[Blog entry created by Mark Bonnema]
It was a beautiful day here yesterday in Sioux Falls, SD. We took
advantage of it by going out and buying some flowers. If you have ever been to our backyard in the
summer, you know that we tend to go a little flower and herb crazy. We fill
every square inch of our backyard with pots, buckets, chicken feeders, bushel
baskets, old dresser drawers, hollowed out tree trunks, old suitcases, and any
other receptacle we can find with a myriad of colorful annual flowers and
herbs. Ashley is and always has been the mastermind of our backyard garden
creations. I merely have to help transport them to and from the car and take
all the pots into storage at the end of the season, otherwise I sit back and
enjoy.
Typically it is a delight to watch Ashley stroll the aisles
at the flower shop (at least for the first hour or so…). But yesterday I could
tell Ashley was pushing herself to keep going by the end of the day. Ashley was
tired, sore, and fatigued. When flower
shopping becomes a chore, Ashley’s health is most certainly compromising her
vitality.
Often by this time of year we are enjoying the first
blossoms of our perennial plants and the trees are in full leaf. This year,
however, with an abnormally windy and cold spring, the plants are sluggish and
behind schedule. We keep wondering if some of our plants have died, or have yet
to break dormancy for the year. At a time when our backyard gardenscape should
be coming to life, we wait, watching hopefully for our garden to regain its
vitality.
We have always taken our vitality for granted. Never in the
six years that we have lived in our home have we waited with such longing and anticipation
for the first blossoms and flowers of spring to break forth. We also have never
had to wonder if Ashley will have the energy and stamina to plant the annuals
and herbs at the end of the day when the rest of life’s work is done.
Last Year's Beauty |
We do not have to hold out a great deal of hope that the
season will turn, the weather will improve, and the full force of spring will
descend onto Sioux Falls. The forecast for this upcoming week already looks
much improved. We will probably even have to turn on our air conditioner by
midweek! We hold out the same kind of hope for Ashley’s health and vitality. She
will get through this set back as though it were merely an unseasonable stretch
with the promise of “normal” waiting just around the corner.
Seasons
But with every unseasonable stretch of health, our hope is
tested. “What if’s” grow larger with
every setback. What if this infection
does not subside? What if the antibiotics
affect Ashley’s nervous system, liver, or kidneys again? What if they don't work? What if her energy and vitality do not return as quickly or to the
same extent as before? Unfortunately, Ashley’s health is not as steady or
predictable as the seasons. We cannot
always assume that things will turn for the better or return to normal like the
seasons.
I hope and pray this current setback is soon nothing more
than a memory, like the unseasonably cold spring. The love, support, and kindness of so many wonderful family, friends,
and healthcare team members helps more than you will ever know! Thank you all.
Tomorrow is another day. There are flowers to plant! Make the most of your vitality today, and watch it blossom tomorrow!
<3
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