A Friend Indeed

 Sometimes, all you need to get through a situation is just one friend.

Just one person who “gets” you.

In the world of parenting high-risk kids, those kind of people can be pretty few and far between.

So, how did I get so lucky blessed?

I have several friends I can turn to when I need a hug or a moment to vent.  These gals are not afraid of my story – in fact, they can relate.  These girls don't shrink back from the ugly truth or gasp in horror when I share the hard stuff.  They can discern if I need a shoulder to cry on, a gentle encouragement to face my troubles with grace, or Scripture to set my heart right.  They can give advice because they’ve earned my respect. And always… they pray.  These are women who’ve been broken before God, pouring their hearts out on behalf of the children they were called to care for. The kind of people who will drop everything and plead my case before the Lover of our souls.

I do not take their friendship for granted. They are a lifeline for me. Some are online, some flesh-and-blood right here in St. Louis. All are dear to me.

 

You know who you are. Thank you.

 

This past week Two weeks ago, I had the unexpected pleasure of renewing an old friendship and discovering that I have yet another trauma mama in my network.  There are so many similarities in our stories. Our circumstances are different, yet we instantly knew we were on the same page. She is ahead of me on this bumpy road and has much wisdom gleaned from her life experiences.  Just knowing that she understands is like breathing cool, fresh air after being in a hot, stuffy attic.  The encouragement is felt in every interaction.

I am thankful for my trauma mama comrades.

 

How about you?  Do you have someone who "gets" you?  In real life or online?

 

Blessings to you,

Mamita

Trigeminal Neuralgia - Round Two

 

It’s back.

And I want to cry.

Last time, it lasted 4 long, torturous months.  I don’t want to go there again. But I think it’s too late.

I find myself fearful. That is an understatement...

It showed up Monday, feeling like a piece of food between my teeth.  Within an hour, my upper and lower jaw ached like toothaches (only on the right side).  Then it spread to my cheek (bruised), my ear (infected) and my temple (migraine). The whole side of my face felt like the top of a throb.

It’s hard to smile… and sleep… and eat.

That first morning, I had crunchy cereal with cold milk.  I forgot about the sensitivity issues.  You know when you have a toothache and the dentist raps your tooth with his hammer and they have to peel you off the ceiling.  Yeah, that feeling.

I'm really not trying to complain.  But I do want a record of what it feels like… in case my memory gets fuzzy.

Oh yeah, that’s already an issue...

Now, what was I talking about?

I was reading up on it today.  Here’s a little factoid: For years, it was called “the suicide disease”. No kidding. 

Ha!  When I went back to link this to an old post, I see my friend, Kim, asked if this was called the "suicide disease"!  I have some pretty well-read friends.  :-)

So, if you see me around, and I’m not smiling, please don’t think I’m angry or unfriendly. I’m just trying to focus on not moving my head/face.

Thankfully, the really intense pain comes and goes.  I can mostly handle the dull ache that sticks around.  Here's a positive spin:  Ice cream has suddenly lost it's luster for me.  :-)

 

Blessings to you,

Mamita