Baby, I'm Back!
Tuesday, June 5, 2012 at 09:26AM 
In the words of the immortal Frank Constanza, "I worked out with a dumbbell yesterday and I feel vigorous!"
Well, I'm not quite up to working out with a dumbbell yet, but I am at home, getting some rest. I do feel much better than I did on Sunday, when I first arrived home. I still have a ways to go.
The docs told me I am making a "remarkable recovery," but I am anemic (from the cause of this malady, a serious GI bleed, followed by surgery). And for the first time in my adult life, I am indeed going to take it easy for a week or two.
The great news is the original problem (a polyp-turned tumor) is long gone, the surgery went very well, and the prognosis is very good. Whatever was growing in there is there no longer. I am very, very, thankful.
It was an odd week. I took ill Sunday, right after preaching. I was bleeding badly, placed on a liquid diet, and grew weaker by the day. I had two rounds with Go-Litely--anyone ever had to drink this gallon of badly misnamed sheer misery? Then surgery on Thursday morning, before coming home.
Nevertheless, it was a great week for the Riddlebargers. We experienced God's mercy in very tangible ways. We enjoyed some great family times, and talked about important things that families need to talk about. I watched my sons deal with serious issues like solid Christian men. And we were able to share the gospel with some of the health care people.
While I wouldn't wish this particular malady on anyone, it was wonderful to witness first-hand all things working together for good! It was something to preach through Psalm 23, only to walk through the valley a short time later. I am learning to fear no evil, for the good shepherd was with me every step of the way.
Thank you all so much for your prayers and well-wishes. Greatly appreciated!
