It was a busy holiday season this year. I have had some health issues and, I must admit, have used that as an excuse for not getting all my holiday decorations put away. At least J took the outside lights down so I escaped the neighbors realizing just what rednecks we really are.
I recently spent about 4 days in the hospital again. It seems when your iron level drops to 6 you feel like crud and bad things start to happen. The thing is, I knew that's what it was because that's what my hematologist told me! (hereafter said hematologist will be referred to as the hemo doc, it's just easier that way! ) When I got to the ER I tried to tell the docs this, but, as usual, they knew so much more than me that they promptly ignored every thing I said and tried to make it about a number of other things. After days of tests and heart monitors and brain scans (hey! no jokes here!) I actually had a doctor call for a psych evaluation. Those of you who know me irl know just how hilarious that is all by itself. Let me set the stage.........
It's Friday afternoon and I am laying in a hospital bed bored out of my skull because they won't let me get up by myself, there's nothing good on tv and they won't give me drugs because I actually don't need any. J has returned to work for an important meeting and I am trusting in my ever reliable 16 yr old son to pick up his 8 yr old brother from school. Imagine my horror when, 30 minutes after school gets out I get a call from the elementary school. They are wondering if anyone is going to pick up Scamp today. After several deep breaths and a quickly mumbled prayer for sanity I start making phone calls. The first one is the 16 yr old, then the 17 yr old, then the 15 yr old, then the girlfriends, then all the friends I can think of and no one, and I mean no one is answering their phones. Even J is in the wind. So now I'm starting to panic. I am imagining the DCFS people hauling little scamp away as tears stream down his face and his little blonde curls tremble in time to his sobs. Finally, the 15 yr old answers the phone! He's obviously been asleep. Right as he sleepily says "hello", my hospital room door opens and in walks the psych lady. She is coming to assess whether or not I need anti-anxiety or mood enhancing drugs. As she enters, she is met with a near hysterical mother trying to get my 15 yr old to wake up enough to realize the gravity of the situation. Everyone has forgotten the 8 yr old and abandoned him at school! I'm trying to break through his sleep induced fog to make him understand what is going on. Meanwhile, she is standing by my bed literally tapping her foot and giving me the heavy sigh as she listens to the conversation. After about 20 seconds, she says "Ma'am! I need to speak with you" I thought, really?! Really?! You're gonna go there?!
After raising my voice ( I was NOT yelling!) at my son to find someone to pick up his little brother because his other brother had forgotten him while their mother was in the hospital, I calmly looked at her and explained why I did not need her meds. I explained that I am not stressed, I am not having anxiety attacks, I always look like this and sound like this and my eyes are always this crazy looking and yes, actually, I do usually foam at the mouth. I'm not so sure she bought it.
Eventually, things calmed down, Scamp was retrieved and taken home. Later, as I listened to the comforting sounds of the blood pressure machine, the IV pump and the clank of empty jello bowls, I reflected back on my day. If there is a lesson to be taken away from all of this, it's this; things are not always as they seem in the lives of others. I'm sure that psych lady walked out of my room shaking her head at the sad, old woman in room 127 who was living in denial about her current mental health.
In fact, I know that I have something better than her meds for dealing with the stress of raising so many boys. The word tells me the joy of the Lord is my strength, strength for dealing with health issues, sleeping and forgetful teenagers, abandoned 8 yr olds and well meaning, pill pushing psychiatrists! That's the key, find the joy. The Lord has given us a remarkable ability to laugh and it's so important to utilize that ability when dealing with the struggles and trials that come with every day life. I can't say I was laughing when that doc walked in the room and I was fussing and fuming at my kids and worrying about their safety and trying to figure out where to hide the bodies, but, later I had to laugh, later, when it was all over.
My challenge to you today is to laugh. Find something that brings you joy and take time to enjoy it. Read a funny story, watch a funny show, spend time with a funny friend. Whatever it takes, laugh! I think the Lord enjoys setting me up in wacky situations to make me laugh! Meanwhile, we'll be here watching Scamp's new favorite movie. Maybe you've heard of it; The Forgotten.
Soaked in His blessings,
Spokenfor
