Cathy McCormick is my sister, not by blood, but by choice. She is one of those special people that everybody loves as soon as they meet her. But you will have to get your own best friend, because she is mine.

Several weeks ago, she had a stress test to diagnose shortness of breath and chest pains. We prayed she would not have to have surgery.  A cath was done and the cardiologist at the hospital told her they would treat her with meds and diet, and that he would see her again in 3 months.

Her pain persisted. She did not give up. Her primary care doctor sent her for a second opinion. Cardiologist #2 found blockages and recommended surgery but was unsure if she was a candidate. How quickly things changed. Just the week before we were praying that she would not have surgery. Next, we were desperately praying she could have surgery, because she really needed it.  Sometimes we do not know what is best for us, but God always knows. We plan, and God laughs. What a comfort to know He has had this all along, and He is the God of second chances.

God guided her cardiologist #2 to a surgeon with the expertise and wisdom to find a way to do the surgery. She was admitted into ICU last Wednesday, and she quickly began telling all the healthcare professionals that she was getting heart surgery for Christmas. They said they had never heard anyone say it quite like that before. I flew down last Thursday to Florida to be with her as she received this precious gift.

Fast forward to Monday of this week. They came to get her at 6:30 a.m. to take her into surgery. Rarely have they had a more eager patient. Cathy was ready for her second chance from God, and this new lease on life that would come with this surgery.  She was still giggling as they rolled her away. Now that is that peace that passes all understanding that people talk about. God provided that for Cathy.

Around 11:00 a.m., they came to tell us that she was on pump. That means they stopped her heart, and left it stopped for about two and a half hours while they attached 4 new veins to her heart. I cannot really describe the feeling I felt while she had no heartbeat and the machines were breathing for her and pumping her blood. Time stood still for me.

Just the day before we read a devotion about how God is our Creator and our very life’s blood is oxygenated grace. Now He was showing us that He could stop her heart, give a woman surgeon wisdom, expertise and steady hands to build bridges across her blocked arteries, then start her heart back.

Yesterday, she had no heartbeat for hours. This Tuesday morning she is sitting up in her chair taking on this new phase of her life with gusto. They say she is exceeding expectations in every way. That is all God! Praise Him that His mercies are new every morning! He has a plan. He has much left for her to do.

Last night I saw her, and we talked about God’s faithfulness. She said she wanted everyone to know that they do not have to struggle in search of peace. God makes it readily available to us. We just have to rest in it. Rest in Him.

Cathy is not the only one who got this surgery for Christmas. My present this year was this front row seat to watch my Big, Big God work a miracle in the body of my sweet friend. He gave her back to me with a better heart Monday afternoon than she had Monday morning. Praise God for His oxygenated grace!

Dear Lord: You are our Creator. Thank You for the miracle of life, for your peace that passes all understanding, and for loving us so much more than we can ever imagine. You are the God of second chances, and for that we are truly thankful. Please be with my friend, Cathy. Make her stronger and better every day. Please be with all of those struggling with health issues during this season. We pray for Your blessings on each one. Amen

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23

She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. Proverbs 31:25

What Christmas miracle do you need this year? He is more than able. Please share your experiences, thoughts, comments, and prayer requests so that we may lift them up for you. Please pray for my Cathy too. Thanks!

Thank you for reading and sharing my blogpost. May God bless you and your family with the best Christmas this year!