Reunited

Driving past the airport conjured up a memory of a conversation I had two weeks ago with Nana.  It was the day before we were going to take out her catheter.  She had been through this multiple times in the past few months, each time another disappointment.  I told her, "we are going to take out your catheter tomorrow,"  I'll never forget her response..."If I go home dry, then I'll take you home with me, but if I am wet then I'm coming home with you."  Nana has been here since November; she has seen 4 different surgeons, and had 3 different operations by 3 different surgeons to try and close the hole that causes her to leak urine. Before coming to us she has tried 2 other times to close the hole, to no avail.  Her last surgery was in January, and to the glory of God she is dry! 

What were you doing on Valentine's day? Was it filled with romance, roses, and chocolate (all very good things, mind you!)?  I didn't get to enjoy those things this year, instead my day was filled with inexpressible joy from a lady that has captured more of my heart than I knew existed. I got to make true on my promise to go home with Nana if she went home dry.  Myself, and a few others drove her to her village to reunite with her husband, whom she hasn't seen in over 3 months.  Nana is one of the fortunate ones whose husband has stuck by her side while she tries to get healing from this terrible condition.

The whole car ride there was filled with excitement, giggles as she looked out the window at the passing scene, and a little sadness at the thought of leaving us. She sang us songs about how well she has eaten over the months, the quality of our towels (yes the kind you bathe with), and how the white people love her! I am going to miss those songs that I can hear all the way from my room a deck above.

As we drove up the road to her village, family and friends came running up to the Land Rover, excited to see Nana home again.  The best part was seeing the look on Nana and her husband's face when they saw each other for the first time in months, and the tender embraces that ensued.

This Valentine's day far surpassed all the Valentine's that I've had in this life. I can't imagine being able to top it.