Dear friends, many of you know something of the crisis we have faced this month. I am writing here to explain a bit.
Two weeks ago I walked into the kitchen on a sunny morning to make my husband coffee. We sat and talked like we do each morning before work. He left as usual and I woke up the children. All very normal things for what began as a very normal morning.
However, in short order my health deteriorated and I found myself in the ICU with inexplicable pancreatitis. (ie no gallstones, no alcohol use ever, nothing typical) There was initial recovery, however a grave error on the staff's part led to a more dire relapse leaving me in worse shape yet, hence the protracted stay there.
It has been a rough patch so say the least. But I have returned home again and am holding my own at this point. There are problems, but I am grateful. I am here, for starters. My father, who coincidentally died at this same age of an eerily similar episode, was not so lucky. The children have stayed the course at home in my absence. The big kids rallied. They sweetly and capably helped the house routine to chug along and the littles have been well cared for and happily busy every day. (Montessori ipad apps, I heart you) Friends have reached out from across town and across the ocean and have assured us of fervent prayers.
Mostly I am grateful for this man who took off work to juggle the children's schedules and keep things afloat here. He bought groceries, put in hair bows, talked with big kids who worried. Every day he made his way up to the hospital, climbed into that bed next to me, carefully wrapped up my broken body and told me over and over that I was still beautiful – though I tell you with certainty I was not that. He advocated for me with doctors and met every need of mine he possibly could with great gentleness.
We don't really know what the long term prognosis is. But that 'longterm' is still an option is enough today. We are home together. We will do this.
Thank you for your concern and the love sent this way. Please understand my correspondence is very limited at the moment, but I read and treasure your mail. It has helped me through some trying hours. You bless me.
I will be back when I can.
Starry Sky Journal 
So sorry to hear about your health issues. You’ve been in my prayers since one of your blogging friends posted about them.
I had pancreatitis myself a few years ago, also originally unexplained (try convincing your doctor that it’s not alcohol as a college student!). Mine turned out to be a very rare side effect of Depakote. Pancreatitis is miserable, let alone without adding in any severe side effects. My gastroenterologist at the University of Chicago hospitals was working on a study of the genetic infuences of pancreatitis as they had a strong hunch it was in some part hereditary, at least in some cases.
Praying for a swift and peaceful recovery as God watches over you and your family.
Kim, I will continue to keep you and your family in prayer. I will remember you in front of the Blessed Sacrament today — asking for your complete recovery.
I have been and will continue to pray for you.
My prayers are with you! Your prayers helped me through a very difficult time last year I hope mine can be as helpful to you!
So, so wonderful to read that you are home. I continue to think of you often and pray every time that I do.
You are in my daily prayers, dear Kim.
Praying for healing and a swift recovery.
I’m so, so glad you’re home! Deo gratias! I know the relief of having the option of “long-term”… I wish we could be there to help. We will keep praying for you, your dh, and your children.
Praying for you, your family, and a smooth recovery. You are a beautiful and talented person with a lovely life!
Praying for you. What you wrote about your husband, was beautiful.
I’m so glad you are home. Praying for a full recovery. God bless!
Dear Kim, I have been praying for you and your whole family ever since I heard (at a gypsy caravan). I will continue to pray, that God heals you according to His will; that, by God’s grace, your strength and courage will not fail; that your husband, your children, and you will for ever take comfort, knowing that you walk in His light, always.
I am so heartened to hear that you are home again. Rest, bask in the glow of your precious family. Be well, Kim.
Peace,
Ellie
So wonderful to hear you are home again! Deo Gratias! Deo Gratias! Deo Gratias! I will continue to pray for your health and recovery. We just never know when life will change course in an instnat, do we. So very glad you are doing better! Now rest, rest, rest and don’t over-do, just bask in being home with that dear family.
Hi Kim – I wish I could make you and yours a big pot of yummy chicken soup and a loaf of homemade bread. (a bit dry but still pretty good)You are in our prayers.
God bless your day
Louise
I am happy to hear that you are home. We have been praying for you, the children remembering to ask for healing for “Asher’s mom”. We’ll keep up the prayers.
Praying the Memorare for your healing…God bless you and heal you!
Continuing to pray for you- all of you. I so wish I could bring your sweet family a casserole and lots of hugs. Get well, dear Kim. Get well!
Kim,
So glad you are home with your family. We are praying for you and wish we could be there to help out with the family, but thankfully you do have that great husband and the girls! God bless them and you…get better!! We’ll keep you in our family rosary.
Jeani
Dear Kim, please know that you have been in our family prayers since I read about it on facebook. God bless you and grant you a quick and complete recovery.
I had no idea. I will pray for you and add you to our homeschool prayer vine. May God bless you! +JMJ+
Kim, God bless your husband and all husbands who are protectors and defenders of their spouse as yours was, mine has been and I hope all will be. I pray for your health and for your family. “Be not afraid” As the feast of Padre Pio is on the horizon; “Pray, Hope, Don’t worry” Blessings!
Sweet Kim, I am THRILLED you are home. Slow and steady, okay? Promise? We are praying praying praying here in Minnesota–in fact, I have your picture on my computer desktop (such a beautiful picture) and pray for you every time I see it.
Which is a LOT.
[grin]
Much love…
Margaret
Sounds like in the midst of great trial you are blessed immensely with loving friends and family and bloggers who really care for you. Prayers and blessings go your way.
Praying for you daily, Kim. I put some candles around the house so that when I see them I’ll remember to pray for you. Truth be told, I add a few prayers for myself as well. By his stripes, we are healed.
Dear Kim,
You have been in my thoughts and prayers and will continue. God bless you and your beautiful family! 🙂
So sorry to hear what you’ve been through! We will be praying for you. God bless you, Kim.
I am so very glad that you are home again! I’ve been praying since I first heard of your ordeal and will continue to. Blessings to you and yours.
I’m so glad that you’re home now and on the mend. Praying for your continued recovery!
Praying for you, please take care of yourself, we will be here whenever you feel up to returning! I remember my mother having pancreatitis…secondary to gallbladder issues though. Awful stuff. So glad you are recovering!
Oh I am crying! Please know y prayers are with you right now and your whole family. God bless and be with you.
My dear Kim I just found out I’m so sorry to hear this You are such a strong woman I shake my head to hear what you and your family go through together Such grace and faith Praying for you and your family Love Genevieve
Kim, I do hope you are feeling better! I am so glad that you have your wonderful family to help you and one another. Best wishes for a full and complete recovery! Love, Ann
I’ve been a long time reader on RSS, but have never commented.
My 20 year old daughter has had life long bouts with chronic pancreatitis. It was confirmed 2 years ago that it is genetic. So very rare to have hereditary pancreatitis. It took many, many years to get a diagnosis. Her team of doctors is absolutely wonderful.
I have never experienced the pain first hand, but have been through the anguish that the family goes through many, many times.
Praying for you and your family.