Caring Bridge Journal Entry — Mar 15, 2018

It seems the nausea is under control. And with that, I feel I am FINALLY making progress.

The surgeon had warned us that my recovery would be hard and long. I boldly said, "It's ok. I've had back surgery," as if that makes me qualified to handle any other surgery. (Pride is such a butt-kicker.) He shook his head at me as if that were child's play. His exact words were, "It will be the hardest thing you've gone through." He was right.

It's been a ssllllooooowwww recovery. But this week, I can see progress.

For example, this week, for the first time, I...:

• ate a real meal

• didn't use ice packs on my ribs yesterday

• walked almost to the mailbox

• made my own coffee

• blow-dried my hair

• held Little #2 in my lap GENTLY for a minute (and it felt SO GOOD!)

It's baby-steps, for sure. But this is the job before me. I want to do it well.

I have this quote on my fridge. I read it ALL THE TIME to encourage my soul in my role as a parent. But today, I saw it in a new light. In the light of my recovery.

"This job has been given to me to do. Therefore, it is a gift. Therefore, it is a privilege. Therefore, it is an offering I may make to God. Therefore, it is to be done gladly, if it is done for Him. Here, not somewhere else, I may learn God's way. In this job, not in some other, God looks for faithfulness." - Elisabeth Eliot