – God has a Plan and Purpose for Our Lives – Part II

Saturday night, I was at the ER at Doctors Hospital in Augusta. I had an upper endoscopy procedure on Friday to improve my swallow by stretching my esophagus, and afterwards, it was most difficult to consume anything other than a protein shake. Saturday evening, I was hungry and ate some scrambled eggs and grits. Unfortunately, the food got stuck in my upper esophagus, and I proceeded to make every effort to expel the stuck foods. It became painful, and I called the on-call GI doctor, who was worried that I may have perforated my esophagus, and directed me to come to the ER quickly so a CT could be done.

The CT showed no damage to the esophagus, and I was back home after midnight, afraid to eat any more solid foods, including my meds, until I am comfortable, they won’t get stuck. Meanwhile, the GI physician did biopsies during Friday’s endoscopy procedure, and I should get the results early next week.

In the midst of all of this, I was at peace, trusting in God to see me through these challenges, with an outcome still in doubt. I am not yet afraid of where this is taking me and not giving up either. God has become more of a companion to me, and as a faithful friend, I know He has my best interests ay heart. Any undue suffering I have and will experience is being offered up for the remission of my sins and will hopefully achieve a bit of purification in this life in preparation for the next in heaven.

I have been faithful to what God has asked of me, first to care for my large family, particularly my wife, and help others He puts in my path along the way as well. When you have been true to your calling in life, that gives some comfort as life challenges come your way. 

With my voice has become strained, I have become quieter to be more present in the moment.  This week, we’ll hear the results of the biopsies and do an endoscopic ultrasound to examine more closely what’s going in my upper GI area.  More to come of course!  Please keep me in prayer.

Have a Blessed Week!

Joe