My Favorite Guy just had a checkup with his neurologist. There’s no blood test for Parkinson’s Disease, no CT scan, no MRI. It’s mostly Dr. Kahout’s experience, observations, and intuition about how Guy is doing. This is a season of losses for us both. Guy can no longer take his extra walk (without his slower spouse), hasn’t gardened for the first year ever, and wears out more quickly.
He learned during his last checkup at the blood+cancer center that now he’s a little anemic, so they adjusted his chemo meds. That explained his extra exhaustion.
Dr. Kohout also asked how I’m doing. I’ve recently been diagnosed for Crohn’s but the first medicine didn’t work, so I started on prednisone this week. It looks like we’ll be adding trips to an infusion center when that gets okayed and set up.
But even with the unwellnesses we’re dealing with, we’re both thankful we didn’t develop them earlier in life. And we’re in a “good place,” with a comfortable home to feel crummy in, each other, and appliances that work (thanks Brian). If/when I get to the place where I can have meals out again, we’ll be able to enjoy breakfast or lunch.
God is weaning us from earthy delights, turning our attention toward the other side where Christ has prepared a place for us. A place without diseases and steroids and IV infusions.
On this side of heaven, Meadowlark Songs was published in the middle of my quest to find out what was causing my miserable middle.
I’ve not had the energy to enjoy radio interviews, which are my favorites. The new book has only a few reviews on Amazon, Goodreads, and BookBub. I’m so grateful for two faithful bloggers who have featured Meadowlark Songs on their websites.
Meanwhile, would you believe that I’m praying for enough energy to pursue the next book? Or two? Oh, wait. I’m supposed to be downsizing.
Know that I pray for you both, daily, sweet friends. You remain on my mind and in my heart. While this season is a most difficult one–culminating in each of you taking the second largest step of faith in your lives (unless we are raptured second ), I assure you that you will find a closeness together you never imagined there was. God’s blessings, sweet couple. Our hope is in Him.
God bless you, dear friend. We both experienced a freedom when the cardiologist said no to open heart surgery for my enlarging aorta–age and immune system being tampered with. Yes, our hope is in Him. CyberHug and prayer for you as well!
You downsizing? I’ll have to see that to believe it.
So sorry to hear both your and Guy’s bad news. But I know you well enough to know you will power through it!! Good Iowa stock!
But is the news bad? Challenging certainly, but fitting us for heaven. We’re sure thankful to go through these together, and to be able to “walk our loop.” (I just did the first one at sunrise!)
Terrific!!
Sending love to you, Joy and to Guy! Love your perspective, despite the challenges. Carry on…we’ll be cheering you on. (P.S. Such a great front porch pic!) xo! ❤️
Thank you, dear Vicki! We’re thankful for porch weather right now.
🥰❤️🥰
Thanks for the update. Prayers for all of you. Your attitude is an inspiration!
Thank you, Dale Ann. It’s a challenging time of life but also fascinating. Who knew?
I love that you are not quitting but rather adjusting. I’m sure there is another book or two waiting for you to write. I love the photo.
Bless you, Darlene. It’s a challenging time of life, but still amazing!
My heart is with you, Joy & Guy. You are walking angels on earth. Your mindset and heart posture is remarkable. Love you both!
You are so dear, Emina!
Your strength in the Lord during this season is inspirational. You and Guy are in my prayers. I still long for the day when we can meet in person. Perhaps coming soon? Certainly when this season passes.
Bless you, Gail. Meanwhile, I’m sending a #CyberHug!
I like your attitude about your reports. That’s the way believers should look at things in the later years of life. I hope I can develop the same attitude when I reach that point–and it’s getting closer every day! You’re an encouragement to each of us to remain busy. That’s why God put us here and gave us the talents to tell our stories. I’m praying the Lord will continue to give you the strength to tell your stories.
Bless you, Dennis. We didn’t expect to be at this point quite so early, but in many families this decade is never reached. Of Grandma Leora’s nine grandchildren, there are only three of us left. I’m thankful that the urge to tell those stories still helps get me out of bed every morning! Now for enough brain energy as soon as the new meds begin to help. . .
Prayers for you and your family, Joy. You are indeed an inspiration.
God’s grace, Tim. Thank you.
Joy, You show such grace in your response to health issues for yourself and for your husband. You clearly appreciate your blessings and love life. I have not read your book yet, but I will order it. I understand the importance of having your work seen and appreciated. Looking forward to it! Be as well as possible and enjoy your beautiful family and that wonderful summertime porch!
Thank you, Lori. God’s grace is amazing to us as we travel this unexpected path.
My best to you and your husband. I love your positive attitude, Joy. Having the desire to write another book is a good sign
I think so too, Pete, especially when that desire overrides the more difficult times. Thanks!
I’m sorry to hear of the health challenges you and your Favorite Guy are experiencing. You are so fortunate to have each other and your faith.
Thank you, Liz. We tend to take things for granted until we can no longer, learning then the powerful foundation that’s been building all along. New lessons!
You’re welcome, Joy. I try very hard not to take things for granted now.
I’m so glad you have each other, Joy. Downsizing is a great term but may not apply to writing stories. All the best to you and your favorite guy.
Thanks, John. Writing is much more fun than downsizing.
As we acknowledge the 100th year of our last Wilson uncle’s birthday, we remain positive and grateful. Joy, you and Guy are the most inspirational examples. God Bless You! As one of the three remaining grandchildren/cousins on Grandma Leora’s side, I have no reason to “whine”, only to rejoice and be thankful. Happy Independence Day!
Yes, the last Wilson brother. Mom said he was just the cutest brother, 10 years younger than Delbert. We’re learning that things we’ve taken for granted–our faith, each other, our home–have built a welcome foundation for these newest challenges.
Joy, you have a beautiful family. I wish you and your favorite Guy were as healthy as you look in that picture. I’m sorry you have been dealing with illness and pain for so long. But you bear it without bitterness. Your faith in the Lord is inspiring. 🙂
Thank you, Nancy. Things we’ve taken for granted have become a welcome foundation for what we’re experiencing now. Thanks be to God!
AMEN! 🙏✝️🙏
Keeping you both in my prayers…Your positive attitude will go a long way!!! I am so glad you will continue with your writing projects!!!
Oh, I hope so Linda. I’m not transitioning well to the new steroid, which doesn’t help with concentration!