Today we celebrate not only our independence and freedoms we enjoy while living in this country but also many other freedoms we may not recognize as we go throughout each day.
Since being diagnosed with this illness 18 months ago I have discovered many things I am unable to do without paying some type of a price for it later. I have found that what I do today will effect me an hour or even a day later in terms of a lung flare-up, extreme exhaustion, or even a massive migraine.
My mind continues to run and function at its peak and still has the same drive and desire to accomplish things that I have in the past. But now I really have to think about what I do each day and decide whether or not it is worth the pain I will have to pay for it later.
On this holiday when we celebrate our freedoms and blessings of the independence of our country, can I suggest we also take the time to celebrate and be grateful for everything the Lord has blessed our bodies to be able to do. Before this illness I never even had to think about pacing myself or saying no to anything. When you are healthy you have a never-ending supply of gas in your gas tank and you just keep on going and then refill. For me I have had to learn to run on empty and get the most out of every mile that I travel. By learning this I have come to appreciate and treasure so many more things than I ever did before.
Today I was grateful to have a family luncheon with my parents, my hubby, and my kids and grand baby. I really tried to keep things extremely simple so that my energy would be spent with my family and not in preparing food. Plus, I wanted to have enough energy to be able to play and swim with my grand baby.
The family get-together was great and after they left I found myself completely out of spoons. (See spoon theory post from a few months ago if not sure what I am talking about). I laid in bed all afternoon and tried to muster up some additional spoons for the evenings events. Kaylee and her hubby wanted us to come over and join them in their annual neighborhood b-b-cue and fireworks.
I was not sure I was going to make it, but by 7:00 that night I rolled out of bed and told Kim we are going no matter what. I really enjoyed myself while I was there but spent the entire evening in a chair with a smile on my face not letting anyone know of my pain or fatigue. Sometimes I find "You just have to fake it until you make it!" When others see you not in pain it helps them to not worry so much about you and they can enjoy themselves more knowing you are looking just fine!!! haha! Just a little secret that I finds works great! Plus you don't have to miss out on all the fun!!!
Ireland, Me and Kaylee
Horsey Ride Grandma!!!
Love this little 4th of July CUTIE PIE!
Grandpa and his GIRL!
Daddy and his Daughter
J'Dee and Nikki with Landee
FAMILY FUN ON THE FOURTH!
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