Bloom Where You're Planted - part 2
One of my favorite things about this part of Texas is the incredible wild flower display each spring. Great banks of flowers appear in the fields and along the highways, streams and bayous. I am in love with the bluebonnets (our state flower), the cheerful daisies, the sunshiny buttercups and especially the primroses. They are so delicate and graceful, with their pale pink petals that dance with the slightest breeze.
About 6 weeks ago (when nature's floral art show was at it's peak) I, personally, was at a low spot. Those of you who have been following my blog from the beginning, know that I started coughing before Thanksgiving. What you don't know is that I'm still at it.
Since January I have gone from our family doctor, to an asthma/allergy spcialist, to a gastroenterologist. As the tests have progressed, we have ruled out: upper respiratory infection, whooping cough, TB, asthma and allergies. By mid-April the theory was "acid reflux" and I was on major medications and still coughing. I was tired (from 5 months of being up 4 - 6 times most nights coughing my head off - not to mention during the day) and discouraged (from no end in sight) and was thinking alot about adversity and how I'm handling it.....
When I saw this:
These sweet little flowers reminded me of one of life's most important lessons: "When you find yourself in a hard place, bloom anyway. Thrive anyway. Contribute to the world anyway." So I guess that's what I'll do.
My Mom coughed for over 50 years and handled it with good humor - so I guess I have 49 1/2 years to go before I need to start complaining. We always thought Mom had asthma and that the reason she didn't respond well to the meds. was that her case was just too severe. Now I'm not so sure. I think I was always sympathetic. NOW I am empathetic.
Lest anyone should worry, things are looking up, I think. I am working with a good doctor and we have found some possible causes. With the medicines I'm taking, I am coughing a little less and we are looking at treatment options. In the meantime, when people ask me about my cough, I usually respond, "Well, everyone's got to have a hobby. Apparently this is mine."
But between you and me, I'd rather be quilting!
posted by Grammy @ 12:21 PM
16 Comments:
Oh my gosh, how do you keep your sense of humor! If there's any ailment I dread it's a cough! I have had several bouts of bronchitis in my life and each was Horrible! Whenever I get a cold I just hold my breath hoping not to get "the cough". I SO feel for you! I loved your picture.....what a great object lesson nature sends us sometimes. Bless you....hope your cough gets better BEFORE the 49 1/2 year mark.
If this doctor can't fix it, we'll keep looking until we find one who can.
passing you a cough drop.
Love the pics. Your next post should be on the effort it took to take the pictures!
Praying that your hobby comes to an end.
Well, it was in the middle of a pretty busy road. I just parked in the lot behind Linens & Things, crossed 2 lanes to the grassy median, watched for traffic, leaned over the street and snapped!
You are so awesome. I hope you find a cure for that cough and we will keep you in our prayers towards a speedy recovery.
Love your pictures. Wildflowers are so wonderful. I tell my husband if he is going to get me flowers just pick some wildflowers and I will be more than happy.:)
Oh, I'm so sorry that your cough is lingering! That much coughing is so painful - my chest and ribs always hurt when I get a bad cough, and I can't imagine having it for 6 months!
You and your doctors are in my prayers. May your hobby come to a quick and definate end!
PS - I love love love your sense of humor. DYM had to get it somewhere, eh?
I'm so sorry you haven't been feeling well. I love how you saw encouragement in the flowers. Papa seems to be a very sweet husband, too. And isn't it funny the odd things we take photos of now that we blog? Hoping you make more quilt blocks than coughs.....
So sorry to hear about your new hobby. But I'm excited to (probably) meet you this Sunday - as we'll be down in your neck of the woods this weekend. Keep the good perspective :)
I am so glad you are back in the blogging world, I had missed you! Your site always seems to make me smile. Thankyou for your kind words on my blog. You were so sweet to me when I needed something like that at the moment.
I hope that cough gets better. I can't think of anything else that could be causing it. Seems they are trying to cover all the bases.
Grammy, can I just say you are amazingly optomisitc and I learn so much from you every time I read your comments and posts!
Wow, that's a lot of coughing! I hope you're able to figure out the problem and get it fixed. It can't be too much fun!
How great that you can still be positive. I think I'd be a ball of negativity if I were in that situation!
I love that flower. I planted some in a garden a couple different times and it just goes wild! Really pretty little thing. I can't remember the name of it now.
Bless your heart, Grammy. I will be praying for wisdom for that doctor and that the source of your cough would be identified. I agree with Papa -- keep trying until you find the doctor with the right answer.
Yet, I am going to take it to the Great Physician on your behalf and pray He just takes it away. 49 1/2 years is a very long time to cough -- yet think how strong your stomach muscles will be! I hope you'll find relief long before that!
The picture is inspiring. I'm glad that you took it. :)
Hi Elin, It's Ortensia. Can't tell you how WONDERFUL it's been to be connected to your famiy again. So wonderful. I love reading about what you and your girls are up to and thinking. I am sorry you have not been well for 7 months now. It would take great strength to put up with such annoyances. I was diagnosed with acid reflux 3 years ago. I don't cough but I have other issues. Been on all sorts of meds and all kinds of procedures. A few months ago I was led to a Traditional Chinese Dr. who is also a Family Dr. Acid Relux isn't gone, but I see the light at the end of the tunnel. He was able to look at me and understand me in a way that other Doctors, and a Naturopath couldn't. Long 3 years, but I wouldn't trade any of it for better days esp now that I see the purpose in it. But I also think God sent wonderful people to help heal the weird diseases of the world...they are sometimes just difficult to find. GOOD LUCK!! And I'll be praying for me. So good to be in touch!
opps I meant praying for you...yes I'm just as self centered as ever:-)
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