I Need You, Lord. When Your Healthy Spouse Has a Medical Condition

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Dana Kennedy An antiseptic smell I couldn’t quite place permeated the air. Perhaps it was a combination of Pine Sol and Clorox. Industrial carpet woven in blues and reds needed a vacuum. A lone ant traveled by my foot. I took the damp tissue in my hand and squashed it. A few fluorescents created shadows which revealed the starkness of the room. The barren environment mimicked the fact that I was the only occupant waiting. It was the middle of the night, and I lay curled on my side wondering if my husband was going to live through surgery. I also--possibly selfishly, yet realistically--wondered if my body would allow me to make it through the ordeal. Having postural intolerance, chronic fatigue syndrome, and fibromyalgia severely … [Read more...]

Jolene Philo Shares About Her New Book (and free giveaway!) For Parents of Kids With Special Needs

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with Lisa Copen I am so excited today to share with you about two books that are written by a mom who has both the professional credentials as well as the education of experience, Jolene Philo. Jolene joined us here at Rest Ministries in 2009 for National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week to discuss the topic that many parents, including those with chronic illness, face on a daily basis-- "When Your Child is Chronically Ill". (This podcast is still available and an encouragement to many, so stop by and listen.) Jolene, thank you again for joining us here at Rest Ministries! Most people are not familiar with your story. Can you tell us a little about your own family? [Jolene:] When our beautiful newborn boy was transferred to … [Read more...]

Q & A: If I Go to this Holiday Party, Should I Explain About My Chronic Pain?

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My best friend is having a holiday party and I would really like to go. On the other hand, I am kind of dreading it. All those people dressed up to the nines, carefree, without any problems in their lives. My daily pain, food allergies, broken down feet, all make a simple party rather dreary. I always feel like I need to explain why I am not real social. My friend says just to come and not worry about it, but I am not sure. Should I go? I understand it is not an easy decision to make. There are benefits to getting out and meeting new people, even when we don't feel all that great. But that doesn't mean we should sit around at the party and explain to people how hard it is to have some fun. Would we want to make the effort to have a night … [Read more...]

Eflyer: Are You Ready For Those Family Gatherings?

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PRODUCT LINKS: Why Can't I Make People Understand? | But You LOOK Good! | How to Deal With Annoying People | Coupons for the Family   … [Read more...]

In Response to Pat Robertsons Statment on Alzheimer’s and Divorce

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I was shocked to hear such a bold statement from Mr. Pat Robertson, 700 club host, who, on Tuesday's broadcast, justified that a person should not be held accountable for leaving his spouse and seeking divorce if his spouse has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. In this scenario Mr. Robertson has shown the world that one's personal comfort, especially in the case of having a spouse with a chronic illness, is more important than the marriage vows of "for better or for worse, until death do us part." The religious broadcaster Pat Robertson and chairman of the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) told his "700 Club" viewers that divorcing a spouse with Alzheimer's is justifiable because the disease is "a kind of death." During … [Read more...]

He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother

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I give him a hug. It's been nearly 3 years since I've seen this man, my cousin, who is like a brother to me. He used to give me rides on his motorcycle, back when we were young and carefree. Nothing in the world could hurt us. We were in our twenties. Long conversations. Time. Before spouses, kids, illness. We were poor. Philosophical conversations were cheap. . . yet rich. Now I stop by his family's new clothing store while I am in Oregon. I've not even arrived, and I am disappointed. I have few expectations. His life is busy now. He's distracted. He is rushed. Always stressed. No time for talk. Oh, how I'd like to just go for a walk. Ask, "How are you really?" and have you answer honestly. Regardless of your … [Read more...]

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