“Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections, but instantly set about remedying them — every day begin the task anew! ” ~St. Francis de Sales
The absolute best thing about having an illness or health problem is that it gets you thinking! These days, when I am able to be recollected, I consider the state of my soul – attitude, habits and behavior, “track record.” How often do I pray? How well do I “perform the duties of my state in life” (one the greatest phrases in all Christendom.) “By their fruits you will know them … Not everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord” will enter the kingdom of heaven but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.” ~Matthew 7: 16, 21
If I spend time on Facebook when I ought to be doing laundry, running an errand, sewing an outfit, or cleaning out the fridge, am I doing the will of the Father? …
I have been conducting a test called “24-hour urinary catacholamines and metanephrines” about which I blogged a couple of days ago. It isn’t painful but requires constant attention over a 24-hour period. (!) I’ve also been drinking a lot more water than usual (as a vegan who must also avoid coffee, tea, soda, alcohol, vanilla and chocolate, and citrus drinks, there ain’t a whole lot left.) I had a little cranberry juice a few days ago, but decided to brave the concept of water-only for the last two days as prep for the current test and for the blood test I will have later today. These rule out cancer of the adrenal glands and/or parathyroids. My husband and I have been checking out “endocrineweb.com” to learn about all these kinds of issues and the tests. We have “discovered” the possible reasons for my tendency to be anxious and irritable. In fact, “A little knowledge is a dangerous thing. So is a lot.” ~Albert Einstein
Right about now, instead of thinking about knowledge, I would like to focus on charity (the virtue) and the “duties of my state in life.” I have a book I read a long time ago called, Introduction to the Devout Life by Francis de Sales. If I have time later on, I think I will let St. Francis remind me how to be more devout; he was generous with his ideas and suggestions for regular folks (all of us) to get closer to the Lord.
Meanwhile, please say a prayer for my tests to come back negative for cancer. And for me to reform myself for a lifetime of good character and godliness. “Religion [godliness] with contentment is great gain.” ~1 Timothy 6:6
You have my prayers! Please keep us posted through your blog. You’re a gifted writer!
You are still a vegan? The b & d deficiencies didn’t shock you out of that? You desperately need D3- the doctors will likely give you plant based D2, which doesn’t work very well. I recommend you read the experiences of a former vegan:
http://www.lierrekeith.com/vegmyth.htm
It seems hospitals and debilitating disease figures largely in the end stages of veganism.
August, I am Maria’s niece. My father, who is Maria’s brother, is also vegan for similar reasons; eating animal products gives him serious arthritis. That, to him, is worth the dietary restrictions and possible nutritional issues. I suggest you avoid assuming everyone who is vegan or vegetarian is doing it for the popular reasons.
Maria, I’ve been following your updates and you have my hopes and prayers as well.
I’ll echo Deb and say that was very well written. And it sounds like you’re in a good place. Love you!
My assumptions are neither relevant nor are they what you believe them to be, Serena.
Lierre Keith is a bit of a true believer, but that’s also not relevant. What’s relevant is that the vegan diet destroys health and Keith’s story can help make that clear to Maria.
August, I suggest you read the work of Dr. John McDougall regarding the claim that “vegan diet destroys health.” He has numerous factual stories and plenty of scientific research to back up the opposite view.
Thank you for sharing, though.