Monday, March 21, 2011

Land of the Living

A nice spring view at Monticello back in 2009


And I'm back in the land of the living...

After a few days where I felt like I was in the Valley of the Shadow, I woke up this morning and actually brushed my teeth and went downstairs to eat breakfast. And I saw spring outside my window. The neighbors' tree suddenly burst into bloom sometime within the past four bed-ridden days.

Signs that you feel better:
  • You can brush your teeth without throwing up
  • You shower and put on a little bit of make up, even if you wear sweats and go back to bed
  • You eat at a table instead of in bed
  • You transition from Pedialite to Gatorade (Virginia made me choose between drinking Pedialite or going to the ER after I didn't eat or drink for 2 days. It tastes slightly better than children's cough medicine and is much better when diluted with water)
  • You think about responding to emails again... and blogging!
I think the hardest thing for me right now is patience. I haven't quite bounced back--it's a slower transition to get back to the lower-level I was at just a week ago. As a cancer survivor friend reminded me, it's especially hard because I felt so much better. I've been on both sides--the feeling junky and the thriving. And obviously I choose the thriving side. And while I don't always have that choice, at least I have the memory.

Maybe tomorrow I'll feel good enough to go on a walk around the block. Or make my bed. Or send some more emails. Maybe I'll be even better at managing my new headaches (it's much lower now and kind of in my ears in a weird way). But I'll figure it out. And if not, I'll just lay in bed and watch HGTV on my new digital converter. Ahhhhh...

P.S. Thank goodness for March Madness basketball, the greatest distraction of all...

7 comments:

M said...

Yay Yay Yay!!! I have been praying for you and you've been on my mind constantly. The little things (like brushing teeth and eating at a table) really do make the day. I'd love to go on a walk with you tomorrow if you're feeling up to it. xoxo

Leslie Green said...

And yet you took time to "like" my comment on FB yesterday. That meant a lot to me, because I know you knew how I felt!! I'm glad you had a better day today and I hope you have another one tomorrow and the next day, too!!! :D

The Wyler Family said...

welcome back. i love you! always praying for you and thinking about how incredible you are. :)

Meggen said...

Glad to hear you are feeling a little better. Baby steps, baby steps, my friend. You are continually in my thoughts and prayers! I love you!

Laurel said...

i MUCH prefer you in the land o the living than in the valley of the shadow...just in case you were wondering.

xoxo

Lesli said...

Your outlook on life's ups and downs is remarkable! You are in our every prayer and any good days for you are good news for us. Keep hanging in there, even though you may sometimes feel like it is by the tips of your fingernails. Love you!

Anonymous said...

Jen, you are of an inspiration to me than I can express. You are in our prayers always. Thank you for teaching me!

Bro Meacham