COVID 19 Day 242 - November 6 - I am thankful for my mom and for her health!

 November 6 - I am thankful for my mom and that she is healthy! It's been over a year since she was in the hospital and almost a year since she had open heart surgery. Last year was such a scary time. I had a tremendous support system who loved on me and my family, helped take care of the kids, brought meals, worked extra hard so Michael and I could miss work, and checked on our mental health while I spent hours, days, and weeks at the hospital being part of her support system. In the year that's followed her surgery, the world has certainly struggled, but I am so incredibly thankful for God's timing, and that she got sick when she did, months before COVID-19 came to the United States. We were able to be at her side nearly every waking hour last year. Her team of doctors, at least a half dozen of them, were extremely attentive and dedicated to finding out what was going on with her and to making her better. That would not have been possible 6 months later. So, although the situation was terrifying and uncertain, God's timing was so so perfect!

Since then, she has healed and gotten strong again. She's been able to get off nearly all of the medications she was on. And, while adhering to COVID restrictions, she is living a normal life again! She and I even met

Stephanie

for lunch and went shopping for Christmas gifts yesterday. I love her so very much, and in November especially, I'm reminded of how thankful I am to have her in my life and now, a year later, how thankful I am that she is healthy once again!

I didn't want to share too much of the nitty gritty on Facebook of just what all was happening a year ago.  How Mama was in the ICU 3 different times, the last of which lasted over 2 weeks.  I didn't mention how the doctors really never completely figured out what was going on or what caused her to get sick.  I didn't mention how the surgery resulted in a new heart valve and a pacemaker.  It's better to keep things light on FB.  Last year was a truly scary time.  We all put on brave faces, but it was difficult on all of us.  All of that makes me so much more thankful that Mama has come so far and recovered so well in the past year.  Honestly, if you didn't know what had happened a year ago, you'd never know by looking at her just how sick she'd been.  She's come so far, recovered so well, and as much as they can be, things are back to normal.  I think this month and this holiday season, this one right here is what I am the absolute most thankful for.  I'm thankful that God guided us through that dark season.  I'm glad it's behind us.  I'm glad Mama is so much better.  Love you, Mama!  ❤