I've been MIA due to hospitalization and lingering illnesses. (I can't guarantee this will all be consecutive from here on out but I will make an effort to keep it going).
1. Phone Calls In The Hospital (I got calls from Manda, Aimee, Melodie, my MIL, my Daddy, and my Mom. I really appreciated hearing all of their sweet voices and their encouragement at such a trying time in my life).
2. Family Meals (Tonight Mom and I went out and got some frozen veggies and perogies and whipped up a really fun and tasty dinner for the three of us. Microwave and a pot of boiling water were our friends. Dinner was excellent and I enjoyed spending the meal socializing and chatting with Mom, as well as the meal we had on Sunday - Teriyaki Stir Fry - where we got to have an honest to goodness sit down dinner together).
3. Mommy (When you're at your worst and you're afraid and need love and care the best solution for that is your Mommy! I'm so grateful my Mom is here - and glad that Daddy was able to let her come out here and help us out during these frightening trials. She's been such a blessing to us - and a major source of comfort for me - as well as lifting some of the weight off my husband's shoulders).
4. Robert (Again, really lucky to have such great friends. This man stayed with me and kept my company in the hospital so that my husband could run errands and look after the pets. He kept me focused on the positive things and offered encouragement and support when I needed it most).
5. Bro and Sis Charles (Our Home Teacher came to visit me in the hospital. He brought his wife along and although this was the first time I was priviledged to meet her, I really enjoyed getting to know her. Sadly our visit was cut short by me being wheeled off to a medical test but I still felt a lot of gratitude for their kind words and their presence).
6. Jackie and Benjamin (My sweet neighbor came to see me in the hospital, along with her adorable little son. He's really a wonderful kid. I was touched that they'd come and visit me - and she brought me a plant - and it's STILL alive, despite my non-green thumb. Mommy might be credited with that, as she's remembered to ice the Orchid the last two times it needed it. It's a beautiful little exotic plant and it brightens up my home and provided a touch of beauty to the room while I was there in the hospital!)
7. Answers (It was a continuous journey and struggle to get proper answers from the doctors regarding all of the tests and hoops I had to jump through. However, some useful information was obtained. I know the source and causes of some of the pain now and am attempting to deal with them as best as medication and time permits. I have faith and hope that I will yet obtain more answers to sort all of this out in the long run).
8. Letters and Cards (I got a letter and some stickers in the mail from my dear friend Melodie! There's just something so touching about someone putting pen to paper to write to you! Emails are great but getting that letter or note that someone took the time to craft just has such a personal and loving touch to it. I also got a hand crafted card from my SIL, Bonnie, a cute Get Well card from my loving Aunt Barb, Uncle Bob, and Cousin Pam, and an adorable Polar Bear card from my dear BFF Darcy! All of these little notes of love were much appreciated and are proudly displayed on my mantel in my dining room - where they remind me of how much I am cared for and cherished!)
9. Balloons (I got a lovely balloon and flower set from my MIL while in the hospital. And another balloon from my husband once I was well enough to come home! Amazingly enough, after a week and a half of being in my apartment, both balloons are still flying high! Sort of a lovely symbol of hope, if you will! The flowers from the set have moved on - save the couple I have drying on my wall - but their lofty cousins remain to inspire me to lofty things!)
10. Writing (I was blessed with the inspiration and the opportunity to write a bit of story with Aimee a few days ago. I worked on the character of A. K. and we spun a bit of backstory out of it. I was juggling things a bit, as I was also watching CSI: Miami with my sweet Mom at the time - but the commercials gave me time to write and the show moments gave me time to formulate writing responses so that was good! It was good to get into a character that is on the more decent side of human nature. A.K. reminds me in some places of my husband, just a genuinely good soul and it was refreshing to write for him and to have a chance to tap into that creative part of myself (and our partnership as co-authors). I really enjoyed the experience and hope to repeat it again soon!)
That's 10! I know I'll have more to say tomorrow and I hope you've all found some good things in your life to be grateful for today!
