Mama’s Musings

I am happy to report that it has been over a week without a full blown migraine!  I still have a low-grade headache as my constant companion but I can take that.  The bed in the closet goes unused for now.  Thank you for all of your prayers and kind words–I feel very loved.  This new medicine is finally kicking in, I guess.  No open appointments at the neurologist for two months but I’ll keep bugging them to see if I can get in sooner.  I’ll feel better being checked out.

Anyone who has lived with chronic pain I’m sure will attest to the relief when it is alleviated or ameliorated.  I encourage you each to take a minute–and hopefully more–to stop and count your blessings, each functioning body part, everything that doesn’t hurt, the activities in your life you do without thought or notice, each and every loved one around you, every friend, every opportunity to give and serve, everyone who cheers you along your way, and may your list go on and on.  This life is short, lets not take one single day for granted, “headaches” will come along the way in some form or another, but next time we feel some pain let it be a reminder to us for all of the reasons for rejoicing we have every single day.

10.  Sunglasses have become a permanent part of every outfit.

9.  The kids no longer ask what color is your headache–they know Mama has “green” headaches(”my green” headaches- get it?)

8.  Your 2-year-old goes around saying “My head is killing me!”

7.  Your 12 year-old has made more dinners than you lately.

6.  You forget what frozen peas are really for.

5. Contingency plans happen more often than original plans.

4. Every family prayer includes, “And help Mama’s head to feel better.”

3.  When “Honey, I have a headache” NOW means “You have to go pick up the kids from school.”

2.  Baby begs you, ”Please no sleep in the closet anymore, Mama!”

1.  All the kisses in the world don’t make your “owie head” go away.

      Unfortunatley, these are all too true in our house.  If I don’t laugh, I’ll cry.  If you too have migraines, my sympathies go out to you.  If someone in your life suffers as I do, please be kind to them.  It is because migraines were taking over my life that I weaned my baby so I could treat them.  Nothing has helped so far.  I keep asking the Lord what I am to learn from this thorn in my side (or rather in my head) but I guess lots of patience is the only answer I see so far.  All prayers are appreciated–He may not remove the trial but He will always strengthen those who ask. 

I was kicked out of my house on Mother’s Day.  It was after I had dressed Rosie (2) completely for church and within minutes she was naked as a jaybird.  I was about to loose it.  My dear husband packed me up and kicked me out the door, telling me to go to church early and enjoy listening to the choir and the prelude music.  I felt more than a little guilty leaving them in that state of disarray.  Arwen (14) was already at church singing in the choir and Slim (9) was ready so he left with me.  That left DH (Dear Husband) with Cherish (12) to help him with the three little ones.  And being late was not an option as Cherish was to be the first speaker.

I tried to relax and enjoy the music and general peace and quiet at church.  Admittedly, I watched the clock and felt nervous as the ten o’clock hour approached.  At 9:58 AM my family came through the chapel doors.  I was mortified.

Moose had on a dirty sweater, jeans, and sneakers.  Scoob had had on a decent polo with his pajama bottoms when I left, but now he had on a stained blue t-shirt with a too-small blue blazer over it, a third shade of blue pants and sandals.  Rosie had on the outfit I had originally put her in that morning but it was the first time she had worn that dress and apparently the buttons were loathe to stay buttoned up as her belly was hanging very clearly out as only one button remained done up.  All three had hair in various directions.  My husband beamed–they were on time.

I am not a perfectionist.  Maybe my children did not look so very different from normal.  But today not only was Cherish to speak, but our entire family was to stand up on the stand and sing “Love is Spoken Here.”  This was time for a quick gut check.

Between my DH and I, taking up the entire length of the pew, sat our six beautiful, healthy, wonderful children.  So what if Scoob’s toes were hanging off the end of his shoes, none of that really matters.  We are all here, together, with so much to be grateful for, so very, very much.

Cherish gave a beautiful talk about the importance of families and honoring parents.  Together we sang about love being spoken in our home.  I couldn’t have been prouder.  If anyone felt to judge us that day I feel sorry for them.  I hope our Heavenly parents look upon us, disheleved as we may be, with love and affection and acceptance, even if our belly buttons do hang out.