Tuesday, March 31, 2015
My day started out as most mornings go. I begrudgingly got up to the alarm and I wake the kids; I help get breakfast for the boys and encourage the Olders to eat while they can. I remind them to pack their lunches in their backpacks and help search for missing shoes and then I send them on their way to school. After an hour (sometimes more), and definitely after a tea, I finally get around to getting dressed. It was as I was changing into my shirt and my bra that the pain arrived.
I love my new bra (and my Hunny who bought me a whole bunch of expensive under-things. I haven't spent that much money on these things in years--the joys of being a mom!) I love how it fits and makes me feel. However, these feelings of typical comfort and sexiness was not to be today. Instead, my chest felt compressed, as if in a vice. Instead, it felt tight and bound.
Pain started in my sternum and I felt breathless within minutes of putting on that new and beautiful bra. So much so that I had to take it off. I'd like to say that the pain left soon after, but that was only wishful thinking. The pain moved up my sternum and radiated to both sides of my chest, with a crushing grip. It felt as though I was in an incredibly tight bear hug.
I am thankful that I have a diagnosis of Tietze Syndrome and can see the symptoms and know how to deal with them, although I've never had my bra bring on a flare up. That sucked.
Actually, I disagree with the doctor on the Tietze diagnosis and feel it is more likely Costochondritis. Tietze is painful inflamation of the ribs and cartilage in the upper chest, often effecting the second and third ribs, causing swelling. Costo is painful inflamation of the joints between the cartilages that joins the ribs. The pain can be felt all over the chest and into the shoulders, and is "sharp and stabbing in nature." (hmm...that sounds familiar)
And, yes, that picture (which I got off of a Costo support group on FB) really IS what it feels like. Whenever I get a flare up, I often wish I could rip open my chest! It hurts. It hurts to move, and to breathe. It generally really really sucks.
Hopefully this pain will not last long. That would be nice.
I don't have a diagnosis of FM, but I did have a Rheumatologist tell me years ago (when I was suffering with a painful back) that I "most likely" have it, but it's too early to tell for sure. I'm not too sure if I do or do not, but I do have many of the trigger points, just not all. I'm not too worried about it, since, well, I have other health mysteries to figure out! But I wanted to add the picture above to show you the symptoms of Costo.
*just to clarify, costo and tietze are incredibly similar. A lot of doctors still think they are the same. But in Tietze, you have swelling along with the cartilege pain. You don't have that with Costo. I am still trying to see if there are other symptoms and if I do actually have swelling. (I haven't noticed yet)
The nice thing about both is that doctors (and the internet) wants you to believe that it only lasts for a few weeks. Okay, that's only nice if it were true. I think that it can be true, depending on what caused it. If you were given a diagnosis of it after a sports injury, then yes, there is a chance you can recover completely just fine. However, most of us with this, have it due to an autoimmune issue. (which is why many will also have other health concerns, such as FM or even Hypothyroidism, like me.) But the other other nice thing is that the severe pain comes and goes. You can have a flare up (like me), and you will be in a lot of chest pain, but it will eventually settle for a bit. But it will come back. But at least you have that break for a bit.
I'm waiting for that break again. It's been three days now.
I love my new bra (and my Hunny who bought me a whole bunch of expensive under-things. I haven't spent that much money on these things in years--the joys of being a mom!) I love how it fits and makes me feel. However, these feelings of typical comfort and sexiness was not to be today. Instead, my chest felt compressed, as if in a vice. Instead, it felt tight and bound.
Pain started in my sternum and I felt breathless within minutes of putting on that new and beautiful bra. So much so that I had to take it off. I'd like to say that the pain left soon after, but that was only wishful thinking. The pain moved up my sternum and radiated to both sides of my chest, with a crushing grip. It felt as though I was in an incredibly tight bear hug.
I am thankful that I have a diagnosis of Tietze Syndrome and can see the symptoms and know how to deal with them, although I've never had my bra bring on a flare up. That sucked.
Actually, I disagree with the doctor on the Tietze diagnosis and feel it is more likely Costochondritis. Tietze is painful inflamation of the ribs and cartilage in the upper chest, often effecting the second and third ribs, causing swelling. Costo is painful inflamation of the joints between the cartilages that joins the ribs. The pain can be felt all over the chest and into the shoulders, and is "sharp and stabbing in nature." (hmm...that sounds familiar)
And, yes, that picture (which I got off of a Costo support group on FB) really IS what it feels like. Whenever I get a flare up, I often wish I could rip open my chest! It hurts. It hurts to move, and to breathe. It generally really really sucks.
Hopefully this pain will not last long. That would be nice.
*just to clarify, costo and tietze are incredibly similar. A lot of doctors still think they are the same. But in Tietze, you have swelling along with the cartilege pain. You don't have that with Costo. I am still trying to see if there are other symptoms and if I do actually have swelling. (I haven't noticed yet)
The nice thing about both is that doctors (and the internet) wants you to believe that it only lasts for a few weeks. Okay, that's only nice if it were true. I think that it can be true, depending on what caused it. If you were given a diagnosis of it after a sports injury, then yes, there is a chance you can recover completely just fine. However, most of us with this, have it due to an autoimmune issue. (which is why many will also have other health concerns, such as FM or even Hypothyroidism, like me.) But the other other nice thing is that the severe pain comes and goes. You can have a flare up (like me), and you will be in a lot of chest pain, but it will eventually settle for a bit. But it will come back. But at least you have that break for a bit.
I'm waiting for that break again. It's been three days now.
Sunday, March 29, 2015
Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord! Hosanna!
I love Palm Sunday. I love the idea of Jesus riding into Jeruselam on a donkey and the people waving palm branches and putting out cloths for Him to cross over. I love that for the moment, He was praised and rejoiced and worshipped as He should be. Palm Sunday recognized Him as Saviour.
Yet, how much changed in just five days...
But today, we celebrate Him.
Hosanna!
I love Palm Sunday. I love the idea of Jesus riding into Jeruselam on a donkey and the people waving palm branches and putting out cloths for Him to cross over. I love that for the moment, He was praised and rejoiced and worshipped as He should be. Palm Sunday recognized Him as Saviour.
Yet, how much changed in just five days...
But today, we celebrate Him.
Hosanna!
Friday, March 27, 2015
Welcome back to Thankful Thursday, a feature started by Louise at Talk Nerdy to Me, where we look back over our week to remember our blessings. It is so good to see the good things that have happened, especially if you have had a particularly tough week. Being grateful is good for the soul. Here are just a few things that I am thankful for...
1. Spring Break
This is our second week of Spring Break. Our neighbours went back to school (they were out the week before we were; our school isn't near us) and it rained for a lot of the the week, so the kids were bored and boring. I was so happy for when we finally got some sunshine! I am thankful for quiet mornings and waking up when we wanted to though.
2. Birthdays
This past Monday was Grama T's birthday. That is, my Hunny's grandma. She turned 97! She lives in an assisted living home, so she has her own apartment room with kitchenette or she can join the catered meals in the dining room. I don't know many 97 year olds who can still live that independantly (even if she is losing some of her abilities)!
Our family went down to visit her on the weekend with flowers (Hunny remembered her favourites are pansies) and the kids drew her cards and pictures. I am kicking myself for not remembering to take a photo of her with the kids though! Oops.
3. 24 years in Christ
Twenty-four years ago on March 23rd, I accepted Jesus into my heart! I grew up in a Christian home, so it's not like I didn't know the Bible stories or didn't believe them, but I needed to make that decision on my own; I needed to encounter Him on my own. And He made Himself so real to me when I was listening to a song about His death. It was Palm Sunday and I remember every year and marvel at that night. How great is the love the Father has lavished on us that we should be called Children of God! (1 John 3:1)
4. Busy days driving
I had to drive Bryn over to a friend's house, and then drop Abi off at her friends, come home and then head back out and pick up Bryn, and then go out and babysit my nephews, all right after eachother. It was crazy busy! And very rainy! I am so thankful for safety as I drive in the rain and when it is darker and when there are so many construction sites on the roads I tend to drive! We take driving as a given, an automatic ability when you are older, and don't consider being thankful that we made it to our desination safely.
5. nails
Can we just take a moment and marvel of the miracle of my nails? This is three weeks of not biting! Three Weeks!!! Can we get an Amen? I am pretty pleased with myself, thankyouverymuch! I am thankful for nails and for self control.
Now I need to trim them (it's getting hard to type!) and then slap some Jamberry designs on them!
6. new music
I have been listening to PRAISE 106.5 FM ever since I was a teen (and back when it was KLYN) and it is what we have on in our vehicles when we are out driving; Christian music has been a HUGE part of my life growing up (and one of the main venues that I was able to make that choice 24 years ago...see above!) Praise is based out of Lynden, WA, which is just half hour from here, so it is "local" enough to mention both sides of the border.
But I was very happy to hear of an even more local Christian radio station that started up!
The Valley Stream is a sattelite radio station that is based out of Abbotsford, woohoo! They have four different channels available (Contemporary, Gospel, Rock and talk shows like Focus on the Family, Dr. Tony Evans, and Beth Moore); I have been listening to the Contemporary channel and have heard so many songs I had never heard before and so much more variety! I am very happy! Check them out if you are looking for Christian music online: The Valley Stream.
7. cards
I got my creative groove back and managed to make a whole pile of cards this week! 62 to be exact! It helps when you are making them in batches. (I would often make 10 of the same design at once) I am ready for upcoming birthdays again!
I love being creative! And I love making cards!
8. sibling love
I love it when they actually play together and help eachother out! Sometimes it feels like all they do is tattle and get annoyed and try to irritate eachother! I am thankful for moments where it looks like they are actually a loving family!
9. Five feet tall
It was bound to happen eventually: my 13 year old is now as tall as my mom! Soon she will overtake me! Now, granted both my mom, and my mother-in-law and myself are all short, but it is still exciting to reach the height of an adult! I don't know how tall my kids will be, but I am sure they will all be taller than me! (or I hope so!)
I am thankful for small things like this! They make me smile!
10. Sudden plans
I didn't think we would have much happening this week (last week felt more busy) but we still managed to get some friend get togethers and sleepovers in. As I mentioned in #4, Bryn got to go to his friend Forrest's house, and then I dropped Abi off at Hannah's for a sleepover and Kai got picked up for a sleepover (it was nice to have an 'early' night at home with the two Olders gone, but my Hunny and I didn't get to snuggle up on the couch and watch HGTV together, haha, as I came home late after babysitting.) And then we had Kai's friend over here and it was a good and fun week after all. But I do think the kids are ready for back to organized events like school!
Some weeks are just amazing and some are just quiet and maybe a bit boring. I am so thankful that we are given more blessings no matter what and have so much to be thankful for. How about you?
Monday, March 23, 2015
Some music just makes you get up and dance...and this is one of those!
I've posted about Lindsay Stirling before but I've just been listening to her again. Mostly because Abi had found some fun music of hers and shared them! Apparently, Lindsay was on America's Got Talent (I think that was the one) a few years back, but I didn't know that since we don't watch tv or keep up on the celeb news. She seems like a super fun young woman! I still want to be her when I grow up!
I hope her Roundtable Rival video brings a smile and a step to your Monday! What a fun video!
Check out Master of Tides as well. Another fun one that would have been awesome to see live!
And listen to her play My Immortal---just because I love this song! (hear the original song by Evanescense here)
I've posted about Lindsay Stirling before but I've just been listening to her again. Mostly because Abi had found some fun music of hers and shared them! Apparently, Lindsay was on America's Got Talent (I think that was the one) a few years back, but I didn't know that since we don't watch tv or keep up on the celeb news. She seems like a super fun young woman! I still want to be her when I grow up!
I hope her Roundtable Rival video brings a smile and a step to your Monday! What a fun video!
Check out Master of Tides as well. Another fun one that would have been awesome to see live!
And listen to her play My Immortal---just because I love this song! (hear the original song by Evanescense here)
I took this quiz today to find out what career I am actually supposed to be doing. You know, in case I was in the wrong one. Or was looking for a new one. Or was looking for life directions in a quiz.
I did think the results were interesting though. I thought it would be something on a creative or artisitic level, or even a writer (something I love to do).
Therapist
You are a caring and selfless individual. Your compassion, warmth, and sensitivity can heal others in the most authentic way possible. You help and inspire others, and can really touch people's lives. You truly understand others and can make them happy by just being yourself.
take the test yourself here: what career are you actually meant for?
I wanted to be a Counselor when I was a teen. In fact, I would still love to be one. But having a family got "in the way". That is, I decided having children and staying home was more important. But it has been 13 years since I have been in the workfield, and I have to admit that sometimes I miss it. Ok, a lot of times I do. I love my kids so much and would not trade in these years for anything else (even though we'd have more money and more sleep) but I must admit that being a retail manager was so much easier than being a parent!!! (and at the time, I found being a manager challenging and I doubted my abilities. How silly of me! I am much more of a Mrs. Doubtful in my decision-making skills as a Mom!)
What made me the happiest was when friends posted on FB to this that they weren't surprised and could see me doing it. That made my heart happy.
The hardest thing about doing what you are doing is that you are going to have a bad day...or a lot of them...and you are going to question yourself and you are going to wonder if you are doing the right thing or if you should be better of doing something else. But sticking to it if it is something that you love.
I had seen this posted recently by a friend that got me wondering.
I'm not too sure what lies in the middle of that diagram for me as of yet, but for now I am doing an impotant job of raising children, and I am having fun designing and creating with Once Again designs. And hoping that things will all work out!
Saturday, March 21, 2015
I am so thankful for the sunshine this afternoon after the thunderstorm we had this morning! Did you hear the rumbling? It was loud and I loved it! I didn't see any lightening though, but I was also in my bed and didn't feel like getting up to look! Today feels more like Spring again!
We made the kids go out in the sunshine since they were acting like trapped animals inside. They didn't like it and kept coming back inside every five minutes for one excuse after another (they needed to go to the bathroom, needed a drink, they wanted to check the clock...) It's funny how if they go out with a friend or chose to go out on their own they can be running around for hours, but once they are forced outside it is a chore!
Despite them fighting it, I did manage to find them playing together and helping eachother out! It made me smile.
Sometimes they actually can get along and be sweet!
Bryn gets along with everone, so this wasn't a surprise to see. He is such a sweetheart. But seeing Kai do this was heartwarming. Eden and Kai are very much alike with their stubborness and headstrong ways, so they clash a lot. This proves that they can indeed learn to work together!
I am a happy Mom.
{I'm practicing Lettering. What do you think?}
We made the kids go out in the sunshine since they were acting like trapped animals inside. They didn't like it and kept coming back inside every five minutes for one excuse after another (they needed to go to the bathroom, needed a drink, they wanted to check the clock...) It's funny how if they go out with a friend or chose to go out on their own they can be running around for hours, but once they are forced outside it is a chore!
Despite them fighting it, I did manage to find them playing together and helping eachother out! It made me smile.
Sometimes they actually can get along and be sweet!
Bryn gets along with everone, so this wasn't a surprise to see. He is such a sweetheart. But seeing Kai do this was heartwarming. Eden and Kai are very much alike with their stubborness and headstrong ways, so they clash a lot. This proves that they can indeed learn to work together!
I am a happy Mom.
Friday, March 20, 2015
Today is the first day of Spring. It's also the International day of Happiness.
and the International Macaron Day. Coincidence??? (and if you like macarons, you must check out Kitchening & Co. It's a local company that friends of ours own. Carly makes yummy French macarons!)
I hope your day has been full of Happy, Spring Macron! Mine has been rainy, but happy, ....yet lacking macarons, sadly.
and the International Macaron Day. Coincidence??? (and if you like macarons, you must check out Kitchening & Co. It's a local company that friends of ours own. Carly makes yummy French macarons!)
I hope your day has been full of Happy, Spring Macron! Mine has been rainy, but happy, ....yet lacking macarons, sadly.
Thursday, March 19, 2015
Welcome back to Thankful Thursday, a feature started by Louise at Talk Nerdy to Me, where we look back over our week to remember our blessings. It is so good to see the good things that have happened, especially if you have had a particularly tough week. Being grateful is good for the soul. Here are just a few things that I am thankful for...
1. All-Nighters
Abi was invited to a Youth All-Nighter by her friend, Hannah, and Kai was invited by H's brother, Lukas! This was their first All-Nighter, which ran from 7pm-7am. They were very excited! I was excited for them (although a bit worried...did I need to pack anything extra for Abi for her allergies? Would she be okay with the food? But I decided to be brave.) that is, until I realized that we'd have to get up early to go pick them up! So much for sleeping in! We were advised to be on time too, so that the youth leaders could go home and go to bed!
This is how they spent a lot of Saturday:
2. Spring Break
Woohoo! The kids are off school for two weeks! It is going to go by fast, by we are going to enjoy sleeping in, and getting together with friends and staying up late! And not making school lunches! Oh, how I am happy to be on a break from that!
3. Snuggles
Eden snuggled up on top of my as we lay on the couch together one lazy afternoon. I love it when the kids do silly things like this!
4. free ice cream
Dairy Queen gave out free ice cream cones on the 16th to celebrate their 75th "Fan"iversary, so of course the kids and I had to go grab ours too! Free ice cream? Yes, please!
I also discovered that I need to clean off my phone and camera lens! *blush*
5. birthdays and non-birthdays
This week held two parties for the kids. One was for a friend of Kai's, where the mom included all of my kids (which was so generous and kind), at Capt'n Kids. The other was for a friend of Abi's, held on the same day around the same time. We just gave the boy some money, since we weren't too sure what he would like (this is the only time hanging outside of school, and to be honest, I didn't realize they were friends, so we didn't know what to get him. We figure that money is usually good for most older kids!).
I ran out to Chapters to pick up a gift card before they closed for Abi's friend. However, as she is writing out the card the day of the party, it suddenly occurs to us that we weren't even too sure it was for a birthday! We looked up the invitation but it didn't specify, so Abi just brought it with her in case. And then she brought it home! It turns out it was just the group of girls hanging out together; how nice! Now we have a gift card for an unexpected birthday ready to pull out. Funny thing is that the day after the event, Abi remembered this girl's birthday was actually in December a few days after her own!
Parties and Hanging out with friends are always fun and something to be thankful for!
6. Babysitting
Abi has been babysitting ever since she was 12...which actually doesn't sound like a long time when you realize she's only 13, but wow it feels like longer! haha. But she hasn't just done some small jobs for us at home, she's also babysat for her cousins as well as our old youth pastor's little girl and helped out in the church nursery. This week was her first "real job interview" where she met a brand new family to babysit for. This is someone who got her name off of our neighbour (after confirming permission with us!) and needs her only every now and then for her two litle girls. She came home saying that the girls were adorable! It should be a fun experience for her. And girls too! She doesn't get too much exposure with babysitting girls! I'm excited for her! I babysat a lot as a teen and my favourite (and constant) families were those I hadn't known prior but only had my name recommended.
7. Girl Time
I am so thankful for the friendships that I have developed with some women and the opportunities to get together with them. It's so easy for us to get caught up in the busy-ness of life and never make the chance to get out and invest in friendships, and for years I didn't, but this past year I have been pushing myself more and I have been rewarded. I am so blessed with the women God has put in my life to learn from, and to find encouragement from.
8. baby's got skills
Eden was so excited and proud of herself because she managed to get these onsie pjs on and zipped up without any help! Her first time! It took some skills and determination (and a few frustrated yells) but afterwards, she jumped up and exclaimed, "I did it!"
I'm proud of her too!
9. cousins
I got to spend the day with my nephews again today, and since it is Spring Break, I got to take along Rhys with me. The Olders can handle being at home by themselves (with Abi in charge!), so I didn't worry about them. Aside from the fire alarms being tested in all of the townhomes (which surprisingly didn't wake up my sister, who had only been asleep for two hours after her 12 hr shift), and boys who were tired and coughy, it was a good afternoon.
I have to laugh at how kids spend their time together now though: huddled around the iPad watching a Netflix show!
10. Things that make me laugh
I saw this posted and I knew I had to pass it along:
Laughter is good medicine for the soul!
So that's my week. It's been a busy week, and I am ready for rest! I hope that your week has been good as well.
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
Today marks the day that Abi almost died three years ago. (It was a tough year and a busy year; I didn't blog in 2012) I have been approaching the day with some hesitation and with emotions, but today I think I have more peace. Today is just a day. It doesn't really mean anything and I don't have to spend it in sorrow or fear. But it has been a slow process to get to that way of thinking. It takes a bit of time to recover from a traumatic experience.
Three years ago, Abi had already been struggling with her asthma for a week, which had sent us to the hospital emergency room. I remember trying all of our at-home treatments of inhalers and nebulizers, and after no change I packed her up at 4am and we drove across town. I even went through red lights! (well, I stopped at them first, checked to make sure the intersections were empty, and then continued on. I hoped that we wouldn't get any tickets in the mail from the red-light cameras!) There, Abi was given more medication and oxygen and was put on steroids for a week.
I remember my Mom warning me to watch Abi when she finished the medication, as it was strong and sometimes coming off of them causes another attack.
Despite that warning, I was still not expecting what happened next.
It was exactly a week later. Abi had been dealing with asthma all through the night, so I was up often with her to give her the inhalers and to watch her, so when she was calling for me and crying at 7am, I was so exhausted. I admit, with shame, that I was frustrated with her as well. I begrudgingly got up and went to see her but could tell that she really wasn't doing well. I knew that she needed more than her inhalers. However, the nebulizer medication was in the bathroom, where my Hunny was having a shower; he wasn't too happy that I was interrupting his morning wake-up shower. That is, until he saw Abi also. She was breathing so hard that as soon as she finished her treatment of the pulmicort, I immediately started another nebule in the machine and then gathered up what we needed for another trip to the ER. (such as her medical card and medications, as well as getting myself dressed.)
When we were putting on our shoes downstairs at the front door it occurred to me that it was Saturday at seven thirty in the morning. Traffic would be crazy in Langley! I couldn't just speed through the streets and go through red lights anymore! So back upstairs we went so I could call for an ambulance. That's when she she threw up on the stairs (due to a hyper-anxious system....yes, that's my own medical terminology! Apparently that's not too uncommon during an asthma attack.) That's also when she started to hyperventilate. I was starting to get frustrated with her, and to be honest, I wanted to slap her across the face to jolt her out of it, but I didn't. I grabbed her shoulders and urged her to calm down and breathe slower. Not that it helped.
She was in her room and her father was watching over her, telling her to slow down her breathing. I was in the living room, calling 9-1-1, and checking on the boys (who were 3, 5 and 8yrs old. Eden was just 9 months old and sleeping in my bed still) as they played with Lego. Looking back, I see how I did the opposite of what we are told to do when calling for an ambulance: do not leave the injured/sick person. But I did. I had to keep walking. I had to keep checking on the boys. I had to see if the ambulance had arrived. I had to unlock the front door and make sure they could find the house. But most of all, I couldn't be in the same room as her as she was screaming and I couldn't hear the guy on the phone and didn't want him to hear her.
Having your daughter scream, "I'm going to die!" is tough to listen to.
When I did look in on her, her lips were blue and her cheeks were getting blue as well. I related this to the guy on the phone, but just then the ambulance arrived. Or rather, the firemen arrived. They really do arrive first. But the one ambulance was right behind them. I led them to the room, where Abi was now laying on the floor since she passed out. (that's when I realized just how messy her room was and I felt embarrassed that I didn't spend a few moments to clean it up. Yeah, I was thinking weird thoughts like that.) I had to talk to one of the firemen and give him all of the details and her medical information for his forms, so I didn't see what was happening in the room. A part of me didn't want to though. I wanted to be out of their way and let them do their stuff. But when I walked past the room, I did peek in and hear one paramedic tell the other one that "she wasn't breathing, but her heart was still beating." I didn't want to hear any more.
It all happened in slow motion, yet felt chaotic, but I'm sure it was fast. I didn't even look at the clock. I have heard that typical time frames between the first call to when the ambulance arrives is approximately five minutes, but it sure felt longer. (I forgot to ask the dispatcher for an ETA, although I remember learning that you could ask. It didn't seem relevent at the time. Oddly.) They sent over a regular ambulance and an Advanced Life Support ambulance, just in case; the dispatcher wanted me to know so that I didn't get too worried. I was completely fine with whatever they brought as long as it helped Abi!
Abi was still unconscious when they got her onto a stretcher and carried her carefully down the stairs to the one ambulance (not the Advanced Life Support one, although they debated on which one to take for a bit.) and they were bag breathing her. But she was breathing on her own by then. Thankfully. They had to insert a tube down her throat while in her room since her airways were so closed up. The problem is that they didn't actually have a youth's size of tube, just infant and adult! The good news is that my Hunny had taken his Level 3 First Aid course (next level up is paramedic, I think) and so he had a youth sized tube in his bag, which he gave to them. (still packaged and sterilized)
Abi finally started to wake up while we were in the ambulance, but we didn't leave for a few more minutes. Apparently they were talking with my husband (while I sat in the front of the ambulance) and deciding which hospital to go to. We live conveniently in the middle of three different hospitals (Surrey Memorial, Langley Memorial and Peace Arch in White Rock) and on a direct route to another (Royal Columbian in New Westminster, since the freeway is close to us and a quick way to get there) so they were figuring out which would be the best. We usually go to LMH, since it is smaller and therefore not as busy. (I've been there so often now that I feel comfortable there) but it was decided to head to SMH since they have a big pediatrics ward, which I didn't know about.
It took Abi a good three hours to recover enough that she could speak again. Her lungs were so sore and she rested a lot. But she was breathing on her own and that was a big step up from that morning!
We stayed overnight (I wished I had thought to pack clothes or worn a nicer top, but dressing for an emergency means grabbing whatever you have nearby) and met with the pediatrician (Dr A J Singh, a wonderful wonderful man! I love him for what he has done for Abi but he is so terribly busy, it is crazy to get in to see him. He works out of SMH as well as Children's Hospital and has his own clinic on the weekend!) We even had the kids come over and visit us! That was good for them since the last they saw Abi, the house was full of paramedics and firemen and she was taken out of the house on a stretcher. (Kai looked so worried. His expression made me sad. The others didn't say much. When the paramedics were outside at the ambulance, we all sat together and prayed over her and thanked the Lord for his protection.)
It was through the grace of God that Abi was healed and not only that, declared well enough to go home the night after her attack! We were back in our own house by 8pm on the 18th-- 36 hours since the ordeal began. What a miracle! I was expecting to be there for a few days while she recovered and, I don't know, while they did some investigating or intervention or instruction of some sort for her asthma. But we came home with some inahlers and some tips and a follow up appointment.
My sweet girl. Aged 10. Still smiling.
She doesn't remember much of what happened. She didn't remember screaming or throwing up or fighting us with the nebulizer and mask (she kept pushing it away from her face and yelled as we willed that ambulance to come faster), and she didn't remember passing out! A good fifteen minutes missing. But I think that's a good thing. She bounced back pretty good. We told her a few pieces of info on what happened, but we also didn't want her too scared or growing a fear of a repeat. But there are a few parts that even I don't know about, parts that my Hunny witnessed that I didn't, and parts that he doesn't want to talk about, so they will remain a mystery to me. And at first I felt I needed to know it all, but now I am okay with just holding on to what I remember.
We joked that when they all returned to school, she could say to her classmates, "what, you went to Hawaii for Spring Break? Yeah, I almost died!"
The hardest thing about seeing your child almost die in front of you is that fear. It takes a hold of you and it clings to you, and you begin to doubt and you start to worry. It became a fight with myself to NOT let it take control, and I have to admit that it's been a tough journey. How do you live without the fear? I was wrestling with the knowledge that this could happen again and I couldn't stop it. And I really struggled with the thought of God's protection on her, but also us being a part of a Bigger Plan and also having to live in a flawed world.
Yes, He definitely could keep her from harm, and He could pull her back from danger. And He does it every day for us. But I had to be OK with knowing that He may not always. And how do you do that? I didn't know how to give up my daughter and say to God, 'it's okay, you can take her if you want to!" because I was NOT okay with it! And I felt so foolish to be feeling that way! I know that I can't hold tight to my kids. I know that there is nothing in my power that can keep them from harm. And I also knew that God's way is the best way. It says that in Romans 8:28 that "in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." And I love Him. But how could I ever find that idea of Him letting my girl die to be a "good thing"?
And I wrestled with that.
It's been three years, and I can't say that I have fully grasped it yet. I like to think that I can say to the Lord, 'yes, these are your children, and I trust you." I know that I can be honest though as well. So I will often cry out and admit that I have a hard time letting them go, and that I fear for them and that I don't want to have to give them up. But I think that's normal! What kind of mom would I be if I just willingly handed them over without any fear or emotion? I think the key is pushing past that fear and letting God be who He is. And He is good.
And I know that.
Three years ago, Abi had already been struggling with her asthma for a week, which had sent us to the hospital emergency room. I remember trying all of our at-home treatments of inhalers and nebulizers, and after no change I packed her up at 4am and we drove across town. I even went through red lights! (well, I stopped at them first, checked to make sure the intersections were empty, and then continued on. I hoped that we wouldn't get any tickets in the mail from the red-light cameras!) There, Abi was given more medication and oxygen and was put on steroids for a week.
{she didn't like the nose prongs, but she did get a horse out of the deal from the hospital. what girl doesn't like a horse?}
I remember my Mom warning me to watch Abi when she finished the medication, as it was strong and sometimes coming off of them causes another attack.
Despite that warning, I was still not expecting what happened next.
It was exactly a week later. Abi had been dealing with asthma all through the night, so I was up often with her to give her the inhalers and to watch her, so when she was calling for me and crying at 7am, I was so exhausted. I admit, with shame, that I was frustrated with her as well. I begrudgingly got up and went to see her but could tell that she really wasn't doing well. I knew that she needed more than her inhalers. However, the nebulizer medication was in the bathroom, where my Hunny was having a shower; he wasn't too happy that I was interrupting his morning wake-up shower. That is, until he saw Abi also. She was breathing so hard that as soon as she finished her treatment of the pulmicort, I immediately started another nebule in the machine and then gathered up what we needed for another trip to the ER. (such as her medical card and medications, as well as getting myself dressed.)
When we were putting on our shoes downstairs at the front door it occurred to me that it was Saturday at seven thirty in the morning. Traffic would be crazy in Langley! I couldn't just speed through the streets and go through red lights anymore! So back upstairs we went so I could call for an ambulance. That's when she she threw up on the stairs (due to a hyper-anxious system....yes, that's my own medical terminology! Apparently that's not too uncommon during an asthma attack.) That's also when she started to hyperventilate. I was starting to get frustrated with her, and to be honest, I wanted to slap her across the face to jolt her out of it, but I didn't. I grabbed her shoulders and urged her to calm down and breathe slower. Not that it helped.
She was in her room and her father was watching over her, telling her to slow down her breathing. I was in the living room, calling 9-1-1, and checking on the boys (who were 3, 5 and 8yrs old. Eden was just 9 months old and sleeping in my bed still) as they played with Lego. Looking back, I see how I did the opposite of what we are told to do when calling for an ambulance: do not leave the injured/sick person. But I did. I had to keep walking. I had to keep checking on the boys. I had to see if the ambulance had arrived. I had to unlock the front door and make sure they could find the house. But most of all, I couldn't be in the same room as her as she was screaming and I couldn't hear the guy on the phone and didn't want him to hear her.
Having your daughter scream, "I'm going to die!" is tough to listen to.
When I did look in on her, her lips were blue and her cheeks were getting blue as well. I related this to the guy on the phone, but just then the ambulance arrived. Or rather, the firemen arrived. They really do arrive first. But the one ambulance was right behind them. I led them to the room, where Abi was now laying on the floor since she passed out. (that's when I realized just how messy her room was and I felt embarrassed that I didn't spend a few moments to clean it up. Yeah, I was thinking weird thoughts like that.) I had to talk to one of the firemen and give him all of the details and her medical information for his forms, so I didn't see what was happening in the room. A part of me didn't want to though. I wanted to be out of their way and let them do their stuff. But when I walked past the room, I did peek in and hear one paramedic tell the other one that "she wasn't breathing, but her heart was still beating." I didn't want to hear any more.
It all happened in slow motion, yet felt chaotic, but I'm sure it was fast. I didn't even look at the clock. I have heard that typical time frames between the first call to when the ambulance arrives is approximately five minutes, but it sure felt longer. (I forgot to ask the dispatcher for an ETA, although I remember learning that you could ask. It didn't seem relevent at the time. Oddly.) They sent over a regular ambulance and an Advanced Life Support ambulance, just in case; the dispatcher wanted me to know so that I didn't get too worried. I was completely fine with whatever they brought as long as it helped Abi!
Abi was still unconscious when they got her onto a stretcher and carried her carefully down the stairs to the one ambulance (not the Advanced Life Support one, although they debated on which one to take for a bit.) and they were bag breathing her. But she was breathing on her own by then. Thankfully. They had to insert a tube down her throat while in her room since her airways were so closed up. The problem is that they didn't actually have a youth's size of tube, just infant and adult! The good news is that my Hunny had taken his Level 3 First Aid course (next level up is paramedic, I think) and so he had a youth sized tube in his bag, which he gave to them. (still packaged and sterilized)
Abi finally started to wake up while we were in the ambulance, but we didn't leave for a few more minutes. Apparently they were talking with my husband (while I sat in the front of the ambulance) and deciding which hospital to go to. We live conveniently in the middle of three different hospitals (Surrey Memorial, Langley Memorial and Peace Arch in White Rock) and on a direct route to another (Royal Columbian in New Westminster, since the freeway is close to us and a quick way to get there) so they were figuring out which would be the best. We usually go to LMH, since it is smaller and therefore not as busy. (I've been there so often now that I feel comfortable there) but it was decided to head to SMH since they have a big pediatrics ward, which I didn't know about.
It took Abi a good three hours to recover enough that she could speak again. Her lungs were so sore and she rested a lot. But she was breathing on her own and that was a big step up from that morning!
{I posted this pic to FB so that our friends who were praying all over the world for her would see that she was alert and doing better.}
We stayed overnight (I wished I had thought to pack clothes or worn a nicer top, but dressing for an emergency means grabbing whatever you have nearby) and met with the pediatrician (Dr A J Singh, a wonderful wonderful man! I love him for what he has done for Abi but he is so terribly busy, it is crazy to get in to see him. He works out of SMH as well as Children's Hospital and has his own clinic on the weekend!) We even had the kids come over and visit us! That was good for them since the last they saw Abi, the house was full of paramedics and firemen and she was taken out of the house on a stretcher. (Kai looked so worried. His expression made me sad. The others didn't say much. When the paramedics were outside at the ambulance, we all sat together and prayed over her and thanked the Lord for his protection.)
It was through the grace of God that Abi was healed and not only that, declared well enough to go home the night after her attack! We were back in our own house by 8pm on the 18th-- 36 hours since the ordeal began. What a miracle! I was expecting to be there for a few days while she recovered and, I don't know, while they did some investigating or intervention or instruction of some sort for her asthma. But we came home with some inahlers and some tips and a follow up appointment.
My sweet girl. Aged 10. Still smiling.
She doesn't remember much of what happened. She didn't remember screaming or throwing up or fighting us with the nebulizer and mask (she kept pushing it away from her face and yelled as we willed that ambulance to come faster), and she didn't remember passing out! A good fifteen minutes missing. But I think that's a good thing. She bounced back pretty good. We told her a few pieces of info on what happened, but we also didn't want her too scared or growing a fear of a repeat. But there are a few parts that even I don't know about, parts that my Hunny witnessed that I didn't, and parts that he doesn't want to talk about, so they will remain a mystery to me. And at first I felt I needed to know it all, but now I am okay with just holding on to what I remember.
We joked that when they all returned to school, she could say to her classmates, "what, you went to Hawaii for Spring Break? Yeah, I almost died!"
The hardest thing about seeing your child almost die in front of you is that fear. It takes a hold of you and it clings to you, and you begin to doubt and you start to worry. It became a fight with myself to NOT let it take control, and I have to admit that it's been a tough journey. How do you live without the fear? I was wrestling with the knowledge that this could happen again and I couldn't stop it. And I really struggled with the thought of God's protection on her, but also us being a part of a Bigger Plan and also having to live in a flawed world.
Yes, He definitely could keep her from harm, and He could pull her back from danger. And He does it every day for us. But I had to be OK with knowing that He may not always. And how do you do that? I didn't know how to give up my daughter and say to God, 'it's okay, you can take her if you want to!" because I was NOT okay with it! And I felt so foolish to be feeling that way! I know that I can't hold tight to my kids. I know that there is nothing in my power that can keep them from harm. And I also knew that God's way is the best way. It says that in Romans 8:28 that "in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." And I love Him. But how could I ever find that idea of Him letting my girl die to be a "good thing"?
And I wrestled with that.
It's been three years, and I can't say that I have fully grasped it yet. I like to think that I can say to the Lord, 'yes, these are your children, and I trust you." I know that I can be honest though as well. So I will often cry out and admit that I have a hard time letting them go, and that I fear for them and that I don't want to have to give them up. But I think that's normal! What kind of mom would I be if I just willingly handed them over without any fear or emotion? I think the key is pushing past that fear and letting God be who He is. And He is good.
And I know that.
Sunday, March 15, 2015
The kids had their annual eye appointments this past week. All five of them, right after each other. We rush over there after school and are the last visits of the day, so the office is just ours. Thankfully. Sometimes having to keep five kids orderly and not into everything is difficult; the less witnesses the better! The funny thing is that we were right after another woman and her five kids! (if I had known that, I would've talked with her, but they were leaving as we were entering. Maybe next year.)
This is the optometrist that I have been seeing since I was a teenager. Dr. R.G. Dyck, if you happen to be in Whalley. He's really good and has a fun sense of humor. And, if you need another reason to see him, we joke that he healed Abi's eyes! After all, she wore glasses for grades three and four, but when she was tested the next year, she didn't need them anymore, and hasn't since. Dr Dyck said it was the first time he had ever cured anyone's sight!
The good news is that none of the kids need glasses this year. Yay! Well, good for me at least. Glasses can be expensive. I buy mine off of clearlycontacts, an online retailer, as it is much cheaper. But I'd be more inclined to buy glasses for the kids from a place where they could try them on first in person. (trying them on virtually isn't an easy way to decide or predict how they'd really look; it's all guessing!) The kids were more disappointed though, I think they all wanted to buy some glasses! Silly kids!
They had fun trying on frames in the office though.
The cute little nerds!
Do you remember when wearing glasses was a "bad" thing? Not something cool? I do. I remember thinking that I must be the only kid in grade six who actually wanted glasses. (my eyes were sore at school and I was having trouble seeing distances, but it wasn't too bad yet to effect schoolwork. I used to steal my dad's old pair and wear them every now and then. My parents didn't realize it was bothering me so much and they didn't get me tested until a few years later. That's when Dr Dyck said that my test results showed that I was blind! Funny. And my father, a painter, was considered colour blind! It's good to know that we adjusted so well consdering!)
The only part of the appointments that resulted in some mixed answers was when Bryn had been tested. The doctor stated that he is colour blind! I remember him doing some testing with the flash cards last year, so I was glad that he did them again. The only problem was that since there was four other kids in and out of the office and trying on frames and two still needing to have the pictures taken with the machines (done prior to sitting down with the dr), and one boy who kept wanting to give his answers before Bryn could, the door was closed on us! So I didn't get to hear what was said or find out more information, and I didn't think of what to ask afterwards! So now I feel a bit silly.
I was told that it was all my fault though! Women carry the gene for colour blindness and pass it along to their sons. Kai had fun teasing me on that one. I bit my tongue from saying that it was still a better deal than the HPV virus that boys pass to girls. Being colour blind isn't nice, but you're not going to die from uterine cancer or made unable to conceive. Just a thought to put into perspective of passing down one thing to another.
In my own searching, I found out that there are different types of colour blindness, which is known as Colour Vision Deficient, with the most common being red-green deficient, so I am assuming that is what he has. (a friend of ours is red-green colour blind, and likes to tell people that when he drives!) It effects about 1 in 12 men (and 1 in 200 women), so the chances are that each year, there is one student in each classroom who has this. I find that intersting, especially since it isn't talked about a lot and I have never known someone until I was 19! I'm not too sure what this will mean for Bryn, but there is nothing that can be done and life can be normal. Well, to a degree, there are some difficulties (there is a really good article called "how can I save the planet when I can't tell green from brown?" written by Geoffrey Hope-Terry that is humerous and thought provoking.), but overall it isn't considered Special Needs (although some may disagree). Bryn is such a smart kid, he's energetic and fun, and doesn't seem to have any problems in the classroom, so I don't quite know if anything needs to be done yet.
I admit to pulling out a bunch of markers and testing Bryn on my own at home, and he had no problems picking out the orange, red, green or brown colours. Which had me wondering. I was talking to a friend of mine whose 10 year old son is "profoundly colour blind" and she described how it is easier to identify the colours when they are separate and you have them memorized, but when they are all mixed together it is harder to distinguish. I guess that makes sense. It also explains why when we are out driving Bryn will always be the one who never sees something no matter how hard we point it out. As we were heading home from the optometrist, Eden noticed the sign for White Spot that spun around. We were at a stop light, and it was directly to our right. Bryn just could not see it! I pointed to it, and even said, "it's the giant green sign right there that's turning!" As we drove away at the green light, he said in frustration, "I never see things!" It made me sad. And it made me wonder if that was the reason. It also explains why he is constantly getting upset that his Tablet battery always needs charging; it may not but he can't tell the difference between a red dead battery light and a green charged one. I'm hoping that this article for colour blind kids on Colour Blind Awareness (a UK organization) will help him out a bit.
It was an interesting visit to the Optometrist. Now officially every child in our family has "something"! Yay go us.
This is the optometrist that I have been seeing since I was a teenager. Dr. R.G. Dyck, if you happen to be in Whalley. He's really good and has a fun sense of humor. And, if you need another reason to see him, we joke that he healed Abi's eyes! After all, she wore glasses for grades three and four, but when she was tested the next year, she didn't need them anymore, and hasn't since. Dr Dyck said it was the first time he had ever cured anyone's sight!
The good news is that none of the kids need glasses this year. Yay! Well, good for me at least. Glasses can be expensive. I buy mine off of clearlycontacts, an online retailer, as it is much cheaper. But I'd be more inclined to buy glasses for the kids from a place where they could try them on first in person. (trying them on virtually isn't an easy way to decide or predict how they'd really look; it's all guessing!) The kids were more disappointed though, I think they all wanted to buy some glasses! Silly kids!
They had fun trying on frames in the office though.
The cute little nerds!
Do you remember when wearing glasses was a "bad" thing? Not something cool? I do. I remember thinking that I must be the only kid in grade six who actually wanted glasses. (my eyes were sore at school and I was having trouble seeing distances, but it wasn't too bad yet to effect schoolwork. I used to steal my dad's old pair and wear them every now and then. My parents didn't realize it was bothering me so much and they didn't get me tested until a few years later. That's when Dr Dyck said that my test results showed that I was blind! Funny. And my father, a painter, was considered colour blind! It's good to know that we adjusted so well consdering!)
(I couldn't help buy laugh at this pair! It made me think of the Beastie Boys video Sabotage.
You know, where they dress up in wigs and fake moustaches and act out
like some 70s cop show? It was funny and awesome when it came out in
'94. However, when I showed it to my kids later, they didn't get the
humor in it and thought it was bizarre!)
The only part of the appointments that resulted in some mixed answers was when Bryn had been tested. The doctor stated that he is colour blind! I remember him doing some testing with the flash cards last year, so I was glad that he did them again. The only problem was that since there was four other kids in and out of the office and trying on frames and two still needing to have the pictures taken with the machines (done prior to sitting down with the dr), and one boy who kept wanting to give his answers before Bryn could, the door was closed on us! So I didn't get to hear what was said or find out more information, and I didn't think of what to ask afterwards! So now I feel a bit silly.
I was told that it was all my fault though! Women carry the gene for colour blindness and pass it along to their sons. Kai had fun teasing me on that one. I bit my tongue from saying that it was still a better deal than the HPV virus that boys pass to girls. Being colour blind isn't nice, but you're not going to die from uterine cancer or made unable to conceive. Just a thought to put into perspective of passing down one thing to another.
In my own searching, I found out that there are different types of colour blindness, which is known as Colour Vision Deficient, with the most common being red-green deficient, so I am assuming that is what he has. (a friend of ours is red-green colour blind, and likes to tell people that when he drives!) It effects about 1 in 12 men (and 1 in 200 women), so the chances are that each year, there is one student in each classroom who has this. I find that intersting, especially since it isn't talked about a lot and I have never known someone until I was 19! I'm not too sure what this will mean for Bryn, but there is nothing that can be done and life can be normal. Well, to a degree, there are some difficulties (there is a really good article called "how can I save the planet when I can't tell green from brown?" written by Geoffrey Hope-Terry that is humerous and thought provoking.), but overall it isn't considered Special Needs (although some may disagree). Bryn is such a smart kid, he's energetic and fun, and doesn't seem to have any problems in the classroom, so I don't quite know if anything needs to be done yet.
I admit to pulling out a bunch of markers and testing Bryn on my own at home, and he had no problems picking out the orange, red, green or brown colours. Which had me wondering. I was talking to a friend of mine whose 10 year old son is "profoundly colour blind" and she described how it is easier to identify the colours when they are separate and you have them memorized, but when they are all mixed together it is harder to distinguish. I guess that makes sense. It also explains why when we are out driving Bryn will always be the one who never sees something no matter how hard we point it out. As we were heading home from the optometrist, Eden noticed the sign for White Spot that spun around. We were at a stop light, and it was directly to our right. Bryn just could not see it! I pointed to it, and even said, "it's the giant green sign right there that's turning!" As we drove away at the green light, he said in frustration, "I never see things!" It made me sad. And it made me wonder if that was the reason. It also explains why he is constantly getting upset that his Tablet battery always needs charging; it may not but he can't tell the difference between a red dead battery light and a green charged one. I'm hoping that this article for colour blind kids on Colour Blind Awareness (a UK organization) will help him out a bit.
It was an interesting visit to the Optometrist. Now officially every child in our family has "something"! Yay go us.
Thursday, March 12, 2015
Welcome back to Thankful Thursday, a feature started by Louise at Talk Nerdy to Me, where we look back over our week to remember our blessings. It is so good to see the good things that have happened, especially if you have had a particularly tough week. Being grateful is good for the soul. Here are just a few things that I am thankful for...
1. digging
We began to dig up a bit of our backyard this weekend for a new veggie garden. It was a family affair, with even my mother-in-law coming to help out! (not that we needed that many people for a small patch, but it was good to all be involved) I'm not a big gardener (I tend to kill plants) but I do enjoy digging in the dirt!
2. Bryn's heart
I took the kids to the park where there were two other kids, a little boy around two years old and a baby girl. The little boy wanted to go on the turnstile (what do you call that playground toy that spins??? we used to call it a Sick-mobile as a kid!)...the merry-go-round-thing (I'll have to take a picture of it next time) with Eden, and Rhys, so Bryn would push it slow enough for them to be spun but not fast enough to get flung off! When his Mom said it was time to go home, the boy started to cry, and so Bryn did the sweetest thing: he put his arm on the boy's shoulder and got on his knee and tried to comfort him in words. It was such a gentle thing for him to do! I don't think it made the boy less sad to leave, but the gesture was so touching. I was impressed with him. His heart is so good and open to the Lord.
3. Beautiful weather
It was up to 16 degrees this weekend! The kids were in t-shirts and playing outside and it was oh so beautiful. I told my hunny, "I don't want to alarm you, but even I am getting warm!" I am always cold (dang hypothyroidism) but I took off my sweater for a bit! Hooray! Spring-like days sure give hope and spirit.
4. Worship
I love music. I love to dance. I love to sing. Music just speaks to my soul. Our worship singing at the beginning of our church service is always one of my favourite parts. Our leader sang this song, which I had never heard of before, and it was so touching. It's called "At Your Name" by Phil Whickham. Yahweh Yahweh! We love to shout your name!
5. Fellowship
My BSF classes are on Spring Break this month since schools are, but a few of the ladies in my group got together for an evening of chatting. I love that our group is close and that we can take time to share our own stories of how God is working in us. In meeting like this we strengthen our own faith, and we gain encouragement, and we find God bringing things to our minds when others speak the truth. I am thankful for how He works in each of us and yet weaves our stories and lives together.
6. guest lecture
My Husband is a Machinist and the place where he works often has students walk through on a tour to check out different shops and how they run. After speaking to a group in the Fall, the Instructor asked if he would be interested in coming in to teach! This week was his second time guest lecturing at University of Fraser Valley. I think he really enjoys teaching; he does seem to have a natural ability to lead groups (he has been teaching our grade 5/6 class at church for a good 7 years!) and a passion in his industry. Who knows where this will lead, but I am thankful for opportunities for him to use his talents and for chances to try out other ways to work in his career.
7. heath changes
My sister-in-law has a ton of allergies, many of them food-related, that makes life difficult for her. To help combat her Jobs Syndrome, she has been having blood transfusions for four years on a weekly basis. This week, she went to see how her allergy to pineapple was, and happily discovered that she is no longer analyphalactic to them! Hooray! In November, she will see how she does with latex! Then we can have a pineapple and balloon party to celebrate!
8. Provisions
Sometimes, okay oftentimes, we are living paycheque to paycheque and we need to be creative to stretch out our food and gas those last two days before payday. I'm sure we aren't the only ones! It's not easy, but it is teaching me to trust and wait for the Lord to provide. I admit that I am still working on that. It's easy for me to say that I have faith that all of our needs will be met, but I sometimes don't live like I believe it. I am so thankful that He is willing to be patient with me, and to keep giving me opportunities to learn. I am also thankful that He does indeed provide, even if it is through an insurance cheque for B's dental appt last week.
9. Sunbeams
I love my little couch (well, actually I don't and would like it replaced, but I love that I have a couch and that it was free...) and I love the sunbeams that fall across it during the afternoon when I am resting or writing or planning or reading or drawing or...you get the point. I have done a fair bit of resting this week thanks to my thyroid and the dumb time change! I am thankful for furniture, sunbeams and restful days.
10. lettering
I was on Instagram the other day checking out other posts similar to mine and was encouraged to keep working on my lettering. It's something that I have always loved to do, and grew up watching my Dad paint his own lettering signs, but something that I never worked on to grow in. Until now. It feels good to Letter!
So that's my week. How about yours? What are you thankful for? You should start your own list. You may be amazed at just how many blessings you have been given. If you do start, I'd love to share in your thanksgiving; let me know in the comments!
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