Being Served.

Wow. This is really difficult. Having back surgery and realizing that you MUST rely on others for help is quite humbling. Any single item I'd drop on the floor, I had to ask for help. Finally, I bought a pincher (reach-tool) from our hardware store for $4.99. Best investment ever! I think I'll buy one for each floor. I'm doing laundry w/ it and can pick up lots of things w/ it.

Any time I need to get something out of the back of the refrigerator, I either have to pull up a chair to not bend over/lean in. Or I ask for help.

Any time I need to load the dishwasher's bottom rack, I ask for help.

I put as many groceries as possible in the top of the cart (on the child seat) to avoid bending.

I am limited in how long I can hold Mary.

I have to have others lift Sam to the changing pad, or if I'm alone I have to coax Sam to the ottoman for me to change his diaper.

If Sam has an owie and wants to be held, then I sit down, and someone hands him to me.

I have to have others lift Mary in the car seat, get it into the car, and lift Sam into his car seat. I need to start training him to climb into the car on his own. We bought step stools to begin training.

Others have to carry groceries in, vacuum, and lift Mary in and out of her swing and crib.

If Sam runs from me, I have a weak leg, so it's literally impossible for me to "run" after him. I just gimp-ily go after him in hopes of catching him (hence the purchase of this.)

I even went on a walk the other day and barely made it home because my leg locked up. Both of my legs got SO tired I was moving so slowly...but I made it. Whew!

And here's a question: how do you wash your hands or brush your teeth or hug someone w/o even the slightest leaning forward? Try it. Awkward!

This has been quite difficult for me, because I'm supposed to be able to do it all on my own! Or at least I think I can. I'm used to holding Mary, feeding her a bottle, getting Sam's dinner ready, fixing supper, unloading the dishwasher, and answering the phone all simultaneously.

This has forced me to slow down. We have been blessed w/ AMAZING baby-sitters throughout the recovery period. When we run errands, they help load the kids in and out of the car, carry in the stuff, bathe and feed Mary, get lunch for Sam, do dishes, laundry, vacuum, diapers, watch the kiddos while I do my physical therapy exercises, shower, and take a nap. Ummm...what the heck am I going to do when I'm feeling better??? I have enjoyed this help SO much. My stress level is way lower, I'm getting better sleep, and I know that's helping me recover better.

Anyway, I think since I'm often the one serving, it has been GOOD for me to ask for help. It was difficult to literally call the church and state my need. But I did. And we've been abundantly blessed. We've also had lots of friends bring us meals. That has been wonderful. Thank you, Lord for all of these helpers! This is the Body of Christ working together to help someone in need! Our family is forever grateful.