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Convalescing

I'm beginning to feel more like myself again after battling swine flu for two weeks. Apparently I had a nondescript infection in my intestinal tract that would have gone unnoticed had my body not been worn out by fighting the flu. I won't bore you with the details of my illness and how it progressed, but I narrowly avoided hospitalization because Kim helped me to stay hydrated. The two issues combined have really done a number on me, but I am now six days with no fever and no other serious symptoms. I am slowly getting an appetite back, but it is taking a long time to get my strength back. It has been very nice to be back around my family again instead of quarantined in the bedroom, and I will preach both services today and probably work a half day on Monday and try to slowly re-enter life without overdoing it and having a relapse.

I want to thank everyone for the phone calls, cards, emails, and prayers. My family is truly blessed to have so many people who love and care for us. I am so thankful that God protected Kim, Michael and Kathryn and none of them got sick. I am thankful for the two men who came and mowed my yard one Sunday while I was out of it. When are you guys coming back? I am thankful for the people who brought food to the house, even though I had none of it. I am thankful for the folks who watched our kids while Kim could take me to the doctor. And I am thankful for the folks at the doctor's office who put up with me even though I was not the best patient.

I am especially thankful for Gains who covered for me at the church - not only preaching but in everything else that goes with being a pastor. FBC is blessed to have Gains on staff.

Finally I want to say that Kim is my hero. She took care of me and kept herself illness-free as well as our children. She did everything she normally does around the house plus everything I do too. She was brilliant. And...she demonstrated how little she actually needs me around here. I'm beginning to think she keeps me around simply for my good looks. Regardless, she is a strong and courageous woman whom I love very much.

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