One Helluva Week

This week has been one of those weeks where you wonder, how am I going to get through? It was a helluva week.

 

It started with some terrible weather ruining plans we had made a year ago. I so looked forward to Auburn’s Tomato festival. It was a chance to see old friends, go to some amazing booths and yes, eat fried green tomatoes. This year was especially important because I was introducing my granddaughter McKenna to people who had only seen her on Facebook.

 

I also caught a cold from my little charge and foolishly believed it would be mild and no one would catch it from me. But my 8 /1/2 month pregnant niece Stephanie did and it has made her life pretty rough right now.

 

The cold, of course, got much worse and I missed a day of work. One morning I woke with a head feeling like a bomb had gone off and any movement made it feel worse. I could not sleep and I could not breathe. But my 11 month old granddaughter still needed care so no stopping for a silly thing like a cold.

 

The cold, of course, affected my RA. My knees and feet felt like lead and I could only wish they had no feeling so I could escape the pain. And naturally, we needed more groceries which meant lugging packages up my terribly steep and dangerous stairs.

 

Let me see, did I cover everything? I am sure I am leaving a few odds and ends out. My point is that this was a helluva week. I just did not know how I would get through it. But here it is, Friday and I not only survived, I am intact.

 

That was the negative part of my week. Let me tell you about the positive. I got to spend a day with my BFF, Ellen and my little Mouse (granddaughter). I visited my niece and saw the amazing baby room she, her Mom and my brother created for Dominick. I had my favorite chicken soup and a split a fantastic turkey- avocado club from Panera bread.

 

Because I went to my fashionista sister Karen’s–  Ellen got some amazing jewelry to wear to her daughter’s wedding and that made me very happy. She will look so beautiful.

Sunday, the cough was much worse so we stayed in all day. A dear friend, Mary, brought over a Spa Vapor so I could diffuse my Young Living oils and break this cough up. Monday, she took the baby for a few hours so I could try and get some much needed sleep. And left a couple of amazing meals for me to be sure I stayed fortified (still need the recipe for the pineapple ginger chicken).

 

I bathed in my amazing Young Living oils. Peppermint, Thieves, Idaho Blue Spruce and Eucalyptus Blue took the place of over the counter meds that have side-effects. I doubled up on my NingXia Red and stayed hydrated.

 

 

I had my neighbor Kip for company quite a bit and my little Mouse did NOT catch this nasty cold—which was so fortunate.

 

 

But, the absolute best part of this rough week was watching my community and friends (as well as total strangers) rally around little Easton Friedel. This baby was born with Epidermolysis Bullosa and every day of his 23 in this world has been a painful struggle. His family has been by his side every moment which means caretakers were needed for his 3 older brothers. There are auctions, support pages and a prayer vigil to help bless this family and this precious butterfly baby boy. People as far away as Australia have given their support and blessings.

(see Dan Hanks)

 

Whatever bumps I have had this week, they are nothing in comparison to what this baby is fighting. His spirit and resilience are inspiring and the love and support of his family is heartwarming and inspirational.

 

I am blessed and my friends, I know you are too. Baby Easton we send you our love and prayers. It was a helluva good week.