I normally keep my blog posts to light, surface layer, fluff... but it's been another long week and I'm a little drained, so consider this a fair warning, alrighty?
A large part of yesterday was spent at the side of my mom's hospital bed, holding her hand as she writhed in pain resulting from the last of three consecutive back surgeries. These past 5 years have been a slippery slope for her and the long slew of medical issues she's faced. She went from healthy, bubbly, bright, energetic entrepreneur and artist to pain-ridden, wheelchair bound, hardly able to stay coherent... on the verge of losing all hope. She's been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and has recently been tested for Lyme Disease. If any of you are the generous Faithful type, she could certainly use your prayers. Hope and joy or even just simple relief is a distant fog as she seems to slowly be consumed by pain, illness, and disabilities.
So, the kids and I took a long walk to get some fresh air - to do some more birdie watching, according to Amberly; and to have an exploring adventure, according to Aiden. We sprawled out in the middle of this field of soft grass (a rare find here in Phoenix), and I just sat. And watched. And truly savored my children's happy free spirits. I have so much to be grateful for. I Thank God for every undeserved morsel of goodness... my kids, their infectous joy, our loving home, a field of soft grass glowing in His beautiful light. Life is good, even when it's not.
You absolutely have my prayers...keep your spirit up and continue to rest in Him.
hugs!
Posted by: Jen Harris | January 10, 2008 at 03:13 PM
That sounds like a heavy thing for her (and you) to be dealing with. I'm definitely sending positive thoughts and prayers your way.
Posted by: erin | January 10, 2008 at 05:32 PM
Kimberly, I am sorry to hear about your mom. It is tough. My father had a Parkinsons desease, so I can relate to how horrible it is to see your parent struggle and feeling helpless. I would also like to suggest you reading The China Study by Colin T Campbell (let me know if you need information on it, and what it actually helps to do).
Today my prayers are for you and your Mom.
Posted by: Elena | January 11, 2008 at 06:36 AM
oh wow that first one is awesome, I love the angle and the view very nice!
Posted by: Jennifer | January 11, 2008 at 07:02 AM
This post really touched my heart. And, you're right..."Life is good, even when it's not." Thanks for your profound insight. Your images are breath-taking, each and every one!
Posted by: Angelica | January 11, 2008 at 08:19 PM
Your family will be in our prayers too!
Love the photos you captured of your kids. Very cute.
My son's name is Aiden too :)
Big hugs coming your way!
Posted by: Melissa Koehler | January 11, 2008 at 10:47 PM
Oh~ Sweet girl! I am so sorry to hear about your mom. Please Please Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help you through this. You are a strong girl and I know that there is so much weighing you down right now. I know you know in your heart that one day these weights will be lifted and that you can soar and be one of those birdies your children love to watch and admire so much! Hugs to you and prayers for you and your beautiful family!
Posted by: Tawnya | January 12, 2008 at 07:50 AM
prayers for your family.... you know how much i love your birdie images...
Posted by: kathy | January 13, 2008 at 05:39 AM
*sigh* I'm sorry for all you and your mom are going through. I know a bit about this, as my mom has suffered some with Fibromyalgia. I'm so sorry! Sending prayers your way. ;) I love these images, btw. Totally brightened my day!
Posted by: Sherri | January 14, 2008 at 09:19 AM
I am so sorry about your Mom. I will keep her and your family in my prayers. I always think of you and your family. I wish the best for you guys in this new year.
Posted by: Rochelle Oleson | January 14, 2008 at 10:55 AM
Prayers going up for your family today... Thanks for sharing and letting us help in some way...
Posted by: Debbie | January 14, 2008 at 02:48 PM
what amazing faith it takes to recognize that life is good, even when it's not. your mom is in my prayers, as are you. hugs to you, friend.
Posted by: lindey | January 14, 2008 at 04:20 PM
Hi.. I found your blog through your Flickr account.. I will most definatly keep your mom in my thoughts and prayers.. and can I say.. I love your work.. so bright and bubbly and cheery..
Posted by: Elizabeth | January 15, 2008 at 12:24 PM
sometimes its even comforting to know that someone a million miles away whom you've never meet, cares. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family and her at this time. And keep looking for those rainbows. They somehow find their way out even after the hardest rain!
Posted by: Toni Elmer | January 15, 2008 at 12:59 PM
Hi Kimberly,
Hey, I was just blog browsing and I read your post about your mom. I am really sorry to hear about her suffering. I can relate because my husband has fibro. His is not as severe, but he is pretty miserable all the time. He just found this website: http://www.stopfibro.com/contact.html I am not sure if you have heard about it, but he is seriously thinking about going. We have tried a lot of things, so we are huge skeptics, but I can't find anything negative about him online. So, anyway, I just wanted to share this with you. We'll be praying for you mom {hugs}
A fellow ILPer,
Randi
Posted by: Randi Davies | January 15, 2008 at 04:29 PM
Oh Kim I am so... sorry.
Your mom, and your family are definitely in my prayers.
Your photos of the kids birdwatching are way sweet. Where did you find that beautiful spot in phoenix?! Such a rare find.
Sending Hugs your way.
Posted by: Donna | January 16, 2008 at 05:44 AM
I'm overwhelmed with all of your sweet comments, well wishes, helpful resources, and especially all of your prayers... and I mean overwhelmed, like lump-in-my-throat, misty eyed, speachless, i love you guys, thank you again and again. I'm so blessed to be surrounded by wonderful people. Big huge hugs to every one of you who took the time to comment, email me, or send up some prayers... thank you, thank you, thank you =).
Posted by: kimberly bee | January 16, 2008 at 09:45 PM
Hey.. How is your mom doing????
e
Posted by: Elizabeth | January 17, 2008 at 10:52 AM
I came across your blog and wanted to say I love your photos of the bird watching and just the peace that is even on those photos is amazing. I prayed for your mother and will continue to lift your family up when I pray and you have a blessed day.
Posted by: Nicole Davidson | January 20, 2008 at 10:22 PM
I came across your blog and wanted to say I love your photos of the bird watching and just the peace that is even on those photos is amazing. I prayed for your mother and will continue to lift your family up when I pray and you have a blessed day.
Posted by: Nicole Davidson | January 20, 2008 at 10:23 PM
Many prayers for your mom. You are a wonderful daughter for just being there for her to hold her hand and love her. Your perspective is amazing and infectious.
Posted by: amanda reynolds | January 24, 2008 at 12:58 PM
goodness, I love the color. So glad I just came across your blog, fun stuff
Posted by: Leah Simmers | February 11, 2008 at 08:43 PM
Wow... Beautiful images... touching story. I hope all is well with you mother, we will add her to our prayers.
Posted by: Ryan Christensen | April 04, 2008 at 05:42 PM