Part XXXV:  

 The Prognosis

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 On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me!  Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’”  ~John 7:37-38

     "You're dehydrated and suffering from some malnutrition. A few days of plenty of liquids and a wholesome diet is all you need to get back on track."

     "Thank God," Bill breathed looking to the ceiling.  Anna was also clearly relieved.

     "I do want to stress that if your condition had been prolonged any longer, your organs could have suffered.  It is best to nip these things on the onset.  The longer it drags on the more ground it gains,"  Angela gently but firmly stressed.

     Bill nodded and Angela continued, "I'd like to keep Anna overnight.  We'll start her on an IV to help with the dehydration.  We'll also start her on a balanced diet catered to her case, but you'll have to continue with it when she's released."

     "We will," Bill reassured her.

     "Thank you," Anna whispered wholeheartedly.

     "You're welcome.  I expect all to go well and don't see any reason why you couldn't be released tomorrow, sometime later in the day so that we have time to go over everything with you."

     "Can I stay with her overnight?"  Bill asked.

     "Sure, having family around can help with recovery.  We weclome it when we feel it will be beneficial.  I'll have Rick bring in a cot for you.  On another note, Alex is waiting for an update on Anna's condition," Angela informed, then turning to Anna added, "We are not in the practice of sharing without our patients' consent." 

     Anna and Bill had no problems consenting.  They knew Alex was one who respected the privacy of others and a man of discretion and integrity.  Bill then offered to inform Alex for he wanted to thank him for all he had done for them. 

     "Ok, I'll have Barbara start the IV right away and shortly thereafter bring you something to eat.  We'll start with something light, soup with crackers and some jello for desert.  Afterwards I want you to get some rest."

     "I'll be sure she does." Bill stated emphatically.

     Angela smiled at his response.  "You are blessed to have a husband that cares so much for you," she to Anna with approval.

     "I know," Anna agreed, then added, "And I don't take it for granted."

     After Angela had left the room Bill leaned over his wife and kissed her on the cheek.  "Anna, I'm so sorry.  I haven't been listening to you, or God for that matter.  I've just run straight ahead with my knowledge.  I never meant for things to come to this...I always had your best interest at heart."

     "I know," Anna whispered as she ran a reassuring hand through his hair.  "I never doubted your sincerity and love."

     "I'm suppose to care for you and look out for you.  I failed at both," Bill grieved deeply feeling quite ashamed of himself.

     "Bill, I've never known another human being to love me as much as you do.  We are going to make mistakes and we have to learn that is ok," Anna said feeling much conviction about this.  "God is bigger than our mistakes and can fix what is broken.  Those days in bed I felt as if the Lord was telling me that we had the wrong idea of faith, but I wasn't able to fully open up to it until Alex confirmed that.  Our faith has to be in God, not on a particular way He would operate.  He always works through Jesus who uses different methods."

     "Yes," Bill agreed.  "Anna, from now on we are going to seek God first to see what is going on and his will on it.  I also intend to be a better listener, especially to you."

     Anna nodded in acknowledgement and Bill continued,   "I'm going to talk to Alex now and see about getting some things for us but I will be back before you know it.  Will you be ok?"    

     Anna nodded once again.  "I'm fine, and please thank Alex for me." 

     He agreed then headed to the lobby.  At seeing Bill approach Alex rose from his seat and asked, "How's Anna?"

     "She's dehydrated and suffering from some malnutrition but Angela said she will be fine and expects to release her tomorrow."

     Alex was clearly pleased.  "That's great news."  He then inquired, "How are you holding up?"

     "Much better Alex.  God lifted the heavy burden when He spoke to me, although afterward I was feeling like a fool until Anna showed me more understanding than I deserve."

     Alex wasn't surprised to hear it.  "You have a wonderful wife that is committed to you Bill.  She puts alot of weight on your words and opinion.  You have to keep that in mind when you share with her, and also encourage her input that may not coincide with yours.  It doesn't have to lead to strife and disunity.  God will reveal the truth to you both as you come to Him and each share your portion with pure and  sincere hearts...but enough about that.  Now we give thanks to the Lord."

     "Yes." Bill agreed, "And we wanted to thank you again Alex.  Honestly, you've been a really good and patient friend to us."

     "As you both have been to me," Alex quickly interjected.

     "Yes, but I can be a brute," Bill grieved and confessed seeing once again the error of his ways."

     "Bill, it is easy to love when things are going smoothly between people, yet the depth of our love is evident in trying times.  Doesn't mean we have to put up brutality, but if that is God's will he will give us the grace to see us through as we put our trust and reliance on Him."

     Bill nodded and thanked Alex for the times he had done just that.  He then asked, "Can I ask you for one more favor?"

     "Sure, what is it?"

     "I plan on staying with Anna overnight but I need to go home to pick up a few things, including my car."

     "Say no more, I'm ready whenever you are."

     "Let me just let them know."  Bill then proceeded to the receptionist.

Part XXXVI:  A New Start