A very personal story from a new perspective.

Over-the-counter medicines were of no avail. September 28 I headed for the local clinic to get help with my congestion. I had no intention of being gone more than an hour or so.

Before I knew it, I was in an ambulance on the way to the hospital. Forty (40) days later I returned with oxygen, home health, and a calendar filled with medical appointments. One collapsed lung, pneumonia and other related issues. From eight days in ICU, hospital stay, and four weeks in rehab, I gained a new perspective on what it means to be the one receiving the care.

Exciting end of journey at the close of this article. I pray the following list will give you a new perspective as you care for those you love—and for yourself!

#1 Priorities can change without warning. I walked away from two desks and a table piled high with what I was sure were very important projects for me to finish. My computer and the five e-mail addresses that I checked daily (a few times each day) would go untouched for forty days! My husband, who depended on me to fix meals, keep house, and run the office would suddenly be the one in charge of everything!

Surprisingly, life went on without me. While I lay in that hospital bed praying to get well, my husband managed to maintain the home and business while visiting me each day.

#2 You may have to learn to depend on others. I am independent to a fault. It is difficult to ask for help or accept it when offered. My four weeks in rehab began with me in a wheelchair; someone else deciding where I would go and when. My private life gave way to the bidding of nurses, CNAs, and therapists. I never wanted to change in front of someone and now strangers were giving me a shower.

Although this was difficult for me to accept, I knew it was for my good. I am so thankful for those who cared for me, and accepted me warts and all!

#3 Visitors are not always a good thing. My doctors and my husband agreed that I should not have visitors for several weeks. I needed time to adjust and hospital staff needed freedom to do their jobs. After I began feeling better, I was ready for some short visits from friends and family. Even then, I tired easily and was ready to rest when they left.

I continue to be amazed at how quickly my life changed. I was busy, very busy, daylight to dark and beyond. Now, it was taxing to get through a few hours without rest.

#4 Cards are always a good thing. I received cards everyday; and was thankful for them. The hours spent alone in that tiny room brightened as I read and re-read the sentiments on each one. I prayed for those who took the time to send them. I praised God for His love shown through them.

I have sent cards often; now I realize their value and will be more careful to continue. Again, I praise God for how He shows His love in such simple ways.

And now, as promised, the end of the journey; or is this the beginning?

God allowed me to have ample time to rest and recoup. He protected me in so many ways; my lack of oxygen over several months could have caused so much internal damage. He provided me great care and therapy—continuing still—and has given me renewed strength and determination to care for myself.

I am still on oxygen for a bit; not all the time. My blood pressure and other meds was cut in half, and the breathing treatments will be temporary as I continue to mend. I’m still very, very tired but so thankful to be improving each day.

Sunday I will go to church with my husband for the first time since September, snow or no snow! I will worship my Lord and Savior with new gusto. I am indeed thankful this holiday season!

Hugs and blessings,

Shopping for gifts? Don’t forget a copy of My Mother My Child with discussion guide; great reading and valuable tool for those you love.