Thursday, December 11, 2008

Oh what a day...

Well, today has been a doozy.

First of all, we started family therapy. We started with Jack as he seems to be the one having the most trouble adjusting. He's been having these little melt downs about everything and just in general seems VERY stressed out for a 10 year old. Granted Josh has A LOT of issues, but I think those issues are going to be long term issues that we are going to be dealing with, which we are just now getting into. Right now, we need to figure out what's going on in Jack's little head, and get him feeling better and back to the happy little boy I know he is. I feel a little more hopeful about having more family peace after this first meeting. This has been such a difficult year. As I learned long ago, even good things are stressful. And this has been a year chocked full of good things.


Secondly, I thought perhaps I had an ulcer from above said "good" things. I have always had stomach problems. Type A personality, perfectionist etc. This year, it seems to be a constant blah feeling in my stomach, like a gnawing pain that won't go away... like an alien is ready to rip it's way out? A few weeks ago, I felt like I was going to come unglued when my doctor pushed on my upper abdomen. "Ut Oh," she replied. "Ut Oh," I agreed. Last week, I had a HIDA Scan to evaluate my gallbladder function. I found out today that my gallbladder is functioning at 13%. Evidently 25 to 30% is considered borderline low. And so I picked out my surgeon today. (The perks of working in an SICU is to know which knife wielding hacks to avoid)

Geez, could it get any better at Ellerbeeville?

The kids were supposed to sing at a nursing home today as an optional activity for school. We were getting ready. I had all intentions of getting them there today.... on time. It took me 2 and a half hours just to get Josh and Jameson's hair looking OK. No one would get dressed... no one would get their shoes and socks... no one would brush their hair... Jack was having a melt down about going... so today, I made a decision that I would choose JOY. I didn't freak out. I didn't stress out. I didn't drive 90 miles an hour to get there on time. I choose JOY today, and that means we are staying home, making cookies, getting our school work done, and going swimming this evening.

"He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy." Job 8:20-22

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5 comments:

Lisa said...

A day in the life! WOW,,,I hope you are feeling better soon and find some more "JOY" days:-)))

misschris said...

Even a lot of good is a lot of change, which is difficult for even the most seasoned hearts. Best of luck to Jack. Joy, what a good choice.

And congrats on your 10 months! How very exciting. I am so moved by your candid descriptions of it all. xoxo

Jeanie said...

Life without a gallbladder will be different. I didn't know how much my shoulder was bothering me until I had it removed (sign of gb issues). Best wishes on that coming out... and happy eating!!

I love you and how open you are about struggles. It will all be used for God's glory. Thank you for sharing - joy is a great thing!

Rebecca said...

Girl! Sorry about your gallbladder...that stinks!! When it rains, it pours, huh?!?!
Hey, I have a fabulous idea..... while you're recouping from surgery, why don't I take Justine off your hands for awhile? See what I do for you.....I am SUCH a GREAT friend!!!

Laurel said...

Great choice ... to stay home. Been there, done that.

Wishing you more Joy-filled days!

:) :) :)