WHAT?!!

    Recently, I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis.  An aggressive form of the disease that for me began taking hold in my feet and ankles.  Every morning I wake up feeling as if someone poured concrete into my joints. The sheets make my feet hurt before I even step onto the cold floor. I'm tired. Really tired. Usually the only person in a room suffering from chills in the middle of a warm day lately I have felt like I fight a constant fever. The morning commute to the commode is similar to a dance on hot coals in slow motion.

  I step out, hobble to the bathroom making great effort to stay on the outsides of my feet. (Stiff foot joints cause the tendons in the bottom of my feet to retract during the night and tear at the heel and ball of my foot when I step onto the floor.) When I am finally able to walk that out without tearing too much I slip into my clothes for the day (usually something semi-presentable that I don't mind having snot, spit up, peanut butter and possibly blood wiped upon.)

  I suffer minimally compared to suffering in the world. I'm more aware of that suffering. I pray daily and feel the strength of the Lord come to make things that seem insurmountable possible. Family, friends, my children, myself.  All catalysts to this relief.