Gracie was lying in bed. The surgeon had just been in to remove the stitches — but clearly, it was too early.

A few minutes later, I came into the room. Gracie asked for help sitting up. She reached for my arm and started to pull herself upright.

Then, the unthinkable happened.

The wound suddenly split wide open — 10-12 inches long, four inches wide. It’s called dehiscence.

I was instantly reminded why I studied music and not medicine. But there was no time to be queasy — Gracie needed me.

I quickly summoned the nurses, who rushed in. I told them to urgently call the surgical team. Then I grabbed Gracie’s hand, helped her recline back on the bed, locked eyes with her and said:

“Don’t look down.”

As her breathing slowed, we began to sing:

In my life, Lord, be glorified…

Gracie softly changed the words:

In my leg, Lord, be glorified today.

The surgical team worked around us while she sang. They were stunned. So was I.

She wasn’t thinking about tomorrow. Just: Be glorified in this.

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Isaiah 26:3

Caregiving comes at you fast. Take a minute and read my book,

A MINUTE FOR CAREGIVERS - When Every Day Feels Like Monday!