Memories Rewind: Cade's Cove

We piled into the car and headed for the mountains. Cade's Cove and all of its adventures awaited us.

The car bounded along on the gravel trail. Deer wandered all around, unafraid of the visitors. We were so excited, so we got out to walk around. Old fashioned churches with wooden pews dotted the landscape. I was intrigued by these buildings because I was transported to a simpler time and place. Back then, people made an effort to become a community. People did more things together.

Very curious, we continued walking. We came upon an old building with a working water wheel. I loved this! Papa went ahead of us, carefully explaining how the corn was ground into flour. I could picture a woman laboring over that grinder just to get a little bit of flour. That was hard work.

I had had enough of the walking for awhile, so we got back on the trail. I spotted several people fumbling for their cameras out of my eye. "Look, Papa! I wonder what those people are doing?"

Then, I saw it, there were a few black bears and their cubs very close to us. I couldn't believe that some people would risk their lives for a photo! I was perfectly content to sit in our air conditioned cars and comfy seats, thank you very much.

Thanks to the zoom on Granny's camcorder, we were able to see the bear. That was enough of an adventure for me.

Any interesting stories to tell about a family trip you took?

If you want more information about Cade's Cove, click here. We did the Auto Tour. (Image Credit: the Microsoft Clip Art collection on my computer)

In Ten Years

I was recently tagged by Kylee from Life is a Canvas.

I'm supposed to tell you where I see myself in 10 years. In 10 years, I'll be 30. Wow, that feels weird to type that! I see myself in a career that I love. What may surprise some of you is that I see myself out of the wheelchair by this time. I wasn't always in one, and I know with God's help I can get to that place again. I don't have the ability to predict the future(and I wouldn't want it), but I do know that the choices that we make today affect our lives tomorrow.

I have goals and dreams, but I never want to be so set in my plans that God can't do what He wants to do in my life. If I don't get my book published by then, so be it. I haven't even written it yet. ;) Why? I guess I'm dealing with life right now. With me, I can't plan anything too far in advance.

The rules say I'm supposed to tag ten other people.

Gwen from Handbag Obessed

Meg from Sweet Cheeks and Sugar Lips

Megan from Tales of the Trees

BK from Happilee Ever After

Trina from XOXO, Trina

Saucy from Saucy's Sprinkles

Shelley from I'm still Standing

Jesse from Dismantled Words

Jillian from It all began with a man in a black jeep

Louise from Adori Graphics

Breaking Free

This picture shows my very last Fentanyl patch.

I'm writing this post with the end goal in mind. I'm have been completely off the Fentanyl (and Dilaudid) since June 14, 2010. There have been people that seriously doubted whether or not this could be done. Heck, I'm not going to say this has been a leisurely walk in the park. I've cried, I've wondered when this would end. But, one thing never changed. Once we came off a dose month by month, I refused to go back. People reassured me saying it was OK, but I couldn't do it. I had to move forward with or without some people behind me. My mom has seen me at the best times and the worst. My physical therapist has been there sometimes voicing his opinion and other times silently supporting me in my quest to be me again.

My church family has also been there for me. A hug or a word of encouragement has meant more than they will ever know. Even the praise and worship that leaps from the keyboard into the heart of the people has been wonderful.

I said all this to say I couldn't have done this by myself. When I started this journey, I called it a tale of triumph in the midst of the world's system, and that still holds true. I said it by faith excited for what was come.

It's bittersweet, though. I am leaving this phase of the journey with a mixture of emotions. While I'm free from medication, there are many others at the clinic that will not get to say the same. My heart is heavy for them, but I hope I've inspired their parents to keep hope in spite of it all. I hope that the nurses there are more committed to helping even more kids. Sometimes helping doesn't consist of getting them off medication but figuring out the best plan of care. I want them to know that the work they do is important. Thank you Bobby for having the best attitude whether in phone or in person. You are 100% committed to the kids there. Dr. V., thank you for working with me these past few years. I appreciate you being willing to listen to my concerns, no matter how trivial they sounded. Thank you for always looking for the next best thing that might help me.

To all of the kids and parents that are still patients at the clinic, hang in there. While you may not be able to change your situation, you can change your attitude. Be committed to the doctor's orders. Be kinder than necessary to the staff. Be patient. It may not happen when you want it to happen, but trust me, someone is working behind the scenes to help your child.

So, it's time to turn the page. A new phase of my journey has begun!

I've included some posts that sum up things:

Preparing for Battle

Survival

Frustation mixed with Faith

Pressing On

I'm going through a major adjustment period. Since this blog is meant to chronicle my life, every post will not be funny or thought provoking. This blog will be real, though.

Some days I don't have the strength to write. It's been a trying time these past few weeks, but God hasn't fell off the throne. I'm just having to dig my heels in one more time. When I feel like I can't take another step, I'm hit in the face with reality. How can I stop when God didn't stop? He hung on that cross. He accomplished what he sat out to do. I'm only on this earth for a brief time, and I plan to fulfill my purpose. God never promised life would be easy, but He did promise His grace would always be sufficient. It is in my moments of weakness that I find strength in what He has already done.

So, I'm taking a few days off. I do have a post scheduled for Friday, though.

EDIT: Blogger is having some issues with the comments. I can see them, but the number of comments isn't right. Thanks for taking the time to comment.

6/8/10- Sorry, everyone! My post posted early, but I fixed it. Check back tomorrow!

Tell me what you Want

I have a question. I've been thinking about creating a F@cebook page for this blog, but I don't want to do it if only a few are interested. Why? It takes time and effort to maintain another page.

Do you think it would be worthwhile? Weigh in by participating in my poll!





Blonde Duck, I got your comment, but I'm not sure why it didn't post.

Independence

Today is July 4th. Most people have a cookout then go back to their mundane lives. I see things from a different perspective, so I thought I would share my thoughts.

My new wheelchair gives me independence. For 5 years, I tolerated a chair that was mediocre at best and certainly not made to sit in for long periods of time. With independence comes responsibility.

When the papers were signed and the ink was drying, the chair was mine. I could do with it what I wished. Opportunities to move around my house with ease awaited me, but I had to push the button first. Likewise, the Declaration of Independence was signed 234 years ago, but its words shouldn't be taken lightly. The freedom and liberty that Jefferson spoke of came with a price. Most of us want to say, "It's the soldiers responsibility to protect us!" You are only partially right. As Americans, we have a responsibility to preserve our culture. Do we want to be remembered for our iPhOnes and fast paced life? Do we want others to say that we have money, but yet our country is one of the unhappiest?

The moment we cheapen freedom to a picture of a flag with fireworks, we're in trouble. Our founding fathers paved the way for our nation to be one that fosters creativity and growth, but it's up to us to keep it that way.

We get the choice each day as to what kind of mark we leave on this world. Preserving our independence starts with me; it starts with you.

Out with the Old, in with the New

My new chair is on the left. I just wanted to show the difference.

This post has been anticipated for a long time. My new wheelchair arrived in one piece on Wednesday! I was so excited.

I woke up with butterflies in my stomach because the day that I had only dreamed about was finally a reality.

There it was. I could see it. I could touch it. Everyone can celebrate when you can see something with your own eyes, but many lose faith when things don't go the way you think they should. I'm living proof that good things come to those who wait. I had praised God for meeting my needs MONTHS before we even knew if the e-motion wheels would be approved.

You see, these wheels are something special. They are so special that only a handful get approved each year. I made up my mind awhile back that it was OK if I didn't get the e-motion wheels. The main thing I needed was a better seat-anything else was just a bonus. I'm so excited for a seat that's specifically designed to be sat in.

So, are you scoffing at this post? Are you saying, "That could never happen to me?" Refocus. Whatever you need, thank God for it now. You have to have His praise continually on your lips. God can do abundantly more than we can ask or think...if we just believe. God has already paid the price for our needs, sins, sicknesses, etc. He's waiting on us to get our mind out of the way.

I turn another page in this book called life. I'm having to get adjusted to this new chair, but it's worth it!