Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Perspective

To say this has been an unusual summer for me would be putting it rather mildly. This has been a season of unforeseen events in my life. Summertime has always been my favorite and I look forward to it wholeheartedly every year. Due to the fact I struggle with rheumatoid diseases, I always feel my best during the warmer months. Generally my days include some portion of time spent on my porch swing with my knitting and a cup of tea. However, since I got sick in the middle of June with bronchitis and this beastly asthma flared, the course of my summer took a turn I didn't see coming. Even my dogs are confused. They always join me on the porch and every time I open the front door for any reason they rush forward in anticipation. But I cannot breathe out there, especially not in the ghastly heat and humidity we have been enduring in the Midwest lately. This is all rather disappointing to me because I have never been one to love staying inside on a beautiful sunny day and I'm not typically a lover of air conditioning...
That is until I discovered I can't breathe without it these days.
Oh well. I know, as with all things, this too shall pass.
Another issue I've been having along with the inability to breathe is that from coughing so much and so hard from the asthma, I have a broken rib. Well let me tell you, it's a real pain in the side. The whole side. I saw the doctor on Friday and she said that sadly there's nothing to be done for a broken rib except wait for it to heal and take pain medication. Fortunately, I am quite used to chronic pain and have been since I was a child. This is one of those instances when that comes in handy. Don't get me wrong, it hurts to do absolutely everything. Mostly it hurts when I lay down, therefore I have a hard time sleeping at night. But I am used to coping with, and working around, constant pain. Honestly, at times like this, just like when I broke my foot in two places a few years ago, I see this as a blessing. I feel sad for people who have no experience with pain and suddenly they break a bone or, worse, they get a diagnosis for a rheumatoid disease and they suffer so badly. I hurt more for them than I do for me. This is when there's something to be said for being a "lifer".
Anyway, of course the other thing I did not see coming was my sister's situation. We are still waiting for a firm diagnosis. One thing we know for sure from a sonogram last week is that she definitely has a diseased gall bladder with a spot on it that the oncologist strongly suspects to be malignant. The gall bladder has to be removed but she is not strong enough for surgery at this point. Another oncologist is being called in to work with the first one. She is still self injecting B12 and is still taking mega doses of prescription iron. She is currently staying with our parents in their home. She had a fall nearly three weeks ago due to a fainting spell from weakness. In the fall she gashed her neck and ruptured an ear drum when her head hit a table. So while she rests and regains her strength she spends her days surrounded by her family. We are a very close knit family and I'm so thankful that we all live right here in the same town so we can look after one another when need be.
Now, with all this being said, I don't want to give the impression that I am downhearted here. Honestly, I truly am not. I have said it over and over and I will say it again. Quite simply, I am happy.
There's so much in my life that brings me joy. I have so much to be thankful for. Let me say right here and now I have gained a new perspective on quite literally being thankful for every breath I take. So many of them don't come easy these days. That just makes each and every one all the more precious.
Also, Bridget is holding up exceptionally well. I have received so many messages on her behalf and she and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your love and prayers mean more to my family at this time than words can ever say. We feel God's love surrounding us through the outpouring of His people and we
Thank You.
Just to show you I am not languishing here, I have a recipe to share.
It's what I made for my knitting group last night. You know me, as long as I have some yarn to play with and can do a little baking, I've had a good day.
This one was easy on my broken rib because it took very little prep time and it's mostly no bake, which is nice on a hot summer day. It's my own concoction.
I hope you like it.

Strawberry Chiffon Pie

8 Ounces Philadelphia Cream Cheese, softened to room temperature
1/2 Cup Sugar
1 Cup Sour Cream
1 Tablespoon Pure Vanilla
8 Ounces Cool Whip, Extra Creamy with Real Cream
12 to 14 Sliced Strawberries
Few drops pink food coloring
Mix cream cheese, sugar, sour cream, vanilla, and pink coloring together.
Fold in Cool Whip and strawberries with a spoon.
Leave in mixing bowl and refrigerate while making graham cracker crust.

Graham Cracker Crust

1 1/2 Cups Finely Ground Graham Cracker Crumbs
1/3 Cup Brown Sugar
6 Tablespoons Melted Butter
1/2 Teaspoon Cinnamon
Place several graham crackers at a time between two pieces of parchment paper and roll over them with a rolling pin until they are finely ground.

Mix graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, melted butter and cinnamon until well blended.
Press into an 8 or 9 inch pie plate.
Bake graham cracker crust at 375 degrees for 7 minutes.
Remove from oven.
Cool on a rack for 15 minutes.
Place in refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Once pie plate and crust are completely cool, spread pie filling on top.
Return to refrigerator.
Chill for at least 4 hours.

Enjoy!

I would like to finish by thanking the kind people of Galena, Illinois for featuring the blog post I did on my recent mother/daughter trip to their lovely town on their official website.
I am truly honored.
Galena is a place of magic for my husband and me.
We look forward to walking your streets again as soon as possible.

"The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts."
Marcus Aurelius
(121-180)

16 comments:

  1. Geeze ms, a lot going on there. I hope things get better real soon. Sending love and prayers for you both. The chiffon pie looks yummy. Have a great day with love Janice

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    1. Oh thank you Miss Janice! We are doing pretty well really, all things considered :-) Try this pie because I know how you LOVE to cook and bake. You have a beautiful day,
      Danette

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  2. And even with all you have going on you still managed to make that beautiful pie. And it's in the shape of a heart which makes it even better. Prayers for you to make a full recovery soon. That little strawberry slicer is the cutest.
    xx Beca

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    1. That pie was the easiest thing in the world to make so don't be too impressed... try the recipe. I love everything heart shaped! My Dad found that little strawberry slicer on one of his shopping excursions years ago and brought it to me. I love that thing! Thanks for all your prayer.
      Danette

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  3. Your pie looks and sounds absolutely delicious. Your poor rib, that must have been some mighty coughing. I really hope things pick up for you and your sister, lots of warm hugs flying across the ocean xx

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    1. Thank you for everything Sweet Cheryl! This cough has been plain crazy. The pie turned out pretty good and was so very easy to make. We are doing well all things considered... resting under the shadow of His wings...
      Lots of love flying back across the ocean to you,
      Danette

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  4. You are my hero, fierce prayer warrior, and girlie girlfriend. So blessed to call you friend. love, Genie

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    1. Oh Genie.... where do I even go with that... You are MY hero and well you know it. Always there when I need urgent prayer. Day or night, down on your knees on my behalf. You are my soul sister. I love you so.
      Danette

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  5. My goodness! Sometimes it feels like everything is imploding doesn't it? Hang in there girl and take care of yourself. Sending prayers for you and your family. The pie looks amazing, a great summer dessert I think. xxxx

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    1. It certainly does! I don't know why everything has to happen at once but I guess that's life. Thanks Lynne, I'm taking it all one day at a time and inching in the right direction. Try the pie. It's the easiest thing in the world to make.
      By the way, I really love that quilt you made recently that you just had to make... the one your were obsessing over... man I would love one of those... I can see why you had to make it. I love your quilts so very much. They make me happy to look at them online. I can't imagine seeing and touching them in person.
      Love to you my friend,
      Danette

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  6. oh my gosh, a broken rib! how painful, on top of everything else! I know you are never one to complain, but it sounds like it's been a rough summer. But your positive outlook has you focusing on the good stuff, which is a smart move. And that pie!! Looks SO good. I love anything with a graham cracker crust.

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    1. Well a broken rib has not been too much fun... but it is gradually healing. I can feel it getting better bit by bit every day finally. We have to stay focused on the good stuff, don't we... for what else is there to this life we live, after all?
      I love graham crackers PERIOD!

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  7. I sure hope you heal quickly! All the Best for your Sister as well- Prayers sweet Danette!
    Love, Mary Lou

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    1. Thank you so much Mary Lou! I am healing gradually. Doing better each day. God is good. And thank you so much for praying for Bridget. It means the world to me and my family.
      Love you,
      Danette

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  8. Hi sweet Danette! What a nice and very real post. YOU are a good, good girl.
    Do rest. Soon you'll be all better and fall is a wonderful time for porch knitting. (BIG HUG!)

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    1. Thank you Sweet Pom Pom! You are always too kind to my. I am resting. And knitting. And drinking lots of tea :-)
      I look forward to knitting on the porch in the fall this year indeed!
      Big Hug right back to you!

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Thank you for taking time to chat with me ~
Your comments make me so Happy!
Have a lovely day.
Danette