What a week it has been. Early Tuesday morning I went to the ER with a stomach pain that only rivaled a kidney stone, and I’ve had both.

I was certain I was dying, because I got sick on New Year’s Day, and it was just a bad omen for the rest of the year. It turns out I was in fact not dying, but had the stomach flu… a very prolonged, 10-day case of the stomach flu.

The staff at Memorial helped me out and were so nice. They let my best friend, who took me in, sit in my bed with me and calm me down while she showed me makeup Youtube videos, which always cheer her up.

I owe her the biggest shout out in the world. Thank you Bailey Johnson! You’re truly the best friend. Not many people would get up at 4 a.m. for me, but you did. Not only did she get up for me, but also she traveled in the freezing cold night to Walmart to get me Ginger ale and Saltine crackers for when I got back home.

While I couldn’t have asked for someone better to take care of me, I needed my mom.

She drove to Bainbridge and picked me up about 10 a.m. I honestly thought I was dreaming when she came in my room. I was so out of it, but she was there to save the day. We left and she took me to my general doctor. I have never been more emotionally exhausted.

I cried so much; I just felt like I couldn’t repay my thanks for everyone taking care of me, because I couldn’t do anything for myself. To tell you how weak I had become, my mom had to put on my tennis shoes.

It made matters worse that my sister was leaving to go back to college. I wanted her to hug and just tell me everything would be fine, but Athens needed her more.

I eventually fell asleep for the first time in days on Tuesday night. It was around 7:30 and I didn’t move again until almost 11 a.m.

My dad came home and was freaking out. I had turned my phone on silent to rest, and missed seven calls checking in on me. I guess I learned not to do that anymore, or send a mass text letting everyone know what you’re about to do.

I am extremely happy to report I am back healthy and happy. If you have any suggestions on how to repay a friend, who went above and beyond for you, send them my way because I owe some people a great debt of gratitude.