7 Months Later

Looking back on the last seven months I am constantly reminded of how precious life is. From close calls in the car (hydroplaning on a curvy Kentucky country road with a car full of my kids, a friend & her two kids), to rather scary run-ins with neighbors (I live in a, well, let's just say that it's not a "nice" neighborhood), I've learned to appreciate the little things in life. Hot coffee, a warm bed, snuggles from my kids, and friends who love me in-spite of myself are just a few things that I more fully appreciate... Especially when I consider where I was 7 months ago.

Seven months ago, I was in the hospital, in the Intensive Care Unit. I was allowed only clear liquids (they never tasted so good!) until August 19. I was fully cath'ed. I was unable to brush my own teeth, wash myself, or do any of those other daily personal hygiene routines that we take for granted from a very young age. I was completely trusting that the nursing staff would take care of me, the doctors may write the orders, but it's the nurses that carry them out.

Seven months ago, I realized that some things that I'd thought of as "high priority" items, weren't. Things like: losing weight, winning an argument, having laundry folded "just so," the dishwasher loaded "perfectly," watching the latest movie in that particular series that I used to adore, and lots of friends suddenly weren't as important as being healthy, holding my tongue (most of the time), allowing my children to put their own clothes away, and the dishes? Well, just so long as they get done, does it really matter how? The movie that I couldn't wait to see? I still haven't seen it and have no plans to do so. The friends? I see my circles of friendships more clearly and invest appropriate amounts of energy into the different circles.

Seven months ago, I really didn't know if I was going to see my baby sister get married, but just two months later, I stood up as her Matron of Honor.

Seven months ago... It seems like it's been longer than that. The time has flown.

I don't want to relive the hospital stay, so, let me just say that I was released August 21, 2012. I went daily for antibiotic I.V. infusions at the local Infectious Disease Control Office for three days and then followed it with oral antibiotics for another week. I believe I've had my lifetime allotment of antibiotics and am committed to avoid them for myself and my family, unless absolutely necessary.

Seven months ago, I was more short-tempered. Now, I can see that most things that I'd get upset about before, really weren't worth it. When I am "Promoted to Glory" (to borrow a phrase from the Salvation Army), I want to be remembered as a godly woman. A woman who was peaceful, loving, kind, strong, welcoming, and, dare I say it? Laid back, too. My list of things that are worthy of strong and unpleasant emotions on my part has gotten rather short.

Seven months ago, I asked my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, to "take me home" if my marriage was not going to work out. Now, when the going gets tough at home, I remember that night and look at my husband with love. I've always believed that love is a decision and requires action, even when I don't exactly like the person whom I love. When I act out the love, the "like" eventually returns.

In the last seven months, I've found my convictions growing stronger, my faith deepening, and my joy in life returning. While I wouldn't care to go through any of my NovaSure fiasco again, I am thankful to my Heavenly Father for the experience. My whole life changed for the better as a result of nearly being killed by NovaSure.