by Odelle Cadwell
REDFORD, MI – God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea. These verses and the entire 46th chapter of Psalm helped us and is helping us as we recover from COVID-19.
My husband was diagnosed and hospitalized for a week at Oakwood Beaumont Hospital Dearborn. Although I was not diagnosed or hospitalized with the virus, I share his pain, symptoms and literally his quarantine as we both sought to recover. When I left Michael at the hospital that Saturday night both of us were uncertain as to whether we would ever see each other again on this side of the grave. Michael had survived triple by-pass heart surgery followed by a stroke 6 years ago. God was so gracious to us that no one could tell this by looking at him or talking with him that he had undergone these physical experiences.
However, the coronavirus was different. People were dying all around us. The news was keeping the death and illness statistics in plain sight daily. It was a definite time of uncertainty. I remember spending countless hours in prayer. I can also remember the comfort that can only be explained by the comfort of the Holy Spirit. In the midst of continuous phone calls and prayer support, I drew closer to God than I have ever done before in my life. I will say the first night away from Michael I slept better than I had in a long time. I was not constantly checking his breathing or his coughing. The second night, after I had rested, was horrible. I had spoken with him earlier in the day and all he would say was that he wanted to come home.
I spent this whole night in prayer and preparation for what God would have me to do, no matter the outcome. I meditated on Psalm 46:10a. "Be still and know that I am God." The Holy Spirit showed me that this was a time in which I would have to live what I believe.
The next morning, the tone of his voice was nothing short of a miracle. I can remember saying to him jokingly “Do I hear bass in your voice?” From that day on, there was nothing but improvement. Every day he was stronger and stronger. I began to clean the house, because no one was in my way. I can remember being in the middle of scrubbing the baseboards in the den when I received the call from the hospital that he would be discharged within the next two hours. I was elated. When I picked him up, he asked if he could drive. We asked the nurse and she said if he felt like it, so he drove us home from the hospital.
All we can say is that God is good and He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Both of us understand that this could have gone another way. God in His mercy and grace chose to spare me the loss of my husband. I must say that even if He chose to take Michael home, He is still good. Both Michael and I are of the demographic where people are dying every day. Michael came home without needing the assistance of oxygen, and we are now walking and riding our bikes when weather permits. Our God is a miracle worker, and I am eternally grateful for what He has done.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Odelle Cadwell has been married to her husband Michael, for 42 years. They have 2 sons, 2 daughters and 2 grandsons. They live in Redford, MI and attend Temple of Faith Baptist Church in Detroit, MI under their pastor, Rochelle Davis Jr. They have been members of this church for over 35 years. Odelle received the call to Christian Women's Job Corps in 2002. She developed a sight in downtown Detroit at the Hope Baptist Center. She retired from The Henry Ford Museum/Greenfield Village after working 15 years as a Guest Service Manager. Michael worked for Jervis B. Webb as an industrial photographer for 17 years. He is now retired and works closely with Odelle as they serve in their local church, association and State. Odelle is the newly elected president of the Women's Missionary Union for the state of Michigan.