Not Enough Daffodils

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Before I landed in the hospital, colitis had progressed to where my everyday life was pretty miserable. I was rapidly losing strength and weight, due to 15-20 visits to the bathroom a day. I couldn’t go anywhere. And I couldn’t find the energy to do even the simplest of things, like make dinner for my family.

Several women in our church, sweet friends of mine, made a meal for my family. It was such a huge blessing to have dinner provided and not have to muster the energy to make it.  I got it in my head one day, that I wanted to do something to thank them for their generosity.

DaffyGifts

A favorite blog of mine is Attic 24, whose author Lucy, is all about crochet! She had just posted a tutorial to make a wonderful crocheted daffodil. Though she was using the daffodils for a wreath, she also showed the pin option, and I knew this would be a fun gift for my friends who had made food for us.

You have to know, that all along the way, I kept thinking “I’m going to be better soon! I’m going to be better soon!” I had received the diagnosis, Ulcerative Colitis, and all the medications that were supposed to make me better.  I just wasn’t improving. But I held out hope. Making these little daffodil pins were part of that hope. In between runs to the bathroom, crocheting offered a distraction from how I was feeling, and gave me something to focus on. I could lounge in a chair and make something simple. Creativity is a wonderful gift when you’re sick.

When I had to go to the hospital for more potent meds to stop the colitis and to arrest my dehydration and lack of nutrition, the meals kept coming in for my family. It was so amazing. But I was unable to keep track of who all was bringing a meal OR to even make the daffodils. There comes a time when it becomes impossible to properly thank those who are selflessly giving of their time and lives to help.  This is all part of the lavish grace of God…you can’t repay it, you can’t thank Him enough for it, and will never be able to give thanks in equal measure to the outpouring of mercy you have received.

I am a recipient of grace and mercy.  Lavish, generous, overwhelming grace for which there is nothing to do but to cheerfully receive with gratitude!

0 thoughts on “Not Enough Daffodils

  1. Beingme says:

    I heard a while ao of the concept of paying it forwards, you can’t always repay the kindness of others, as you’ve said sometimes its just not possible to keep up but in future you can pay it forwards by helping someone to the best of your abilities without expecting anything in return. I’m sure as a Christian this is just a new name for something you already do, it certainly was to me but I like being able to explain it succinctly! I do hope you are feeling better and improving now?

    • jenpedwards says:

      Thank you so much for your comment! I am improving in small baby steps each day. I am cured of the Ulcerative Colitis (Yay!) but having had my colon removed, I now am recuperating from major surgery and having dehisted 6 days later. It has been a long journey but at least now, the long road of recovery means I feel better a bit each day.:)

  2. Jessica Teague says:

    Hi Jennifer! I just saw Catherine this week and she told me about your illness. I had no idea. I pray that you are feeling better and on the mend. Wish I were closer to come crochet with you as you heal!
    Love and prayers to you.

  3. Elsie Hickey Wilson says:

    So wonderful to open my email this morning and find a blog post by you! Prayers answered that you are at last able to do this! The daffodils are such a sweet idea! You are a blessing to us! Healing thoughts and prayers are being sent and I know that as spring is coming, so will your recovery!
    Hugs, Elsie

  4. Nancy Faris says:

    You were missed by many that you are not aware of. So good to know that you are back home and recovering. A friend in California. Nancy

  5. Serena says:

    The kindness, generosity, and caring from others is always an amazing thing in times of need. Those daffodil pins are lovely! I must have missed that post by Lucy so will have to check it out as daffodils are my favourite flower and I love to crochet too. 🙂

  6. Robin says:

    Hi Jennifer! I think I’ve commented on your blog once, but I’ve been reading it for a few months now. I just wanted to give you “well wishes” for a speedy and complete recovery from your recent illness. And I wanted to tell you how much joy your drawings give me. To me, they are full of love, joy and excitement! And they always bring a huge smile to my face.

    Thank you for sharing your art and your journey.
    Blessings!

    • jenpedwards says:

      Thank you so much Robin, for your kind words. I’m so glad you visit my blog and hope you will continue to visit and comment when you can.

    • jenpedwards says:

      Thank you Sandra! So wonderful to see you popping in to visit me. I really appreciate all your well-wishes!

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