What I've learned so far in my tongue biopsy experience yesterday

1. 

   Me yesterday at Sparrow Hospital's pre-op.

My doctor told my wife Gladys yesterday after the biopsy procedure on the back of my tongue that on first glance there appeared to be no malignancy.  But, of course, we are awaiting for the official pathology report on the tissue she obtained.  

So what was it like for me, a 72-year-old guy to experience this?  After waking up from a full-night's sleep, several things hit me face to face, so to speak.  The list would have to include:

1. My acknowledgment of the importance of prayer.  Lots of people were praying for me and I know they continue to do so.  I have to ask the question if God heard all those prayers and changed the nature of the growth on the back of my tongue.  I realize that God is not like a roulette wheel where the prayers of people make it land on a better spot.  But, I know that God hears those prayers and responds to them.
2. The importance of family surrounding me as I was fraught with fear about having a malignancy on my tongue which I use for everything.  My wife, my son and daughter and my daughter-in-law with their two kids were there.  I know that my son-in-law would have been there too if it wasn't for having his kids in school and having to teach a class.  I got strength from knowing that my family was there showing love that really touched my heart in a major way.
3. Having trust in my doctor, a newly-minted ear, nose and throat specialist, who has a background in treating diseases of the tongue.  Online, I looked at her academic and practice background.  I was seriously impressed and so was my wife.  I trusted her completely.
4. Picking the right hospital:  Sparrow Hospital in Lansing was amazing.  I felt cared for as an individual.  This allowed me to have confidence in them and what they said.  Both my kids were born there and my elderly mother died there.  

As I recover from this in the next couple of days, I have lots to be thankful for.  I know that it's not over with yet.  I still have a carotid artery that's blocked 100 percent and a case of glaucoma that's been going up and down.

But, I feel today a new perseverance from God that will carry me through whatever lies ahead.  Have you listened to Matt Redmond's worship song 10,000 Reasons?  I feel that I've been given more than twice that amount of blessings to praise him for.  Seriously.  And, I've gotten some help from Him to not forget that.

More to come.