As you can see from the collage of pictures in today’s featured image, I turned 44 with the plague and holding the hand of the flare bear.

We started the morning at my family practitioner’s office, getting antibiotics for the yuck that has found me as well as injections because – while I’ve been dealing with a generalized flare that is unfortunately “normal” with my diagnosis and stress and weather changes – an absolutely awful flare with severe pain and an RA lump and temperature sensitivity and issues letting it be in a dependent position suddenly struck my left hand that was a whole ‘nother thing.

Thankfully, she aggressively treated the symptoms with my hand (and my crud) and now I’m home with a giant bag of regular prescriptions as well as antibiotics and whatnot.

(I already take a daily prophylactic antibiotic for my immunocompromised state – so adding this second one for ten days is going to be unpleasant.)

I am feeling some relief from the injections and I also have my wrist wrapped in KT Tape to hold some pressure – the first time I’ve tried it – and I’m really finding it to be helpful.

Worse than me being sick has been my family dealing with illness. My sweet husband is coming down with the crud that our Sara bug is finally getting over – and all prayers and warm fuzzies are greatly appreciated.

In addition to our illnesses, over the weekend, we were VERY upset when our precious Henry got sick too – with blood in his urine.

(As has been shared over the years here, he is diabetic and has autoimmune hemolytic anemia – so his health situation is delicate – and we spring into action anytime anything changes, especially something so serious.)

Bless our baby – he was found to have many crystals in his bladder – and will need two weeks of antibiotics and a total diet change:

He has been on his meds for three days now and is improving but please keep him in your prayers as well.

Oh my word, y’all.

Courtney, Sara, Henry, Mick, and me.

#fixitJesus

Still, 44 came – and my people have loved me so well.

My family was wonderful – with cake and flowers and goodies even though they are sick too.

I received so many sweet gifts from loved ones and I am just so blessed.

I am so thankful for my amazing family and for my beautiful besties. ❤

I also have so much love on my Facebook to read through. As I have been sick, I haven’t sat down to read yet – so after I get situated this morning (I feel myself melting down AGAIN) – I can’t wait to see each one. I have the BEST people. ❤

This birthday definitely didn’t go as planned – but He has been good, no matter.

In recovery circles, these big turns of plans are spoken of as “accepting life on life’s terms” and rolling with it.

In Scripture:

The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps. – Proverbs 16:9 (ESV)

LORD, I know that people’s lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps. – Jeremiah 10:23 (NIV)

Essentially, from the big things to the small ones, ultimately it isn’t up to us how things shake out sometimes – but we can know that – in the big picture – everything is for our good and His glory.

I am grateful for so many blessings, for my people, for celebrating 44 – in any form.

He is good.

Be well, everybody. Take care of yourselves and each other.

Grace and Blessings.

(and apologies in advance for any crazy missed editing – the tired and sickly writer/editor is melting 😉  )