Monday, February 22, 2010

Seriously?

It's tax season and I spent a little time with our accountant last Friday. After the meeting, I decided to add up all of our medical expenses for the year. My jaw dropped as it totaled over $11,000. That includes monthly premiums but, really? We could have bought a car. Or shared more. Or taken a few trips to visit Garett's family in Italy. Or saved for Wyatt's college education.
It's so disappointing to face up to the reality of our health issues. Most days I like to pretend that we're fine, it's fine and it's not a big deal. But, when my calculator tell me that we spent over $11,000 on insurance, doctors and medicine, I'm reminded of the significance that health challenges play in our daily existence.
Not a day goes by that I don't think of the impact of Behcet's on my body. It's usually in the first few moments of the day when I hear Wyatt saying, "Come, Mommy," from his bed and I'm wondering how long I can lay still before I need to get him. I also am reminded when my knees and elbows ache for no apparent reason and I have canker sores down my throat. Sometimes I just can't make it through the day and I call a friend to come over to be with Wyatt while I sleep, hoping to muster up enough energy to make it until Garett gets home.
I'm in the process of learning how to deal with life in new ways. It may be a life long journey. And, although I've walked this path for nearly 17 years, I'm struggling to get the hang of it. I love that God provides us with a community to walk alongside us and I am positive that I could not do it alone. I am also exceedingly grateful for the medical care that we do receive. There's a lot said about healthcare right now but I, for one, am appreciative of the excellent network of healthcare professionals who positively impact our quality of life. I only wish it cost a bit less. And that the pharmacist didn't know Wyatt and me by name.

Friday, February 19, 2010

Elephant Seals

My folks took Wyatt to see the elephant seals when he spent a week with them in December and hardly a day goes by that he doesn't bring them up. We checked them out a few weeks ago.
.