Summer is Rough
I don’t know if it’s just that it’s so hot here, but summer is always rough for us. I usually try to be positive in my posts, but I’ve got nothing right now. It’s hot and sunny, which makes for a big flare up. The kids are on vacation from school, which means more work for my wife while I’m at work.
I know that so many people are finding themselves in much more difficult situations than we (my family and I) are, but it’s still hard not to get depressed about what seems like daily disasters that affect not only our wounded bank account but also my often fragile positive outlook.
I helps to focus on what I do have. I have a wonderful wife and two great kids. I have a good job that would easily meet our needs if we just didn’t need so much.
It’s just hard to smile on some days when I feel like I’m not doing enough for my family.
My husband knows exactly what your going through, & I do as well. It is hard on everyone in the family. Being positive some days is beyond hard. How I look at it is, you have to have down days, so that you can enjoy the good ones. My husband & I survived the odds, we had only been married 10 months when I had 5 strokes. We will be celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary in Jan. Hot, humid, sunny days are are huge flare triggers. Cold winter air triggers the RA. If its not one thing it is something else. lol You are doing a great job, never under estimate yourself. The lives Lupies live, not many could survive. My lupus has never went into remission, symptoms lessen, or stay level, but it has never gone away in 9.5 yrs. We, like your family Im sure, have learned to live around it. Hang in there, we all have bad days.
Reading your blogs is like reading something that happens here. Know that you are doing great, its just hard for all of us.
Nicole
Jeff-
Your killing me! I know the whole vacation-work piece. I just started vacation (which is limited but that is another conversation for later….) Dude- We’re lucky guys in great situations. WE HAVE JOBS! I like how you are self-reflecting. It shows you give a #hit! That’s a sign of a good father and husband.
Hey Jeff,
Just wanted to let you know that this post really hit home for me. I know exactly what you mean about not feeling like you are doing enough for your family. My daughter had dance camp this past week and my wife has to sit at the studio for nearly 2 hours and it is draining her. I have arranged to leave work an hour early on Fridays to take DD to soccer training at 5… I try to keep a positive outlook but it is definitely not easy.
Just like JoJo said, I am thankful to have a job and insurance (albeit extremely expensive) at a time when so many do not. Thank you for this blog ~ it is so helpful to know that there are guys out there who are in the same boat.
Jay
I just wanted to tell you that your wives are so fortunate to have such champions by their side. May God continue to keep you strong and give you hope! Thank you for your website, it is comforting to know that there are others fighting the good fight.
Can you pass this along via your blog, and to all your contacts?
Lupus Foundation of America Needs Your Help — Urge Your Senators to Cosponsor S. 1630, the Affordable Access to Prescription Medications Act
Go to http://capwiz.com/lfa/home/
Click on the link “Urge Your Senators to Cosponsor S. 1630, the Affordable Access to Prescription Medications Act,” enter your zip code in the box called “Call Now” and click on the “go” button. You’ll then be presented with the contact information for your senators, as well as get talking points for what to say when you call.
Please ask your family, friends and coworkers to call on your behalf as well.