There was a time before when I could get in my car and go anywhere, anytime I wanted to. There was a time before when I could go in my kitchen and mix up a new recipe or an old favorite or just make something new that I created. There was a time before when I could go to visit my mother at her assisted living center every day or two to make sure she had plenty of snacks and take her out for a drive every once in a while. There was a time before when I enjoyed my job as a nurse in the emergency room, and I enjoyed my work as a sexual assault nurse examiner. I liked working as a nurse at the children's summer camp and I enjoyed going on medical mission trips. There was a time before when I really enjoyed working with the children's group at church, when I could play games with them and set on the floor in a circle for prayer time.
In the time before I had never met Lori or Sarah or Sheila. They are my three caretakers who get me up in the morning and put me to bed at night. They do so much more for me than is directed in their job description. They have become very good friends and I am so thankful for Lori and Sarah and Sheila.
In the time before I had not met Allen. He is the young man who comes over three times a week to work me out on my exercise mat. Even when I'm whining and complaining and say I don't feel like doing it, he ignores my whining and complaining and encourages me to get on the mat and work out. When I'm through and I feel totally exhausted I am so glad that Allen made me go on and do it anyway and I am so thankful for Allen.
In the time before I really enjoyed working with the kids at church but after my accident I did not think I would ever be able to do that again. Etter wanted me to help her and she encouraged me to do it. Now I believe that is the best therapy for me. I love being with those kids every week. I am so thankful for Etter who picks me up every Wednesday night and takes me to church and I am so thankful for those terrific kids.
I love getting together with other nurses who I worked with years ago to talk about nursing and reminisce about things that we've done together. I am so thankful for June and Judy and Ricky and Linda and Roberta and many other dear friends I have worked with in the hospital.
In the time before when I did all the cooking, I didn't know what a good cook my brother is. He cooks my dinner every day and does a million other things for me. I am so thankful for Leonard.
In the time before I knew I had some pretty terrific friends. Those friends have all been so encouraging and supportive and have shown me such love. I am so thankful for all these cherished friendship.
People ask me how I can be so positive and they will ask about depression. I have read in the SCI forum that that suicide is prevalent among spinal cord injury patients. But I get such strength and support from my sisters. My accident turned their lives upside down too. They never wanted to be nurses! I am so thankful for Janie, Pauletta and Chris. (And their husbands also.)
You are one of the people who are so important to me and I'm so glad you're in my life. I am so thankful for you.
Dear Deedy, since "the time before", you have become such an inspiration to me, your entire family, friends and everyone who has heard your story. We all give thanks for YOU!
ReplyDeleteYOU have given inspiration to me personally for when I have kinks in my life, I think of how many obstacles my friend has overcome and how much you have been through then I realize what we all have and might not know it! YOU have a wonderful and caring family, one to be proud of every day. Thank you for being my friend, love you much! Beverly Cannon
ReplyDeleteThere was a time before...when I took you and my whole life for granted. There was a time before when I didn't know all the wonderful friends you made and kept over the years. There was a time before when I didn't know first hand just how strong your faith is........and now my own faith has been strengthened because of you. I am thankful for YOU and so proud of you !
ReplyDeleteYour loving (and favorite..ha ha ?) sister, Pauletta
Deedy, I am thankful to have you in my life! Your will to move forward and abundant faith in God has inspired me to be a better person and has even gotten me back into church to continue my walk with the Lord! And while I know that you think that I do more than what is in my job description, you should know that I do the things I do because you are very dear to me. I often feel that I don't do enough. You are an extraordinary woman. Thank you for being apart of my life. Love you!
ReplyDeleteBev, you have been more than an inspiration to me and to so very many people. I know I've not been there for you as often as I should, but I want you to know I continue to pray for you and love you. I am so thankful that God has given you an opportunity to serve Him in spite of your handicap and to learn more of His love for you. This could not be if you were not a dedicated believer in our Lord Jesus Christ. I also like the fact that you are still our leader in the book club. Thank you for staying active. I know it's not always easy for you to get out and go, but you are willing to try. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteIf only we all could look at our family and friends...and ourselves as you do! Wish you were closer...Monday lunches haven't been the same without you!
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