Everything Else Seems So Small

A week ago today I was grieving the outcome of our elections, stressing about the economy, looking toward a busy weekend highlighted by a big dance for my son. The world, and my concerns, seemed huge.

Today my world has shrunk down to just my livingroom and my kitchen. For the past several days, I have left the house only to run a couple of very quick errands. Today we are engaged in my daughter's difficult fight against mono. This is day 11.

She was sick for several days before seeing a campus doctor last Thursday. Her diagnosis was a virus that would just have to run its course. Three days later, she was much worse so I took her to an urgent care facility where the actual diagnosis of mono was made.

Our days since then have become a blur as I sit here in my recliner working while I listen to her breathing as she sleeps. Sometimes it is the quiet sleep, the kind that sounds relaxing, and other times, like right now, it sounds as if she works extremely hard just to get air into her lungs. Either way, it is good to know she is sleeping because rest is what her body so desperately needs.

The past two mornings she has gotten me out of bed early (4:15 and 2:45am) due to exruciating ear pain. Her tonsils and glands are so swollen that they press in on her ears and cause her to feel like she has the worst ear ache in history. We treat with drops, ibuprofen and the heating pad to get the slightest bit of relief.

My heart breaks at seeing my beautiful daughter brought down like this. I sit for hours listening to her breathe, praying for comfort and healing, praying that my son does not catch this because he is scheduled to march in the Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade in two weeks.

This could be nearly over, or we could still be at the beginning of a very long road to full recovery. Only time will tell. Only God will bring us through. He is mighty and merciful and I trust Him for complete healing.

Thank you to everyone who is praying for our family. We truly appreciate it!