OK, so yesterday was my birthday. I can't remember feeling more miserable for a birthday in a long time. I hadn't been feeling well for days and when I got up in the morning I had a headache that quickly progressed to a migraine. I still had to get the kids to school and Jacob had a doctor appointment right off. Of course, I forgot the copies of the lab reports until we had already gotten all the way into town. Then, the doctor we saw (not our regular) went way out into left field with his diagnosis (I already knew what the real problem was) and prescribed several drastic prescriptions for a condition that he doesn't even have a problem with. The doctor is one of those who really likes to hear himself think and not even Jacob could get a word in edgewise. (Now that's an impressive feat.) Then after school I had to drag kids through homework, still with a migraine, and I threw a frozen pizza in the oven for dinner. I managed to eat half a slice before I had to run out the door for Cub Scouts. Hmm, Cub Scouts with a migraine... fun. Christiaan still hadn't even gotten home from work because he had to stay late. Next came the Cub Scout Committee meeting. I think I enjoyed the rowdy boys more. I finally got home at 9:00pm to children watching TV, on a school night, after bedtime. Jacob wasn't even done with his homework. And since Mom shouldn't have to do dishes on her birthday everyone kindly left them where they were for me to do in the morning instead. I took a shower, took some meds and went to bed.
Translation:
I have four wonderful children and I have a husband who loves me more than anyone else. I am so grateful to have at least a rudimentary medical knowledge so that I know when a doctor is really off base. I am grateful for medical insurance coverage so that I can afford to take my son to another doctor who will fix the problem. I am grateful that my children have a school that they can go to where they are challenged both academically and where the administration sets high character standards and expects them to live up to it. I am grateful for convenience items such as frozen pizza so that on nights when I am not feeling well or am rushed I have a quick fix for dinner. I am grateful for Cub Scouts and Scouts and the strength it gives to our rising generation and I am honored to have been chosen to take my turn in leading for a while. I am grateful to know that, while Christiaan may not get the kids into bed on time, I NEVER have to wonder if my children are safe when I leave them alone with their dad. I am grateful that Christiaan has a job to go to that pays well and provides good benefits. I am grateful for indoor plumbing with hot water, for a dishwasher to throw those dirty dishes into, for modern medical advances that provide relief from pain and illness. My Mom called to wish me happy birthday. It has been years since that happened. Then, later in the evening, my Dad called too. I can't remember a better birthday. I am so blessed!
