Sick

Walking Pneumonia, whooping cough, two rounds of antibiotics, narcotic cough syrup, a breathing machine, inhalers -- that’s how I have spent the past few weeks. There has been a lot of alone time, a lot of drug-induced sleep, fatigue, and often non-stop coughing. While I have been sick from allergy and asthma-related illnesses most of my life, the last time I was this sick was in the 6th grade. It has almost been like my lungs said, “We want you to remember we’re kind of a big deal.”

My sickness started the day after my 40th birthday, the end of an awesome weeklong birthday celebration with friends and family. I refuse to believe that this is a sign that I had too much fun for my age! Though, I would not be surprised if the fact that I had been going non-stop since before my Haiti mission trip in the spring had a little something to do with it. I did not get diagnosed with the rough stuff until a couple of weeks after an initial doctor’s visit. Then, I was super worried about the possibility I had given the crud to my roommates, close friends, and family.

It would be nice to say this down time has been a good period of reflection and quiet time with God, but honestly I have had trouble focusing on or doing much of anything. I have also missed the beach, working out, energy in general, and doing exactly what I want to do when I want to do it. My head and body have just been too tired. I cannot imagine how miserable I would have been if this happened during the school year.

I have definitely seen God at work through the down time, though. He knew I needed to rest I am sure, and He’s reminded me of all the awesome people and things in my life. The last two days, I have finally felt like I am coming out from under the clouds. It would be easy for me to start back at full force, especially with work starting back this week. The doctor tells me to take it easy for a little while longer, and I think I’m going to listen to him. I have been extremely healthy these two years in California, and I am ready to get back to that. I have missed pre-sick Mark.