Throw a stick in it!

Exodus 15: 22 Then Moses led Israel from the Red Sea and they went into the Desert of Shur. For three days they traveled in the desert without finding water. 23 When they came to Marah, they could not drink its water because it was bitter. 24 So the people grumbled against Moses, saying, “What are we to drink?”

25 Then Moses cried out to the Lord, and the Lord showed him a piece of wood. He threw it into the water, and the water became sweet.

Our current bible study is focusing on the Israelites journey out of Egypt and our own wilderness seasons. (Gee, what amazing timing and how very appropriate.) I’ve really been consumed with thought on this story of the water of Marah over the last week. Just throw a stick in it, problem solved. I’ve been asking the Lord this last week to throw a stick in this chemo. Make it easier, more bearable, please! Just throw a stick in it, please!

As I’ve been pleading with the Lord for a stick, I’ve been grumbling. My angst was rising in anticipation of Matilda’s return. Stupid bag. The pump robs us of sleep. It restricts his movement, his comfort. We hate the bag. This morning on the drive to treatment day 1 my mind quiets enough to hear the whisper. Matilda’s the stick. UGH! WHAT? The bag’s the stick. The pump is not carrying chemo this regimen, it’s the hydration that keeps it moving, protecting the organs. Making it bearable. Sigh.

Sitting at the stoplight at Emporia and Murdock, just ahead is the cancer treatment center to the west, the hospital to the east. Matilda lets him be home at night. Alright, alright. Matilda’s the stick.

So I’ve stopped grumbling (for now, I’m sure). And I’m even a little happy. Turns out the old Matildas have been retired. We get a brand new pump! A brand new bag! And the unlock code is still 57!