Sabbath for My Body
by Elouise
Dear Friends,
It’s been a while since I wrote about Sabbath Rest. I’m learning the hard way that this isn’t just one day a week. It all began a year ago, in April 2016, and now includes a new health challenge I found out about this month.
On April 6, 2016, I received my spectacular pacemaker, Lucy. She’s now one year old, and has demonstrably changed my life for the better. Lucy is my upbeat (!) silent, invisible champion. She’s on call 24/7, making sure my heart rate doesn’t wander below 60 beats a minute. No more fainting spells.
Then, on April 21, 2016, my first day out alone with Lucy, I tripped on uneven pavement and fractured my jaw. Full stop.
Things will never be the same in my mouth. Wired jaws, lessons in how to use my Vitamix, pain and agony, sheer exhaustion as night became day and day became night. No description can capture it. I thought it would never end.
It’s still difficult to form some words. Still, most of the pain is gone and I’ve regained significant lateral movement in my lower jaw, though my bite will never be the same.
My broken jaw pushed me over the cliff into adrenal fatigue. Thanks to my integrative doctor, I now have a regular pattern each day and night. That means I have energy most mornings, and am ready to sleep most nights. No more erratic nighttime insomnia, or falling asleep in the middle of eating during the day.
Regular rest stops are my new normal. This means putting my feet up, taking short naps, and meditating as needed during each day. I want to stay grounded in what really matters.
Then about 2 weeks ago my doctor confirmed a new challenge: Chronic Kidney Disease, Stage 3a of 5 stages. This came with little warning; my emotions have been all over the map. I’ve had several tests this past week to measure the extent of the damage.
Just for today I want you to know what’s happening. I’ve talked about end of life matters several times this year. The Shape of Forgiveness series was one such issue. So is this.
Are end of life issues my present calling in life? I don’t know. I do know that today, tomorrow and thereafter every part of me is invited into Sabbath Rest. Even though it may not always feel restful or inviting.
Praying you’ll find rest for yourselves each day of this coming week, beginning now. Blessings of inner peace in these troubled times.
Elouise ♥
© Elouise Renich Fraser, 22 April 2017
Photo found at kellyjohnsongracenotes.com
Elouise, you are brave. And I pray for peace in all circumstances. Yes, rest, for you deserve it.
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Thank you, Susan. 💜
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Oh yes, rest is our friend. Bless you Elouise. You are a good friend too. ((xxx))
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😊💕💜
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Oh dear E ❤ I'm so sorry about this latest bout that is testing you. I keep you and super L in my prayers daily, I hope you know that, even when I'm not on here for days lately, you're always in my thoughts. Keep on keeping on and naps are good BTW, loved 'em in kindergarten on the little rugs and on the few days, now perhaps once a week at best I may get a chance to squeeze one in. Huddled with the pups on the bed beneath the gracefully turning fan which cools, I dream away and wake refreshed, ready to try to take on the rest of the day ❤ peace and love, and you know you can always brave the heat and come on down for a spell for some seaside beach sitting ❤
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Thanks for this most kind note, Kim. I’m grateful for your prayers, thoughts and open invitation! You won’t believe what I did this morning. It was a beautiful day–warm but not hot; blue sky and fluffy white clouds. We just had our back deck redone–very simple, mainly for sitting outside. D put up our big parasol, got out one of our comfy lounge chairs, came upstairs and invited me to sit on the porch! I was soooo happy to do it. Tons of birds singing in and around the yard, up in the trees, everywhere. A lovely little breeze. And eventually I fell asleep for a little while. Made ALL the difference for today–especially since I didn’t have a great night. My mixed emotions are very alive and well these days. I’m seeing my primary care physician for a follow-up conversation about a couple of things. More decisions ahead–nothing huge right now, but important. Time to stop and get on with your next comment! 🙂 Lucy is my superwoman, yet also grateful for your prayers. I remember my kindergarten naps, too–on brightly colored planks of wood! 🙂
Love and hugs from Elouise 🙂
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I’m saying my prayers for you my sweet friend 😊💕💜 keep me updated…you’ve my email….I’m always here…when I’m here….email I monitor daily….its just getting to the blog reading that takes much time, personal I always try to get back to within a day😊☮🙏🏻🕉
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Thank you, Kim. I’ve thought about the email connection more than once in the last several weeks….sigh. My heart, Lucy, kidneys, jaw and anything else I forgot to mention are most grateful. 🙂
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Oh, and meant to say,
I could see you out there, feet kicked up, enjoying the breeze and or weather, sounds like absolute bliss to me, and bless D for getting you out there to partake in nature and living😊💕 a fine thing indeed💕💜
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🙂 🙂 🙂
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