Hey Family! I want to check in with you to see how you’re feeling. How are your spirits? Did you get enough rest today? Did you eat well? I genuinely care about how you are holding up. Send me an e-mail or DM on social media for a wellness check.
In reflecting on your physical and emotional wellness, how is your attitude? How’s your heart? Are you able to maintain a spirit of joy and appreciation? Have you heard the statement, “In all things give thanks?” It is one of my preferred scriptures and quotes that I speak over my life. Over the last 2 weeks, I have had to consistently remind myself to be thankful and to live in gratitude.
I started this blog on Thanksgiving Day but was unable to complete it. My dog, Georgia Claire, became extremely ill on Thanksgiving Eve. She had 2 seizures and her blood sugar was 20-30s. My hubby had to take her to the emergency vet that night. It was a battle raising her glucose. The veterinary team at Woodland Animal Hospital finally stabilized her with IV fluids and other medications, and she started eating. I’m so thankful for their entire staff.
We were able to pick her up Thanksgiving night, but Georgia wasn’t the same. Our sweet girl was diagnosed with Diabetes in the spring. She rapidly developed cataracts. We had been planning for her cataract surgery and the team at Auburn University hoped to optimize her blood sugar and a few other medical conditions so that she could have her surgery by January 2021.
When Daniel brought Georgia back home on Thanksgiving, she ate and drank but appeared disoriented. She was whining through the night and walking into things. Prior to Thanksgiving Eve, she knew her way around the house. As I reflect on these days, I now see that Georgia was showing us additional signs that she wasn’t well. She had just recovered from a UTI and an ear infection, and was recently diagnosed with hypothyroidism. So, we were trying to regulate her thyroid in addition to the blood sugar, when she took a turn for the worse during this week of Thanksgiving.
On Black Friday, sweet Georgia developed intractable vomiting and profound weakness. She couldn’t keep anything down. My hubby had to carry our 90lb dog up and down the stairs. This was such a sad and emotionally taxing time. I talked with our primary veterinarian from North Griffin Animal Hospital, who was in another state, via telephone and text about what was going on. Dr. Lexie was on vacation but immediately made time for my family. I shared with her at length Georgia’s symptoms, blood glucose, confusion, and more. We ultimately ended up having to take Georgia back to the emergency vet.
On Saturday, November 28, 2020 Georgia transitioned. My hubby and princess took the news really hard. As a wife, mom, and healthcare professional, I’m the one that people seek out with questions and I’m able to give answers and hold space…..but it’s completely different when you see your baby crying and your husband filled with grief.
I had never saw our daughter cry so hard in her 4 years of living. All I could do was hold her and allow her to feel and share what was in her heart. This has been the hardest 2 weeks for our sweet girl. She has started to understand but she still says she wants her sister back (that’s what she called Georgia). Our daughter sleeps with a maternity photo book that are full of pictures of Georgia to give her comfort. My hubby and I are committed to allowing her to fully process her feelings and share without pushing her to move on. As you know, everyone processes grief differently. We steadily remind her of all the good times we had together and that now Georgia isn’t sick anymore. I think knowing Georgia isn’t ill makes our girl feel better.
Now I have to tell you about Sug (short for sugar, the nickname I call Daniel). He loved Georgia Claire so much and he was working so hard to get her new eyes for Christmas. Over the last 2 months all he talked about was getting her ready for surgery but unfortunately, we couldn’t give her, her sight back. He wanted her to be happy and healthy and to be able see us again.
Between him witnessing 1 of the seizures, the vomiting, and her weakness, he looked so lost about what to do. This time was extremely sad. In our 10 years of marriage, I don’t think I have ever witnessed him in such despair. My heart melted for him. Sug is always strong, supportive, and encouraging. He’s my person and I’m his.
I’m thankful that we have each other. I live in gratitude that that we support each. I live in gratitude knowing that Georgia isn’t suffering anymore. I give thanks that Sug and I are able to be the support system that our daughter needs. I give thanks that our family is even stronger through this loss. I give thanks in the sadness. I give thanks in the grief. I give thanks in the loss.
There’s a song that I used to love to hear as a kid growing up in the AME church. I’ve listened to it multiple times over 2020; and even more so these last 2 weeks. This song has been a place of uplifting for me. It’s called “I won’t complain.” If you haven’t heard it before, I’ll link it for you here.
In all things give thanks.
If you’re experiencing a hard time, or you’ve lost someone or something, know that it’s not over. The sad times, the grief, and the loss are not the end of your story. Those experiences are only a chapter in the book of your life.
In the good times, give thanks. In the happy times, give thanks. In the sad times, give thanks. In the anger, give thanks. In the loss, give thanks. In every season of your life, give thanks. Each day is blessing. Each day is another opportunity for you to be your best self, for you, and for someone else.
Live in gratitude.
