Bess's Story
Miracles? I have survived falling 8 meters off a pier in southern Western Australia in the middle of winter, a dual aneurism operation and life with two older brothers. I say survived life with two older brothers as I was often the guinea pig in their many engineering experiments. For example, there was the time I was tied loosely in a rope attached to a pulley and rather jerkily hauled some five metres into the canopy of a large peppercorn tree. Fortunately my mother, catching a glimpse of something colourful out of the corner of her eye being elevated rather quickly, sprinted to my rescue. Let’s say I safely escaped any further attempts at that escapade. However, if someone mentions the word ‘miracle’, it is not these types of incidents that come to mind.
Managing severe cramping with periods was a common experience for me. I remember one night my dad finding me curled up on the kitchen floor crying, in pain. I had taken a Panadol and was waiting for it to take effect. Dad made me a herbal tea, held me, prayed for me and massaged my feet. When your father is a naturopath he has lots of suggestions and reminders about how I might be able to avoid this horrific encounter in the future. I knew rest and a healthy diet were important antidotes for this pain. Sometimes I was very disciplined in those areas…..and sometimes I wasn’t.
Fast-forward a few years. I am happily married and getting on with life. Riding the crampy waves of my monthlies is something my husband and I now share together. His tenderness matches that of my dear dad. Waking up at 2am can be really annoying unless you are going to an awards ceremony or heading off on an overseas holiday. Well that wasn’t my excuse this time. Excruciating period pain was the perpetrator. Sadly, my husband was away and there was no one to comfort me.
The pain was so intense and finding a way to manage this trauma almost escaped me. Ideas like a shower, hot water bottle, Panadol began to flow through my mind. None of these options, however, provided enough inspiration to get me moving. I took a deep breath and the next thought brought inexplicable peace. I thought 'If I simply put my hand on my lower abdomen and pray the pain would go away.' I tried. As I moved my hands down just below my waist I said the name “Jesus” and to my absolute amazement the pain was gone…..completely….. gone!
A miracle? Absolutely!
Bess’s story