host posted on May 08, 2009 13:14
With Mother’s Day approaching, I am writing my story to all moms, but especially to those moms living with the day to day struggle of coping with a chronic illness.
The medical conditions that I have been diagnosed with are fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. I have been living with these for over three decades now. It began at age nineteen while I was in nursing school, has followed me through my career as a cardiac nurse (which is currently on hold), through a twenty-nine year marriage to a man that God has truly blessed me with, and …the focus of what I am writing about… through being a mother to two wonderful sons who have seen me as a mom enjoying motherhood but at the same time dealing with the struggles of living with a chronic medical condition.
My journey as a mom living with fibromyalgia has been difficult at times, but what I want to make perfectly clear is that, while living with a chronic illness may prove challenging, know that faith, prayer and determination will get you and your family through the difficult times. These challenges give me a deep appreciation of life and put into perspective what is truly important; being there for your children, listening, teaching and living a Christian life by example. Over the years, my sons have seen their father show love and compassion to their mother dealing with daily pain and fatigue and who has always honored their wedding vows “in sickness and in health.” They have also seen a loving grandmother helping her daughter cope with life’s challenges. My children are now grown young men ages twenty-four and twenty-one. They are well grounded individuals who show love, compassion and empathy towards others.
I met Doug ten years ago while watching him on Christian television. Over the years, Doug has been such a blessing in my life and that of my family. My health has and continues to improve through treating the “fungal link" to my medical condition. Soon I hope to resume my career in nursing, focusing on holistic health. What a blessing that will be!
In closing, I would like to share a bible passage that I often read, which has helped me through many difficult times... Psalm 121 which begins with “I will lift up my eyes to the hills, from whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth.”
God’s blessings to all mothers on Mother’s Day.
Kimberly