Wow! How can it be six years already?
So much has changed these past few years. I love that I only need to take 3 pills a day, compared to the 15! I love that I've been able to share my story with the world and help others receive a correct diagnosis, like me. And I LOVE that Steve and I were able to have a third child, our beautiful John. So much has changed, yet, the love and support from my family continues to grow. I feel so much warmth in my heart as I reflect on this on such a holy weekend. Good Friday and Easter Sunday will never be the same for me again. I never believed that a new medication would be the answer to my prayers. And I certainly never believed that I would be able to live a life of independence. How lucky am I?! I've had numerous people who have read my memoir reach out to me and say, "I will never look at Easter the same again." On this six year anniversary or should I say birthday, I will continue to give thanks for all that God has given me as well as how much Jesus sacrificed for me...for us. May you feel a closeness to the Lord on this very special weekend. Happy Easter!
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![]() I'm really not sure where the time has gone. How can it be that my baby is 13 today? It feels like yesterday, that I was miserable being pregnant and nervous to give birth. My spastic muscles made carrying a baby for 9 months extremely difficult. I had horrible morning sickness that really lasted all day long and my walking was extremely limited. Plus, Steve had to do nearly everything for me: get me dressed, help me use the bathroom and feed me. My independence was gone, but I'd do it all over again because the result was one of the best gifts that God has ever given me...Winona. Sure, pregnancy was difficult and felt like it would NEVER end, but it's something that not everyone is able to experience, no matter how much they want to. In fact, a friend of my husband has been trying to have a baby, but it just hasn't happened for them. Therefore, they are seeking out someone who is looking for a great family for their child. In fact, they have created a FB page in order to share their story and hopefully find a baby. Please click the button (as well as share) below to read about this wonderful couple who are hoping to adopt. I would love nothing more for them to experience the love that a child can bring to a family. I'm overwhelmed. There's no doubt about it. I spent the last two days unpacking and doing laundry (we spent 5 days up at the cabin over Thanksgiving) all while running after a toddler. I try to keep my stress levels down by going to the YMCA, but taking care of a family with three children is a lot of work. I know I have so much to be thankful for and count my blessings every night before I go to bed. I don't seem to ever finish giving thanks since I always seem to fall asleep first. I am beyond grateful that I have the physical capabilities to do all the things that stress me out. I know that sounds silly, but now that I can do more, it adds a stress that I never had to deal with in the past. Luckily, I have people in my life who offer help (ie: A basketball parent brought Winona home from practice tonight). I also have people in my life who offer words of encouragement which always makes life easier. The best part is that I have two daughters that make the world a better place (corny, I know) and help me out immensely with John. I will get through this holiday season with a smile on my face. And I will be sure thank God throughout the day for everyone He sends my way.
Last weekend we visited an apple orcahrd. I was able to walk freely down the rows of trees and even pick a few apples. It amazes me what I am able to do these days and can't help but feel blessed.
The girls and I made two pans of apple crisp. Can you believe that I had never made this popular american dessert before? I was never able to peel and cut this fruit. The best part was the Steve said it was the best apple crisp that he's ever had. Life is a gift and I intend to really appreciate all the good things that God continues to send my way. ![]() This past weekend we went up to the Boundary Waters and stayed at a cabin on Moose Lake. While there, we spent a day fishing. We met our fishing guide, Sue, at the dock at 8am and didn't return until nearly 7pm. This was a first for me and prior to our departure, I wasn't a bit nervous. I knew that I would be able to sit in a rocking boat for several hours and walk into the woods to use the latrine. When we headed to shore for lunch (our guide brought a shore lunch), she asked me to jump out of the boat and hold it just enough so it wouldn't float away. I have to admit, I wasn't sure if I would be able to do it and my sister-in-law, Emily, offered to do it for me. Even though I was uncertain of my abilities, I had to try and I knew that there was a good chance I would fall into the shallow water in the process. As soon as I got to the front of the boat and we were inches from shore, I put my right leg on land and quicly said, "I'm glad I've got long legs!" And that's when I just about did the splits over the water. I had one leg planted on the ground and the other still in the boat. I was able to get both legs on land without falling in the lake. I was proud that I attempted this task, but after lunch I asked Steve for help getting back into the boat. I wasn't about to press my luck and wanted to stay dry the rest of the afternoon I really enjoyed spending the day fishing, talking with Emily and getting to know Sue, all while watching the great view God had created. I must add, that I caught nine fish. Not bad for a rookey. Of course, I couldn't have done it without the help of Sue. ![]() I can't help but feel grateful for the new life that God has given me. A little over three years ago, I couldn't take my kids to the park and now here I am swinging with a toddler in my lap. I was able to do this without worrying if I would fall off the swing or drop my little boy. And we had so much fun together! I have been feeling a bit stressed these past few days while thinking about my book that I desperatly want to finish. With stress, comes lack of sleep. Lack of sleep causes balance issues and issues with my hands ( I have dropped my keys many times this week, but that's okay.)
While being overwhelmded with the project of trying to review and edit my book, I can't help but pause and thank God for all of my blessing. When I go to bed I thank God for all He has given me and that helps calm me and really think about what is important in my life. I may want to write a successful book, but that will only happen if that is part of God's plan. If what I write will truely help others to apprecaite the little things in life, it will all work out. If it's not part of His plan, then that is just the way it's going to be. If I can go to bed at night and give thanks for my husband, healty children and my mobility, than there really isn't anything else I can ask for. As my dad always told my mom, "Everything will work out in the end." I don't think I could say it better myself. Thirteen years ago, I climbed into my bed and prayed to God that I would get a good nights sleep (my phsyical abilities were always dependent on the quantity and quality of sleep). My prayers were answered and I had the best night of sleep that I have ever had. And because of the exceptional night of rest, I was able to throughly enjoy my wedding day.
As I think back to that beautful summer day, I can't get over how lucky I am that God gave me Steve. He has been by my side through it all, both good and bad. I don't know if there is another person who could have handled this journey better than him. I am so grateful for His gift of love. Happy Anniversary Steve! ![]() Tomorrow is my 37th birthday and I feel younger than I ever have, honestly. I am doing things I never imagined possible and my definition of tired is completly different than most. I know it's my birthday, but I can't help but feel like the celebration should be geared towards my parents. Yes, they gave me life, but they gave me much more than that. For 33 years, they worried about me on a daily basis, yet they never let on. They pushed me to try my hardest at everything possible and to do it with a smile on my face. I am a strong, positive woman because of them. When others told them that they should really put me in a wheelchair, they worked harder to keep my muscles from weakening any further. My parents sacraficed many years making sure that I was able to live a normal life. I know that they would do it over in a heartbeat and love me for who I am. I am so grateful that out of all the Moms and Dads in the world God chose them to be my parents. I can't imagine how different of a person I would have turned out to be without them as such positive role models. So tomorrow when I wake up and am one year closer to the big FOUR O, I will be thanking God for my wonderful life and the strong parents He put by my side. I love you Mom and Dad. Once again, I was overcome with so much joy. My niece, Mikaela, chose me to be her sponsor for her Confirmation. I met up with her and the rest of my family at the Cathedral of St. Paul. The beauty of the church alone is enough to stir up emotion in me, but knowing I had the ability to walk around among the hundreds of people and be a part of Mikaela's Confirmation brought tears to my eyes.
I love her so much! Fourteen years ago, I went to Mikaela's baptism. I had difficulty standing and sat for most of the day. As I stood behind her in the long line waiting for her turn to be Confirmed last night, many thoughts swam through my head: How did she grow up so fast? How can I be standing here in this long line independently? I'm wearing sandals and I'm not worried that I'll walk right out of them (or fall). And then I felt the presence of God as a bright light shone above me. All I could do is pray for Mikaela and give thanks for the life He has given me. |
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