Creating Connections, Tamara Mason

I am honored to share my faith journey with you. Borrowing words from a popular Christian song, “God  is in my story”, I would like to say God IS my story. From my first childhood recollection, through what life has thrown at me, to the challenges of managing chronic, serious diseases. My journey has been  messy, scary and unpredictable but God has been holding me through every step. 

In July 2015 I got stung by a Yellow Jacket. Little did I know that that was the moment my life changed  forever. I went from being the healthiest middle aged person, on no medications to 100%  steroid/medication dependent; medications that control basic life functions including body  temperature, glucose, pulse responsiveness, muscle movements and blood pressure. 

My medical team has described me as being “3 minutes away from my next crisis that can lead to me  death.” We have currently identified 4 competing autoimmune diseases. There are no curative  treatments. So at best, we aim at controlling symptoms. I have been asked “How do you stay positive.”  Attitude is a choice and God has given me opportunities to share my faith that I would not have had. 

After one of my ICU hospitalizations, I was sitting on our patio. God and I were having a conversation,  and I simply said,” I can’t do this anymore. I’m too tired”. A beautiful butterfly landed on my knee. I just  sat there and stared at this creature fluttering while a calm washed over me. I went inside and looked up  the Service Dog of VA website. God prepares your path long before you know you are going to need it.  Very much like God planted Zacchaeus’ tree years before he needed it to see Jesus. So my Irene was  born 3 months before I was stung by the yellow jacket and her two years of training was completed 2  days before I made the call. Her phenomenal problem solving skills are beyond what she should be able  to do. She has given me the opportunity to continue the work in the Emergency Department. I have 6  precious grandchildren. Irene will give me a chance to help raise these sweet little people, to hold them,  pray over them, attend their sports events, be their confidante and be a picture in their baby books. Irene is my lifesaver. She is loved dearly, and gratefully as a precious gift from God and full-fledged  member of our family.. 

I have often been asked how the last few years have changed me. I think Mark Twain said it best: "The  two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why." I’m  learning that the “why” is not a destination but rather a series of everyday opportunities. God has  provided me with an amazing “village” that utilizes different talents; some spiritual, some medical, some  with laughter, some with steadfast friendship. Perhaps part of my journey has been to allow others to  use their gifts and for me to receive them. I have met people and organizations that work tirelessly to  give people with disabilities a chance of wholeness and independence. My circumstances have taught  my doctors that there are limits to medicine and to embrace alternatives. My Faith in God has been  strengthened as He constantly opens doors. I look forward to seeing what He has in store for me next.