Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Normal Is A Good Thing



Don't sell normal short, normal is good and don't ever, ever think normal is boring.  When you don't have normal, you yearn for it, when life is turned upside down and seems to be spinning out of control, you long for normal.   With that being said, my life has been anything but normal these past couple of weeks.  First, getting sick, which is so far from normal for me.  I have evaded sickness in all forms for easily the last 5 years and honestly I have been extremely lucky most of my life in avoiding all types of sickness.  Heck, I haven't even had chicken pox or mumps as a child, so does that give you a hint as to how "healthy" I have been most of my life.  I did have a bout with pnemonia back in the 70's, but that was so long ago I almost forgot about it.  (but it sure convinced me to give up smoking at the time).

Anyway, getting sick was definitely abnormal for me, and after 2 weeks of battling whatever, I am still....still coughing.  Not nearly as much and I can probably count on 2 hands how many times I have coughed today which is a good thing but feeling normal again will be a welcome change.  But the really not normal for me, was the ordeal my sweetie just went through.  I can happily (with caution) say that he is back at his nursing home facility and resting comfortably as of this afternoon. After the rush to the hospital last Wednesday, the thoughts of losing him, the gathering of family and saying our goodbyes, and then to have him rally and prove to us that he was definitely not ready to leave, not normal.  Spending long days at the hospital, sometimes alone, sometimes with family or friends, not normal.  Eating hospital cafeteria food, day after day, not normal.  Don't get me wrong, I am not complaining (well maybe a little) but life as I knew it was not normal.  About the only normal act I did this past week was to capture a few images of the beautiful high-bush cranberries on the bushes along the road-way into the hospital garage parking lot.  Ofcourse anyone that witnessed this probably thought I was totally abnormal.


I know each of us experience and perhaps struggle through periods in our lives that are considered "not normal", sometimes those times are wonderful, sometimes, not so much, and I have learned to cherish the "normal" times, when life is stable.  I know that life for my sweetie will never really be normal again, he is completely dependent for his basic needs, dressing, eating, cleanliness.  I must trust those around him to care for him and meet his needs, and to make his life as "normal" as possible for as long as possible.  So don't sell normal short...it's a good thing and definitely not boring.

Thank you so much for leaving such wonderful comments, your thoughts and prayers were a welcome read after almost losing my sweetie.  When life returns to "normal" I will certainly re-visit all of you.

Until next time....



32 comments:

  1. There is definitely much to be said for "normal," Deanna, and I hope you have your normal real soon. I am glad to hear you are feeling better. xo.

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  2. Oh, I was thinking of calling you today, was thinking about you and how things were going. Yes, I understand normal and not normal, but I also understand "new" normal...that seems to be the most consistent normal at our house lately. {{hugs}}

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  3. As you know Deanna, my thoughts and prayers have been, and continue to be, with you and your family. I'm glad things are back to "normal." This post makes me remember that each day I wake up to the same old,same old, that that is a glorious thing! Hugs.

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  4. I've been thinking of you, waiting for news. Take time for yourself, Deanna - a bit of photography like those cranberry bushes or a quiet respite at home. Feel well soon. I agree - normal is good.

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  5. How gracious of nature to supply you with a beautiful diversion on your trip to and from the hospital. You are so right in that normal gets a bad rap - it is often our blessing in disguise. My continued prayers.

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  6. normal is a wonderful thing. glad you are getting a little of it back. and glad you have been able to find bits of beauty in the process. you and your family are always in my thoughts and prayers dear friend. xoxo

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  7. Deanna,
    There is peacefulness in "normal."

    Prayers to you! I hope you are healthy and feeling good after being sick. I hope Gary is okay too. Sounds scary and I am glad you have family and friends that are able to be with you.

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  8. Normal is like a breathe of fresh air after times like this. Hope you take take nice big breaths of it for a long time yet.

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  9. So so so glad things turned around, I have been holding my breath. Hope you get some much needed rest the next few days. Missed your beautiful images.

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  10. Normal is good and safe like you said, I like normal. I hope all the best for you and let there be "new" normal which will be good normal again.
    <3 Henrietta

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  11. Normal is good ..Thinking of you all please look after yourself you are precious...

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  12. So glad that he is backing to his new normal. Normal is really the best, but God uses abnormal to help us see the difference.

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  13. Yes, I like normal. Hope you find some peace and quiet in the coming days.

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  14. 'Seeing' you on my computer screen first thing this morning was a welcomed sight! You've been so much in my heart this past week. I thought about calling but didn't want to intrude, not knowing if things had taken a turn for the worse or for better. Yes, embrace whatever 'normal' each day brings you. Cherish what time you have with your sweetie, even as things are. It's so hard to be strong, isn't it? And, sweet friend, take care of Deanna. After all, you're the only Deanna you {or we} have got. My love to you and prayer for you.

    {As for others thinking you're abnormal, who among us photographers is 'normal'?}

    xo

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  15. Sounds like your ride on the merry-go-round is about to stop spinning....and you can get off. You might feel dizzy from the ride, but you will have solid ground beneath your feet once more. So sorry you still have that nagging cough. My mom does, too. I just can't believe how long it has hung on. I hope you get rid of yours faster than my mom has. I hope normal comes to your home to visit for an extended stay this time....and chaos goes to China to live. (and I say China because it's clear on the other side of the world....not from some kind of hatred for China. lol)

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  16. I'm glad that is has rallied and is doing so much better. Sorry you are sick..especially with a bothersome cough that won't go away. My mom gets that, and it aggravates her more than anything. Hope you have a completely normal rest of the month!

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  17. You have had a lot to deal with lately but I am so glad you are on the mend and that Gary is doing better. I have thought of you so much lately and prayed that you will have a peace that passeth understanding during this roller coaster ride....

    You are so right about normal. We all take it for granted and then when life turns upside down we pray for its return...Normal definitely gets a bad rap until we yearn for it's comfort....

    Please take care of yourself during this time.....

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  18. Oh yes, I do love normal. I'm glad to hear you're on the mend. I hope things return to normal for you and that you're feeling yourself again soon!

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  19. Oh yes! Normal is beautiful, and the older i get, the more i truly appreciate it.

    I'm so glad you're feeing better, and your husband rallied and is doing better also. I'm sending hugs and healthy wishes from the west! xx

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  20. You have been in my thoughts. I am glad you are feeling better and that your sweet Gary rallied. It is so hard. I think we get new normal's throughout our lives and it is always a hard adjustment. I am hoping you settle into this one and find peace and wellness.

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  21. I've been thinking about you and hoping for the best. I' m glad your sweetie was able to go back to the nursing home. I hope "normal" and stability will soon be back. Peace and blessings to you, Deanna.

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  22. I was rather worried when I hadn't seen you post Deanna. I knew you were with your sweets and hopefully your days are returning to normal. I miss my normal when chaos rears it's ugly head. thinking of you

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  23. you know where my heart had been in the past too Deanna, and so that I totally understand what you've experienced lately. You just have to totally let-go of everything to grasp onto that which is so important and urgent. That which is ruling your life at the time. We really don't have choices when riding the waves of seemingly soul-destroying despair and hoplessness. Your emotions are on a roller-coaster, adrenalin kicks in, anxieties and hurt crush your soul. That you picked up your camera when you saw those beautiful berries gave you a moment of being yourself and bringing back some real pleasure. This is a moment to 'take care of yourself', to partially replenish your soul. Heartfelt wishes

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  24. I know exactly what you are going through. The last few years of my parent's life was like this, late night calls to emergency rooms, time spent alone in hospital waiting rooms, noticing the plants and flowers when you finally come out through the doors of the hospital after an all night vigil, that bottomless feeling of sorrow as you leave the nursing home and drive home with so many memories and emotions. It is so heartbreaking and it is no wonder you have succumbed to getting sick. Your defenses are down and your spirit is flagging. I wish I could give you a big hug and tell you it is all in God's hands now, but I know you just have to walk through it with courage and resilience and faith. Be good and kind to yourself. Big hug. xoxo

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  25. I am so sorry to hear all your going through. I am sending Big Hugs your way..

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  26. I'm glad you are feeling better Deanna -- hope you have a relaxing weekend. xo

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  27. Glad that you are feeling better, and to see that things have stabilized with your sweetie. Love these shots of the cranberries. Just gorgeous!

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  28. So glad to hear that things have stabilized with your sweetie. Hope you'll be able to have a lovely weekend, Deanna! xo

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  29. You are in my thoughts and prayers Deanna. Take care.

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  30. As I am just catching up on my blog reading, I just read of your husband's illness and now yours. Keeping you close to my heart and in my prayers...

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