We had a wonderful family Christmas.
But before you know it - it's January, and January has brought many changes.
~Bill and I had an empty nest on New Years Eve!
~Marie spent her New Years Eve in Mexico!
~We had a staff lunch that I was able to go to and had a wonderful time chatting with some of the friends I rarely see!
~I went out to coffee with a very dear friend!
~Chris turned 15!
And then... I collapsed. I felt the change coming... I fought it off... taking extra meds for those "special" occasions. But by the evening of January 3, I had begun to feel almost like I did 15 years ago when I needed a blood transfusion after Christopher's birth.
I've rested - rallied a bit - tried to carry on, but the fatigue was determined to win. I'm back to a low point. Why? We may never know. What can I do about it? I wish I knew.
What does a "low point" feel like? I can hardly describe it. My brain feels like half of it leaked out and the rest is swirling in my head. I get goosebumps up the back of my legs. I sweat, then I run a fever. I'm so tired I almost cry - not from sadness - just from being so tired. And yet, I have sleepless nights. Or if I do sleep, I awake feeling as tired and sick as when I went to bed. Sometimes noise bothers me. Sometimes lights bother me. My body hurts all over.
I had a wonderful 8 weeks of feeling better and enjoying The Nutcracker and my family, going to church and all the assorted visits and outings I had. And for that I am so grateful!!! I am disappointed to be where I am now, but not surprised. I'm beginning to understand how this illness works and how to enjoy the good times, and then readjust when the hard ones return.
I find art very hard to do during this time of fatigue - but I keep doing it little by little. I've accomplished three unique pieces since Christmas! The first is an ACEO (2.5"x3.5") in Oil Pastel (a new medium for me). The second is an 8.5"x11" Watercolor and the last one, I just completed yesterday, is a new needle felted ACEO.
~Bill and I had an empty nest on New Years Eve!
~Marie spent her New Years Eve in Mexico!
~We had a staff lunch that I was able to go to and had a wonderful time chatting with some of the friends I rarely see!
~I went out to coffee with a very dear friend!
~Chris turned 15!
And then... I collapsed. I felt the change coming... I fought it off... taking extra meds for those "special" occasions. But by the evening of January 3, I had begun to feel almost like I did 15 years ago when I needed a blood transfusion after Christopher's birth.
I've rested - rallied a bit - tried to carry on, but the fatigue was determined to win. I'm back to a low point. Why? We may never know. What can I do about it? I wish I knew.
What does a "low point" feel like? I can hardly describe it. My brain feels like half of it leaked out and the rest is swirling in my head. I get goosebumps up the back of my legs. I sweat, then I run a fever. I'm so tired I almost cry - not from sadness - just from being so tired. And yet, I have sleepless nights. Or if I do sleep, I awake feeling as tired and sick as when I went to bed. Sometimes noise bothers me. Sometimes lights bother me. My body hurts all over.
I had a wonderful 8 weeks of feeling better and enjoying The Nutcracker and my family, going to church and all the assorted visits and outings I had. And for that I am so grateful!!! I am disappointed to be where I am now, but not surprised. I'm beginning to understand how this illness works and how to enjoy the good times, and then readjust when the hard ones return.
I find art very hard to do during this time of fatigue - but I keep doing it little by little. I've accomplished three unique pieces since Christmas! The first is an ACEO (2.5"x3.5") in Oil Pastel (a new medium for me). The second is an 8.5"x11" Watercolor and the last one, I just completed yesterday, is a new needle felted ACEO.
"Inspiration" (C) M Pruitt 2008NFS
"The Crows at St. Hubert's" (C) M. Pruitt 2008For Sale on Etsy
"Hugs and Kisses" (C) M. Pruitt
SOLD
Thank you to all of you who visit me here, pray for me, rejoice with me and mourn with me. I am so grateful for all of you!
I'll try to keep you updated on any new developments in my life and art!
I'll try to keep you updated on any new developments in my life and art!
Melanie,
ReplyDeleteI somehow knew you were back to the ick. I am so sorry. Your description of how it feels was perfect. I have never been able to describe this to people.
I am thinking that I am going to have to rely on my blog for a while now also b/c there isn't the energy for email, calls, etc with all that is going on.
I DO mourn with you and rejoice with you--and the pits are so very, very, very hard. To my friends I shrug and say maybe it's the weather--yeah right.
Anyways, lots of love and beautiful, beautiful art in the midst of such suffering.
Oh, and I LOVE the family picture...I always wanted to know what everyone looked like! Now I know! It's so nice to have faces for everyone.
Love, Emily
Well, Em... I guess we'll have to set up tea here at the bottom of the PotsHole!
ReplyDeleteSo nice to hear from you, and I'm sorry you're down right now to.
Yes... I thought many of my friends, like you, might like to see my family.
Love you Em