We are home. Emma (and her 2 pups) are staying with us for awhile.
She can’t drive or go back to work until she’s released by the Neurologist and we aren’t really clear on when that will be. (If she doesn’t have any more “episodes”, maybe within the next 2 weeks)
In the next week she will be wearing a Holter Monitor for several days to record her heart rhythms and a ambulatory EEG Monitor to record her brain’s electrical activity. She’s also being referred to a group of specialists at Emory and may have to change OB/GYN doctors if her pregnancy is diagnosised “high risk”.
Things are very uncertain around here with no definitive diagnosis for Emma. We have six…can someone sigh heavily for me please, SIX pups in the house. (Oh Father in heaven, help us)Emma can’t work right now…or pay her bills. We (The Husband and I)were scheduled to go on vacation (our first vacation in 2 years), leaving next Saturday, and now things are way up in the air, not wanting to leave Emma…
We are in crisis mode. Not a giant crisis. But over the years I’ve come to understand what helps me through a crisis and what exacerbates the crisis. After all, if you’re diagnosised with a disease, there are certain things most people do, things like getting educated, go to the doctor regularly, start eating healthy, live in a place of serenity so their bodies can heal and quiet the white noise of life.
Some of these adjustments can help with life’s challenges too.
Here’s what helps me…
~don’t neglect my quiet time…in fact, I need more when I’m in crisis mode.
~Stop unnecessary stress. Simplify life so I can focus on the journey I’m traveling at the moment.
~Be careful what I let in…music, reading, TV. Nothing wrong with any of those but when I’m going through a challenge if the white-noise of life fills me, I feel the stress more intensely, so I take those down a notch.
~Eat healthy. I feel bad about myself when I overeat or eat just junk. I really don’t need anything extra to “feel bad” about.
~Exercise, even if it’s just walking. I need to breathe fresh air and move on normal days, but much more so when I’m in crisis-mode.
~Be careful what I say. I can’t rehash every detail and every feeling constantly. I can’t indulge in the destructive game of “what if”. I have a couple of people I talk to and let loose with but I have to be very careful not to do this all the time. The more I talk about my fears or stresses the bigger they become. But there’s another side of being careful of what I say:
I’m not one to say what I know may not be true…things like, God is going to heal Emma. God is going to turn this around any day now. God wouldn’t let something bad happen to her or the baby… I’ve seen too many people very close to me go through sickness that didn’t get a healing and seasons when God let things happen that I would have defined as “bad”. I don’t say what I don’t believe.
What I do believe is that God’s completely aware of what’s going on. He’s not surprised. He has a plan. I may not like it. But He is after all…God. And (help me Father…) I choose to trust Him.
That’s the list I made this morning to remind myself life isn’t normal right now and I shouldn’t be oblivious.
I have to be intentional to maintain my serenity.
I’d love a prayer for Emma if you think of it…
Honey, I am praying and will continue to pray….for all of you! You are very focused right now and that is good. He does have a plan and yes, sometimes we may not like it but it is there. It is so good that you know what to do for yourself when in crisis mode. I should think about that more. God bless you today. I hope you have a peaceful day. XOXO, PInky
Honest. Powerful. Straight forward. Applies to each of us sooner or later.
I love every word of this, Robin. This kind of wisdom doens’t come quickly or easily. Or even naturally.
Thank you for the gift of this post.
So proud of you.
Moment-by-moment prayers,
Jewels
Hey Jewels…love you to the moon and back. Thank you for being there and your moment by moment prayers…
Robin I am so sorry. Short story about God’s faithfulness. My son’s house was sitting in middle of Pennington Bend in Nashville. Two days ago it seemed he would be coming back to a flooded house. He moved everything to the second level hoping to save the furniture. Go to FB and Look at the water around his house. At Bible study, Mon night I was shaken. We prayed and yet in the middle of praying, I said, we are praying but he is “in” a flood. Water is already in the garage. Do I expect a miracle or assume he cannot or will not intervene for Matthew in the midst of this disaster. He called me yesterday, and said, Mama, there is NO water in my house. We have NO damage. The neighbors were not so lucky. Their homes were flooded. God lifted his house enough that the waters did not make it in. Robin it was not my faith that made this happen, nor our prayers, but faith in the God who answers prayers. We will pray for Emma. God bless you and Tom as you walk through this crisis in your life. To God be the Glory.
.-= patsy´s last blog ..unCHRISTIAN =-.
Patsy, I’ve been keeping up w/ Mathew on twitter and your FB posts…I’m so thankful that he had no flood damage. love to you and yours my friend…xoxo
Your list about puts everything “out there” and says what needs to be ahhh…done. Now, I reckon someone needs to be able to hold you accountable. 🙂 So, since some of us can’t be there to do that how about a daily report on how you are doing with your list? Are you having a quiet time? Are you eating right? Are you walking? etc. If not, we may just have to bring our pets and show up at your doorstep. lol But you can relax if I show up…I have no pet. But I will bring my bike and that does not stay outside. Love and hugs to you robin and tell emma that I said a prayer for her (and you).
Bill, I’ve done so well w/ the list…uhmmm, except Mike brought home Mexican food last night since it was May 5th and all! 🙂
Other than that you’d be proud… 🙂
I have an extra room for the bike, bring your bride and come on down 🙂
Robin, I am praying for dear Emma and baby…and YOU. God is close and deeply involved. Your list above is right on…good advice for anyone in crisis mode. Much love to you today, sweet friend.
Even in crisis mode…you bring comfort and words of wisdom to everyone around you! I’m so thankful for you and your blog, Robin. I’m praying for you today. I’m praying for Emma. I’m praying for her precious baby. Most of all, I’m praying for you all to have PEACE and REST in the Lord. Emma is, after all, HIS child. God loves her more than you can even imagine, and He will complete His wonderful plan for her. Of course, I know you know this…sometimes it just helps to hear it again. Hugs!
.-= Marie´s last blog ..Chicken Scratch! =-.
I needed to read your list today. I can relate to everything you said, in fact you put my heart into words for me… thank you. On April 19th my son passed away after a 7 year battle with Melanoma. I am having a biopsy tomorrow after discovering a lump in my breast. I have already had breast cancer twice. I will pray for Emma. If you think of it please pray that my situation is benign.
Oh Susan…I’m praying for you my sweet friend. I’m off to email you…love love love
Oh, Robin, bless your heart! I feel your heartbreak right now! I will certainly be praying for Emma and her baby and for you too! It’s good you do have your head on straight and you know what you need to do for you to stay in focus. You’re so right – God can do anything – but most of all He needs us to trust Him and I see you do. Praying for you some peace today.
Blessings,
Shelia 😉
.-= Shelia´s last blog ..Mirror, Mirror On the Wall =-.
love and prayers for all of you….my sweet and amazing friend….
deep breaths…
‘sigh’…
love, kim
.-= kim klassen´s last blog ..saying hi =-.
Robin if there is anything I can do to help you with the dogs during this please let me know. I am always here. Praying for you guys. Love you, Kelley
Still praying for you both!
I’m praying for you sweetheart, I’m amazed you can get yourself so focused. You are your Mothers child…
I love you,
Auntie Granny Gail…I am my mother’s child and never more happy about it. But I wish she were here, she would know what to do…
I’ve been thinking of you often and keeping your family in my heart and prayers.
xoxo Gigi
.-= Gigi´s last blog ..Tagged Day Two–Savannah: Vintage Paradise. =-.
I’m praying for Emma and the sweet baby, and you. (hugs)
~~ Beth
.-= Bethany´s last blog ..Peyton’s Visit =-.
You said it wonderfully…. now….. keep reading your list….. Prayers are being said…. Love to all….
I sorry for the pain that you are going through right now. I will be glad to offer up a prayer. Your thoughts are in the right place though. God has a plan. What we tend to forget sometimes is that it is bigger then any one of us. What seems unfair or unneeded within our own limited understanding may in fact have a noble use in His big picture. Keep looking up! It provides the best perspective!
.-= Philip´s last blog ..Tattlefits, Not Your Average Tantrum =-.
Philip, thank you so much for your prayers and I went to your blog and I so love it. I’m looking up my friend 🙂
Sweet Robin, so many prayers being said for Emma and the baby, and Gigi and Papa too 🙂 So much wisdom, and insight here. Hopefully lots of comfort, peace and resting in His hands will ensue as well.
Love and prayers,
Vicky
.-= Vicky´s last blog ..My first ever giveaway! =-.
love you Vicky…
You, Emma, the family and the pups are in my thoughts and prayers.
Take Care and God Bless,
~Velvet
Robin, the only reason I know of your situation is because I love your blog. I’m in Washington and I wanted you to know that Emma, the baby, and your family have been put on 3 prayer chains over here. We have prayer warriors in Grays Harbor County, Thurston County, and in Yakima that are fervently praying for you guys. Warm hugs from a sister in Christ.
Yvonne…oh I just read your comment to Emma. Being prayed for like this is just humbling and it covers the both of us w/ hope…love to you and thank you. xoxo
Hi Robin. I just want to let you know that I am here praying for Emma now. I’m glad to hear that shes home and that you know to take care of yourself so you can care for her. You’re both in my prayers.
Love, Tracy 🙂
.-= Tracy @ Cotton Pickin Cute´s last blog ..I’ve Been Contacted! No Not By Aliens….. =-.
Robin,
You’re blog has always encouraged me. I love the recipes you share and the craft ideas, too. And the deep, soul-stirring posts touch my heart. I know that you and Emma and these pups will get through this in a CREATIVE way. I just know it! I would have to slip out the door with just one pup on a leash to go for a walk every hour! Let the pups take turns.
Maybe you could teach Emma how to do a craft? I’m trying to make a wreath using those smaller clusters of grapes from H*bby L*bby, plus some flowers in the shade of the limey green grapes.
I am so sorry about your vacation plans being disrupted. Truly. I love a vacation!
Make a memory with Emma. She needs to believe her baby is going to be okay. Think of something you two can make for the baby. I know you have lots of creative ideas in your heart. Somehow I think this is going to be your best Mother’s Day ever.
Praying for hope, joy, laughter, and healing…all tied up in a Tiffany Box with a bow!
.-= twinkle´s last blog ..National Day of Prayer – Adopt a Leader =-.
Twinkle…What wonderful ideas Sweetie!!!! I got up and did 2 walks with the pups (2 dogs each time). I haven’t taken the tiny ones yet but the house is so quiet now that I’ve worn everyone out. And it was really good for me too…you’ve given me something fun to think about w/ making something for the baby …thank you ~xoxo
Sounds like you have a plan to get through this! Prayers for Emma and your family.
Praying for you and Emma and the baby. Safety and health. So smart of you to know what you need to do in crises mode. So often I KNOW what to do, but I don’t do it. Big mistake. Those are wise words you wrote. Hang in there!
I do hope and pray for good health for Emma and the baby. I am also hoping and praying that you are able to take a vacation or a small break.
.-= Jojo´s last blog ..Spuds =-.
Praying for Emma and the baby. And for you too. I hope that you will get to take your much needed vacation. Love & blessings from NC!
.-= Melinda´s last blog ..May 5th, A Day of Celebration!!! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY LAUREN & THOMAS! =-.
I love you, friend. And I am praying. Totally. Daily. I’m with you.
.-= gitz´s last blog ..Equal Weight =-.
Wow, so sorry I missed this yesterday. I was travelling and am just getting here. I am so impressed and inspired by your “intentional” list. That you can be so in touch with what you need is not a little thing. Praying you keep taking care to protect these things. Praying for you all. Emma always has a place to stay at the Raines house so you and Mike can go on vacay! Thank you for your example of faith, hope and having a plan. Praying. Un-clinch is still going off on my phone alarm twice a day…have you tried it?…amazing how tight I can be when I look down at my reminder…be intentional. Hang in there!
.-= Tom Raines´s last blog ..Today’s Affirmation: I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His word I do hope. =-.
Gosh Tom, you made me cry with the offer for Emma to stay at your house…so utterly kind.
Seriously, I have had to deliberately “unclinch” about a hundred times in the past week. That post was actually God giving me a “heads-up” I think…sigh.
Robin…I am so much like you in what I need to get through a crisis….some people are all about the drama…I am not…I draw in and make sure I do things that fuel me physically, emotionally and spiritually…it makes such a difference, doesn’t it?? I am praying for Emma and that God will give the doctor’s wisdom in determining the best way to treat her…
Blessings to all of you,
Jennifer Clause
.-= Jennifer Clause´s last blog ..BABY DOVE…NEW LIFE =-.
Jen, you of all people know how to get through a crisis. Your journey spoke volumes to me my friend. love you.
Oh Robin, I know you are going through so much right now. Your posts are so beautiful and still with what you are experiencing you are teaching others…what a gift you have. My prayers are constant for Emma and your whole family right now. My mother was just diagnosed with breast cancer, this as we approach the 2 year anniversary of my dad’s death. If you think about it, could you say a prayer for her and for my strength through what we have ahead of us?
I am so incredibly thankful for my faith as I know you are as well. He is in control and whatever lies ahead it is His will. I know that He will give you and I strength through it all.
God bless you friend,
Beverly
Oh Beverly…my heart hurts for all of you and I commit to pray for you and yours as you walk this journey. Supporting you from here my sweet friend. xoox
Your blog brings such joy to my life, how could I not remember to pray for your daughter and family? God is so faithful in bringing you to my mind so I can pray. 🙂 I loved your list…so dead on. A great reminder to me when crisis hits. Thanks for your heartfelt posts, as usual.
Praying for you and your family. God is in control and will not give you more than you can handle. Good to hear that you are taking care of yourself through all this–there is a purpose in all that’s happening. Blessings to you and your family.
.-= Sara L.´s last blog ..Project 52-18 =-.
Robin,
I am saying heavy duty prayers….God has a plan and is in control. We don’t always know or understand it but he has a plan. Your trust is in the right place! Love you…and Emily (as I know her name to be! :))