People keep calling me to make sure I'm doing okay with my mom's condition. Offers of babysitting to food shopping have been dropped in my lap like manna from the heavens. I'm so grateful. Even if I don't take you all up on it, it's so gratifying to know it exists.

Emotional cards have been laid on the table also. "Andrea, you know... it's okay to have a good cry... This is a scary time... Call me! I'm here for you!"

I know that. And I appreciate it. But my mom is responding really well to treatment. She'll be home next week. She's not kicking the bucket anytime soon. For that, I am so grateful.

I have realized through this experience, how strong I really am. But I can't take all the credit. My faith, my husband, my friends, family members, you readers... all of it has allowed me to find beauty and humor in the daily struggles.

More and more I see that the way we look at things makes such a difference in our moods. Do I have anxiety imbedded in my genetic make-up? Sure. But I also have a soul to reach for God. I have a brain to reach for good people to surround myself with. I have a heart to help others and get outside of myself.

And I have a thrift store addiction when none of these things work.


More of my writing can be found daily at Good Housekeeping.

 



 


Comments

Daria

Sun, 26 Apr 2009 15:24:53

Yea for the good news about your mom!

 

gretchen

Sun, 26 Apr 2009 15:53:44

Well, I 'm so stoked to hear that your mom is coming home soon and that you have a fab support system. The "good cry" might hit you out of nowhere when she's been home for a bit and suddenly, your hyper alert defcon 4 status can wane. Or, it may not. I agree wholeheartedly that changing perspective is key to getting through what must be walked through. And thrifting doesn't hurt.

Speaking of which...just bought some FAB leopard print clogs for my dtr for 70s day at St. Vincent De Paul. I'm ashamed to say that even though I was willing to pay the $5.99, they were on sale for $.99 because it's Sunday. A sale to honor the Good Lord, I guess. :)

 

phd in yogurtry

Sun, 26 Apr 2009 16:28:12

Glad to hear your mom is responding so well, and that you're safe in the arms of a wonderful support network.

 

Sprite's Keeper

Sun, 26 Apr 2009 18:51:39

Always good to hear! And I don't think the thrift store obsession is necessarily bad either..

 

Deb

Sun, 26 Apr 2009 19:14:12

Sometimes the powers that be throw some wild curve ball at us to make sure we're paying attention and appreciate what we have. I get why - but it still pisses me off =)

Glad to hear your mom will be OK. Hang in there kiddo....

 

His Girl Amber

Sun, 26 Apr 2009 21:02:40

Glad to heat she's on the mend. Will be prayin'

 

Heidi

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 11:38:59

I have a heart to help others and get outside of myself.

How true. Mother Andrea, I still think about you when people are rude or short with me. I used that today when I dealt with Bryans exwife. Sure, I vented and blogged and used some "colorful" language about it online, but to her face I was nothing but sweet, courteous, and polite. My mantra was "What would Mother Andrea do?"

Love you, I'm here for you at ANY TIME if you ever need anything at all!

 



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