Bishop Current Visits with Pr. LeAnn Stubbs, SE IA DEM
Bishop Current was able to visit Pastor LeAnn Stubbs and her spouse, Tracy Sabus, on Friday, February 7. It was so good to look into their eyes, hear their stories, and be reminded of hope that comes through healing and that is buoyed by prayer. We continue to pray for LeAnn and Tracy as they heal.
Bishop Current with Pr. LeAnn Stubbs, SE IA DEM
An Update from Pastor Stubbs
Seventy nine days ago, on November 25, I was pulled from our crumpled Subaru Crosstrek and life-flighted to Banner Hospital in Greeley Colorado. Four surgeries, a blood transfusion, (many thanks to those of you who donate), and who knows how many days of anesthesia-induced-fog later, I began the long road to recovery. Piece by broken piece, my body has been healing from: a broken sternum; fractured vertebrae; a broken arm, a damaged hip, a leg shattered into eight pieces, and a fractured patella. Tracy and I are both lucky to be alive. And our minds and spirits continue the healing process as well.
I cannot say enough good things about the care I received for two weeks at Banner in Greeley. I was then moved to Northern Colorado Rehabilitation Hospital in Johnstown for an additional two weeks of care. The days were a routine of lots of rest and pain meds administered four times a day that allowed for three daily hours of amazing physical therapy. Each time someone assured me of my forward progress, I reminded them that any strength or fortitude on my part was being powered by prayer.
Tracy’s son who lives in Marion flew to Denver (for the second time) rented a car and drove us home a few days before Christmas. I quickly connected with a leg surgeon, a spine surgeon and an arm surgeon, as well as physical therapist and a hand therapist. My days were filled with medical appointments. And then on January 9, in more pain than I have ever been in, Tracy drove me to the E.R. where I was then admitted and treated for a pulmonary embolism. It was this three day hospitalization that called the question for me of when I could reasonably return to work. On February 1st I began long term disability.
I got my first job when I turned 16, and I have always worked since then. Going on disability shifted some things in my "self-knowing." In some ways, Feb. 1st was a near death experience. As was Jan. 9. As was Nov. 25. (Third times a charm, right?) In good Lutheran fashion, I am asking, “what does this mean?”
While I do not yet know the answer to the above question, this I do know: I would not be where I am today without the prayers of so many. The prayers and expressions of care that I have received, and continue to receive, from the people of Plymouth Church, St Stephen, and all of the SEIA Synod nurture and sustain me. If I had all the words in the world, I would still not be able to fully express how grateful I am for all of you. Each of you is a reminder that we are never alone. We are connected. The Body of Christ is real…is alive…is well. Thank you!
My immediate goal is to be back at work in the month of April. My longer term goal is to walk the Camino de Santiago in 2028. Who wants to join me?
God’s peace to you,
Pr. LeAnn Stubbs