Monday, September 12, 2011

Life doesn't stop...

...even though it seems like it should at least for a little while, right? Especially when we have just been hit with another or maybe just the first "diagnosis, lay-off, let go, you're pregnant, just got engaged, got a job, a birth, now homeless, a graduation, promotion, or death is knocking". Just for a moment don't we want just one person to stop for a moment; embrace us & let us know that we're known. We just want someone to acknowledge we exist, our words matter, and we are loved by someone.

Do you see/hear the pain or the excitement in that co-worker, neighbor, spouse, homeless on the corner, family member, friend or acquaintance; or are we all just a little too busy with what's going on with us? I had a YIPPEE, Praise the Lord moment today because I have a family member with an incurable cancer & she got good news today. No, it wasn't that a cure had been found, but that this cancer has not reduced her living. I appreciated that phone call; first that she took the time just to call me right out of the doctor's visit, and second that she felt able to share. I have known times in my life when there wasn't anyone to share my celebrations or sadness with. Thank God that I know that there is a purpose to my life outside of myself.

The struggles of everyday life sometimes gets us so caught up that the days fly by, and I ask, "where did last month go"? Another friend of mine took the time to share a quote with me, thank you friend! The quote is: "I can be changed by what happens to me, but I refuse to be reduced by it." Maya Angelou Ohhh believe me, not in my own power did I agree with this quote, but by the Grace of God! Life has thrown me a few struggles that many have no clue, and will never know unless walked in my shoes. God forbid! I use to think, if anyone ever knew the "real me"...I would never be accepted or loved. I was wrong! The relationships that have recently came to be in my life are the healthiest of friendships, support, and love that I have ever seen. I have also found that the toughest of friendships have been the best teacher yet.


May you have some grace & be humbled enough to take the time to listen, so when someone else' life stops for a moment you may be the only listening ear, caring hand, loving hug. Life doesn't stop, so lets' all not take advantage of the life we've been given. 

Thursday, September 8, 2011

It's been awhile...

...since I've blogged. I've kept it all up on paper though because I'd go crazy if I didn't write. We've been through some stuff lately, and I'll share some here. Updates on everyone that is. I want to thank everyone with the encouraging words to get back to blogging. I really felt moved that my words have made a difference in my readers lives.

1. Ms. Halie as she is still living with Joey in Arkansas, and working at KFC. I miss her greatly, the last time I seen her was in May at her HS graduation.

2. Ms. Holly well the big 18th birthday is coming up on the 17th, and well it's her Senior year in HS, but is in college classes more than HS classes. No complaints here, she has a big load this year with working a part-time job too. Her & Wyatt "Bongo" are still dating, it's been over a year now.

3. Mr. Rick has changed over to driving a commercial route instead of being the mechanic of those big trucks. He was losing hours doing the other, and with him being the "Bacon" so I can have a flexible schedule to take care of the medical needs around here.

4. Mr. Koda has started the 1st grade. I'm so glad we started the transition into public school last year with all his issues; because I know we would be a long way from him getting the services needed for a successful school year had we not. We are about to have an IEP meeting soon, we actually may have to drop the IEP & be an OHI instead; but all is well as long as services are provided. For those of you who don't know those terms (IEP...Individualized Education Plan) (OHI ...Other Health Impairments). These terms are labeled on kids with specialized education settings, services, etc. such as Occupational Therapy, Speech, Physical Therapy, Paraprofessional help, etc. The year has started very well so far, and I look forward to working with the team.

Koda recently has been to the ophthalmologist & ENT the last two weeks. Koda is now wearing glasses due to a strong astigmatism. In that check up they found abnormal optic nerves and orbits...so here we go again MRI. The story of Koda's life will be these MRI's to confirm tumors and their growth. They want to rule out there being a optic glioma which is a common type of tumor in those living with NF. This MRI which will be of the brain, optics, and neck so they can check the tumor in which he already has for growth. We're looking at that the first week of Nov. The ENT visit was fun for Koda as the doc tickled his ear to get the tube that was just hanging by wax out. He lost the other tube within the last year. Koda failed his hearing test so if the fluids don't clear up by 7 weeks of breathing treatments for the ears, and medication he will be having surgery again to replace the ear tubes. This will be scheduled around the end of the year.

5. Last but not least, me, I'm working on Me! I have taken since February this year & devoted myself to finding out what God has planned for me, and the steps to fulfill that. You will see more about that in blogs to come, especially now that the kids are back in school. :) This weather rocks!!