Catch up

I'm back. Almost.

The week before I broke my ankle, I had attended Holy Unction.  There were four priest present.  I was seeking healing, grace, mercy, possibly 'magic' that cannot be for a fairly persistent thyroid problem that has been a life long struggle for me.  Anyway, then I fell off that chair and my life was upturned along the way.

The result was that I was immediately put in contact with an amazing endocrinologist.  You know, the answer to your prayers kind of endocrinologist.  For the first time in my life since I became aware of my condition, I have a great! thyroid panel.  I haven't felt this good since I was 10. It's really amazing.  Thanks be to God.

Having energy has assisted in my recovery more than I can express.  Waking up feeling good is such a gift.    I mean, look, I'm 37 weeks pregnant so there are some less than ideal sleep going on and the weather is wreaking havoc on my ankle, but I'm not complaining.  Or at least, when I remember what a gift I've been given, I stop and give thanks.  It's my miracle and I am loving it, but also amazed that Jesus keeps  coming to me when I know He knows my faults and failings better than anyone.

I met with one of my midwifery/obstetric team members today (breaking your ankle just kills your chances of being left well enough alone.  I don't mind the extra attention in this instance though).  I am hoping and praying that they will allow me to go to term and move away from their current recommendation to induce labor.  I have a poor track record as far as labor is concerned; as in, I do not go into labor.  (Ever.  No, really. Just take my word for it.  Seriously.)  I'm hoping for the best as my thyroid has never functioned as well as it does currently.  I'll keep you posted.  I'll get the verdict next week. and let you know.

Our priest and his family joined us yesterday evening for the blessing of our home and dinner.  I cooked.  No really, it's a big deal.  I've made one other meal since coming home.  I love home blessings.  I love the preparation.  The opening of our home, all the rooms, clean, straight and orderly and well lit.  We light all the candles.  The house just glows awaiting the prayers of purification and its own baptism in the waters of the Jordan.

We always forget something.  This year we forgot the the rosemary branches.  They aren't mandatory, but they have their place in the tradition.  Still there is nothing more lovely, more hopeful, more exquisite than the Sacraments (the big ones and the little ones) and they are all my favorite.  And I love this one.  I love all the kids tromping through the house led by the light of the vigil lamp and the priest  and everyone singing and blessing and praising, worshipping all at once.

And after we broke bread together.  Pizza for the kids, and House Blessing Ragu for the grownups. fantastic fellowship and the rowdy bunch.  These are the moments that I want to stay with me for the rest of my life, these blessings, these little moments of friendship.

When You, O Lord were baptized in the Jordan 

The worship of the Trinity was made manifest 

For the voice of the Father bore witness to You 

And called You His beloved Son. 

And the Spirit, in the form of a dove, 

Confirmed the truthfulness of His word. 

O Christ, our God, You have revealed Yourself 

And have enlightened the world, glory to You!