Can you guess?
Yes, swine flu. I went from feeling fine after the funeral (albeit emotional & tired) to waking up in the middle of the night with a high fever, sore throat, cough, painful breathing and chills. Later that afternoon it was diagnosed and Tamiflu started.
I was tempted to say, in fact I might of mumbled it, that 2009 has been some what of an annus horribilis. With my bleeding disorder & cysts, family members being seriously unwell, incredible work stress & a bully of a boss, the stress of moving twice, my friend’s death and now swine flu, well for a moment I really did think and question why 6 months had to have so many challenges, so many difficulties, especially when trying to deal with them on your own. And then I remembered, just how much I’m learning every day, the courage I’m gaining to follow old & new dreams, the appreciation I have for enjoying life over money and I’m pretty pleased I’ve been given these challenges. When I take the time to think about it, when I remember that people die from no access to clean drinking water, that women are raped by gang after gang in war torn countries, that children are forced into sex working, that children die from starvation, that children are sitting in an orphanage right now well and truly alone, I honestly and truly know I have it easy. My life is a walk in the park. So bleeding disorders, cysts, swine flu, work stress, well they may not be pleasant, but they are the least of problems, the least of concerns.
“But we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance character; and character hope” (Romans 5: 3-4)
And on that note, I’m off to try to sleep…without the coughing waking me up!
I pray for a swift recovery. I am so pleased you were able to get the appropriate medicine quickly. Sometimes life is just a struggle but we do get there. I am impressed by your positive attitude and outlook.
I have thought of you often as this year I have had surgery for cysts complicated by blood disorders among other things and I have been inspired by your posts. I thank you.
Susan, I hope you are feeling better and have less complications!
Rest and recover soon!
Thanks Rtc!
So sorry to hear you aren’t well. I’m sending all the good thoughts I can.
I really respect the grace with which you are handling this and other things, it’s truly impressive.
Caroline, what a lovely comment, thank you! I think I fail to show grace most days, but it is always something to aspire to!
I read your blog through your RSS feed and hardly ever comment, but I had to speak up now.
You have had a horrible year indeed! I’m amazed by your strength and ever positive attitude in light of all the awful events that have afflicted you recently. You and each and every one of your blog posts are an inspiration to us all!
I hope you get well soon (very soon!). I also wish the rest of 2009 will be much better for you than it has been until now.
Thank you Lora, what a lovely compliment!
Take it easy, get lots of sleep.xx
Thanks French Knots, congratulations again on the adorable baby!
Oh no! Hope you feel better soon–you’ll have many prayers lifted up for you from your readers.
Thank you! I needed them!
Get well soon Trenches!!
Thanks Dreamer! I love the picture you’ve chosen!
Get better soon xxx
Thanks Dancing x
Hope you’re feeling better soon!
Thanks CR!
stop it now! its definately time for your year to get a shed load better.
I hope it does stop Mo! I’d like a break!!
U have swine flu??? Geesh! I hope and pray that you get better real soon!
Shot of tequila will help that throat feel better and help U sleep.
Too bad I didn’t have tequila in stock ;0)
Take care of yourself and we all wish you a speedy recovery.
Lisa x
Thanks Lisa!
Get well soon and get lots of rest!!
Thansk Lisa!!
So sorry to hear the swine has moved in. Rest, drink plenty of fluids, rest. The hoarsness and cough seem to hang on forever, at least it did for me.
I love that scripture from Romans. My favorite is a little further on…“Be glad for all God is planning for you. Be patient in trouble, and prayerful always.” Romans 12:12
OOoh Kath, I love that scripture!!
I’ve nominated you for a blog award…drop on by and grab it when you’re feeling better!
Thanks Wolf, I’ll head over today!!
Sending you warm get well wishes from Canada ! Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Thanks Amanda! I love Canada!!
Dear FT
Best wishes for a speedy recovery from little old Adelaide. Take care of yourself
Judy xx
Thanks Judy! I’ve always wanted to go to Adelaide!
oh ft! feel better!! lots of tea and sympathy coming your way xx
Thanks for the tea & sympathy!
I haven’t been by in ages, sorry. I am so sorry things haven’t been great for you……here’s hoping things pick up for you soon.
Gill in Canada
Thanks Gill in Canada!
Oh I hope you feel better soon!
I heard someone say they’d rather catch this flu now while it’s still somewhat mild and build the antibodies, than catch it in the fall/winter 2009-2010 when it’s supposed to be much worse.
Take care!
I thought that too Canadian Saver, but then I was told you can get swine flu more than once!!!
What a year! Rest and get well soon. 2010 isn’t that far away.
Thanks K-line! Me too!!
Wishing you a very speedy recovery.
I hope the rest of 2009 is much better than the first half, but, like you say, challenges help us to learn and grow, so it’s not all bad!
Thinking of you,
Roz x
Thanks Roz, me too!
I’m so sorry! That is horrible. I hope the medication and rest leads you to a speedy recovery. Your faith and positive outlook are your insurance for healing. God bless.
Jerry
Thanks jerry! A positive attitude does help!
a fellow blogger alerted me to your post and I have to confess to not having read your blog for ages and I used to a lot. The reason they sent me a link was because I’ve just had swine flu too and had written about it. Your post was really uplifting as I agree with everything you say – I was feeling quite sorry for myself today – so thank you for the Romans quote very apt and hope you get well soon, plus sorry about the rest. You are an inspiration.
Glad you enjoyed Make Do!
How are you feeling sugar plum? Hopefully on the mend.
Much better Icg, thank you!
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