It’s been a challenging couple of weeks where we’ve had more than our share of stresses–in fact, we’ve had more stress in the past couple of weeks than we’ve had in the past several years.
Summer’s pose perfectly illustrates the way I’ve been feeling the need to lean on something to stay upright.
But sometimes it all just gets to be too much and you have to lie down for a little nap.
On top of everything else that has been going on, Steve’s been sick the past for several days. On our way home from Georgia last Thursday, he stopped at an Urgent Care and got a mini-arsenal of meds, none of which are doing him a whole lot of good. He’s not sleeping well at night (it was 5 a.m. last night when he finally dropped off) and therefore I am not sleeping the greatest either. He wasn’t able to be at church yesterday so I got to lead worship band rehearsal and think of all the bajillion details that Steve usually thinks about. Oh, my aching brain.
My gastrointestinal issues continue to hound me. I did (produced? donated? don’t know the right word) some stool samples about 10 days ago. Out of five samples that were sent away, three got lost. Well, actually they didn’t get lost, but three tubes arrived empty. Which makes me wonder where in the world the three tubes full of my less-than-pleasant offerings are currently residing.
And because they got lost, I have to do it all over again today, plus go to Greenville tomorrow for my annual oncologist visit and monthly RA infusion tomorrow. On Thursday and Friday, Sarah and I will head to Durham for a couple of appointments at Duke. Nothing worrisome; just some follow-up stuff from late-term side effects.
And speaking of Sarah, here she is, about to head out to her first class of the day this morning.
Last week she worked 30 hours in addition to her college classes. A busy gal!
But with all the trials and stresses we’ve been encountering, there have been some bright spots come along, as well.
This is my Official Bright Spot photo.
The first bright spot is that Hurricane Joaquin, which we thought was making a beeline straight at us, veered out into the ocean instead, which we are so grateful for. We do have some flooding and some roads affected by over wash but at least we’re safe and largely undamaged, unlike our South Carolina neighbors who’ve had such catastrophic flooding.
Another bright spot is that we had a great trip to Georgia last week. The leadership conference we attended is the best thing (of its kind) we have been to in our 33 years of marriage and ministry.
It was called the National Institute of Christian Leaders . . .
and was founded by Dr. Mark Rutland, who was the president at Southeastern University where Nathan and Meagan both attended.
The entire 3-day, 14-hour conference consisted of Dr. Rutland speaking. That’s it. No music, no slick videos, no line up of breakout sessions.
Just us. And him. And it’s a credit to his skills as a communicator and his 40 years of experience in church and corporate leadership that he was able to make fourteen hours feel like about thirty minutes. Amazing.
As Dr. Rutland interacted with some of the students during a break, I looked around and realized that all the cool people (including my very own husband) were taking notes on laptops and iPads. And me? I was taking notes the old-fashioned way–steno pad and gel pen.
Oh well. Someday I might be cool..
While we were in Georgia, I happened to post on FB where we were and got a message from our dear friends of 18 years, Rev.Max and Nina Myers. We knew they had recently moved to Georgia but had no idea they were actually close enough to our meeting place to get together for a meal.
Even though we hadn’t seen them in over 10 years, we picked up our friendship again in an instant. It was good timing for us because they are the kind of people you can talk to about anything; they have walked with us through some deep waters in the past and their caring, compassionate hearts were open to listen and care all over again. They have been through some tough times of their own in recent years and by the end of the evening, the four of us had shared laughter, tears, prayer and hugs. Such a wonderful surprise to get to spend time with these dear people.
On the way home from Georgia, we stopped in to spend the night with Steve’s parents. I took a picture of Steve and his mom talking outside their house Thursday morning as we were getting ready to hit the road. His parents are such wonderful folks; we are truly blessed by their presence in our lives.
So that should just about get you up to date with what’s been going on lately. I’ll close with a few miscellaneous photos.
I just love Summer’s face in this picture.
A couple of chairs in the garage where Steve and I perched one day to talk as the rain pounded outside.
The sight that greeted me when I arrived home one day from running errands; the kitchen had been freshly mopped by my wonderful husband.
And lastly, here is a photo that Meagan recently took of our sweet grand babies.
The photo reminded me of another brother and sister that I know.
I still can’t believe that little guy in the blue shirt is now the daddy of two babies of his own and that his oldest (Noah) will two years old this week!
Life is full of stresses, joys and journeyings . . . and I am grateful for every single day.
That was such a wonderful blog and I’m so glad I clicked on like to your Facebook page
Angie,
I’m so glad you stopped by!
Oh Becky, I’m so sorry for all that your family is dealing with! I’m going to try too be brief, eloquent & organized; but as you know….not my strong suite!
How’s Steve? Have the meds kicked in bringing him back to his chipper whipper self?
And you? Stolen samples (SS), really?? People are crazy, weird!
Any results yet? You know I hate sticking my nose in your business (but keep doing it–SO SORRY)!
But…..have they tested you for h.pylori? While a blood test gives an answer to some degree, an EGD is more definitive! Also, once a positive blood test usually always one! OR, have they considered SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth)?
You know I’ve had some GI stuff mixed in with everything else & w/ both of these diagnosis’ (so I was told) the h.pyolri usually requires two antibiotics & a proton pump inhibitor (PPI); ex. nexium, omeprazole, protonix, etc! And, the SIBO is usually treated with an antibiotic called Xifaxan (ZEYE FAX AN)!
Stepping off my stop box (or shall I say return to minding my own business)!
Is Sarah okay? Duke? She’s a busy & amazing gal! She’s certainly a patient her PEDS ONC team brags on ALL THE TIME! Truly a miracle w/ big things ahead! But does she have ANY time for fun??
Please take it easy, Becky! You & your family are very much loved!
Hugs, Jodi
PS. Yesterday (10/8) was Michael’s 3 year Angelversary! It’s so hard to believe it’s been so long! It was a tough day but I tried to celebrate him & do him proud (while allowing myself to grieve); easier said than done!
Jodi,
No results on the most recent samples sent in; they said it usually takes a week. Sounds like you (unfortunately) have plenty of experience with that kind of ailment. Not so much fun!
Steve went back to the doctor a couple days ago and got a penicillin shot and a couple other meds and is finally starting to feel a little stronger.
Sarah is definitely an inspiration to many people at Duke; we talked to a couple of them yesterday, which I will blog about later. And yes, she does take time for relaxation and fun. I’m happy that today (Saturday) she has no work and no college and can just stay in her comfy clothes and relax.
Hugs to you on the anniversary of your brother’s death. I know you never get over missing him. Brothers are so special.
Becky
Oh, I am sorry about the stresses. It seems like some of them were “good” stresses in that you and Steve have been ever so busy doing so many fabulous things.
Prayers for your health and for Steve to get over this bug.
Love the photos of the two generations. Nathan certainly cloned himself! Beautiful children, beautiful grandchildren. You are blessed.
Cath,
Yes, I definitely feel blessed with my children and grandchildren. Noah turns two today; such a sweet little guy!
Becky, keeping “yinz” (pittsburghese for you’all or you guys) in my prayers as always! Hope your stresses lighten and your health improves, and of course, that all goes well at Duke. Your grand babies sure are cuties! Blessings to you all.
Linda in Pittsburgh
Linda,
I’ve never been called a yinz before. 🙂 Made me smile!
Pray the Lord will bless your socks off – you’ve had too much stress to last forever and a day. Loved your photo, you would never know you had been or were stressed.
Sharyn,
Thank you for your wonderful encouragement!
Sorry to hear how stressful it has been. I hope you and Steve feel better soon. Take good care 🙂
Thanks so much, Jenna. I hope you’re feeling a bit better these days.
perhaps Nancy Drew could have another adventure with
“The Case of the Missing You-Don’t-Want-To-Know What”….
hope Steve improves asap
Mrs. Pam, you definitely made me laugh with this one. 🙂
Mel,
Me, too!
Mrs. Pam,
That’s pretty funny! 🙂
Sorry for the uncomfortable times. Pray for safe travels to Greenville and Duke. Enjoyed the pictures. Yours is really pretty. God’s blessings on you all.
Ann,
Had a good trip to Greenville and gearing up for our trip to Durham tomorrow! Thanks for the encouragement and prayers.
Becky, sorry to hear you have had so many stresses recently. I know the feeling. Somehow, you are able to hang onto a little bit of humor through it all, I aspire to that! Your grand babies are getting big! So beautiful. In all Sarah’s baby pictures, she has this wide-eyed, alert, eager to dive-into-life kind of expression. It has served her well. She is certainly a hard worker, handling 30 hours a week and college classes, GO Sarah!
PS Love your Official Bright Spot photo
Lesley,
Yes, I agree. Sarah really does have the “certain” look in her face in so many of her younger pictures. She was ready to jump into life with both feet! I’m so sorry about the recent frustrations you’ve had with your Sarah’s care. Hoping it will all be figured out . . VERY soon!
I really, truly, tried to hold on to my empathy throughout your entire post. But once I read about the missing stool, it was all over for me. Let me try: sorry about Steve’s sickness; nothing worse than being sick more than 25 feet from your own bed. Kudos to you for keeping the music flowing, to Sarah for her marathon of work and school, to Steve for washing the floors, to Summer for continued awesomeness. Your grandkids are the second cutest pair around, glad the hurricane gave you a miss, good luck with all the traveling you’ll be doing, what fun meeting up with old friends (love the color of her blouse). Still trying not to think about missing poop.
I totally forgot to mention how great your bright spot photo is!
Jan,
Thanks for tearing yourself away from the other topic at hand long enough to notice it! 🙂
Jan,
I have to agree.
Once a blogger mentions missing poop in a blog post–well, everything else sort of fades into oblivion. I think it’s just all the drama involved, the burning issue of, “Well, just where are those missing test tubes lurking? And who is going to find them?”
But I admire your valiant effort to comment your way around all the other topics I wrote about despite the elephant in the middle of the room. Kudos! 🙂
Your “Official Bright Spot” photo is beautiful. I guess we have to go through stresses and challenges to appreciate some of the smaller things in life. Hope Steve feels better soon and your stresses and challenges disappear.
Mel,
You’re so right–it’s the hard times that make the good times all the better!
I was wondering and concerned about you and the hurricane. Very glad you didn’t what they had predicted early on. However, so sad for the folks in SC. 🙁 Prayers that Steve feels better very soon and the struggles get better too.
Oops…left out ‘get’. I proofread that 3 times. It’s Monday. 🙂
LeeAnne,
We were so thankful that hurricane took a different route than what was originally forecast. And now we have plenty of drinking water on hand! 🙂
And I know how frustrating it is to proof read something and still overlook a mistake. Been there. Done that! I like how you blamed it on Monday. 😉
Glad the hurricane and rain torrents are skirting your area, been wondering how you are. I liked seeing Vernie and Steve by their familiar house, where I too have trod once upon a time. They truly are wonderful people and I’m sure they have been a comforting, stabilizing force in your lives;forever, it seems! (As you are to your kids lives.) “Ya’ll” get well and rested now. That is orders from a northerner! (hate saying that word– “you guys” is more like it!)
Ruth,
I’m glad you enjoyed the picture of Vernie and Steve. I can’t remember when the last time was you were at their house. Maybe 20 or 25 years ago? And yes, Ken and Vernie have truly been wonderful to have had in our lives all these years. We are blessed.
And I’m not a fan of “y’all” either. “You guys” sounds good to me!
Becky, thank you for sharing. It is always a pleasure to read your blog. Prayers for Steve’s health and look forward to more of your blogs!
Margaret,
Thank YOU so much for reading and for taking the time to leave a comment. I love my readers but I love my commenters even more! 🙂
Thanks for the prayers for Steve; he should be able to be back at work today. It’s been a long haul for him.