Question. Have you ever sat perfectly still in silence contemplating how lucky you are to have your family? Ever taken the time to tell them how much you appreciate and love them? You should. Even if you think they already know. Tell them again. This post is for all of my family including friends whom I am lucky enough to consider family. They are the ones who have gotten me this far in my journey!
I don’t really want to gloat about this, but I do have the BEST family! Here’s something to think about. Never forget about your family in this busy thing we call life. Appreciate them. Talk to them. Get to know them. All of them. Never take them for granted. When all is said and done, it’s our family who will stick by us. I know this because in the last 20 months, I’ve been given the opportunity to sit perfectly still and admire just how incredible my family truly is. How lucky I truly am. My family has stuck by me through thick and thin. Through the good (on low pain days), the bad (when my crutches “magically” flew through the air), and the ugly. Can you say ugly crier?
It’s hard to see a loved one hurting, crying. It’s hard when you don’t know what to say or what you can do to help. You want to “fix” them, so their hurting stops. Unfortunately, my family has experienced these things. They’ve watched me lay in pain, crying for relief. They’ve seen me angry (stupid crutches) and frustrated (why won’t this burning stop?). They’ve seen my outgoing, talkative personality dwindle to a quiet, reserved Stephanie. They should get a “putting up with Stephanie” award, especially Steve and the kids. To be frank (That was my grandpa’s name.), they are the ones who have to, or should I say “get to,” live with me! Maybe I should create a “we survived the summer after Mom’s broken leg” award. Steve, Zack and Sammi, I will get started on that. J Seriously, they know the real me now!
That summer, my family sat with me, encouraged me, loved me, understood me, played games with me, cooked for me, cleaned for me, and sometimes they would laugh about what I’d say or do while taking certain medications. They made me smile, laugh. They helped take my mind off my broken leg and burning. Everyone deserves a family like mine. I hope they all know how much I appreciate them, love them, and how unbelievably thankful I am for them. I am!
With all those things being said, the next few weeks of my journey continued to be rough. My family made it bearable. I had high pain days as well as not so high pain days. I got to know my crutches rather well. Sometimes I loved them, sometimes I hated them. (I don’t think they thought much of me either, especially when they got “tossed” across the room or out of the car.) But they did help me get around. I started physical therapy at the best therapy place in town – SERC. (I promise I’m not getting paid to say that!) My leg was getting stronger and stronger, but the burning pain, swelling and discoloration in my foot/ankle weren’t getting any better. The pain I was experiencing was out of proportion to what a broken leg should feel like. My foot and thigh were burning. It just didn’t make sense.
As the summer droned on, I kept thinking positive and was looking forward to getting back to school. That was my plan anyway. (Remember how I like plans?) I was enjoying the “down” time with my kids, Steve, and the rest of my family. The bedroom where I propped my broken leg, became a meeting place where good discussions were had, board games were played and comforting took place. My family was there for me, and they still are. They continue to encourage and pray for me and never give up on me. I love them. Did I already mention how awesome my family is? Although, if I’m being honest, like most families we may not have it all together, but together we have it all!
One final note, I know God’s plan for me is in the works. As I’ve said before, I know there are great things ahead for me. As for my family, I’m looking forward to dancing and singing loud for all to hear when I’ve returned to “normal!” Love you all.
Inside Invisible Illness 