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What We Read During Three Weeks in the Hospital
By Kendra | February 10, 2010
In the midst of trial, there was blessing. I spent many hours helping our daughter weather the needs she had: bathroom trips while attached to cords and drains, pain from abdominal surgery and two drain procedures, nausea and vomiting several times a day (I could relate to that- ’twas a lot like morning sickness), exhaustion because being in the hospital oddly prevents one from sleeping, and manic highs and lows as the morphine was bolused then diminished.
But there was also quiet. Time to think. Time to read. Time to look at my fifth child and study her.
Friends came and read to her and had their own special books: Caddie Woodlawn, Little Men, the American Girl series, The Secret Garden, Mrs. Piggle Wiggle. I remembered that she hadn’t been old enough to listen in when we first read Emily’s Runaway Imagination, and it seemed the perfect light-hearted little distraction. Then a friend suggested Louisa May Alcott’s Jack and Jill, and I just couldn’t get over what a perfect fit this book was for our hospital stay. Its main characters both end up invalids after a nasty sledding accident, and what they learn in the process makes for priceless literature. The kind you want your child to read and ingest.
I read a book that breathed beautiful life into my own spiritual journey. Lauren Winner’s Girl Meets God is a breath of fresh air. Like gulping in oxygen in huge doses after a long run. Like an ice cold glass of water.
I began Gary Thomas’ Pure Pleasure: Why Do Christians Feel So Bad About Feeling Good?, and just like every other book Mr. Thomas has written, this one has been a blessing on every page. I should have known I’d like this book, too; in chapter one he writes about drinking a venti chai tea latte. The man speaks my language 
Yet a third book impacted me while we were waiting for recovery. It’s Julie Ferwerda’s newest book, One Million Arrows, and I’ll be reviewing it for you soon.
Topics: Resources, Sweet Caroline's Story | 8 Comments »
February 10th, 2010 at 4:55 am
Wow! What terrific pieces of literature! I am sure that your sweet daughter was blessed by the fact that her mama and friends were spending time enjoying wonderful books with her. Blessings!
February 10th, 2010 at 8:20 am
I am so happy for you all in the Lord’s healing of your daughter’s body. Thank you also for sharing what the Lord is teaching you through it…it helps me. And thank you for sharing the titles of all these books! What a help! It’s wonderful to learn of good books from people I’ve grown to trust. Thank you. The Lord bless you!
February 10th, 2010 at 11:52 am
love “girl meets god”. i also feel that way when i read “stepping heavenward”.
February 10th, 2010 at 11:52 am
Wonderful suggestions! I’ll add them to my list!! Hope all are recovering well — including mom and dad! *hugs*
February 10th, 2010 at 9:29 pm
Loving, Loving, Loving, Girl Meets God!!! Thanks
February 10th, 2010 at 9:59 pm
Yay, Caroline! Let’s chat about it
February 11th, 2010 at 10:05 am
Reminds me of that verse, “he makes me lie down by quiet waters.” I’ve heard it said that sometimes we just need to be made to rest. I’m hoping you are back to your normal routine soon (if not already!)
February 24th, 2010 at 5:10 am
Love, love, love Little Men and Jack and Jill. One Million Arrows looks very interesting, I’ll look forward to your review.