Monday, April 9, 2012

Thanks a Lot, Lord.


Hello, Friends.  I'm back.  It feels as if it has been ages since I last blogged.  I do not have any illusions that there are people out there waiting with bated breathe for my next post.  My life is just not that interesting.  But I won't lie...I enjoy thinking about you and who you might be.  

Since we last met, I came down with the "Awful Kissing Disease" as my Dad likes to call it- the dreaded mono!  After I came home from the races (see last post) I started feeling kinda funny...almost nodding off behind the wheel, crying in the middle of the day because I just want a freakin' nap, losing all interest in my sexy husband, and rationalizing just one more night of hot dogs for dinner.  Around the time that I began to question my sanity (am I depressed?) I paid a visit to my doctor/friend, Missy.  She is my friend with benefits (like amoxicillin) - as if she weren't lovable enough.  

Around this time, I felt like one of those contagious people stumbling around in the movie "Outbreak".  I followed throngs of parents into the gym for my daughter's kindergarten barn dance, like a zombie with toxic mono germs.  My sweet cousin came to support Nana/ hold me up during the performance.  As I lifted the tiny camcorder to film my five year old's shining moment, a sheen of sweat began to form over my upper lip and my hand began to tremble.  I pasted a smile on my pasty face and joined in on the hoe down.  Yes, parent participation was required.  But I did not...I repeat, did not...wear a red gingham shirt, a denim skirt, and cowgirl boots (like some people).  I simply draw the line in the sands of perkiness there.

Sure enough, later that day, my buddy called to tell me my blood test for mono was positive.  How the hell does a respectable, thirty three year old woman get mono you ask?  

It wasn't having any fun, I assure you! 

The source of my mono is still a mystery (most likely sharing a glass with someone) but you can rest easy knowing that I have not been kissing any sketchy high school or college boys.  Like I said, my life is just not that interesting.  But boy! Our family's capacity for multiple diseases in a short period of time...now that is something.  First it was the ooohy gooohy eye infections, the multiple ear infections, the flu, the colds, the stomach virus, strep throat, and last but not least, the big daddy of illnesses, mono.  We are probably being watched right now by the local authorities due to the vast quantities of cold medicine and pain reliever purchased by my family this season. 

With all of the passionate kissing that goes on daily at my house, I had no choice but to share mono with Hubby.  Before I infuriate him, I will tell you that this is a load of crap.  There was no passion in the exchange of germs.  I probably just coughed on the poor guy. It did the trick! Hubby came down with the worst case of mono our doctor's office has ever seen, bleeding ulcers and all (gross!).  And of course there are always other things to contend with like poorly constructed houses and car accidents. 

Considering the kind of month we've had, Hubby and I might be justified in muttering, "Thanks a lot, Lord," along with a few colorful obscenities.   Are you with me? 

But here's the thing.  I have been feeling pretty happy.  Pretty darn content.  And I asked myself why and let it marinate for a bit.  

This is what I came up with.  When life gets really hard, like a nightmare you don't think you will ever wake up from hard, and everything feels utterly out of control, these are the crappy days you wish for.  It's a perspective that I did not have for most of my life.  Once you have lived in an ocean of pain, (be it cancer, death, addiction, betrayal, abuse) you walk away from that season of life changed.  The every day crap that makes you toss up your hands and say, "Why, me?" becomes inconsequential and manageable.  And you have a deep and abiding appreciation for the beautiful people and things in your life.

Christ. Hubby. Nana. Lulu. Sister. Mom. Dad. Brother. Church Family. The list goes on...

So mono or no mono, money or no money, friends or no friends, for better or worse, I hope I can always say, "Oh, thank you, Lord."  Because He has been so good to me.  He is so good to us. 

This is not to say that I won't occasionally bitch! Let's not get crazy. But at the end of the day, I know that I am a blessed girl, and I will endeavor to be worthy of the awe inspiring gifts I have been given.  With the Easter Season just behind us, I find myself most thankful for the giver, Himself, and His endless patience with yours truly. 















4 comments:

  1. Kate,
    I loved this post. It was beautiful. Your strength amazes and inspires me! I don't know how you haven't gone crazy with all the endless sickness your family has endured. And the fact that you are still able to find gratitude is a testament to your undying, relentless and beautiful faith!! I love you so much!!
    Annie
    xoxo

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  2. Thank you! I haven't gone crazy because I have a sister friend who picks up the slack anytime I need it. : ) I am so grateful for you!

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  3. I got one do wait daily for your blog. I love it and am always happy when you write. Sorry you all have been so under the weather. I hope everyone is on the men's. Keep writing. I love you bunches.

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  4. It should read I, for one, wait for your blog daily. And, I hope you are all on the mend.

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