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Monday, May 14, 2012

reflective

Okay, we're just going to make this a big one since I keep promising it and things get in the way -- namely - a wee one who keeps me from getting a full night's rest, plus caring for my girls and him during the day -- even now, I've had to get interrupted about 5 times from writing this :)  But I LOVE it.  It means I'm well enough to do all of that and daily I'm so encouraged about it.

While I'm feeling so so great, here are some of the signs that Lyme isn't totally gone yet (and that's why we continue with treatment):
-I have bouts of memory problems....generally while ON antibiotics that are killing the "bugs".
-My appetite has yet to rise....generally I get a hearty appetite for a few days within a month's span
-I still pace myself during the day.  Living with a chronic illness shows you your limits, so it makes it easier as you get well, to know what might push you over the edge if you're not careful.


Here are some things that are noticeably better:
-I can walk.....far.....without it ruining the next few days :)
-I haven't sat in my wheelchair since December '11 :)
-I'm not irritable hardly at all :)
-I can keep up with laundry, cleaning, and teaching my daughter to read....all without needing to stop and rest :)



Now here comes the post that should be a separate one, but since I'm here and writing, I'm going to continue it.

I've been reflecting on the things Lyme has taught me.  If I hadn't had Lyme, I would never have:


-learned to pray "Lord, give me the grace to handle this day" each morning
-gotten over my phobia of throwing up
-learned how to "wait" - the way you should "wait" when GOD says "Wait."
-learned to drop my pride and accept help when I needed it.
-(and on the same note) learned to throw pride out the window and accept the fact that a wheelchair makes life so much easier when you don't have energy or are in so much pain.
-learned just how long I am able to "endure"
-seen just how committed my husband is as a friend and father
-witnessed the love of my family amidst a disease that can sometimes tear families apart.
-seen how much I took for granted when I was "well"

I know I've learned much more but those are the things that have come to mind recently.

6 comments:

  1. So happy for you and the family. Will continue to pray. :)

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  2. So happy for you, Heather. Just reading about your successes really gives me hope for the future. XOXO

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  3. Thank you so much for this! I have a chronic illness also, and know well the struggle with pride in accepting help (in the form of a helping hand or wheelchair or cane), and my life has slowed down so much, enough for me to truly savor all God's given me, and I've had the time to realize that, like David says in the Psalms, "My boundary lines have fallen in pleasant places." Though being ill is no fun, it truly was good for me to be afflicted, for through it, I have learned much about God. Psalm 119.

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  4. What beautiful lessons - and I'm so glad you're feeling better!

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