March 8^th

Shingles is a scary word for some people.  I know what it can do to you.  In March 2003, I developed shingles on my scalp and left side of my face.  The pain was horrible.  Shingles follow the nerve endings in your body and it seems to go on forever, having pain months and even years after you are diagnosed.

In my case, the nerves that go to the cornea in my left eye were destroyed and cannot be repaired.  I was sent to the Eye Foundation in Birmingham for a cornea transplant.  After four months and putting sixteen drops in my eye every day, I was told that a transplant could not be done, since it was the nerves that go to the cornea that were destroyed.

During the last fifteen years, I have been legally blind in the left eye, twice and was told not to let my driver’s license expire.

I had cataract surgery and Toric Implants put in both eyes, with some improvement.  At the end of the day sometimes my eyes will droop a little and I can’t see to read much anymore, especially late in the day.

During the most painful moments and years, it’s not always easy to trust and praise the Lord.  But during the hard times when I could hardly see, I finally realized that God’s presence was with me all along.  Even when I doubted Him, He was always there. I am so thankful today that I can see well enough to read.  I am thankful that the Lord was with me all the way, no matter what I was going through.  He will be with you too, but sometimes you might not be able to see it…..just like me.

{Just a note from Rene’- This Lent Devo was one of the hand written ones and as I was tying it I was in awe of the story while looking at perfectly written, words beautiful centered between the lines on college ruled paper, even letters and very nice hand writing!! God is Good allllllllllllll the time!!!!}

Linda McIntyre Keeton