A Word on Patience

No word from Dr. Libby yesterday regarding the blood tests, so I bet we hear something Monday. Brooke didn't feel very well yesterday and looks a little more run down than usual. I think it's this crazy weather...two hot days, cold today, and nothing but wind and dirt. It really plays havoc on her allergies. I usually gage Brooke's symptoms based on my own and I've been struggling all week. I'm not sure if that's the "correct" way to do it, but since she can't talk and my mind-reading capabilities are limited - it's the best I can do. So when my allergies get me down, I can usually bet hers will get her down too. I guess we're two peas in a pod in that sense.

Let's talk about patience. It's a little ironic, but Mike and I appear to be role-swapping. He is becoming the inpatient one while I am remaining uncharacteristically calm. I like it (from my perspective anyway). Patience is one thing I've had to "acquire" over the past 21 years. It's pretty simple really...all you ever do in life is wait so you might as well get used to it! And for a high-strung, fast moving person...having Brooke and being married to Mike is almost an oxy-moron. Brooke, nor Mike never get in a hurry on ANYTHING. Mike is the most laid-back human ever born. He and Brooke have two speeds: neutral and reverse. Needless to say, over the years -I've had to learn to "cool my engines." Brooke has taught me a great deal of patience, among other valuable life-lessons. I am thankful for that. I thank God every day for giving me Brooke!!!

A friend made a comment a couple of weeks ago that caught me off guard. He said, "Won't it be nice when we all get to heaven and Brooke is healthy and can talk?" I laughed and replied, "I'm not sure I want to know what she has to say to me." I wonder what she would say? Would she thank me for being her mom or rip me for all of the needles, the dental work, the weekly infusions, having to be strapped down from head to foot, sedation, surgeries, etc. etc. I would be willing to bet she would thank us. That's something a lot of people on the outside looking in don't realize...for all of the medical struggles, and pain, and uncertainty - there is the flip side of a child who is always happy, forgiving, loving, sweet, naive, non-judgemental, etc. There is another side to our life that most never get to experience and it is given to us by God to help deal with the other issues that are more challenging. I tell people that I wish they would take the time to get to know this child because she is truly an angel on earth! She is what God expects us to be. She is our example; our inspiration and our hero. She is our Brookie!

So I guess my sermon of the day is this: SLOW DOWN AND SMELL THE ROSES. Take notice of the small things that really matter and don't worry about things outside of your control. Once I started living what I was preaching - my life became a lot easier. I did this through prayer. I even went as far as to create a list of (1) things within in my control, and (2) things outside of my control. I have to read it often to remind myself when my mind gets clouded. The bottom line is this: If you can't change it, don't let it control you. Remember that God is in charge. Turn it over to him!

God Bless you all --
Gena