Amazing Things Happen even in Hard Times

When I was little, I quickly earned the nickname "Buzz" or "Buzzarina" from my dad, because, as he affectionately says, I was "Busy as a Bee". While I may not be quite as hyperactive as my five-year-old self, the named has stuck. And lately, it seems appropriate. I have been one busy bee!

Meeting Chris Colfer...

...and making new friends!

Let's backtrack a bit, shall we? Well, you don't have a choice, since I am the one writing this post. My summer was a good one, and filled with fun activities, from making a trip to Seattle to meet one of my favourite authors, Chris Colfer, and spending the night in a Walmart Parking lot (it was the only thing we could find that was open 24 hours, and my dear mum needed a rest before continuing to drive anywhere) to trekking through Edmonton in our van, catching the science centre, the beloved IKEA store, and, of course, West Edmonton Mall (where I rode every ride I could at their indoor amusement park, Galaxyland).

En route to Edmonton!

Holding a snake at Science Centre

GALAZYLAND!

The summer end, however, was not quite as pleasant. Due to health issues that I do not wish to delve into right now, I unfortunately had to be taken to hospital, where I stayed for four weeks (initially I thought no more than a couple days, a week tops). However, despite the scary situation, I actually made some really great friends, including both patients and nurses. Everyone was so wonderful that, although I was ecstatic to get to go home, I was also sad to say goodbye to everyone!

Now that I've been home an entire week, I can honestly say that some of my favourite and least favourite moments of the year happened at the hospital. What struck me as extremely amazing, and still does, is that God used even my worst moments to teach, nurture, and inspire me in new ways. Let me explain.

I had sort of been in a rut with my creativity. Couldn't think of anything to write, or draw, my knitting projects lay abandoned in a bag on the floor, and my general "zest" for life was just more subdued. Normally, I would consider myself to be a pretty upbeat, positive person, but when the end of summer approaches and the sun begins to fade, my mood can sometimes really drop. This, in addition to my failing health, did nothing to help matters. Imagine my shock, then, when, after only a few days in the hospital, I was smiling. Sure, I had tubes sticking into me and seemingly endless vials of blood taken (I actually learned a new word for those lab techs--"Phlebotomist"), not to mention having to sleep sitting up so none of the aforementioned tubes and thus being woken several times throughout the night to adjust something or other, but generally speaking, I was finding joy. And peace. Not to say that it was all fun and games; not at all, but I did learn some important things about friendships, independence, creativity, and, above all, God.


Being stuck either in bed or else seated somewhere else, I quickly turned to my old trusted amusements: reading, writing, doodling, making lists, listening to audiobooks, and knitting. But, upon seeing some other patients colouring in some of the now growing popular adult colouring books, I decided to give it a go. Formerly, I would have thought it dull and mindless, but I was wrong. It soothed me. And it was so satisfying when I would complete a picture!

My first colouring page

My second, more ambitious page. Took weeks to complete.

Detail of my last colouring page

After a couple weeks, I was allowed to go to the art room for an hour every day. It was great getting to learn new things, like powder embossing, paper quilling, and making magnets, and it was also great to reconnect with old favourites, like watercolours and knitting. I even managed to complete my first pair of socks while in hospital!

Obviously very pleased with myself.

I also started coming out of my shell a bit and finding my voice. After all, when you have a nurse of HCA (Health Care Aid) or doctor or whatever with you 24/7 (not even exaggerating, they would tag-team it if one had to use the washroom or any medicine; haha, yes, I can laugh...now), you learn to voice exactly what you're feeling and also find out a lot about a person. One nurse who worked with me a lot (we did the math; she was with me a combined 84 hours, broken up in 12 hour shifts), introduced me to Patsy Cline, who I now love to listen to. Another nurse talked to me about poetry; another, her winters in Manitoba, a mutual love of HGTV with one male nurse, doing nails with my HCA one night (well, she did mine), talking about nature and plants, listening to wedding plans with some, and just about anything we decided to talk about. Sure, some were more chatty than others, but still, ALL my nurses and HCAs were truly AWESOME! And the other patients in my ward were MAGNIFICENT! I was on the younger end, but that totally didn't matter. In fact, in some ways, I had more in common with them than some people my age (and I don't just mean how some of the medications made you feel reeeeaaaalllllllyyyy sleepy and whatnot). I don't know if it's the combination of seeing each other all the time, or basically being stripped of all dignity when you can't even bathe yourself, but I found myself quite open and loving everyone (if you are reading this, know that I love you, chickadee!)

It was really incredible. Isn't it amazing how God can take even the most tough times and turn it into something great? He filled me every day with His comfort, His love, and His grace. I am still filled with awe and thankfulness. I got out a few days before Canadian Thanksgiving, and my, was it appropriate! My older sister was back in town, and I was able to celebrate a quiet day with my family, playing a new game, and cuddling with my precious dog.

I know it's late, but Happy Thanksgiving! Remember that God is really and truly with you, no matter what, and He will turn things to good if you let Him. Much love to you all,

First night, in E.R.

I named my IV site "Nemo"because they had a hard time finding one ;)

Like my extended "nose"? Had this this thing in for the four weeks, named Judy, after Judy Garland

My friend Nicole makes IV comfort covers, which you can actually purchase here in a variety of colours. I LOVE mine!

My Last day in hospital, right before tube removal. Very excited!