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| Donna Reed from It's a Wonderful Life, 1946. |
I have struggled with chronic illness for many years. In 1997, I was diagnosed with cancer and have not been the same since. However, I have many months of seeming perfect health, but then I have periods of total weakness and feeling like an invalid. There are times when I cannot walk and need crutches to support myself.
Most of the time, I "take it" cheerfully. It is like a forced break from all the things I try to do. It is time to sit quietly and enjoy some rest. Yet, I will do it with grace and glamor!
I love the above photograph of Donna Reed. In her day, women kept up their looks even when ill. This morning, I swept my hair up, into a french twist, put on some extra makeup (like the 60's look), and have on my pretty red house-robe. I will rest in style.
I plan to give the children lists of housework to do for me. Someone will take charge of the kitchen. Another will take over laundry. I will also have one of them plan a special supper. If I see them keeping up the house, I will be able to rest content.
My grandmother had multiple sclerosis and, for as long as I can remember, lived in her wheelchair. She also lived with us from the time I was 3 years old until she died when I was 11. She was wonderful! She directed and managed the house, and everyone, from her chair. She had dignity and spunk and knew how to run a house. She also continued to do whatever work she could from that wheelchair. She could sit at the table and work on preparing dough for tortellini. She is my inspiration.
If I am to be an invalid, I will still have a lovely home. I will manage from my chair and I will be grateful even in this trial.
Blessings,
Mrs. White (in gentle tears)
This video is of my favorite gospel song, "I Can't Even Walk, Without you Holding my Hand." It is sung by the Kingsmen Quartet. This is what my illness makes me remember. It is not by my strength I live, but through His!
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You are in inspiration. I hope you are feeling better soon.
ReplyDeleteAmen, Amen!. Wow! I am so glad for you that you are making the best you can in your situation and also leaning on the Lord for comfort. It's people like you, people who are willing to show the world that with the strength of the Lord,you are a conquerer, and not a victim, in all your weeknesses, that rebuke the works of Satan, him and stupid depression. Praise God!!! This is exactly what I hope to be like with the help of the Lord. But, I am not asking him to bring it on either. Thanks for sharing this Mrs. White. Love and blessings, your sister in Christ.
ReplyDeleteI hope and pray that you feel well soon!
ReplyDeleteI'm truly sorry that you are struggling.
ReplyDeletePraying for you, my friend.
"Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer's feet, And He will make me walk on my high hills..." Habakkuk 3:18-19
Mrs. White,
ReplyDeleteI do hope you are feeling better. You have encouraged me with your words. You are full of grace my dear sister. And a woman with grace attains honor.
God bless.
Far Above Rubies
Bless your heart. I admire your attittude. God says we should thank him for the good and the bad. I have the hardest time with that --praising him in times of trial but you ... you are an inspiration in deed.
ReplyDeleteI hope you feel better Mrs. White.
Paula
I hope that through your rest and your families help with keeping house while you are not 100% things turn around for you. thank you for posting, you really are an inspiration, and do it with good spirits. take care friend.
ReplyDeleteI hope you are feeling better and will be recovered soon. Take care, and get some rest.
ReplyDeleteDearest Mrs. White,
ReplyDeleteThinking of you and praying.
d
You are definitely an inspiration!! I just love your attitude and wanting to rest in style, looking good, and having your house look neat and clean, too!
ReplyDeleteMy mother has MS and is in a wheelchair, but she doesn't let that stop her! Your grandmother sounds just like her! My mother pushes herself to do everything she can possibly do around the house, plus continues to teach ladies Bible Studies as she is able.
I can so relate to this post. I have been very ill for 20 years with parasites, a brain tumor, and neck fusion with lots of neck problems but God is faithful and His grace is sufficient. Do you still have cancer or do you think your periods of pain are from the cancer treatments?
ReplyDeleteThis was very encouraging. I, too, am ill. I appreciate the hope you offer for a life with some dignity and the possibility of passing on something of substance to others. Yours is my new favorite blog.
ReplyDeleteI made a comment on this post some time ago, but let just say again - you are so beautiful and encouraging.
ReplyDeleteThank you.