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So Lucky!

Throughout my life, I have been given so much grace! How did I get so lucky? God. He has given me so much mercy. He has intertwined my life with people that bless my heart and my life. I don’t take those relationships lightly or for granted.

My daughter, Tina’s 4th grade class made me get well cards when I was in the hospital. This touched my heart so much. Tina also shared with me that her class has continually inquired about my recovery. The Lord gave me the idea to ask her if I could come and meet her class and let them know that I was alright. So, I asked Tina if I could come and read her class a story. Tina thought it was a great idea. So, this last week, I checked out a couple books from the library. One, was about sometimes we get frustrated with things that happen and the other was about problems and that we don’t have to be scared about a problem but to look for the opportunity in it. I also read them the poem, “Don’t Quit”. These fourth graders were so attentive and so very good. They were such an encouragement. I feel so lucky and blessed to have had this opportunity.

Yesterday, Tina and Isaac came over for Mother’s Day and brought me a beautiful gift. I am not very materialistic, but it was a wonderful gift, but the gift of her visit and the love she shows mean the world to me. Brian also texted me with wishes and stated that he couldn’t ask for a better mom or role model. These are things that bless my heart, not that I think that I am that great of a mother or role model, but I was lucky enough to have kids that think so and that express their love for me…no gift is greater than that!

Isaac checking out a stream
Leonard and Isaac
Tina and Isaac playing soccer

Today, is Mother’s day. This day encourages me to think about my own Mum and what she meant to me, but also all the other remarkable women and the contribution that they make in this world. As moms, whether we have born children or not,we don’t get an instruction book and yet we do the best that we can. Praying that God will help us in this journey. Often we fail or perceive to fail and as we mature, find out that some of the things we failed at, were maybe not that big of deal or we now know a better way that we could have handled a situation or time in our life. God, in His mercy, takes our efforts and makes them into something beautiful. He is in us and His love flows out into our children or those we come in contact with, if we let Him.

Yes, Leonard and I are the lucky ones! 🙂

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Number forty-two

Yesterday, was our forty-second anniversary. In the last few years, we have gone somewhere for a few days to celebrate. Although, due to having therapy, we could not do the same this year. Even though we didn’t do anything exciting, I feel most lucky this year. It seems that it is during hard times that draw us together more than the good times. It is the same with God. We tend to take those closest to us for granted until something major happens, as we do with God. God has sustained me for many years and am so grateful for His hand in my life. He has shown me so much mercy. At times, I wondered if I married the right person, we are so different. God in His mercy, prepared for me the perfect mate to make us one. We went out for an enjoyable lunch, a walk on the boardwalk in East Jordan and in the evening, my sister-in-law asked me to come to her aid with help with her computer. Yes, not very exciting, but all we did, we did together. Isn’t that what marriage is about? Forging out this life together? I like to take a pic on our anniversary every year. This year, it was no different..we were not dressed up-just time together. Below, is the pic my sister-in-law took of us.

As for my doctor’s appointment, even though the doc said that I was progressing ahead of schedule, he advised that I stay off work another month. He said that it would be 6 months before I can be off many restrictions. I had felt that I needed another week or so, and yet,I feel a bit guilty for staying off work so long, yet this has been such a hard break, I don’t want to do anything to jeopardize my health and recovery. Hearing him explain all that he did and how he had to reconstruct without seeing what I looked like before was eye opening. I bet that if I would have insisted on going back to work, he would have let me, but I am following his lead on this. One exciting thing is that he said that if Leonard tested my reflexes as to whether I could stop quick while driving, I could drive again. We tested them on a road that did not have any traffic, and I did fine! Yay, I can drive! A bit of resumed independence!

Also, this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKIt5e2e498 helped me resume another bit of independence with the aid of my grabber/reach -er. You just never realize all the muscles and bones you use to do simple tasks.

Leonard took a pic of my x-ray which shows my new parts in the pic below.

Yes, we definitely are the Lucky Ones!

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Well, it’s Been Six Weeks

It’s been six weeks since I took my little tumble. I have another project that I finished during this stint. My brother,Carl and sister-in-law, Cindie, also gave me a canvas paint by number. The physical therapist suggested that I get up every half hour and move during this project..and so, I did. Below is the finished project.

I’ve always thought that six weeks was the magic number for all surgeries to heal. As of this week, I am at that point. I see the doctor tomorrow to see if I return to work on Tuesday. To be completely honest, I don’t feel that I am actually ready. The physical therapists have told me that I can walk around the house cane-free but not outside. With still a limp inside and using a cane outside, I’m not sure that I’m ready to return to work. I would really like to return with no assistance. Yet, it will not be my decision. I have come leaps and bounds and I feel very lucky and grateful to be where I am at now, but I do think another week or two could help tremendously. Maybe, I’m just gun-shy, nervous about falling again. We will just have to wait and see what the doc thinks. 🙂

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Friends and Family

I have always felt throughout my lifetime so much gratitude for the family that I have and the friends that I have encountered. So, so lucky and blessed beyond measure!

Not only did I receive numerous calls, cards and gifts for this, my 63rd birthday, but some of them have caused me to be “crafty”, which has never been my strong suit. Nonetheless, I’ve been trying to do just that. My friend, Chris gave me a puzzle that had an eagle and the Mackinaw Bridge on it. She gave me this along with a Max Lucado book, that I quickly read through, which she had the following verse in: “But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31 Leonard helped me put this puzzle together, get a frame and mount it. Now it will be a daily reminder of this verse. I’m lucky to have this friend and a hub who will help me.

My daughter, Tina had given me a paint by number on canvas. Today, I finished it! Looks like we will be looking for another frame.

My brother Nels, did not have kids of his own, but his wife, Dorothy had two daughters when they got married. I’m so happy for him that Jen (his step-daughter) has called him grandpa to her adorable little Millie Jean. No one could love that little gal more!!

Lucky to have these young men in my life!

Isaac
Lucas, Andrew and Brian

Easter Sunday was very nice. Attended church, then had Tina, Collin and Isaac over for dinner. Tina was a tremendous help!!! So lucky to have her in my life!

Just have to have Easter cookies!

I continue to be so lucky and blessed!

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I’d like to encourage you…

If I have learned anything from this experience of falling on and breaking my hip, it’s the importance of exercise. Even though we know the importance of exercise, sometimes we fail to put it into practice. I have a dear friend, that knows the importance of exercise and diet and lives it faithfully. She has encouraged me through the years to incorporate this into my life. Unfortunately, I did not heed her encouragement and all that I knew to be true. I got into a rut of lack of exercise and bad diet. I believe, that had I been in better shape before the fall, the recovery wouldn’t be so hard. Even though I can walk around my house without the walker or the cane (most of the time), I still have a quite a limp. As I do walks around my driveway, that limp is still there and it is difficult, but it has given me a determination to turn my life around and make exercise a priority. So, I encourage you, at whatever age you are at… get out there and “move it or lose it!”. 🙂

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Patience

Throughout my lifetime, I have had to exhibit extreme amounts of patience. From assisting in caring for my elderly grandmother when I was young, to all other aspects of life and I’ve learned it quite well. I can honestly say that I have much patience with people. Although, apparently I have much to learn. This process of healing has meant that I have to be patient with my progress. I have not always handled that well. I would like my leg to work better than it does despite the hard work that I have put in. The therapist keeps telling me it will come and I’m sure she knows. She is a very good therapist, encouraging me to do those tough things. I believe that I have more patience with others than I do myself. This is nothing new. So, with God’s grace, I am trying to be patient with recovery. If I look at when I first came home to now…yes, I have made leaps and bounds. I was able to attend church on Sunday, which blessed my heart to see my church family. They are so loving and kind. The encouragement that I have received from friends and family has been phenomenal!

Shifting gears, I found a tutorial online for these cute carrots that I filled with Easter candy for the grandsons. I did a bit improvising from the original directions but, I think they turned out well.

Saturday, Leonard and I went to the cinema matinee of “Lost City” with Sandra Bullock. I enjoy her flicks. That was a good afternoon!

Despite what happens each day, we are so lucky! Lucky to have family, lucky to have friends, lucky to have professionals that do their jobs well, lucky to have a God that intricately designed us and is the God of healing…and with His help, I will carry on in this recovery journey that may give me more understanding when others have something similar, so I can assist with their healing. Lucky that God makes it a journey so that we can appreciate the victory. I don’t deserve to be this lucky, but praise God that He does not give us what we deserve.

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We Truly Are the Lucky Ones!

God willing, next month will be Leonard and my 42nd wedding anniversary. Through those years, I have to admit that at times, I really did not have a good attitude with the person whom I decided to spend my life with. I’ve made a lot of mistakes and due to my sensitive nature, have often been hurt by what I persevered as lack of care or love or wherever. As with everything in life, there have been highs and lows. Yet, I am fortunate that Leonard has had the same determination to stick it out through thick or thin. This recent what I’ll call “low” in our life of my falling and breaking my hip and the journey of regaining what was lost, has taught me a few things. Even though, at times in the past, I have doubted it… Leonard really does love me! He has been encouraging me when I try to work at getting my body to do what I want. That’s not to say, that sometimes, because of my moodiness of not being where I want to be, have I thought that he was being as attentive as he could be. Yet, he has. I think with everything, you have to have a positive outlook. Try as I might, that’s not always the case. I know this has been hard on Leonard, too and yet, he has been encouraging me and bragging me up on any slight progress that I’ve made. When you leave things to the Lord, he just makes everything turn out right.

Ever since, I had my accident, I have been showered with well wishes, dinners, texts,encouragement, visits. How lucky is that!? I have been so lucky to know an assortment of lovely people in my lifetime. The photo below, are cards I have received, each with their own story of why they are special to me. A representation of the kindness of people. Every time, I look at these cards, I reflect on each person and their uniqueness and how much their friendship means to me.

Yesterday, I turned 63! What??? As I’ve stated before, I love smiley faces and daisies with a little Snoopy thrown in.. 🙂

Birthday gift from Brian, Hyunjin, Andy and Luke. I love it!

My day started out, with a text from a sweet lady from church, then text and call from my brother,Nels. Followed by a visit from my dear friend, Chris. A visit from my cousin, Susi and in the afternoon, my daughter, Tina and grandson, Isaac came to visit and she took us out to dinner to Cafe Sante! She also, bought me a paint by number canvas and I am excited to try my hand at it. My brother Carl and sister-in-law, Cindie left me a voice mail singing Happy Birthday and said they would visit today. Along, with that, I received many birthday cards which I cherish each one.

I don’t deserve to be so lucky… but, here I am! Leonard, has extended an offer for a celebratory dance when I recover! 🙂

These two are so fun to go anywhere with…

As parents, when we are young and raising our kids, we wonder if we are doing things right or not. I do not believe my kids are who they are by my parenting. I believe they are who they are by how God designed them. I am so lucky that God, in His infinite wisdom, designed my kids to give me what I need to live a positive life. Of course, He didn’t create them this way, just for me. He also created them this way, for all the lives they would touch in their lifetime. Tina, with her drive and determination and her fun loving and caring personality, brings me much joy. Brian, has much discipline and drive, that causes me to try and extend myself.His care and concern and encouragement and fun personality blesses my heart.

I am truly, truly one of the lucky ones!

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Fun to see

When your kids don’t live close, even though you adore your grand kids, you don’t get to always hear the cute things they say or some parts of their personalities. We have three awesome grandsons, awesome in their each uniqueness. They bless my heart whenever I get to spend time with them.

This weekend, my son and family came up for a visit. During that visit, they made us a couple awesome meals. Truly lucky that they are so kind. One of those meals, my son prayed over the meal and asked for help with my recovery.

He has two of the most adorable sons. My aunt has corresponding with them every since my youngest grandson had been diagnosed with cancer. Both boys do a wonderful job of writing. Lucas seems to have a special way of writing that shows concern for those hurting. Could it be because he had so much hurt himself? I don’t know.

After our visitors left, the following day my physical therapist said that I could try experimenting with a cane rather than relying just on the walker. So, my husband took a video of me walking with a cane and sent it to our kids.

Later, we did a video chat with my son and boys. Lucas shared that his Dad prayed and then I did get a bit better. This is fun for a Grandma that relies on prayer, to see her grandson notice it too!

Adorable Lucas and Andrew
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Gifts

For many years, the part that I enjoy about people is their varying personalities and gifts. God in His infinite wisdom, knew that it is not through people that are like us that best give us the most enjoyment. It is when we surround ourselves with different personalities that things run smoothly, as everyone has their needed role.

Through this incident that has left me to the mercy of someone else’s care, I have been humbled, blessed and encouraged by the differing personalities. Each person in their unique way have reached out with compassion and love. I am truly a lucky woman.

When you have been married as long as we have, it has not always been 40 + years of marital bliss. We’ve had good times and we’ve had some not so good times. Some of that through our own misunderstanding or miscommunication. There were many times when I really didn’t think Leonard “had my back”. Through this present circumstance, I have been so impressed with how he has stepped up and helped me with things that I really know that he’d rather not do. He has been awesome! Although, he reminds me frequently, that he is not going to let me get too dependent. Ha Yes, I am lucky.

If you know me, you know that I love smiley faces. When Tina came to visit, she had cards that her 4th graders from her class had made to make me feel better. Oh how that blessed my heart!

Even though they were all cute, this one really touched my heart because I wear a shirt that has a smiley face on it… just like this girl.
Flowers from my daughter and sister-in-law do a lot for my mood

My brother, Nels, has shown so much care and brought us meals that were delicious! We have been so lucky!

Tina and this guy

Isaac

came over and made meals for us for the week. She is such a better cook than me..too bad I couldn’t have her cook more often. I felt like it was gourmet! Mmmmm! We have been blessed beyond measure by the generosity of those around us. We Truly ARE Lucky!

Last but not least for today, I could not fail to mention my new friend. He has helped me up, aided me in the most humble and unmentionable tasks that need to be done. He has helped me get in and out of bed and just been all around trustworthy. What would I have done without him?

Ah yes, Mr. Walker

Please don’t let him know…but , even though he’s been by my side… I am planning on breaking up with him as soon as I can! Shhhhh!

Despite any ups and downs that we may face. We continue to be and will always remain the Lucky Ones!

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You just never know what a day will bring

Northern Michigan is known for it’s unpredictable weather. This past weekend. We had rain which turned to a sheet of ice, then light, slippery snow atop.

Monday, as I ventured out…which I thought was ever so gingerly to the garage to check something in our freezer…I had a most unfortunate event. My foot slipped out from under me and I slammed on the rock solid- ice. Right on my hip and I knew that as hard as I fell and the feel, this would not be good. There were many attempts to get up to no avail. So, I crawled into the garage. Again, many attempts and silly solutions did not bring about my desired result. After a little over an hour, Leonard noticed that I was taking a long time and came to see why. (I am so lucky it wasn’t any longer!) He totally freaked out as now, I could not only not stand or lift my leg, but was shivering uncontrollably.

He asked if I wanted him to call 911. I could see no way that he could get me into the car, so “yes” was my response. When the ambulance got there, two of the EMT’s also fell while getting out of the ambulance ( they did not get hurt)- how lucky!

The EMT said they were sure that I had not broken anything because if I had I would be screaming uncontrollably. So, when we got to the ER she shared this which was also a bit unfortunate. They were so packed, people in the hallways and the waiting rooms were packed. Majority were from falling on the ice. I saw person after person going to get x-rayed and to return to the waiting room. Why was I not being x-rayed? I asked Leonard to check and the woman said I didn’t need to be. After 6-1/2 hours, I was called and was so Lucky to get an ER nurse named Julie. She was so nice and awesome. She called for x-rays and it was determined that my hip was broken. Not only cracked across the bone, but the ball was pushed back to a 90% angle. They said that I would probably have surgery that night. Although, being that there were so many people, that did not happen.

I was admitted into a room and every time I had to be moved, it was excruciating . So many tests had to be done. I was so lucky to have an amazing staff. All were so nice. Even though, just laying there caused great pain. Those little things that we take for granted, using the restroom, positioning yourself, standing were among many others that come to mind.

Leonard called the kids and others to tell them that I was in the hospital. He said,” I talked to God and He said you are going to be alright..well, I didn’t actually hear Him say that, but you are!” I had many dear friends hold me up in prayer. I feel so blessed to have such friends that are close to my heart.

Brian and Tina seemed quite concerned and asked many questions. I feel bad that I worried them so. Andy and Luke wrote me letters which touched my heart.

Tina and Issac came to visit but they didn’t let Isaac come in since he wasn’t 18.

Tina also brought some cards her class had made . They were quite cute and touching

They planned on having surgery late afternoon on Tuesday but that didn’t pan out. So Wednesday was the new day.

I have so many dear friends that were praying for me and God in His mercy and grace listened and prepared the surgeon which told me last night that the surgery went wonderfully. I am so thankful and praise my God for healing, and to be lucky enough to have praising and caring friends. It will be a road ahead to recovery, but I know who will be holding my hand!