My brother was recently in an accident at work. He was burned over 40% of his body (arms, back, bum) with 200 degree water/steam.
"I'm just thankful it was water and not one of the chemicals"
He has suffered severe shock, pain, temperature irregularities, scrapings (scraping dead skin off the burns), surgeries, etc.
"I passed out on the nurse from the pain"
He's been in a great burn center for 2.5 weeks now. The first two weeks, unable to communicate or comprehend much due to the levels of pain medications.
"These pain medications make me hallucinate, I see myself walking on the walls."
Not able to do anything for himself. NOTHING. Stuck in a special bed for burn patients, flat out for several days at a time.
"All my dignity is lost"
Out in front of him stretches weeks......not days, but weeks of hospital living while his body continues to heal and the grafting process continues.
"I am choosing to take less pain medication now so that it is as effective as it can be after the next grafting surgeries"
Tonight I asked him how he was feeling.
"It's a positive thing."
Being unsure of what he meant, I asked "what are you speaking of?"
"The accident. It's a positive thing."
"In what way do you mean?" I asked.
"I would've never known the bond and connection in the family of God if I had continued the way I was in my own little world/life. I value God's family more than I ever have."
Am I truly willing for ANY experience that helps me learn and grasp the value and depth of the greatness of God? Even if it means excruciating pain and suffering?
I hope so.
It's what life is about.
