I POSITIVELY have Crohns

I thought a lot yesterday about the impact Crohns has had on my kids. I have two beautiful children, a 13 year old and a seven year old. I suppose I could say that to them having a mom that deals with sickness is normal. That's really the only way they have ever known me. Of course, at times, it's worse, sometimes MUCH better but always present in some manner. I am hopeful that rather than them be concerned and worried that they see the importance of being positive and how resiliant it can make you. That, when things are getting a little tough, a laugh in the face of adversity can take the edge off.
I could talk about how I try to stay positive and how I try not to let them see how I'm feeling. In reality, these two kids have seen me through so many hospital stays. A few stays that were quite long. I can't tell you that it did them any great harm. Sure, they missed me. There were tears at night when it was time to tuck in. But mostly, they just wanted to keep going on with their normal lives. I am not offended by their responses at all. I am encouraged that they know, for the most part, I will be okay. That rather than be frightened by the physicians, the hospitals and the frequent visits, they trust that these people will keep me going.
Allow me to recall a moment, a day that my kids experienced and will never forget. Mother's Day, 2008 and having been in the hospital for about three weeks, I finally ended up in surgery. That was the easy part. Post-op, my meds became very mixed up and I ended up 'acute psychotic'. My kids got to see me in fine fashion! They were the only people I recognized. I didn't know my mom or my husband. Here's the joy. Rather than be upset by this, my two kids are in my hospital bathroom laughing themselves silly at how insane I was behaving! My son still loves to tease me about that day!
To wrap up my thought, Crohns doesn't schedule the best time for us or lose its ability to sometimes be in control. Be the best you can be in your situation. Our kids will ultimately rise to the occassion and often become our inspirations.