SICK, SICK, SICK. I've had strep for two weeks without even knowing it. The doctor thought it was allergies at first. But the sore throat, the pounding headaches, and all-over muscle soreness had only gotten worse, and all the other kids in my family got it, too....so we checked again and the results came back as positive. I've also had a terrible cough, a sore stomach, an earache, and real allergies on top of all this. It's been miserable.
With all the sickness, I've been missing lots of school. My makeup work is ridiculous, and with tomorrow being the last day of the six weeks, I thought I was doomed. But, fortunately, my teachers have all been VERY kind, letting me make up work for another two weeks before my grades are finalized. We all started antibiotics yesterday, and will be allowed to go back to school on Monday.
What has been so nice is that, despite the way I feel, my Heavenly Father has given me the strength to still work hard. In fact, I've worked harder in these past few days than I have in a long time. Like today: I scrubbed a shower and two bathtubs, deep-cleaned my bedroom and two bathrooms, dusted the whole house, and scrubbed the walls. I've been able to take care of the kids for my mom and make a few meals and keep the kitchen clean. I've been able to wake up for seminary at 6am most mornings and to stay alert and focused during school when I am able to attend. I honestly could not say where this energy is coming from other than that I know I am being helped from on High. There is always so much work to be done, for myself and for others, that I simply cannot afford to neglect. Heavenly Father has seen that and has helped to keep on going, even though I feel so ill and exhausted.
I hope to always have this support with me. In college, when I have piles of homework and a busy job that keep me from getting the sleep I need; on my mission, when, after walking miles from door to door, my feet will give out and my muscles will be fatigued; when I am a mother, with my four little running around my feet, crying for dinner, needing a bath, and the house needing cleaned.....I will feel overwhelmed and helpless. There will be so many responsibilities, and so little strength attained. I know, now, that the only way that I will survive is if I stay on my knees, always praying for energy and will power. I must stay faithful to all the commandments, always reading my scriptures and serving my fellowmen. It will never be an option to just give up on all the things that I must do. I can either let my responsibilities drag me to my death, or grab them by the reins and ride them to town.
I'm very thankful that Heavenly Father has helped me to be strong as I have endured this illness. I know that he will help me, and all of my little siblings, to get well soon. And when I do, I will work even harder to show my gratitude to Him.
Meanwhile, I'm going to sit here and relax for a while. Hahah. :)