We've been served

We just cant seem to catch a break. It seems to be, a least my life long quest, to be plagued with health issues. Sadly, Thomas has started on his journey now...he's been having some, well, bowel issues lets say. I was making excuses for it, like teething, fruits, a bug. But we went to the Dr. finally, and they have been putting us through the ringer. We have had every diagnosis from Rota virus, Giardia, a parasite, and now they think he is allergic to dairy and maybe more. We ave to wait to be tested by a specialist to determine if it is sciliac disease or what? Poor kid, to even get this far in finding out what was wrong we had to go to great lengths to get stool samples...let me just say, saran wrapping your child's butt has to the worst thing you will do in any given week.
Then I did something to my ear tube last week...and my ear filled with puss. The week before finals week for Rob. I got on some meds to clear it up, but immediately started vomiting...launching me into a stomach flu from the bowels of Satan. With my ear drum ready to explode and vomiting uncontrollably, a husband gone, I have never been so low. I hate being the sick on ALL THE TIME. Its the worst, most humiliating feeling. I have no family here, and I feel horrible asking people for favors cause I never feel like I can give them back. I know many people feel this same way. I finally was beyond sick, and asked for help. It is hard to be humbled to ask for help, and amazing to feel the burden lifted by another. Truly, I could not do for myself. I had a friend come an whisk Tommy away, even though she had a holiday party she was in charge of that night, to stay with her family for 2 days. Then Robs brother and his wife, and another sister took Thomas for 2 nights. I was in bed, down and out from Thursday, until today. I had to go to Urgent care and beg to be poked. I haven't had my butt kicked like this in a long time. Today I'm eating toast and able to keep down meds and waiting for my ear to feel better...and waiting to not feel like I'm ready to spew.
This time of year, service and helping is preached, and I know I am always looking where I can help. I am dropping off extra cans off in the bins at the store, or Toys for Tots, or Service projects for church. Sometimes I feel silly that I am looking at all these other places, when the people directly around me are in need of service. It may require more of me than I want to give that day...its easier to serve by dropping off a can than to watch a neighbors child for a few hours while she gets some needed rest of last minute shopping done. When I think about all the people I can serve around me, It makes me wonder who right now was like me, just praying in tears for someone to come knock on their door and ask if they needed anything? I cant tell you how many hours I feel like I prayed in tears to get better to I could take care of my family...this week of all weeks they needed me...my baby is sick and my husband has his first finals in medical school. Nothing came fast, but so many little angels were sent to me. A friend and her husband came to take me to the ER in the worst snow storm, another friend came and rubbed my feet, and other friends brought food to my husband. My husband, is amazing. He was trying, and would have done it all on his own. He was trying to study and watch Thomas all on his own. One night I walked about 1 AM and he was folding a mound of laundry...with flash cards by his side.
This time of year there are so many around us crying out for help, and we don't know it cause they wont ask. Lets pray to be more in tune with the spirit so we can know who needs us...after this week I know I will. I couldn't have survived this week with out the service of others.