This project has been brewing since my husband’s spinal surgery in May of 2015. The massive undertaking of the surgeon resulted in a 12-hour surgery and several days in intensive care/intermediate care. He was in pain and miserable for days. On Wednesday after a Saturday surgery, he reached a moment of lucidity, noting the information board that the nurses periodically updated in the room. “Room 271,” he said. “Psalm 27:1 – The Lord is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear?” He emerged from the fog of post-operative disorientation to take hold of the truth of the word, that God was and would be in control, that he did not need to be afraid. From that point forward, I realized that I would be writing about our journey at some point.

 

On March 9, 2018, Scott Wichael stepped out of his earthly dwelling into the arms of the Lord who had been his comfort throughout this experience. It was his story to tell, but now it is mine. Writing is one of my coping skills, and humor is another. Maybe I can lighten the load of another, maybe I can just share the process to help those who knew my husband or those who face the uncertainty of declining health and missing answers. Even when the answers weren’t there, Scott could look up and trust. Room 271 was a springboard in that journey, and now it is my springboard as well.

 

-Anne-Marie