Clever readers of this blog may have noticed that I didn't do a second update on our thin budget after the first installment. I had one all planned out, showing the next few "cheapie" meals I was going to make and talk about how we're all doing. But then something changed- and the whole course of this blog series was turned upside down.
Instead of going out, Jake and I spent tuesday cleaning up the house, we dug out boxes that have been packed since our first move. In one of the boxes was all the memories from my trip to France from high school (Yeah, I went to France. It was pretty sweet.) in among the sugar packets (Yeah...I don't know.) old metro tickets and tourist maps, was over 50EUR! I kept a few coins for memory purposes and we're depositing the rest.
So, adding what ended up being $70ish to our account took a LOT of the stress off. I knew my kid would have diapers, we wouldn't need to eat ramen for 5 days straight. I was feeling pretty good. I even wrote a little "p.s" segment to put at the end of next budget post.
Then I was checking my emails and goofing around on blogger (did you notice my new color scheme? I'm still tweaking it- tell me what you think!) and I got an email from app.socialspark.com- one of my advertisers. I had been paid for my past three sponsored posts- giving me $28 in my paypal account! We used $14 for some "extra" groceries and the other half for gas. I also have another $15 coming my way next week! So instead of budgeting a whole two weeks on less than $25- I've gained over $100!
Jake was also blessed- he managed to get extra overtime shifts at his everyday job, plus a translation job from his on call gig. While we don't get that money right away, it will help very much in us "bouncing back" from this week. On top of all that, my mom sent us a care package with a hamburger helper dinner kit, some muffin mixes, and most importantly- a new water filter for Chucky Sue!
While I know we would have survived if all these things hadn't happened, they were such great blessings. I know 100% we got these blessings because we decided to pay tithing first, even though we knew it'd be tough. We're now enjoying this week, instead of just living through it. Heavenly Father made it possible for us to find/discover/earn this extra money this week specifically- letting me know that He does indeed love me and care about even my smallest of problems.
So this who series took on a whole new turn- and I think it's become something even better than it could have been before.
Showing posts with label blessings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label blessings. Show all posts
7.09.2010
Seven Blessings
Sign #3452.3 that I'm growing up: In times of stress, strife and pain I immediately try to think of all the good things going on in my life. With this year full of many ups and downs and in-betweens I decided I need a list of them to fall back on whenever I feel like God is picking on me.
1. I have a happy, healthy marriage. I have someone to go through this world with, to help me deal with my problems and worries. I will always have at least one person to rely on, who will always come through for me. Knowing that no matter what changes, I have Jake and that makes everything a million times easier!
2. I have Chucky-Sue. Yes, she ultimately will cost me hundreds of thousand of dollars, I have to give up my precious sleep to take care of her, and she spits up all over my favorite shirts- but I have what I've been trying to have for two plus years- a baby. I know many couples who've had to wait much much longer to have that.
3. I have the Church. Religious beliefs aside, the Church takes care of it's members very well. I know I will never starve, I'll never be living on the street. I could move to pretty much anywhere in the world and have that instant support system there to help me. Add in the religious beliefs, and I have the priesthood in my home to get me those extra "boosts" through tougher trials.
4. This one is brand-new: I finally have my health! With my gallbladder removed, I know I shouldn't have to go to the doctor ,barring an emergency, for another year. I don't have to worry how to pay for long term medication or therapies for anyone in my family.
Those are my main four, the four that if they were taken away suddenly, I'd have to do some seriously soul searching to get past it. (Is that jinxing it? just in case: Double back jinx, jinx double back)
now on to the blessings that make me giggle:
5. I have the complete series of Friends. Despite it's criticized entertainment value, I have them all and can laugh with Ross, Joey, Chandler, Monica, Rachel and Phoebe whenever I like. (I also can have entire conversations in friends' quotes with Jake.)
6. I have a pool. Necessary to live? no, not at all. I can jump in, along with many neighbors and have some summer fun!
7.I can entertain myself easily- just ask Jake, he's caught me making funny faces in my hand mirror for HOURS. My face is just so mold-able! Currently my entertainment is sewing a dress for Chucky-Sue.
There are hundreds more, little things like having an extra jar of fluff in my cupboards or knowing how to knit. They're seemingly unimportant but in the face of horrible trials they lift my spirits and keep my life in perspective. Dear readers, I challenge you to find blessings in your life-whether it be your favorite pen (Sharpies all the way!) or something big like a love in your life, knowing those blessings will make all the bad things melt away. (eventually. maybe.someday. possibly.)
8.
1. I have a happy, healthy marriage. I have someone to go through this world with, to help me deal with my problems and worries. I will always have at least one person to rely on, who will always come through for me. Knowing that no matter what changes, I have Jake and that makes everything a million times easier!
2. I have Chucky-Sue. Yes, she ultimately will cost me hundreds of thousand of dollars, I have to give up my precious sleep to take care of her, and she spits up all over my favorite shirts- but I have what I've been trying to have for two plus years- a baby. I know many couples who've had to wait much much longer to have that.
3. I have the Church. Religious beliefs aside, the Church takes care of it's members very well. I know I will never starve, I'll never be living on the street. I could move to pretty much anywhere in the world and have that instant support system there to help me. Add in the religious beliefs, and I have the priesthood in my home to get me those extra "boosts" through tougher trials.
4. This one is brand-new: I finally have my health! With my gallbladder removed, I know I shouldn't have to go to the doctor ,barring an emergency, for another year. I don't have to worry how to pay for long term medication or therapies for anyone in my family.
Those are my main four, the four that if they were taken away suddenly, I'd have to do some seriously soul searching to get past it. (Is that jinxing it? just in case: Double back jinx, jinx double back)
now on to the blessings that make me giggle:
5. I have the complete series of Friends. Despite it's criticized entertainment value, I have them all and can laugh with Ross, Joey, Chandler, Monica, Rachel and Phoebe whenever I like. (I also can have entire conversations in friends' quotes with Jake.)
6. I have a pool. Necessary to live? no, not at all. I can jump in, along with many neighbors and have some summer fun!
7.I can entertain myself easily- just ask Jake, he's caught me making funny faces in my hand mirror for HOURS. My face is just so mold-able! Currently my entertainment is sewing a dress for Chucky-Sue.
There are hundreds more, little things like having an extra jar of fluff in my cupboards or knowing how to knit. They're seemingly unimportant but in the face of horrible trials they lift my spirits and keep my life in perspective. Dear readers, I challenge you to find blessings in your life-whether it be your favorite pen (Sharpies all the way!) or something big like a love in your life, knowing those blessings will make all the bad things melt away. (eventually. maybe.someday. possibly.)
8.
2.21.2010
Bad Day
I'm not ready to type out all the details, but let's say today was a bad day.
Little Angelina was given her name and a beautiful blessing by Jake, Chucky-Sue was able to come visit with her sister, they were very calm and peaceful together.
Don't expect many facebook updates the next few days, as I'll be in the NICU pretty much 24/7 for a while.
your prayers are needed, welcome and treasured, I want you to all know that they have been a great comfort to all of us in our fragile family.
Little Angelina was given her name and a beautiful blessing by Jake, Chucky-Sue was able to come visit with her sister, they were very calm and peaceful together.
Don't expect many facebook updates the next few days, as I'll be in the NICU pretty much 24/7 for a while.
your prayers are needed, welcome and treasured, I want you to all know that they have been a great comfort to all of us in our fragile family.
2.15.2010
Valentines Day
So.
I had planned to blog about my parent's trip down for Valentine's day weekend. I even took photos of our full freezer and new baby swag, but something has come up that I think you readers want to know about more!
I woke up 2 am on sunday in a pool of water on our bed, after waking up Jake I called UVA's labor and delivery and they sent me to Our Town's Community Hospital to be checked and then get transported to UVA. We packed up our bags real quick, called family and got ourselves to the hopsital.
Once there, they checked me and I had dilated to 3cm. It wasn't until after I got to the hospital that I started to have contractions. They gave me medicine to slow them down, they also gave me antibiotics and a steroid shot to help the babies lungs are much as possible.
Around 4 I got on the ambulance with two OB nurses and we took off for UVA. We made very good time, got there in less than two hours, but my contractions had gotten stronger and weren't getting farther apart. The nurses said I was humming and singing through them, I don't remember much apart from OW OW OW.
At UVA, they checked me again and I had gotten to 5cm, at that point it is nearly impossible to slow/stop labor enough to have any positive effect on the babies. Jake, his parents and my parents all arrived shortly after 8am. At 9:06, I was rolled into the OR to be prepped.
I had a spinal block, which just felt like my whole lower body just got pins and needles and then fell asleep. It worked so well that when they called Jake in (with his handsome blue unitard) I didn't know when they actually started the surgery. Every once in a while it felt like a sandbag was on my chest, but I didn't feel any pain. I did get sick from the medicines, and it happened just as they got Chucky-Sue out, so I only remember the poor girl I got sick on. Chucky-Sue did give me a scare, as she didn't start to cry right away, but she caught up quickly. Jake got to take photos as they examined both babies, and then was allowed to hold them before they went into the NICU. I was able to give them kisses and watch Jake hold them before they were whisked away for more tests.
Then Jake has his own story about following the babies to the NICU and being with them. I was taken to a recovery room, where I got to try to move my toes for four hours. I wasn't allowed out into my room until I could move my knees to get into my own bed. I now know why the nurses were so gruff about me moving, it's definitely helped me feel better faster and be able to go down and visit in the NICU.
And that's all it took for me to turn into a Mom.
a mom.
wow.
I had planned to blog about my parent's trip down for Valentine's day weekend. I even took photos of our full freezer and new baby swag, but something has come up that I think you readers want to know about more!
I woke up 2 am on sunday in a pool of water on our bed, after waking up Jake I called UVA's labor and delivery and they sent me to Our Town's Community Hospital to be checked and then get transported to UVA. We packed up our bags real quick, called family and got ourselves to the hopsital.
Once there, they checked me and I had dilated to 3cm. It wasn't until after I got to the hospital that I started to have contractions. They gave me medicine to slow them down, they also gave me antibiotics and a steroid shot to help the babies lungs are much as possible.
Around 4 I got on the ambulance with two OB nurses and we took off for UVA. We made very good time, got there in less than two hours, but my contractions had gotten stronger and weren't getting farther apart. The nurses said I was humming and singing through them, I don't remember much apart from OW OW OW.
At UVA, they checked me again and I had gotten to 5cm, at that point it is nearly impossible to slow/stop labor enough to have any positive effect on the babies. Jake, his parents and my parents all arrived shortly after 8am. At 9:06, I was rolled into the OR to be prepped.
I had a spinal block, which just felt like my whole lower body just got pins and needles and then fell asleep. It worked so well that when they called Jake in (with his handsome blue unitard) I didn't know when they actually started the surgery. Every once in a while it felt like a sandbag was on my chest, but I didn't feel any pain. I did get sick from the medicines, and it happened just as they got Chucky-Sue out, so I only remember the poor girl I got sick on. Chucky-Sue did give me a scare, as she didn't start to cry right away, but she caught up quickly. Jake got to take photos as they examined both babies, and then was allowed to hold them before they went into the NICU. I was able to give them kisses and watch Jake hold them before they were whisked away for more tests.
Then Jake has his own story about following the babies to the NICU and being with them. I was taken to a recovery room, where I got to try to move my toes for four hours. I wasn't allowed out into my room until I could move my knees to get into my own bed. I now know why the nurses were so gruff about me moving, it's definitely helped me feel better faster and be able to go down and visit in the NICU.
And that's all it took for me to turn into a Mom.
a mom.
wow.
2.09.2010
Babies Update
Yesterday Jake and I spent the day at doctor appointments at UVA for the little ones.
First up, a regular ob/gyn appointment for me. I'm healthy, happy, blood pressure is great, my stomach is HUGE. I was measuring at 40-41 weeks along (So if this was a singleton, I'd be DONE.) All we're waiting on is the results from my 3 hour GD test, but I can get those on my thursday appointment in Big City.
Then on to the fetal echocardiogram. It was amazing to see how much bigger their hearts have gotten in a month. There's been no changes, Chucky-Sue's heart is fine, Angelina's heart has an unlabeled single ventricle heart defect. Because of her uncooperative position they couldn't get a good view of the arteries and where they lead off to. The doctors are just trying to find out as much as possible before the birth, preparation is key to plan the surgeries- no one wants a surprise during surgery. The cardiologist is very happy that Angelina's heart is reactive, it rose when they got her mad with the ultrasound wand, and lowered when she fell asleep. It looks like it's a bad situation, but the best conditions this bad situation could have. (if that makes any sense?)
Last was our very long ultrasound. (Basically everyone in UVA saw me on a table with my shirt up and belly covered in sonic gel.) Chucky-Sue is a little chub-a-lub, she's measuring 5lb 1oz, with major chipmunk cheeks. Angelina is about the same length, but much skinner, she's at 3lb 9oz. She likes to keep her feet and hands by her face, so we didn't get a great look there. the tech and the doctor both commented on how much hair both babies have- I'm glad they got my hair genes ;) again, Angelina's scrunched up position made it difficult to see all the organs, they saw adrenal glands, but no clear cut picture of kidneys or bladder, but still there has to be SOMETHING, as Evelyn still has fluid around her. My Big City doctors are will be starting the non-stress tests after my appointments now, to make sure the low fluid around Angelina isn't affecting her too much.
So all in all, no new news is very good news. I have another appointment with them in a month, to hammer out details of the leg/bladder/kidney surgery(ies?) and the actual birth. (as it's looking to little Miss Diva Chucky-Sue is perfectly happy hanging out in a breech or transverse positions, she's pushed Angelina into a tiny scrunched ball under my right ribs)
It was great to see how big they are, and marvel at how much they move, jiggle and jump in there. They are a wonderful, miraculous blessing and we cannot wait to see them :)
First up, a regular ob/gyn appointment for me. I'm healthy, happy, blood pressure is great, my stomach is HUGE. I was measuring at 40-41 weeks along (So if this was a singleton, I'd be DONE.) All we're waiting on is the results from my 3 hour GD test, but I can get those on my thursday appointment in Big City.
Then on to the fetal echocardiogram. It was amazing to see how much bigger their hearts have gotten in a month. There's been no changes, Chucky-Sue's heart is fine, Angelina's heart has an unlabeled single ventricle heart defect. Because of her uncooperative position they couldn't get a good view of the arteries and where they lead off to. The doctors are just trying to find out as much as possible before the birth, preparation is key to plan the surgeries- no one wants a surprise during surgery. The cardiologist is very happy that Angelina's heart is reactive, it rose when they got her mad with the ultrasound wand, and lowered when she fell asleep. It looks like it's a bad situation, but the best conditions this bad situation could have. (if that makes any sense?)
Last was our very long ultrasound. (Basically everyone in UVA saw me on a table with my shirt up and belly covered in sonic gel.) Chucky-Sue is a little chub-a-lub, she's measuring 5lb 1oz, with major chipmunk cheeks. Angelina is about the same length, but much skinner, she's at 3lb 9oz. She likes to keep her feet and hands by her face, so we didn't get a great look there. the tech and the doctor both commented on how much hair both babies have- I'm glad they got my hair genes ;) again, Angelina's scrunched up position made it difficult to see all the organs, they saw adrenal glands, but no clear cut picture of kidneys or bladder, but still there has to be SOMETHING, as Evelyn still has fluid around her. My Big City doctors are will be starting the non-stress tests after my appointments now, to make sure the low fluid around Angelina isn't affecting her too much.
So all in all, no new news is very good news. I have another appointment with them in a month, to hammer out details of the leg/bladder/kidney surgery(ies?) and the actual birth. (as it's looking to little Miss Diva Chucky-Sue is perfectly happy hanging out in a breech or transverse positions, she's pushed Angelina into a tiny scrunched ball under my right ribs)
It was great to see how big they are, and marvel at how much they move, jiggle and jump in there. They are a wonderful, miraculous blessing and we cannot wait to see them :)
12.13.2009
Lately...
There's been some recent events that have had my mind swimming with questions. After getting some troubling news, my mind went somewhere I would have never guessed- to a young women's sunday lesson. I remember vaguely learning about talents. Our presidency had gotten our parents to write down what they believed their child's talents were. I remember wishing I had a more "outward" talent like my friends. Some were amazing at sports, or very musically gifted. Others were very intellegent or creative. I remember one of the talents my parents wrote down for me was Peace Maker, that in social situations (specially school) I didn't continue fights and I'd tried to be inclusive with everyone. This is a talent I'm proud to have and I treasure it, but at 15 it's not as cool as being able to shoot 100% at the three point line or sight-read terribly hard music.
My mind also went to 3rd grade, my favorite elementary school year. I had an amazing teacher Mrs. Gray and some great close friends. I also remembered one boy. His name was Cory and he had some sort of physical and mental disability. (At 8 years old it didn't matter much what it exactly was) He was a perfect sweetheart and I remember trying hard to include him in everything. Not out of social guilt which I think some adults are prone to, not because I was asked to befriend him, but because I liked him. He was funny, kind and I wanted to be his friend.
I was kind of surprised at these thoughts, at the surface they have very little to do with the news I recieved. They were distant memories, long buried by time and hadn't changed my life in any significant way I could see. But after mulling them over, and lots lots lots lots and looots of praying, I am beginning to see a string through all three events.
We found out at the most recent ultrasound on friday that Baby B most likely has a serious heart defect and possibly an extremely rare birth defect called Sirenomelia or "Mermaid Syndrome". His/Her legs do not move independantly of each other and are most likely fused together. It affects 1 in about 100,000 births, and even more so in twins. The extent of either medical problem is currently unknown because of the low quality ultrasound at my previous doctor's appointment. On Friday I switched up to a OB practice in Big City that is directly across the street from the hospital. I'll soon be seeing a pediatric cardiologist for a fetal echocardiogram as well as high-risk ultrasound specialists. Hopefully within the next week or two we'll have more information on the exact diagonsis for both the heart and legs. Thankfully both babies are growing at the right rate, have good weights and everything else looks like it should. (I'll be sure to keep this blog updated for faraway friends and family.)
After the inital freaking out, crying, distraught, and overwhelmed feelings, my mind when to those two memories. At that time it actually annoyed me that my mind could think of anything else but the poor child, but now I think I understand. Heavenly Father was reminding me that he had prepared me for this long ago, in very small and simple ways. He gave me a loving and accepting heart, He sent me to a strong family, most of whom in their own ways have dealt with children with a wide variety of problems, He has given me their experience and advice. He's given Baby B a strong, loving, and protective sister (Baby A). He has everything planned out for us and thanks to these seemingly random memories, I believe I've seen a glimpse of it.
My mind also went to 3rd grade, my favorite elementary school year. I had an amazing teacher Mrs. Gray and some great close friends. I also remembered one boy. His name was Cory and he had some sort of physical and mental disability. (At 8 years old it didn't matter much what it exactly was) He was a perfect sweetheart and I remember trying hard to include him in everything. Not out of social guilt which I think some adults are prone to, not because I was asked to befriend him, but because I liked him. He was funny, kind and I wanted to be his friend.
I was kind of surprised at these thoughts, at the surface they have very little to do with the news I recieved. They were distant memories, long buried by time and hadn't changed my life in any significant way I could see. But after mulling them over, and lots lots lots lots and looots of praying, I am beginning to see a string through all three events.
We found out at the most recent ultrasound on friday that Baby B most likely has a serious heart defect and possibly an extremely rare birth defect called Sirenomelia or "Mermaid Syndrome". His/Her legs do not move independantly of each other and are most likely fused together. It affects 1 in about 100,000 births, and even more so in twins. The extent of either medical problem is currently unknown because of the low quality ultrasound at my previous doctor's appointment. On Friday I switched up to a OB practice in Big City that is directly across the street from the hospital. I'll soon be seeing a pediatric cardiologist for a fetal echocardiogram as well as high-risk ultrasound specialists. Hopefully within the next week or two we'll have more information on the exact diagonsis for both the heart and legs. Thankfully both babies are growing at the right rate, have good weights and everything else looks like it should. (I'll be sure to keep this blog updated for faraway friends and family.)
After the inital freaking out, crying, distraught, and overwhelmed feelings, my mind when to those two memories. At that time it actually annoyed me that my mind could think of anything else but the poor child, but now I think I understand. Heavenly Father was reminding me that he had prepared me for this long ago, in very small and simple ways. He gave me a loving and accepting heart, He sent me to a strong family, most of whom in their own ways have dealt with children with a wide variety of problems, He has given me their experience and advice. He's given Baby B a strong, loving, and protective sister (Baby A). He has everything planned out for us and thanks to these seemingly random memories, I believe I've seen a glimpse of it.
2.02.2009
Bittersweet Adorableness
Nephew had this conversation with me completely out of the blue in the middle of playing camp out with him yesterday.
Nephew: Are you going to have a baby?
Me: No, not right now.
Nephew: but you had a picture before.
Me: I know, That baby had to go back to Heavenly Father.
Nephew: Oh, cause He missed her?
It's amazing how sweet and in tune little kids can be! It made me a little teary but also made me love that little guy even more :)
Nephew: Are you going to have a baby?
Me: No, not right now.
Nephew: but you had a picture before.
Me: I know, That baby had to go back to Heavenly Father.
Nephew: Oh, cause He missed her?
It's amazing how sweet and in tune little kids can be! It made me a little teary but also made me love that little guy even more :)
11.22.2008
Thanks
I wanted to give a quick thanks to everyone, I can't even begin to say how much your kind words and thoughts meant to me and Jake. It is amazing to see how many people were willing to do so much for us. We're really truly blessed. I will try to get out and personally thank everyone, but I didn't want to forget anyone either. Thank you!
And yet another update, I'm doing fine, the nurses continued to be amazing throughout the night and this morning and I'm healing up a quickly as the doctor hoped I would. I have been put on a bit of a bed rest, so I don't think I'll be at church tomorrow, but I should be fine for my vacation, as long as I sit/lay down for most of it.
The hospital also has bi-yearly (one around Christmas, and another in spring.) memorial services for the babies there, and once I get information about it I'll post it on here.
Thank you again, I feel very lucky even in this not-so-fun time.
And yet another update, I'm doing fine, the nurses continued to be amazing throughout the night and this morning and I'm healing up a quickly as the doctor hoped I would. I have been put on a bit of a bed rest, so I don't think I'll be at church tomorrow, but I should be fine for my vacation, as long as I sit/lay down for most of it.
The hospital also has bi-yearly (one around Christmas, and another in spring.) memorial services for the babies there, and once I get information about it I'll post it on here.
Thank you again, I feel very lucky even in this not-so-fun time.
10.14.2008
Camera Shy Baby
So we had a bit of excitement today at my doctor's appointment. I'm 12 weeks and a few days and the doctor was expecting to be able to catch the lil booger's heartbeat. But apparently, my own heartbeat is very loud in that area, and I was getting more nervous as it went on and my heart rate was getting faster and louder, thus not being able to make out the little baby heartbeat.
The Doctor then scheduled me for an ultrasound that afternoon (Thank you SO much Kay!) Thankfully, baby is doing GREAT. S/he has a strong heartbeat, but HATES ultrasound. S/he kept squirming away from the wand and turning his/her back to us. I did get to see his/her feet and toes. They look a lot less blobby than last time! Though it still has Jake's big head. :) It is very cool how the baby has a personality this early.
The Doctor then scheduled me for an ultrasound that afternoon (Thank you SO much Kay!) Thankfully, baby is doing GREAT. S/he has a strong heartbeat, but HATES ultrasound. S/he kept squirming away from the wand and turning his/her back to us. I did get to see his/her feet and toes. They look a lot less blobby than last time! Though it still has Jake's big head. :) It is very cool how the baby has a personality this early.
6.10.2008
Blessed
"When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done"
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done"
One thing I really don't like about public blogs is that I never feel comfortable enough sharing personal events with the entire internet as I do writing it in my journal. Some life-altering events have occurred in the past week to me and my family. These events could have easily put me in a deep depression, and most would say understandably so. But, to my surprise, while I am very sad and upset, I am still happy. When I thought this was happening, I imagined myself in a dark room, not answering the phone and shutting everyone out. I thought I would never want to get out of bed again. But I found myself wanting to visit with friends, talk to them, go out with Jake, and actually live life. I've been so much more thankful too. I'm noticing that I was extremely blessed before, and will continue to be blessed after this.
I had a great group of friends and family making sure I was okay, and that Jake and I didn't need anything. I have a mother who was able to drop everything in her life and come to my side when I needed her. My mother-in-law gave up a day's pay to be with me with Jake couldn't. Jake was beyond amazing. He did absolutely everything for me, and made sure I was okay before anything else. My family that was far away sent letters and cards of support and love.
I still wish this didn't happen, and that everything was okay- But I'm doing a lot better than even I expected. I'm very thankful for everything everyone's done- even if it was just asking me how I was doing, it shows that so many more people care about me than I thought.
