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On Sunday I went to church service, even though it was only the third day after being discharged from the hospital.

Throughout the hospital stay I felt a high level of energy and strength, and continue feeling the same way. On Saturday (second day), for example, I took a small walk twice around the house, and then went out driving to see the fall colors with Mark. When Sunday morning came around and I felt like able to sit in the pew for an hour and a half, it was a very natural decision to leave the house with Mark.

Our minister, who spotted me from the podium, welcomed me at the beginning of the sermon. Because my pain medicine (Oxicodone) is narcotic-based, it is sometime very difficult to concentrate on thinking or listening. I was glad that I could listen to her sermon fairly attentively.

After the service, Mark and I had a talk with the minister, whose husband went through successful stem cell transplantation to treat his multiple myeloma this summer. During that conversation, she used the word “miracle” to describe my quick recovery.

Hearing that word, I could finally pinpoint what I have been feeling. I have been feeling that I was protected and cared by something supernatural, something beyond human throughout the surgery procedure; God, angel, power of prayer, it can be called by many different names.

Yes, it is miracle that everything went so well. Yes, it is miracle that I am feeling so strong and positive. But it is most important to realize that this is a wonderful blessing and miracle, and a gift. I am sure that I will be more humble toward the mystery of life from now on.

The most amazing and revealing thing, however, that our minister said, is that my being there at the church was inspiration and hope to many people. You never realize how much effect “you”, “your action,” and “your existence” have on others.

I am glad that I had the energy to go to church yesterday morning.