Jon has been feeling "ok". He has good days and bad, probably more bad than good, but he is quick to hide the pain. The one thing he can't hide though is the exhaustion. I've never seen someone who can fall asleep so quick. He'll be out cold in the midst of a conversation, sometimes it bothers me, but most of the time I just giggle and move on.
At Jon's last doctors appointment he made the decision to stop the antibiotics to see how his body reacts. We'll see how it goes, he's just finishing up his last round of antibiotics, so the next few weeks will be the real test. Jon is still working which is great, as most Lyme patients are not able to work. Things will be slowing down at work, so there's a good chance Jon will have some time off work, and he's quite happy about that. A break would be very welcomed.
Many of you are aware of my new job with Holland Public Schools. I had been searching for new jobs for a few months. I needed to know that the girls would have insurance if Jon would become to sick to work. One day during summer vacation I came across the posting for a secretarial position in the same building I'd been working at for the last 11 years. After some serious anxiety and lot's of prayers, I ended my summer vacation early and began a new "working" adventure. I really enjoy the job, but wow, what a change for all of us. I went from working 26 hours a week to 40+ hours a week. It's been very bittersweet, while I LOVE the job, I miss the girls and Jon terribly.
With the increase in working hours, I made the heartbreaking decision to take a break from photography. I still have a few sessions on my calendar, and A LOT of sessions waiting to be edited, so I'm not done yet. If you're one of those families that are waiting for your pictures, I promise they are coming... it's just taking extra time. When my day starts at 4:30am, and I don't sit down until 7:30pm, by 8:00 I'm ready for bed so that I can rest up to start all over again, that doesn't leave much time to edit... I'm sorry to those of you who are waiting, but I greatly appreciate how patient everyone has been, so thank you!!!
The girls are doing great. Their days are crazy too, but they don't seem to mind. They have been a constant reminder to Jon and I that we are blessed, even in the midst of sheer craziness. They've seen us at our worst, and always know just what to say to bring a smile right back to our face.
We recently had to say good-bye to our 1st baby... Mattie Sue. She blessed our life for almost 11 years. The last year was really hard on her. Mattie suffered from Pug Dog Encephalitis. It was our prayer for the last few months that she would just go peacefully on her own. The thought of us having to put her down made Jon and I both ill. On September 7 our prayers were answered and we woke to find her at peace, she even had a little smile on her face. While it's what we had prayed for, there was no way to prepare our hearts for her passing. Jon and I still get choked up when talking and thinking about her. She will be greatly missed by many... but it's all part of life, and yet again another reason why it's so important to Make Every Moment Count!!!
As I end this entry (that's taken me 4 days to finish because of time restraints, so I apologize for typo's), I ask that you continue to send us good thoughts and prayers. Please keep Jon in your prayers as he stops treatment and we see exactly how Lyme is affecting his body. Continue to pray for our entire family as our lives have been forever changed because of Lyme. Your support and prayers mean the world to us. You never know what life is going to throw at you, but when you're stuck in the middle of sheer craziness, you have 2 choices. #1... Run far, far away from everything or #2... Make Every Moment Count. While choice #1 runs thru my mind A LOT... it's not the path we have decided to take. Instead we look at all the blessings that have come into our lives and we choose to Make Every Moment Count!!!
With all our love and gratitude... ((((((HUGS))))))
