One Month

The past week I have been on the phone with countless member services & managed health care people. The information I've been getting has been conflicting and I've been getting all kinds of advice. But today, I am feeling pretty confident that I have the correct information about our insurance coverage for surgery at Stanford. Today I spoke with a lead and made sure that our conversation was documented. She says (and she sounded very confident) that we will pay a maximum out of pocket amount of $3500 for Drew this year. As long as Stanford is a contracted hospital (it is) and our surgery is pre-certified (I will make sure that it is), we will not owe Health Net any more than $3500. There is a slight caveat though. Not all of the providers at Stanford are necessarily contracted with Health Net. If some of them treat Drew while we are there our insurance will pay them the "customary & reasonable" rate, but that rate may not be what they actually charge. They could hold us responsible for the additional amount. Even with this potential problem, this is fantastic news and an answer to prayer! I feel like God made a way for us to go to Stanford. I also think if we had been approved originally we probably wouldn't feel as grateful to have the opportunity to go to Stanford.

So anyway. Today is one month exactly before surgery. I think that I've been doing really well so far, but I have been staying busy with the insurance business. Today I was feeling sad for no particular reason and I think it's my subconscious mind recognizing what will happen one month from today. I was also thrown for a loop yesterday when I read a letter I received in the mail. The pastor of our church is leaving. The reasons they are leaving are valid and I respect that they need to do what is right for their family. But his last day is two days after our surgery. I know it is incredibly selfish, but that is a really bad time for me. I don't do well with change anyway. I don't want a new pastor, or no pastor. I want MY pastor. And even though it won't play a huge role in what happens at the hospital, I've just become accustomed to having Eric stop by the hospital whenever Drew is admitted. He always calls to check on us and offer prayer. And now he will be gone! And beyond surgery I have an attachment to Eric. He baptized me and Dan. He dedicated both of our children. He helped me struggle through some of my issues with suffering and pain and why God allows it and how God uses it in our lives. I know the Christian-y thing to say is that maybe God is opening a door to even greater blessings in our lives. And a church is more than just a pastor. I know. I just feel a little hesitant right now. I'm sure I'll come around soon...

OK, now for a cute story to make me feel better.
Yesterday Ava, Drew and I were sitting on the couch. And Drew put his arms around both of us and said "This is the best family EVER!" Dan was in the kitchen, so Drew said "Dad, you want to be a family with us?" And Dan stopped what he was doing and came over and we had a family hug and all repeated over and over again "best family ever!"

Also, I have the best husband in the world who made me a pina colada tonight! Thanks Honey!