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Miracles At Mail Boxes
Etc.
By Patricia
Bowens
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One
day in early March, my co-worker Mike and I were at work in deep
conversation. He knew that I did not have health insurance and
he was very concerned about a growth on my neck. I explained
to him that my last medical examination was almost six years
ago when I moved from Huntsville, Alabama. Upon leaving my last
job, I no longer had medical coverage.
- Mike and I had
been working at Mailboxes for nine months. He had become a very
dear friend and was genuinely concerned about my well-being.
As Mike and I continued our discussion about my growth and need
for medical attention, a young petite woman walked into the store.
She sauntered over to the counter to complete an order form to
ship a package. I vaguely remembered her coming in around Christmas
season last year to ship a package to her daughter.
- Mike and I resumed
our conversation, and he would not abandon the issue of the growth
on my neck. Politely, he asked the lady if she thought the growth
on my neck looked irregular. Diverting her attention from the
form, she looked up at me. "I've seen worse cases. I have
seen people with such bad thyroid problems that their eyes bulge
out." Mike paid her comment no attention. He kept insisting
that I needed medical attention as soon as possible. "Mike
I have tried to schedule an appointment at the L. Johnson Care
Clinic, but they aren't accepting any more new patients until
June," I said exasperated and red with embarrassment.
- The young lady
politely asked if she could use our phone. As Mike and I both
stood there and watched her make the call, Mike would not desert
our previous discussion. At some point in the conversation, we
realized our voices were too loud and tried to talk softly so
that we would not interrupt the woman on the phone. "John,
I would like to make an appointment for a Ms. Patricia Bowens,"
she said squinting at my nametag. She put her hand over the phone
and whispered, "I need your birthday and address in order
to complete the procedure." I gave her the necessary information
in disbelief. She asked me if an appointment in early April would
suffice.
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- Disoriented
and amazed, I told her yes. After she hung up the phone, she
confirmed an afternoon appointment with a Dr. Mercer scheduled
for the second week of April.
- After I agreed
to the arrangements, she resumed finishing the order form. Skeptical
and still stunned, I timidly tapped her on her shoulder and asked,
"Who is Dr. Mercer?" She looked up smiling and said,
"I am silly," with a quick wink. Mike and I looked
at each other in amazement. I was so happy and overwhelmed that
God had brought this angel, this doctor to me. I had been diligently
searching for an opening at the clinic for months, and the Lord
brought the opportunity directly to me!
- The blessings
did not end that day at Mailbox Etc. My visit to Dr. Mercer uncovered
that I had been suffering from a high level of thyroid activity
in my blood. Three weeks later I had an ultrasound to determine
my diagnosis. X-rays of my neck showed that my large and small
modules were malignant. The doctors were prepared to take the
next step. I had to make a decision. Losing my sister to cancer
last year, and remembering the ordeal she went through had given
me a new outlook on life. This opportunity was truly a blessing,
I did not have insurance, but the doors were open to seek professional
medical assistance. I consented to having surgery at the end
of May.
- The surgery
was a success! The doctors removed my thyroid and my recovery
included a one night stay at the hospital. Three weeks after
my surgery I returned for a follow-up report, and I was issued
a clean bill of health! This experience has taught me that God
is awesome and there are no limits to what He can do!
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