The trip home didn't start out well. We made it 40 miles outside of the city only to have to get a hotel for the night because the roads were bad. The next morning, we headed out again and thankfully made it to my brother's house.
But by that time, my body was screaming in pain.
Yes - my rheumatoid arthritis decided it would be the perfect time for a huge flare-up. And it never let up the entire time. In fact, my body still hurts this morning. And since I'm on a medicine for my rheumatoid arthritis that suppresses my immune system, I have to stay away from sick people. This weekend, that was not easy to do...
My mom had a bad case of the flu - the congested, coughing, headachy kind. She was out of commission for the entire time I was home and I didn't even get to see her, which made me very sad - especially since it's her birthday on Christmas Day!
On Christmas Eve morning, my daughter woke up feeling feverish and with a bad headache. While out getting medicine for her, I got a phone call from my younger brother who was staying at my older brother's house. They had the flu - only the vomiting kind. I didn't see them all day, and while I cared for my daughter at my grandmother's house, I washed my hands with pathological regularity.
Christmas Day - my daughter woke up feeling like she was going to yak. Sigh. So we stayed at my grandmother's house again while my husband and stepson went to his mom's house.
Yesterday - I finally got to see my brothers, my sis-in-law, and my niece and nephew for dinner, but my dad had become the latest victim, so I wasn't able to see him before I hit the road home.
Throughout it all, my legs, hand, feet, and well, entire body just ached. I took naps. I popped ibuprofen. And all I wanted to do was go home.
I got my wish yesterday. And of course, when I stepped foot in my house, what did I find? Cat puke on the floor.
But there are always blessings throughout any trial.
My grandmother loved having me stay with her. We talked and watched movies and ate yummy food. We laughed at how we were a pair because she was walking with a cane and I was limping around the house. I helped her with the dishes and the cooking, and sometimes, we just say together and didn't say a word.
My stepson and I had a great conversation on the way home. I had nice phone conversations with my mom. I received very nice gifts. And it even snowed on Christmas Eve!
Of course, the most important blessing on Christmas for me is the birth of Jesus. Somehow, that got lost in the shuffle this year, but last night, while snuggled in my own bed, my two kitties close by, I was able to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas.
I hope you all had a great Christmas - and now, onward to a new year!
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Wow... this sounds like our Christmases for the last three years! This is the first year we have NOT had illnesses just before or during Christmas. One of my boys said, "Mum, it just doesn't feel like Christmas because we're not sick!"
ReplyDeleteAnyway, as I was reading I was feeling very sorry, fully understanding how it must have been for you, and then reading the bit about spending time with your grandmother really cheered me up! I'm so happy you had that precious time with her. What a wonderful memory. I would love to be able to spend time like that with my Grandmother again. I miss her so much. :(
Praying your arthritis gets better SOON! :)
Thank you so much, Erin! It was definitely a different kind of Christmas. I guess the small hospital in my hometown was completely full of sick people. It must be a particularly nasty flu virus this time around.
DeleteOh Melissa, what a time you had! Some Christmases just don't work out, no matter how hard we try to make them. I loved your description of spending time with your grandmother--almost makes the rest of it worth it.
ReplyDeleteI think we always have this "perfect" picture in our mind of Christmas, and when it doesn't turn out that way (and when does it, really?) it is a letdown. But this one in particular was quite hard. Still, it is always good to go home and regroup and see my family, even if it's only for a short time.
DeleteOh dear! Sorry you had to suffer all that pain and that everyone had 'flu. It was good to hear that amongst it all you had that special time with your Grandmother.
ReplyDeletePraying that your arthritis settles down soon.
Thank you, J.T. My arthritis just made things worse. But! Like I said, blessings everywhere - just have to look a little harder sometimes.
DeleteOh Melissa! You poor thing! It's always so disappointing when you look forward to something, only to have everything fall apart-but I'm wishing you a happy, healthier new year!!! I'm also glad you had some special time with your grandma, and that you are safely back home now too:) Bless you, my dear, and I look forward to keeping in touch with you in 2013:) xx
ReplyDeleteI was SO glad to get home last night! =D My cats were glad to see me, too. I just had a nice cup of cocoa and am reading some books on writing while listening to the Nutcracker Suite. Thank you for the Christmas card - it was waiting for me when I got home!
DeleteGlad you made it home safe and relatively sound, but what a time you had! It's hard when such a singular holiday is marred by illness, but it does give perspective. May 2013 begin with peace and improved health. :)))
ReplyDeleteThanks for the good wishes, Anna! I am just putting it all in God's hands. :)
DeleteOh you poor thing Melissa. Let's hope 2013 brings health and happiness xx
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sue. It was a rough time, but I'm looking forward to a new year!
DeleteOh, Melissa, I'm so sorry that you had such a difficult Christmas. As you say, blessings are everywhere but, boy, you must have had to search really, really hard.
ReplyDeleteI hope you - and the rest of your family - are feeling much better now.
Happy New Year!
We are feeling much better - thanks, Shirley! Happy New Year to you, as well!
DeleteThat sure sounds like a Christmas to remember! Last Christmas Eve, my sister was sick and threw up in the middle of opening presents. This year, she was so happy not to be sick but then my mom and I were so that was a let down. Luckily it was not too bad and we were still able to partake in the festivities.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad to hear that you were able to spend some quality time with you Grandmother! She sounds like a lot of fun to be around!