I know it’s Friday Five day, but I got nuthin’ today. When I mentioned this to a friend, he said, “Just write about what’s been going on.” I replied that I wasn’t sure anyone wanted to read about that. But then, when I sat down to write, the DIY projects and ideas didn’t come, and instead my brain flooded with everything that’s been going on. So, here’s the Friday Five: five things that are swirling around my brain today.
1. My daughter, M, has been diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease. Well, the doctor is almost certain that’s what it is. We’ll know for sure after some tests next week. When I’ve told my friends this, they say, “Oh no!” or something similar, but I’m actually sort of grateful for the diagnosis. We now know what’s making her not gain weight (she’s lost 7 lbs. in a year, despite the fact that she’s eating like they’re going to outlaw food). There are some rough adjustments ahead, but nothing we can’t handle.
I can’t thank enough our pediatrician, who recognized the symptoms early and expedited our appointment with the GI specialist. The nurses and doctors at Children’s Healthcare and North Atlanta Pediatrics are the very best and have been amazing to us, especially to M (who is a tough nut to crack).
2. Our house is kind of sinking. OK, that might be a bit dramatic, but there are some beams that are moving and/or sagging, causing the floor to droop. Also, our property needs to be regraded on one side of our house to get the water away from the foundation. Not fun, but necessary, and I’ll be glad when I don’t feel like the house is lopsided.
3. I love Dear Husband. He is working like a dog right now and yet still has time to give me a hug when I need it (i.e., often) and be there for the kiddos. He’s amazing. As my friend Dana would say, I “out-kicked my coverage” when I married Dear Husband.
4. I miss Bear. I wonder if there will ever be a time when I don’t cry at the mention of her name, and yet I don’t really want that time to come. She’s still so there for me, if that makes sense. I think Brene Brown said that people treat grief like it’s something you have to get over. But really, grief is just the natural result of loving someone unconditionally. So, that’s where I am. M’s diagnosis and doctor visits have distracted me from thinking about this, but it’s kind of lurking there, under the surface.
5. I’m just so grateful. The #1 feeling I’ve had lately is gratitude: Grateful that we are getting closer to knowing what’s up with M and for the amazing doctors and nurses who are helping us with this. Grateful for Bear’s long, beautiful life. Grateful for Dear Husband who is clearly my better half. Grateful for my awesome kids with hearts of gold and lots of hugs. Grateful for my lovely and loving friends who have helped and supported me all.the.time. Grateful for Hank, who is dealing with his own grief and hangs close by because it helps us both. Grateful for my mom who taught me how to ask the right questions to get the right answers. Grateful to YOU, lovely readers and friends, for listening and supporting me and sending virtual hugs. Grateful for it all and feeling the love.
So, that’s my Friday Five for today. It’s not DIY, but it’s what’s in my world right now. At least one of these things is leading to a DIY project, though: I have decided that I’m going to finally give M what she has always wanted and paint her whole room green. She’s asked for this repeatedly and I’ve balked, because it will just be very, very green (and, I’m afraid, dark and cavernous). But this girl is one tough cookie and is about to deal with some big life changes, and she should have the room – and pretty much anything else – she wants. After all, it’s just paint, and it will make her immensely happy. That’s all I need.
Have a great weekend, all.
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