Transformed One Winter

In 1983, Marsha Spradlin was an attractive single woman of twenty-nine who many would envy. She had a secure job with a Christian organization, a devoted boyfriend in Jeff, a loving family, and many friends. Marsha also had systemic sarcoidosis, a rare disease that affects the lymph glands. While on vacation, Marsha experienced a flare-up that quickly turned deadly. When she began losing weight at an alarming rate, her doctor diagnosed malabsorption syndrome. No matter how many calories Marsha consumed, her body could not absorb nutrients. For a while, Marsha was still able to fulfill her work responsibilities, assisted by her close friend and neighbor Barbara. As Marsha's weight loss increased, rumors spread that she was anorexic. Her relationship with Jeff is shattered when Marsha learns he is married with a family. Where is God in all this? Hasn't Marsha been through enough? Marsha's condition takes a turn for the worse when she goes into cardiac arrest. At the hospital, with her own doctor out of town, she is accused of bulemia -- forcing herself to throw up. No one will believe her heated denials, even her parents doubt her. She continues to drop weight despite twenty-four hour supervision and a high calorie diet. Soon she is in ICU, skeletal and near death. During this time, Marsha totally relies on God for strength. Too weak to read her Bible, the many verses she has memorized comfort her. After several weeks, her weight stabilized but not gaining, she is reluctantly released by her doctor to go home. Marsha experiences the darkest time in her life in the months that follow. Rumors of anorexia continue to plague her, strangers make hateful, hurtful remarks about her personal appearance, and an anonymous person sends her a book on anorexia. Unable to travel or work, Marsha continues to rely on God's promises that He will never leave her. She struggles to forgive the doctors who accused her, her former boyfriend, and the anonymous person who sent the book. Marsha soon discovers that a nearby McDonald's opens at 6:00 a.m. Soon she is a regular there, drinking endless cups of coffee while reading her Bible and journaling. She becomes friends with Sarah, a McDonald's employee. Before Marsha's illness, she would never have noticed Sarah, who was a high school dropout. Sarah accepts Marsha as she is, and Marsha eagerly shares God's love with her new friend. They have nothing in common but their shared desire for friendship and acceptance. As time passes, Marsha is able to forgive the doctors, Jeff, and the anonymous person who sent the book. Slowly, she begins gaining weight and her strength returns. When she finally returns to work, after a year away, she is the "new Marsha." The dark months of her winter transformed her. If you are experiencing personal crisis, I recommend reading this book. Although written over 20 years ago, its truths are just as relevant in today's world.