"There's an angel by your hospital bed,"

Michael's MRI revealed that he has a bulging disc in his spine. It is pinching a nerve. His left shoulder is in excruciating pain all the time, and has been for about a month now. He can't pick up the kids, he can hardly even hold a dinner plate in that hand because he has lost so much strength. It has been very difficult for him to even get through the day because of all of the pain medications he has to take to just be functional. It's weird though, although he is one of the gentlest people I know, he is also one of the toughest. He hasn't missed a day of work and he still does everything he can to help out around the house. He's being referred to a neurosurgeon to decide if he needs surgery or what. I really hope that they are able to help him, it's been a very difficult time. Also, it has been a really happy time for us. Our kids are growing and learning new things and it is amazing to watch and help them on their way. We've been making some great improvements in our money management and are continuing to work on that. Plus, the warm summer days just make me feel happy and content and I'm a lot more active. It's easier to eat fresh healthy things when they are in abundance, so our diet has improved greatly as well. I remember the day I realized that my life would never be free of trials and that it was a good thing. Probably one of the best things I've ever internalized.