This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links, I make a small commission at no cost to you.
Wednesday was a seven-poke day.
Cee had her monthly infusion at the hospital.
I didn’t ask the nurse if she was extremely confident in her IV installation abilities. So she tried twice before getting someone else.
Three pokes for Cee. One super-sized serving of guilt for me.
Mateo is on an every two weeks schedule for labs. I figured we could get the labs done the same day as the infusion and save a trip. So Cee, Mateo and I went lab hopping after her infusion.
Lab 1: The phlebotomist did one attempt before telling us to go to another lab.
Lab 2: The phlebotomist did two attempts before telling us there wasn’t anyone else who they would recommend to try.
Lab 3: The phlebotomist was able to get Mateo’s blood.
Four pokes for Mateo. From three different labs.
Wednesday was a seven-poke day.
It’s Friday now, so I should be over it. Cee is. Mateo is. But I am not. I am not over it. I am not okay.
Looking around, I see lots of people who are also not okay. The world is seeming darker and gloomier and lonelier than ever. If you’ve seen more than thirty seconds of the news in the last four months, you know.
This summer I read several titles that offered free therapy of one sort and another, and I want to share them with anyone who is also feeling not okay.
1. One Beautiful Dream by Jennifer Fulwiler
In case you’re one of the 17 people who hasn’t read this one yet, I have to say that I recommend it. Jennifer offers insight into the modern vocation of Catholic motherhood and how to live a life of joy.
2. On the Other Side of Fear: How I Found Peace by Hallie Lord
Hallie and Jennifer Fulwiler are BFFs, and it was fun to read both books and see the connections and overlaps. Beyond that, Hallie discusses her journey of anxiety through the lens of her Catholic faith.
3. When God Doesn’t Fix It: Lessons You Never Wanted to Learn, Truths You Can’t Live Without by Laura Story
Christian recording artist Laura Story shares about keeping faith when God didn’t answer her prayers. The effects of Laura’s husband’s brain tumor affects every aspect of their life together, and she struggles to understand their suffering. Laura’s song Blessings makes me cry every time, and I appreciate it more now having read her story.
4. Love Idol by Jennifer Dukes Lee
Jennifer Number Two wrote this Christian self-help book for people pleasers like me– people who make being loved into an idol. I’m still recovering, but this book helped me to recognize unhealthy patterns of thinking in myself.
5. Bella’s Gift by Rick and Karen Santorum
Rick and Karen take turns chapter by chapter in telling their daughter Bella’s story. From diagnosis to daily life, the Santorums’ love and respect for life, even when it’s hard, is admirable.
6. Snuggle Puppy by Sandra Boynton
Ummm…isn’t this a children’s board book?!?! Why is this on the list!?!?
Let me tell you. This is probably my favorite therapeutic read from the summer. When the news or our problems this year would get to be too much, the best medicine would be to grab an unsuspecting kid and this book. I read it like a chant– you can’t call anything that I do a rap– but there is an official song version. I like our chant version better
7. I’m contemplating these reads for the next round of book therapy.
As a homeschool mom, teacher, and writer, Ginny knows what it’s like to be weary. And 5 minutes is about all I can muster before the next crisis hits, putting this one at the top of my must-read list.
I’m not a military woman, but this devotional by my friend Anni is sure to be inspiring.
Girl, Wash Your Face seems to be all over in the Christian self-help world. I’m on the fence. I don’t think I need someone to tell me to wash my face. I need someone to hold my hand and tell me that it’s going to be okay. That’s sort of different. We’ll see if this one makes the inter-library loan list.
What would you add to the list? Have you read any inspiring, uplifting, or otherwise enjoyable books lately? What helps you when you’re feeling not okay?
Permalink //
What a bummer! I was secretly hoping that you were talking about Hawaiian poke. Cee and Mateo sure are troopers! (You are too, friend!)
I wanted to be helpful and find some books that were encouraging/uplifting, but you know me and books lately (count me as one of those 17 you mentioned above!). Thankfully I have Goodreads to remind me what I read! 😉 So browsing through my “Read” list I found:
Mere Motherhood by Cindy Rollins (my top suggestion)
Redeemed by Heather King (Catholic author with a wicked sense of humor)
and The End of Your Life Book Club by Will Schwalbe I know this doesn’t sound like it would be uplifting, but I remember putting down the book and thinking “Wow! What an amazing woman and an amazing life… if she can do *that* surely I’m capable of more that I think I am.”
And I’m definitely going to look at Ginny’s book again… I do love her blog posts, and 5 minutes is a good time frame for me too these days… happy reading 🙂
Permalink //
Thanks for the recommendations. I haven’t read any of those so far!
Permalink //
I have been lurking on your blog (and praying for you and your family) for a few years now and I just wanted to say how sorry I am that you had to go through all of that on Wednesday 🙁 The special needs in our family are mental/developmental so I haven’t had to watch my kids going through physical pain on a regular basis like that and it must be so hard 🙁
And also, thank you for sharing the book recommendations! I tend to read fantasy or science fiction when I’m feeling overwhelmed or depressed, I think as a way to escape what is going on and come back with renewed energy and motivation to cope with life – but I also try to read books that will encourage me by pointing me back to God in my struggles. Laura Story’s memoir looks particularly interesting – I have also always loved her song Blessings and wasn’t aware of the story behind it.
Permalink //
I enjoy finding new blogs to read– the nature pics, the book lists, and your thoughts on exceptional parenting make me exited to read more of yours. Thank you for commenting. 🙂
We listen to the Narnia audiobooks on loop in the car– I can see the escape that fantasy brings. I appreciate your prayers very much.
Permalink //
I hate, hate, hate all the poking and prodding.
Thank you, God, for modern medicine. Please Lord, heal all the hurts that it leaves in the trail behind it.
Thank you for the book recs. The following are two books that have moved me:
Equipped to Love: Idolatry-free Relationships by Norm Wakefield
(and thanks to Tracy Myers) Trustful Surrender to Divine Providence: The Secret of Peace and Happiness by Father Jean Baptiste
Blessings,
Lisa
Permalink //
Oooh– that relationship book looks good. Thanks for the idea!
Permalink //
While I think you would appreciate Rachel Hollis’ sense of humor, she might just make you feel like crap. I’d stick with your Catholic self-help books (although those are rare…).
Saving this post because I know you already recommended a couple of those to me!!
Permalink //
Thanks for the heads up. I went and checked out some Amazon reviews for Girl, Wash Your Face (for the first time, even after all the buzz), and it looks like it is definitely NOT the book for me.
Permalink //
Sorry about all the pokes 🙁 Your family are always in my prayers.
One of my favorite books for inspiration is Cultivate, but Lara Casey. She is a Christian author, and this book changed my life last year. (I quit my job after reading it, and slowly gave my life a major overhaul!) When I’m down, I read light hearted favorite books like Anne of Green Gables or Shopaholic or Pride and Prejudice. Or watch the BBC Pride and Prejudice 😉
Permalink //
Thank you for your prayers! I will add the Casey book to my list– I’ve been waiting to hear more about your big life changes, so it would be interesting to see what sparked them.