Hidradenitis Suppurativa

We don’t always know how our example, life experience or endurance will effect the life of someone else.

I’m thinking specifically of a family friend that has endured a litany of physical maladies, both chronic and otherwise. Though not up close and personal with her journey, just knowing and recently being reminded that she’s still going despite her daily struggles, has given me the impetus to keep enduring.

For me, chronic illness, in my case HS can make you feel boxed into an unpleasant reality from which there’s no excape. It’s easy to feel that your life isn’t really your own, and that isn’t easy, but reflecting on how others are fighting their fight and not giving up, helps fuel my will to keep going. I hope my endurance does the same for someone else.

I’m content with my day and thankful I accomplished what was in my heart to do. This and next month mark an important season, as Jehovah’s Witnesses worldwide will be increasing their share in our ministry leading up to our celebration of Christ Jesus death. It was my aim to share in my ministry on this first day of March, and I’m very thankful that I was able to do so!

Physically, the past few weeks have been taxing, with soreness, a large flare on my abdomen and some shoddy sleep, but Jehovah no doubt gave me what I needed, and I’m thankful! Typically I’d max out at two hours of service on a Tuesday, but I was able to push through to three hours, and that left me feeling happy and put a smile on my face.☺️ It helped that my wonderful sister prepared breakfast to help fuel me to endure.🥰 No matter what the remainder of the day holds, for me it counts as a good day!

I’m so very grateful right now! I decided I’d make some tuna and have tuna lettuce wraps for lunch. As is typical for a Wednesday, I was slow about getting downstairs.

Before I even got to the kitchen, my mom told me that she’d made tuna…YAAAAAAY!!! I’m so appreciative that she sacrificed the energy to do something that made things easier for me. I call that a blessing! THANK YOU MOM😋😋🐟🥗

I never thought I would have been a retiree at the age of 36. Of course there were many days I didn’t feel like going to work, but I didn’t foresee that one day I’d stop working secularly altogether.

Retiring was a decision for my health. Even though I’d rather still be able to work and not have Hidradenitis, the blessings as a result of being home aren’t at all lost on me! Outside of doctors appointments, I don’t go anywhere unless it’s what I want to do. That’s even more significant in these pandemic times.

Again, it’s been four years that I’ve been gone from the DA’s office. I spent almost eighteen years in that place, and though the last 8 years required a lot of push while dealing with my disease, what stands out most are the good times and awesome people I had the pleasure of meeting. I have GREAT memories that make me smile to this day, of genuine good people that are still dear and connected to me🥰

Some chapters in our lives are harder to get through than others, but there’s no shortage of gratefulness in my heart for the many ways Jehovah has seen to me having the strength I need to get through!

HAPPY FOUR YEAR ANNIVERSARY TO ME🥰🙏🏽💕

I must mention what a blessing my nephew is! After taking it easy as I do on Mondays, I began readying myself to get my dinner. The reality is that I didn’t feel like moving.😏

I literally stood up to put my slippers on, when my nephew Devon called out to me and asked if I wanted anything! 😱I immediately thanked Jehovah! More than any other time, that couldn’t have been more timely.. I’m soooooo grateful 🥰 He’s a blessing❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️

Luke 13:24a – Exert yourselves vigorously to get in through the narrow door

When my alarm sounded at 8:30 this morning, I briefly considered if I could snooze for fifteen more minutes and still make it to my meeting on time…OF COURSE I ALREADY KNEW THE ANSWER..lol. As he always does, Jehovah gave me the strength to get up and get myself ready to sign onto my meeting. It was enjoyable.

Wheres I knew I wanted to share in the ministry afterwards with my brothers and sisters, my thought was that I’d stay for about a half hour. That half hour turned into an hour and a half!! I had such an enriching and refreshing interchange. It was great!

I just had my lunch, and now I’m enjoying the Wawa ice my sister Leah thoughtfully got for me 🥰. I’m very content. All the effort proved worthwhile as it always does when pushing ahead to give Jehovah our best ❣️ My mom says that if we only did what we felt like, then we’d do nothing. I want to keep this in mind and keep pushing… vigorously working to get through the narrow door to everlasting life 🌅

Washing ones hair, changing the bed linens or doing laundry may seem like small typical task to most, but for me, I derive a great sense of accomplishment when I complete any one of these task…so I’m feeling pretty good after washing my hair this evening ☺️.

The tracts formed under my skin by HS, coupled with the scar tissue has limited my range of motion a great deal in my left arm. It is now tightening the skin in my abdomen, so stretching is a challenge. This being said, I manage to make full use of my right arm and hand, using it alone to complete many task. No, I may not get things done as quickly as others, but I get it done, AND THAT’S WHAT MATTERS! I’ve learned to function as I need to for Loni, not the expediency of others.

Psalm 41:3 says, “Jehovah will sustain him on his sickbed; During his sickness you will completely change his bed.” This scripture has great meaning to me now, as I reflect on the energy required to literally change my bed and do similar tasks. Jehovah truly understands the challenges of his imperfect servants. He lovingly supplies me the strength needed to keep going, as well as the invaluable support of my family. I’m thankful🥰

I thought it would be nice to watch a movie with my family Sunday to spend some time. Though the movie was subpar, being together with them was a treat ❣️

The fun of criticizing the poor acting and directing, just about made up for what it lacked😅 Really though, it’s most important having those moments to remind me of how blessed I am to have so many quality people surrounding me. I thank Jehovah for my family. For wherever we disagree or even annoy each other at times, our love is real… That’s a beautiful thing🥰

Without the benefit of a backstory, you wouldn’t know why this plate of snacks means so much. Well, here’s why…..

It has recently come to my attention that my anemia has worsened and the effects of that have begun to manifest. This being the case, it’s problematic for me to go extended times without eating.

This is significant because HS and it’s maintenance causes me to move slowly and sometimes just drag. The result is that I’ll sometimes delay eating so that I can bathe, bandage and dress so as to be punctual for my online meetings and ministry.

With this knowledge, my beautiful oldest sister, Leah, took the time and energy to prepare and bring me this nutritious snack yesterday morning to ensure that I was properly fueled… Yes, I was appreciative and touched! I’m so blessed to have her in my life 💞🥰😘

I don’t ever remember caring much about daylight savings time, but now, I absolutely hate the late rising of the sun and its early setting..Hate it!

I guess with age I’ve come to appreciate how much the sun does for our physical and mental well being, especially in these crazy times. And unlike with it’s counterpart, the moon, I’m oddly able to sleep much better during the day.

Oh well, about three more hours till daylight. I’ll try to doze off till then 😴