An Ode to Thyroidina

Oh, you cantankerous little gland. For two plus decades you served your purpose so very swell-

Perhaps you were taken for granted, a plight your host has known often and  well.

 Whilst our third decennial neared, you rebelled, attacked, making me your poached –

Bringing countless health issues, and on youthful vitality, savagely encroached!

You made raven tresses fall with tears on my pillow, and with haste, depleted once fresh vigor –

You incited mood swings and fatigue. You caused undesirable “parts” to grow bigger!

 Oh, but with dreaded needles and hours of waiting, came the words: “Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis”-

No big deal, it runs in Dad’s family…with thyroid hormones, I’ll BEAT THIS!

Life moved on, the levels watched; as necessary, Synthroid dosages adjusted-

Another ten years passed, all seemed better…and in the Endocrinologist, I simply trusted. 

In the oddest of timing, again you asserted your wild, unyielding rebellion-

Reawakening issues with overall health - you mean little, destructive, half –ounced,  HELLION! 

With renewed determination, you again declared war on me, your innocent host-

Thyroid Cancer suspected; Surgery ordered - and radiated iodine, secondary, at most.

 Oh, Thyroidina –  but who has the last laugh?

I? Recounting your terror, while in a relaxed, reclined, and recuperative position? –

You?  With that hideous moniker?  In a jar - In the office of a well-paid physician?

 Hah! Victory is mine-

No longer will you burden me with ailments hard defined!

 I’m beginning afresh, with turtle necks and 60s inspired scarves-

A lifetime of Synthroid and Cytomel, and a “soon-to-be delicate” scar.

 Thyroidina, my newly defeated nemesis, your remaining days, will BE ...

 Benign, in a jar – no longer able to torment ME!

 TLH

 

Day 2 - Post Op at Northside Hospital.... Still very swollen and very drugged!
But...on the road to full recovery!

TGP: Day 20

Day 20

Saturday, August 20th, 2011

 

So many reasons to be grateful today!  It began with a seven mile walk with "Christian Runners". Closely walking with Cyndy and Caroline afforded great conversation, as always.  While not a "morning person", it does feel great to get outside and get the walking out of the way before all other Saturday festivities begin.   

Today, Bill and Britt planned and executed a "family birthday dinner" - a small, intimate gathering.  It was perfect!  (Especially, since I had no responsibilities in the preparation!)  Bill and Britt spoiled me by allowing the opportunity to knock a few things off of my "to do" list.  Meanwhile, they did the grocery shopping, table setting, cooking, etc.  The "free time" in and of itself, was a wonderful gift! 

Lily and Bella had a shower today, I wasn't sure it would be well-received, but they didn't seem to mind so much!  (One task off my list!)  The other thing I definitely wanted to accomplish was the purchase of new pjs/gowns for the hospital and recovery at home.... Given the expected location of the incision, it's necessary to get tops that button down the front as opposed to pulling over the head.  My PJ mission started and stopped at TJ Maxx - 7 pairs of cute, "company friendly" pjs, with buttons.  Of course, 2 pairs of  matching slippers and a new journal were critical additions to the cart.  It is important to properly "accessorize" regardless of where you are or how you feel!


Today, I am grateful for the opportunity to follow through on tasks.  Moreso, I'm grateful for the family that surrounded our kitchen table this evening.  In a world where so many go hungry, my tummy is full.  In a world where many are lonely, I am surrounded by loving family and friends.  In a world where people don't know where they'll sleep tonight, I am blessed beyond measure. 

"Day 1" of my 43rd birthday celebration was an absolute delightful day!

TGP: Day 18

Day 18

Thursday, August 18th, 2011

Yesterday afternoon I met with the surgeon for additional testing and to review risks and benefits associated with a thyroidectomy.  Surgery is less than a week out.  I feel well-informed on all aspects of the upcoming procedure and all things thyroid-related.  I'm grateful for the information that's been so easily accessible.  As a friend who recently went through Breast Cancer said, "information is our friend."   There is something calming and empowering about "knowing/understanding" conditions, options, surgical reviews, etc. 

What was initially expected to be a right lobectomy - is now going to be a Total Thyroidectomy. At first that seemed a bit intimidating, but the surgeon helped me to see the many reasons that total removal is the better, safer option overall.   It's amazing too, that so many people encountered lately have gone through thyroid surgery of some type. It seems fairly common - and most indicate a very favorable outcome after healing is completed.  

I'm grateful for the information so easily attained and for the myriad of people who've offered encouragement through sharing their individual experiences.  There is an absolute plethora of websites and support groups dedicated to "all things thyroid."  YAY!  I'm embracing the "knowledge is power" stance.... but leaning more heavily on prayer, mine and others. 

As the days and the medical appointments accumulate, I find myself seriously thankful for the phenomenal  attention available.   In the US, we are all blessed to have access to sophisticated medical care.  In other parts of the world, medical attention is severely lacking.  People suffer greatly and even die from what we would consider minor ailments.   How can we not be grateful for the stellar resources available?

 

TGP: Day 17

Day 17

Wednesday, August 17th

First on my mind this morning, were thoughts about the movie "The Help".  Having seen it just last night, with a group of friends - it's fresh on my mind.  It's hard to imagine living in a world where people were treated as insignificant, solely because of the color of their skin.  Racism is one of those things that has bewildered me for as long as I recall. 

I have many black friends whom I love dearly and trust implicitly.  Some are mentors, some peers.  Like most of my friends - they are incredible, Godly, fun, trustworthy - "salt of the earth".  It sickens me to think that just a few decades ago, they would've been alienated because of a darker complexion. 

Born in the second half of 1968 - I never experienced segregation and racial bias firsthand. If I witnessed it as a small child, I was oblivious.  It wasn't until just a few years ago, that I learned the elementary school I attended as a child had been an exclusively "black" school until a year or two before I was enrolled in first grade.  (Kimball Bridge Elementary School in Alpharetta... no longer there.)

While there are still "closed minded" people who choose to assign values and expectations based on superficial factors - their number seems to be dwindling.  I look forward to a day when there is no remaining prejudice whatsoever -  whether bias against a certain color, national origin, religious affiliation, etc. 

Visiting the MLK Center, learning about the racial tensions of the 60s through books and movies, hearing stories from "older generations"  - I am extremely grateful that we live in a world today, where color does not limit one's options. 

I'll also go out on a limb and say that while I'm NOT a fan of President Obama - I'm grateful that our nation did not allow color to prohibit his presidential victory. On that note,  I was  not a fan of President Clinton either.... BUT realize that in both cases, we are called to respect the position these men hold, regardless of their policies and political positions.  (Romans 13:1-7)

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During my freshman year at NGC, my roommate, Bethany - turned me on to "new wave" and among the groups we listened to most often was Depeche Mode.  Their song "People are People" was a thought-provoking favorite.  (I attempted to load the music video below)

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¹Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. ²Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. ³For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, ⁴for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. ⁵Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience. ⁶For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. ⁷ Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.  (Romans 13:1-7)

TGP: Day 16

Day 16

Tuesday, August 16th, 2011

 A "typical" Sunday Morning at FBC -
where it all comes together. (from the mezzanine)

I'm grateful that years ago, Larry G. made the decision to offer me a part-time position on the FBC staff. That position evolved over the years, allowing the flexibility to be home with the kids when they were small - and continually changing in a manner consistent with changing family dynamics. Now, with all the children grown, it's a full time role. Few have the privilege of serving alongside such warm and wonderful friends on a daily basis.  Not only were my children raised at FBC - but it's where I've grown up in many ways, as well.

This week will be spent in ardent preparation for medical leave...the last thing I want to do is to leave friends and extended family in a bind, or overburdened. Besides, leaving things in optimum order will clear my mind and allow me to better enjoy all the jello, broth, smoothies, movies and books that are in my immediate future! 

Today, five of my closest friends/pastors gathered around and prayed over me, for the upcoming surgery, my family, the doctor, healing, etc. Since this is a typical occurence on the "second floor", the significance of that sweet time of prayer, could easily be overlooked.  If my office was within a secular company, the odds of that impromptu time of intercession would be minimal to nil. 

 

I'm grateful for the many friends at FBC... for the mentors, my "adopted family", the daily laughter, the occasional heartfelt tears, encouragement and accountability, frequent hugs, prayer - all vital to our authentic community.  We are all very "real" with each other - and it's incredibly refreshing and free to be "who you are" without reservation.

From the beginning, I've never once referred to my role as "work".  To be a part of such an amazing group of people, fulfilling God's mission and call, is an incredible, incredible GIFT. For this ministry and for all the people involved, past and present, I will be eternally grateful. 

Staff Retreat 2005

Many of my closest friends and mentors are in these photos...and while some of the faces have changed over the years, the ones that left are no less dear. They have all left an indelible mark.

Staff Retreat 2009

  

TGP: Day 15

Day 15

Monday, August 15th, 2011

Well, it's quite ironic that this "gratitude journey" began 15 days ago - and there was absolutely no INKLING of what this month would bring.  Focusing on the multiple  gifts within each day has undoubtedly helped improve perspective.  I was reminded too, that God inhabits the praises of His people.  Given the peace experienced thus far, there is no doubt that it's from Him.  Thankfully, I've got many friends and family members who are praying and encouraging me through this little "interruption." 

Don't confuse my outlook with a disingenuous "Pollyanna" attitude. Trust me - if there is ANYONE who would go to great extremes to avoid needle biopsies, blood work and hospitals - it would be ME!  To be clear, I don't "fear" needles/blood/hospitals, etc. I simply possess an incredible aversion to these things, stemming from an insane amount of medical trauma in the teen years - experiences that few could come close to comprehending.  On the other hand, I'm grateful to have "top notch" medical care available.  It's necessary and to avoid care due to psychological scars would be foolish and far more costly in the long run. 

Well, today brought a couple of little "out of the norm" blessings:

•  Meeting with an insurance representative today made me thankful for electing the supplemental cancer policy last year.  (Just in case my result is in that "30%"...)
• Since I've been training for and excited about participating in the Susan G Komen 3-Day "Walk for the Cure" in October,  it was a bit disappointing to learn I'm now ineligible due to surgery.  However, I'm grateful to friends and family who contributed over $1000 for this worthy cause.  That's ultimately what it's all about.   2012's SGK3D will be here before we know it and I'll be enthusiastically "saving the tatas".
• WGH and I took his parents to a Gwinnett Braves game tonight, which proved to be an enjoyable and relaxing end to the day...  Right now, my pillow awaits...I'm grateful in advance for the sleep I will encounter within the next 10 minutes!

TGP: Day 14

Day 14

Sunday, August 14th, 2011

We arrived home late last night, fully exhausted - so this morning, I started the day out, grateful for a full, uninterrupted night of sleep.  Having had recent issues with insomnia - good sleep is cause for gratitude!  TRUST ME!

It was great to have my Pastor (also my "boss") back in the pulpit today.  Sitting between my baby girl and my wonderful hubby.... was also something that I cannot take for granted.  On the other side of Britt was her "man" , along with his sweet mom and sister... I love it!

We had a very meaningful time of worship and an incredible message on Hell...why would that be cause for thanks?  UH - because I'm very glad I'll not be spending eternity there! I'm BEYOND grateful God made a way for us to spend eternity in Heaven rather than facing eternal judgment - tormented and isolated. 

This evening was capped off with dinner at our dear friends' house - when I say "friends", it grossly undervalues the love we have for them.  They are an extension of our family - theirs is a house where all of my kids feel at home, and theirs are equally comfortable in ours.  The best times we have are typically around the kitchen or dining room table - almost always involving food of some type and perhaps even a glass or two of wine.  We literally can sit and talk about "real life stuff" - which we all have dealt with much.  Just as easily, we can sit and laugh hysterically.  Tonight, a scrumptious dinner (that I didn't have to prepare) with great friends, a little wine, our children, and daughter's boyfriend - who feels equally welcome and at ease - was EXACTLY the perfect ending to a slightly challenging week. 

I'm grateful for such dear friends - the kind that truly know all of your "stuff" and love you in spite.  The kind of friends who will go out of their way for you on a moment's notice. The kind of friends that you can be comfortable around in sweats, a ponytail and no makeup...the kind of friends that your children think of as "second parents"....the kind of friends that you have no reservations about giving access to your security codes, garage door codes, extra keys, etc.  The kind of friends you can cry with just as easily as you laugh with.  I can't imagine life without them - and am very grateful that I'll not have to. These are the friends we'll have til death.  I'm immensely grateful that God caused our lives to intersect many years ago - during an otherwise "unmemorable" season of Little League baseball.  How blessed we are!  (Love you guys...)

Our "Extended Family" - We are so BLESSED by these amazing friends!

TGP: Day 13

Day 13

Saturday, August 13th, 2011

Today was the "Celebration of Life" for Aunt Jodie.  She would have been very honored by the turnout, the tributes, and the incredible amount of love shown not just for her - but for the ones she left behind. 

It seems that Jodie was very consistent with her humorous commentary, her wide smile and boisterous laughter - as these were qualities referenced throughout the Memorial Service and in side bar conversations throughout today's events. How wonderful to have such a "positive" disposition - and to have "positively" affected all those around her.  I'm grateful that her children and grandchildren have memories of her which instantly bring a smile to their face.  This was a gift to her family, that she probably didn't realize she was giving.  Priceless indeed.

Today, at the service, we all found out Aunt Jodie's favorite scripture:

⁸Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philipians 4:8

Aunt Jodie clearly lived out Philipians 4:8 -  her outlook showed in her demeanor, enhanced relationships, and brought joy and encouragement to all she encountered.  I'm reminded again that none of us want to be around a chronic complainer...the person who's glass remains "half empty" on the best of days...the person who compains incessantly about traffic, the economy, the house, their clothes, the car, the weather, the grass, their kids, what's on tv, wait times at restaurants, etc.  Instead of being "Debbie Downers" - they should be "Joyful Jodies". 

I'm grateful for Aunt Jodie's example ....  her life wasn't the easiest, her life wasn't perfect by any means, and her life was not absent of struggles - yet her joyful attitude is what everyone recalls when she comes to mind.   "Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."  AMEN!

(A passage quite fitting for the "The Gratitude Project!)

TGP: Day 12

TGP: Day 12

Friday, August 12th, 2011

Twelve days ago, when I decided to journal some of the many reasons for gratitude - there was no inkling of the challenges that would be faced in this month.  This week alone: I found out my much-loved Dad had major surgery, remaining in the hospital for a week (sadly, finding out two weeks after his release); The undesired biopsy report came back; surgery was scheduled; Aunt Jodie unexpectedly left this Earth.  Just this morning, a friend contacted me, requesting prayer for her 15 year old daughter.  She ran away earlier this week and obviously, my friend is distraught. It's been a difficult week - and in spite of the news received - each day has come with many reasons for a grateful heart...some large - some small. 

It's been a very long day. Like every day of this eventful week - today has been full of reasons to be thankful:

• obviously, safe, enjoyable travel - never taken for granted.
• four hours of "margin" in the car was enjoyable - plenty of time for thinking, praying for my sweet friend and her daughter, and for singing at the top of my lungs (with no critics!)
• since my phone charger stopped working today, I stopped by the front desk to see if they had any that had been left behind - otherwise, I'd be buying one because one cannot go for days with a dead cell phone.  Fortunately, the desk clerk pulled one out that fit my phone - no trip to T-Mobile was necessary!
• There was a brief "15 minute" meeting and hug in a Shoney's parking lot. Another of my "Marine Mom" friends lives in Nashville so we were able to connect briefly - share a few words, hug and snap a couple of pictures.  "Lisa" is a sweetheart and one of many special ladies I've connected with and bonded online - since Tyler joined the USMC. It's always a really cool thing to actually "see" face to face my online friends.  Her hugs and sweet words were truly gifts.
• After seeing Lisa for a few minutes, I met my hubby at the Nashville Airport.  While waiting for him to approach the car, it was a bit like our "early days".  He's even better looking now than when "we" began and he's truly my best friend.  Seeing him walking across the parking lot - in my direction, I felt like an excited schoolgirl who was seeing the "man of her dreams" during a locker break. It's especially amazing to be reconnected with him after a long, news-filled, week.  (Not everyone feels this way about their husband, so these feelings - and this man, are an unbelievable gift!)
• After visitation at the funeral home, eight of us went to dinner - we sat and talked for a long time.  Hearing several "family legends" for the first time (for most of us) and reflecting on Jodie's wit, and lively spirit - smiles and laughs were frequent.  Thanks to Aunt Anne and Uncle Tommy - my cheeks are still a bit sore from laughing so hard...I hate that a loss is the cause for this gathering, but am appreciative of moments like this in the midst of it all. 
• After a long day, getting back to the hotel room - I'm thankful for the impulse purchase at Kroger this morning.  The bag of Dove Milk Chocolates on the nightstand was a welcome sight.  I opened one - the wrapper read "Create a Happy Place."  How appropriate for this 31 day endeavor.  Happiness, contentment, gratitude are possible every day...it's not an actual "place", but it's an "attitude of gratitude" we can foster by focusing on life's little gifts. 
• Who am I kidding?  I had a second chocolate - the wrapper on it read "Think of something that makes you smile."  Hmmm....there's a theme here.  (Wow - this wasn't an impulse purchase of milk chocolate, it must have been the leading of the Holy Spirit!)
• Well, I'm going to sleep next to my best friend after a long day...with a smile on my face - because I've just reviewed and recalled today's many gifts. 
• Okay, okay.... the third one read, "Break the Mold".   (I'll have to think about that!)

My "Marine Mom" friend, Lisa....a very sweet, beautiful and PETITE woman -
 at 5'9" I felt like a giant next to her - thus the "squat"!  It was SOOO good to see her in person!

TGP: Day 11

Day 11

Thursday, August 11th, 2011

On August 11th of every year, I am reminded of the most incredible, Godly, joyful, selfless woman I've ever known.  Fortunately for me, she was my grandmother.  500 miles separated us for most of my childhood - yet, we were extremely close.  She made knowing and loving me a priority.  In fact, I often thought she lavished me with more love than I received from others in my "immediate family."  Now, looking back - I know she did.  She was probably keenly aware of odd familial dynamics and tried to compensate. Gone for over twenty years now, I'll never know what it was that she saw in me that caused her to so actively remain connected - but for the rest of my life, gratitude will fill my heart because she did.

While so far from perfect, it's often seemed that some of the "better parts" of me are a  result of her investment - not just the phone chats, handwritten letters (valued posessions today), the cassette tape recordings we'd mail back and forth, the long talks at night during visits - filled with giggles, etc. Her prayers for me probably mattered the most. She was the epitome of a "Proverbs 31" woman.  She faced many challenges, yet walked through those seasons of life with grace and incredible faith.  She also had the best laugh - and she laughed often.  You couldn't be in her presence and not love her immediately!

Nannie didn't live long enough to meet my husband or children, yet many times they've heard stories about her.  Often I've thought, "She would really love to be here right now, to see this, to know my husband, to hug my children..."  I know she would.  She has come to mind with each major milestone. How I wish she were still here to see my amazing three cherubs and the lives they are leading. There is no doubt, she would adore them all.

Immediately following the loss of my grandmother, I told my Dad that I'd name a future daughter after her. At some point in the following two years - I changed my mind. As much as this dear woman meant to me, I couldn't bring myself to name my first daughter "Eunice."  With confidence, I can say she would be more honored by the life that this daughter of mine is living, than by a shared name.

Our relationship was an incredible gift - never taken for granted. Today, her memory and her loving ways still linger in my mind, serving as motivation to be the same way with Bryce and future grandchildren. One could live right next door to a grandparent and not be half as close as I was to my precious grandmother. For my friends today who live far from their grandchildren - be encouraged. Neither time nor distance abrogate a Grandma's love. 

Thank you God for giving me four wonderful grandparents - all much loved, but none more special to me than "Nannie."   Thank you for bringing her into this world on this day, almost 100 years ago.  Thank you for her life and her legacy - both having impacted countless people, many of whom she never met. 

Love, 

"Eunice's forever grateful granddaughter"

Nannie - with Grandpa, and her infectious smile.