Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Changes

I'm not feeling very well right now, so be forewarned, this isn't going to be a cheerful post. :-/

As I looked at myself in the mirror this morning and again tonight, my appearance (to me) is sadly lacking. I'm not talking about the "wings" I still have from my "tummy-tuck-boob-job reconstruction" or the significantly smaller breasts that resulted from that surgery. I'm not talking about the years (I feel) that have aged my face. I'm talking about the fact that washing my not-even-shoulder-length hair is a task I leave until absolutely necessary. I'm talking about the dresses I wear so the pain of my abdominal scar doesn't get too bad to bear. I'm talking about the swelling above my left collar-bone from my most recent surgery. I'm talking about the exhaustion in my eyes from fighting day in and day out to regain normalcy. Then, just under the surface, lies the nearly chronically upset stomach (caused by stress) and the tension in my shoulders, neck, and back. 

Most people don't see any of the above as significant. They see that I present myself to the best of my ability and either think I lack style, class, or care; or they don't even notice the deficiencies I mentioned. When I'm feeling low, as I am now, it's so difficult for me to see past my struggles, As much as I don't want pity, I do wish for understanding. There are some in my life who deny that my life hasn't returned to normal. There are others that sincerely support me through the good and bad, I thank God daily for those in the second group as I dread my interactions with those in the first group. 

There, my whining session is over. Sorry... Please return to your regular state of mind. Pay no attention to the woman behind these words. God bless! 

6 comments:

  1. Anonymous8/01/2012

    Erika, you are really and absolutely great, I admire you so much! Keep fighting, it is important that you don't give up. I wish you and your family every blessing of God.
    Hanna

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous8/01/2012

    I understand Ericka. You know what???Somedays when you don't feel good know that God is with you and he also understands. Rest. I will keep watch and pray.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous8/01/2012

    Erika, don't give up. Those who do not understand or fail to recognize your struggle are not worth the effort. They will fade away like a bad dream. Those who support you will never leave you. God is good, may He bless you abundantly!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Anonymous8/01/2012

    God Bless you, You look into that mirror and look at the mom that survived, Your kids think your worth a million,and look great.Those are the only people that you need to worry about. Those other people they arent worth your energy,God Bless your family

    ReplyDelete
  5. Anonymous8/04/2012

    Don't give up Erica. You are a strong beautiful person who has been through more in your young life than most people will ever have to go through in their entire lifetime. Stay strong and know that God is always with you. Prayers for you and your family.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thank you everyone!!

    ReplyDelete

My Chemo-Jane hair-style

My Chemo-Jane hair-style
I just had to have my mom buzz my hair because it was falling out so badly.

Pre-op wearing my hand-crocheted cap with my prayer shawl.

Pre-op wearing my hand-crocheted cap with my prayer shawl.
My loving husband is watching me distract myself with a game on his iPhone.

2 days after my BMX w/ 100ccs in the TEs

2 days after my BMX w/ 100ccs in the TEs
I even have a fashionable belt to hold up my drains.

3 weeks post-op w/ 400ccs in each TE

3 weeks post-op w/ 400ccs in each TE
The smile is fake because the TEs were irritating!