Progress.......

So, surgery Feb 7th.

Achilles tendon was detached, huge bone spurs removed, heel bone "re-sculpted" (I don't even want to know what kind of tools they used!!), and then tendon screwed back on.

New cast Feb 16th

Cast off and stitches out (i'll spare you the picture that my friend Amy took of the incision). New boot set at 20 degrees of plantarflexion (meaning my toes point down from horizontal 20 degrees). Two more weeks and we move it up to 10 degrees plantarflexion.

Still not allowed to put any weight on it....... but still...... progress.

You'd think I would be a blogging maniac, huh? All this time sitting in the recliner with my foot up on pillows. Well, I am...... but a blog reading maniac instead of blog writing. A person needs to be careful about writing things while under the influence of pain pills. So, now that I only average about 1 pain pill a day...... maybe I can start doing some writing. :)

But I truly have enjoyed having time to read and follow blogs, so many families who are bringing home little ones through Reece's Rainbow. And I have to post about my heart for these orphans when I can FINALLY find a way to capture the feelings about these precious children. ...... it's coming....... i have a partial draft.....

Nevin's Photoblog

Well, Nevin and I have decided to start doing his photoblog again. And of course, it seemed only right that our first post would be about his birthday celebration.

Check it out. He is very excited to share. IamNevin Photoblog.

Just the way you are!! Love this.

My Baby!! 21

My "baby" turned 21 last week. (hmm, my baby with an extra 21, is now 21).

We bustled through the festivities, but today ....... my emotions have arrived.

What a journey it has been ....... and continues to be ....... how BLESSED we are!!

1-19-1990

The Miracle Factory

Once upon a time, three angels were busily working in the miracle factory. They were responsible for wrapping up all the little miracles and sending them on their way. Normally, they wrapped each one in bright, sturdy paper with big, shiny ribbons. They stamped it with a delivery date and away it would go to the parents who eagerly awaited its arrival. Things usually ran pretty smoothly. One day, however, down the conveyer belt came a little miracle that made the angels pause.

"Oh my," said the first angel "this one's uhm.. well, different."

"Yes, his is unique" said the second angel.

"Well I think he is quite special," said the first angel "but I don't think he will quite fit our standard wrapping procedures."

And the second angel added, "And we know he's special, but will everyone else?"

"Not a problem," said the third angel "obviously a special miracle deserves extra special wrapping; and of course we'll send him off with our most heartfelt blessings. Then everyone will see how special his is."

"What a wonderful idea!" replied the others.

So they searched the shelves high and low for the finest paper, and their most delicate ribbons. When they were done, they stood back and admired their work. "Beautiful!" they all agreed.

"Now for our blessings," said the third angel "for it is time for him to go."

"I will bless him with innocence and happiness," said the first angel.

" And I will bless him with strength to face the many challenges that lie ahead" said the second angel.

"And I will bless him with an inner beauty that will shine on all who look upon him" said the third angel.

Before sending him off the third angel, who was very wise, gently tucked a note inside. And it said:

Dear Parents,

Today you have received a very special gift.

It may not be what you were expecting,

And you may be disappointed, angry and hurt.

But please know that he comes with many blessings,

And while there may be pain, he will bring you much joy,

He will take you in a very difficult journey,

But you will meet many wonderful people.

He will teach you patience and understanding

And make you reach deep inside yourselves to find a source

of strength and faith you never knew you had.

He will enrich your lives,

And will touch the hearts of all who meet him.

He may be fragile,

But he has a great inner strength.

So please handle him with care,

Give him lots of attention,

Shower him with hugs and kisses,

Love him with all your heart,

And he will blossom before your eyes.

His spirit will shine like the brightest star for all to see,

And you will know that you are truly blessed.

Author Unknown

Thank you, dear son, you have changed who I am.

God is Good, and You are perfectly God's plan!

oh my, really??

wow...... what a long time since I've posted. Going on two years........

There is no way to catch anyone up. So very full........ working very hard to ..."Count it all Joy"..... James 1:2

Much has happened, much has changed.............. mostly we have grown. And most importantly, grown in faith. We have had to lean hard on the Lord for understanding.

We have had job lay-offs, new job stresses, health issues, loss, love, celebrations, more love, new friends, money blessings, money challenges ..... and FAITH....... and everpresent, powerful, awesome love of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

We have been blessed.

God is good and God is patient (thankfully), even with slow learners.

Please pray for little Charity

Please pray for little Charity. She has Down Syndrome and is critically ill right now. Please pray for her and her family.
For more info and updates go the her family's blog: House Full of Joy

I've been trying to find a way to "come back" to blogging........ this was such a wonderful video..... it was enough to get me "postin' again!




*thank you Amy from On a Joyful Journey for passing this on!

Praying for Julie

I have had the blessing of being able to babysit for a very special little girl. She will be having heart surgery this month. I am helping her family start a blog so that family/friends can follow along. She's actually in the hospital now with a "bug". Please join us in prayers.

Julie's Heart

Praying for Adelynn

Addie is a little one from our church (and the youngest member of our HADSA group) who had heart surgery today. Please join me in prayers for a quick and complete recovery!! You can check out her mama's website here for pictures and updates.

Inspiring! Meet Adam Bender

here's a link to his story. I also enjoyed the second video at this link, where his mom is interviewed.