This too shall pass...

...or not... some of it actually won't, but the good news is that the emotions do fade. I am having a much better week. And it is - as usual - such a learning experience since none of my circumstances have changed! It is a good reminder that the words that my mother used to say to me all the time as a child - "you can choose your attitude" - are absolutely true! However, I'm also a true believer in the necessity of acknowledging and giving a little respect to your feelings. Doubtless it will all come back around since I'm only into week two of radiation (i.e. still waiting for the side effects to start kicking in...) and I heard those words that I was expecting at this week's check-up with Dr. Mehta (who is, as my PT described her, Indian Barbie. She's beautiful, obviously very smart and has a wonderful "bedside" manner), "with your fair skin it's going to get ugly". Lovely. Additionally, I am still awaiting the arrival of the dreaded sleeves and the "training" session (which the trainer arranged for next Saturday... seriously?? the weekend?? Is it not enough that all of this stuff consumes my week?!? ugh) for the compression contraption. BUT... as Sarah Young so eloquently puts it...

"Thank Me for this day of life, recognizing that it is a precious, unrepeatable gift... Resist your tendency to search for the easiest route through the day. Be willing to follow wherever I lead."

We are falling into a crazy radiation-induced routine that revolves around getting Dryden & Parker to school and Neely either home or at Grandma's. It leaves little time for my usual errands and chores but I guess that just means that I rearrange my afternoons. It is not insurmountable and probably really good for my sometimes strict type A tendencies. I do feel like I've been pretty irritable with the kids and I'm not even really sure why... It makes me extra sad because I feel like I should be cherishing every moment (all the time, every day, for any reason... that is a tough one to live up to, I'm finding!).

Dryden is trying to find reasons to stay home from school to play legos these days. Parker just picked up his Sidney Crosby/Reebok hockey equipment and is dying to get started. Neely is just wishing that someone would sign her up for something but for now she has to make do with the Dora roller skates and trips to the rink for everyone else! It is already time for Spring soccer sign up and I can see the direction that our life is beginning to take... Lord, keep us grounded in You!!

Ok, I'm running out of time here but wanted to just let all of you know how much I appreciate your ongoing prayers and everyone's concerns after my pathetic posting last week... It was a very difficult week but we are getting back on our feet!