I Get it Now

I was always kind of amazed whenever I listened to the news and heard the count of how many people had died from the flu each year.

The flu?  How do people die from the flu?  It's just a regular old cold!

Yeah.  I get it now.

This thing sucks.

I have no energy; I can barely breathe; every time I get up and do something, I end up coughing so badly I think I'm going to cough up one of my lungs.

Breathing was so difficult yesterday that I ended up having to go the doctor.  Again.  She said there's nothing more they can do for me.  I just have to wait it out.

♪ ♫ Flu, flu, go away, don't come back another day! ♪ ♫

I have been so blessed by family, this week, though.  Jesse had to work a 15 hour day on Wednesday, and was concerned about leaving me alone for so long after the whole hospital ordeal on Tuesday.  My mom volunteered to drive down and spend the day with me.  I was so touched!   She came, popped in one of my favorite movies, and spent the afternoon cleaning the kitchen and organizing around the house while I rested and slept.  I'm so thankful for her!  Between Jesse and me both being sick, our house had kind of fallen to shambles.  It's something that stresses me out, but I've been way too sick to be able to deal with it this week.  Mom was so sweet.  She washed all of the dishes, cleaned out the refrigerator, made soup to leave here for us, and brought me little meals to nibble on throughout the day.  I can't remember the last time we just had one-on-one time.  I love spending time with my mommy!  She is such a blessing to me!!!

My sister Kate was my blessing yesterday.  Jesse had to leave early in the morning for a meeting in a different county, and when I woke up, I could barely breathe.  I knew I needed to go to the doctor, but I was so lightheaded from lack of oxygen that I knew I couldn't drive myself.  Mom contacted Kate (who is attending a university 20 minutes from here) and she came right over and picked me up.  When we came back from the doctor, she fixed a steam face-bath for me with Vick's to try to help me breathe easier, and the two of us plopped on the couch and made fun of a cheesy romantic flick.

I realized again yesterday what a blessing it is to live less than 2 hours away from everyone I love.  It's just amazing to be part of such a close-knit family where we can all be there for each other.  Jesse and I had lunch with Momma B last Friday, we got to support Kate's senior art gallery exhibit the Tuesday before that, and when all three of my siblings graduate from college/high school this spring, we'll be able to be there for them, too.  I love being close to my family, and I'm so thankful that when I need them, they can come to my side!

I just love them to bits.