Praises to the Lord!

It's been a long, rocky road we've been traveling here at the Henderson household, but with the Lord's strength we are making it each step of the way. On August 3 I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis, a form of Inflammatory Bowel Disease. We didn't know much about the disease at the time, but since then we are now well aware of how serious it can be. After spending 8 days in the hospital due to severe dehydration and lack of response to medication, I am now home and remain in bed. I'm taking it a day at a time as no two are alike. At times I start to feel better and then almost as if a switch has been turned off, I'm doubled over in pain with a fever. I have no one to praise but the Lord as he has carried me through this very trying process, being completely dependent on friends and family around me. It has not been easy being incapable of getting food, walking up and down stairs or being able to take care of our 3 1/2 month old daughter.

God has been so faithful, as always, and continues to amaze me each day with His incredible comfort and peace. Brian's mom has been with us for a total of almost three weeks taking care of Abby. I am humbled by her care and patience as she has taken the time from work and putting her needs aside to be here for ours. I couldn't have asked for a more amazing husband either. Brian has served me in so many ways throughout this illness and I wonder if I will ever be able to return the favor in such a way. He stayed right by my side each night in the hospital sleeping on a cot (more like a human hot dog bun) just to be with me. Even though I know he is ready for me to get better, during the last 7 weeks, I have not heard him complain once about me being ill, or dealing with my demands and requests. He has been completely selfless and here again, I find myself humbled by it all. I praise God for allowing me to experience this side of marriage and what it is truly about. It is one of the most amazing gifts the Lord has given me.

As the days come and go I realize what a gift each one is. I long to be well again and be able to step outside to take a deep breath of fresh air. If you are able to do that today please enjoy it, at least for me. Don't take it for granted as I know I have done many times. I have never appreciated good health more than this and when I finally recover, which I realize won't be for awhile, I hope and pray that I will never forget what a blessing good health really is. I don't want to forget all the Lord has been teaching me during this time, because if I do, then these past 7 weeks and many more to come will have been wasted.

Keep checking back for more updates and photos. I'm dying to do another Abby photo shoot! When you see all the pictures you know I will have turned another corner!!!