Two years ago today my life changed in ways that I would never have imagined. I was sidelined with a diagnosis that has literally stopped me in my tracks on more than one occasion. Fifteen to be exact within those two years! It has been a whirlwind of a ride to say the least. My normal now involves a lot more time at home and a lot more rest than I used to need! Long gone are the days of staying up half the night cleaning out closets, painting rooms, installing floors or whatever else that needed to be done. Now my days are different than they used to be and for a long time I mourned the person I once was but today; well today is a different story.
Today I have a few things I’ve learned in the past two years that have kept me grounded and fighting each day. Here they are:
1. There is a God. He is real. He is on His Throne and He loves me. God has more elaborate plans for me. Several times I have come close to not being here. He obviously isn’t through with me yet! I can’t wait to see what’s ahead!
2. My bed feels so good! I have to rest there is no choice. I cannot function without it. I never realized how good a bed could feel but I love our bed! In the evenings I can be finishing up the dishes and ask Daisy (my dog) “Do you want to go get in the bed?” She spins in circles because she knows what’s coming! 😂😂 She is a little spoiled.
3. Family is everything! You cannot pick your family. They might tick my off but when it comes down to it mine are the best. They have stood by me on my good days and bad. We have laughed a lot, cried a little and fought this fight together!
4. Prayers have sustained me this far. I appreciate everyone of them. There have been times I have felt like someone has wrapped their arms around me and it’s usually when I’ve been struggling with something.
5. Prednisone is of the devil! Not only has it ballooned me up to look like the man in the moon it has caused me to become diabetic. A diagnosis I never wanted to get. Hopefully once I get off of it the diabetes will go away. I am currently trying to control it with diet. Call me out if I’m cheating! I will deserve it because my life depends on it!
6. Myasthenia Gravis is as complicated as they come. Nothing is ever the same twice and I have days when I still am not sure of what is going to happen. It proves exactly how intricate the human body was designed!
7. Rushing is not worth it. I cannot physically run or hurry myself. The more I try the more overworked the muscles get then the less they work. It’s a vicious cycle so I just stop and smell the roses. My dad used to say on the golf course take your time, feel the breeze, listen to the birds, smell the grass, relax, enjoy. I think of that a lot of days when I’m slow moving! I enjoy the slow pace that we tend to lose when we become adults.
8. Sit at the table for meals with the family. Soak in the laughter, smart comments, jokes and sheer delight on the faces of your loved ones. This makes me happier than most things because everyone I love is right there enjoying each other.
9. Don’t give in to the diagnosis. If I wanted I could file for disability and sit my butt at home everyday but what good would that do me? I want to serve a purpose and be around people. I want to live each day to the fullest. I might have this disease but it doesn’t have me!
10. Live each day like it is your last. It might be, we are never promised tomorrow. I make sure my folks know I love them because I do. Chances are I will tell you too because I do!
And last but not least…Do NOT fret over the small stuff. It doesn’t matter if my hair looks funny or I have to wear my coke bottle glasses. It doesn’t matter if my plates don’t match my cups. It doesn’t matter if the dog brought some dirt. In the grand scheme of things life is too short to let anything or anyone steal your joy! Be happy!
So as I think back in these last two years some may think it’s a curse but I consider it a blessing that I can focus more on God and less on this world! My relationship with God has become stronger that I ever dreamed. I’m still learning and growing but it’s closer to Him!
Have a great day! I know I am! 😘😘 ~ Melynda
Life is too short to wear ugly clothes too! 🙂