Tender Mercies

When we found out that Mary Ann was going to have surgery at American Fork Hospital,
Allie was so happy because that is the hospital where she works.

When she found out that Mary Ann was scheduled for surgery on Friday,

Allie was really happy because she was scheduled to work that day. 

Allie could be Aunt Mary Ann's nurse, 
she could be with her before and after the surgery and take care of her.

And that made Mary Ann very, very happy, knowing that her little niece, Nurse Allison
(Aunt Mary Ann still calls Allie, "Allison" and so do her little girls.  It's cute!) 
would be there to take care of her was very comforting and reassuring.

Now many might think that this was just a fortunate coincidence, 

but I know that it was a tender mercy from our Heavenly Father.

I believe that even through our challenges and trials our Father in Heaven

is watching over us, keenly aware of our every need, blessing us in small ways,

letting us know that he loves us and is with us even in our dark days

or on a scary and uncertain afternoon in a hospital.

Nurse Allison was there with Mary Ann in the recovery room 
as she was coming out of the anesthesia, comforting and reassuring her.

And Andrew, Mary Ann's husband was there to take this picture of the two of them.

This photo is precious!  I love that Andrew caught Mary Ann smiling like that.

I mean really... who smiles like that right after surgery and is so willing to have a photo taken?

Maybe the anesthesia hadn't worn off or she really wasn't aware of what was going on.

Either way, I'm glad that we have this photo 

so that I can remember to acknowledge the tender mercies in my life.