We are well into the holiday season; it is the second week of Advent, the four weeks before Christmas day. In this busy time, it is nice to take a break, and savor the festivities. Often in our harried lives, this is impossible, unless... you get the flu.
The Gerwitz clan has been struck with the flu. Perhaps with the dreaded H1N1. I don't know as we didn't seek medical help not feeling we were deathly ill ... well, there was one day... :)
I researched the symptoms online, talked to my friend's husband, an MD and decided we are all doing much better now, to worry about the specific type of flu. Dr. Bob said 90% of the people currently with the flu have H1N1.
What does it matter...we are on the mend (thank-you, Lord) and it takes me back to my original point, I've been able to enjoy the holiday season. I've been too tired for my normal high energy trips. I've sipped many cups of hot tea with my feet up. I've read (when my throat didn't hurt) aloud to the children, and eaten Vitamin C drops. We’ve watched Christmas movies, baked cookies and prepared the home by decorating a little at a time instead of the Saturday marathon in years past.
Everyone was affected in our family, except my elderly father who lives with us. He looked startled when I mentioned we might have the “dreaded” flu. The vaccine wasn't available to us and even if it had been, I'm not sure I would have wanted it. We now have very good antibodies in our system. Was it fun? No, not at all. It seemed to drag on forever. Our lives are built on these moments and our choices in regard to dealing with the issues that arise.
My children know about teachable moments. Our entire homeschool foundation is built upon them. This was another time to explain how blessed we are to reside in a state that has temperate climate. Today we were able to go outdoors and enjoy the sunshine while many states were hard hit with storms.
No matter what life brings we should always look at the bright moments. If not we will spend our time with would-of, should-of and feel discontent. For our family the results of the flu is a much slower life style and time to reflect and enjoy each other.
How wonderful to have this season to reflect on our dear Lord whose sacrifice makes all of ours seem weak by comparison. In this holiday season, I pray you find the true joy in knowing Christ and find that silver lining daily. This will be another Christmas memory to add to the pages of our lives. What are your favorite memories or traditions?
I'm sorry to hear that you all were ill, but I'm glad to hear that you're on the mend. Sadly, we too have found that it often takes illness (or surgery) to slow us down during the holidays. This year, we're really trying to make a point not to get caught up in the "gotta do this" spirit. We want to make sure our focus is on Christ. While we're not perfect, it's going a bit better this year than in years past. We're enjoying our Advent story (Jotham's Journey) each evening, and my daughter is enjoying her Names of Jesus study.
May you all quickly heal, and may we all be able to focus on the best gift of all, our Lord and Savior, Jesus.
I am glad to her that you all are getting better and really glad to hear that your father did not get sick. It is probably harder on the elderly.
You know, I can't think of any great holiday memories or traditions. Huh, that is awful.
I guess that will need to be on the list. I need to MAKE some memories.
I do remember the first Christmas after we moved. It was nice to be on our own. We are doing Christmas for my husbands family this year so that will be big.
Perhaps next year I will have some new traditions to tell about!
Rodna
Well, the decorations came down this past week end and I was really sad, because I almost felt well! I really took an introspective look at Christmas this year due to being so tired. Praise God it was a blessed time for all.
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