Hello from the USA!
Yet another country and continent under my belt in this whirlwind spring season.
I'll be here for 3 weeks primarily to contribute to the care of my mother, a very wonderful lady. Mom has arthritis and fybromyalgia - both very painful conditions, one affecting the joints and the other the muscles. Both of them cause lots of pain. Most of us only experience temporary pain: a headache, lower back pain after gardening, maybe tennis elbow for a few weeks or months. Imagine living with this kind of pain for years, with the only (partial) relief coming from medications which, by the way, have other affects on your body or even mental state.
Someone said very aptly that it takes faith to suffer - and I believe this is true. I see it's truth in my mother's heart and attitude daily. Even in the midst of painful tears, she rebounds with a trust in God that I admire.
Of course I pray for relief, for healing, for correct care from the doctors... Mom says "just imagine what kind of pain I'd be in if people didn't pray for me!".
She's my hero and I love her to bits.
I only wish I could contribute more often to her care... as it is I try to come "home" to Minneapolis a couple times each year for a few weeks to spell my sis, who holds a full-time and demanding job, shares a house with and cares for mom. Barbarah is my other hero.
Bless them both and may God make His face to shine upon them.
More later... blessings,
Belinda