Healing

On Friday I went for my first set of Botox injections -- 31 of them. I confess I cried through it all ... but, but, but ... the results: aside from the stinging sensation, within 2 hours the migraine I already had began to subside. I took some ibuprofen to help it along. Over the weekend, we went for Boeing family day. The factory is shut down for this event and we get to see how the planes are built. It never ceases to amaze me how intricate the process is. If you are ever in Seattle, check out the Museum of Flight. I had a headache but again, with help from some Tylenol I was able to walk and tolerate the noise of thousands of people milling about in the factory and the bands outdoors. And I keep getting better. Sunday night, we went out to eat with some friends and I could have a conversation, even a spirited discussion about religion and politics, something I couldn't do before with a headache. Today, we're having torrential rain but I haven't had to take anything. Pain is at a tolerable level. The Botox is working to kill the pain pathways.

Pain is an indicator of something being wrong. I know my brain is not wired properly. So the Botox isn't curing the underlying issue. But not to be in constant pain is such a relief, I cannot stop thanking God.

I've been praying for healing for a long time. And I've tried many, many medicines, all of which helped for a little while but then stopped working. In fact, I've received better results from the Sacrament of Healing. Five years ago, my neurologist had recommended me for Botox but the insurance denied it. They wouldn't budge. It is expensive. I've done my share of protein purification to realize why. Just thinking about growing enough Clostridia and not accidentally getting poisoned yourself during the production of botulin toxin in large quantities and purifying it for injecting in humans can give one a headache. Now this treatment is FDA approved for chronic migraine. I wish I could've had this healing five years ago, but who can understand the ways of God? Not I. But I trust Him and His timing in all things. And I thank Him. Harry's on the highway to hell and I couldn't be happier.

I can only think of the book of Job. How much he suffered, but stayed true to God. If you are suffering, do not give up hope. Be persistent in prayer. Recruit prayer warriors. I thank all you who've been praying for me steadfastly. When I was weak, you were strong and didn't give up. God bless you.

And now that my health is better, I must establish better habits to build up the Kingdom of God. I need to take better care of my family, be a better friend, and write better books. Ad majoram Dei gloriam. 

Today we also celebrate our anniversary of the Enthronement of the Sacred Heart. I love that it falls on the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica -- the first church publicly consecrated after the Christian persecution. It's the Pope's church! Most people think it's St. Peter's but that's not true. So, lots and lots to celebrate and to give thanks for.