The Climb

My mom has already written about our trip to the mountains on her blog, but I wanted to add my perspective of going up to Mount Mitchell.

Going up the paved road wasn't all that hard - for me. My mom pushed and we took breaks as the path got steeper. A kind lady offered to help us a little further up, and we accepted.

We made it to the top and took in the beautiful scenery. I wheeled around to look at the various signs that told which mountains were on which sides. Then, it was time to go.

Mama said, "Okay, don't panic." Looking down at the path, I did panic at first. My arms were getting sore from being so tense from having them at my side and pressing into my wheelchair cushion.

Mama said, "You are going to have to chill out." She was right. I had to stay calm. 

She was pushing, and I tried to do just that. I was wearing sunglasses, so I couldn't see the path that well. I blocked out almost everyone coming up. A few people stopped and said, "I hope you have power brakes on that thing!"

Mama's response was: "She does. Me." We kept going.

The ride was surprisingly smooth. I began to relax a little. The woman who helped us on the way up was helping us on the way down.

When we got to a more curvier part, Mama told me, "I want you to put the brakes on a little. Not so much that it scrubs, but just a little as a precaution." I did as she asked.

So neither of them got tired, mom and the other lady switched sides. A little time passed and mom asked the other lady, "Is your arm sore?"

"I'm good," she said. "I'm not really doing that much."

I didn't say anything, but I knew enough to know that if she wasn't doing much, Mama was.

At two points during our descent, I felt the wheelchair start to pick up speed. It veered ever so slightly from the steady path we were on. Earlier, when Mama had asked me to put the brakes on, she also wanted my hands lightly on the wheels. So, I felt the pull. The other lady helping was oblivious.

"You've just got to trust me," Mama said. Truer words had never been spoken. I knew if she stopped pulling back on the wheelchair, I would go tumbling down that path and would likely take out a few bodies on the way down.

Mama was guiding that wheelchair. Since my ride was so smooth, I knew she was pulling back HARD.

"Watch out for those rocks," the lady said. I saw those tiny pebbles wedged in the pathway.

Mama said, "I'm not worried about the rocks. I am more concerned about the sand." Sand?! I thought to myself. No one said anything about sand! I didn't even see any sand!

As I thought about this adventure,  it reminded me of my Heavenly Father. Many times we can't see what is in front of us. And if we do get a glimpse, we panic. All the while, He is bearing the load, making our journey easy and light. 

Psalms 55:22 says, "Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall."

I don't know what you are going through today, but trust Him. Sit back and enjoy the journey. Don't be so uptight. God's got you! He is guiding you through the twists and turns of life with expert ease and grace. I didn't know how much my mom had done on the trip down the mountain until the end. 

Lip Balm Mishap

Last week, I woke up during the night only to realize my lips were really dry. I turned on my light, but couldn't find my lip gloss. Finally, I found a little metal tin of Burt's Bees.

"This must be lip balm." I said to myself. When I opened it, I saw it had never been used. Thinking nothing of it, I rubbed the tip of my finger in it and put it on my lips. They were still dry. I rubbed a little bit more on my finger and coated my lips. Nothing. They were still dry. 

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw on the tin the word lemon. "That must be a new flavor." I thought to myself.

Getting a little frustrated, I rubbed my finger in the balm several times to make sure I had enough. Rubbing it all over my lips. This should do the trick, I said. When my lips still felt like sandpaper, I knew something was wrong. Flipping the tin over, I read the words lemon CUTICLE butter.

That explains it! No wonder it was at the bottom of my drawer unopened. I found the nearest napkin and began to fiercely rub my lips to remove any trace of that lemon balm. Now awake for sure, I found my trusty Burt's Bees chap stick in my drawer.

I learned my lesson. Never dig around in a drawer when you're half awake because you'll probably regret it later!

Weekend Recap

This weekend was busy filled with studying editing my paper, and attending my other grandparent's 50th wedding anniversary. No, that's not a typo. Both sets of grandparents have anniversaries within two weeks of each other.

This island was filled with pictures of all of our family.

This was the gift table and guest book sign in. Part of my family's (my mom and my brother) gift to them was a poem that I wrote for them. I might do a separate post if you want to read it. I don't want to have information overload in this post. :)

They renewed their vows. They never had a real wedding, so this day was very special to them.

I have lots of pictures to share from that special event, but I'm not in these specific ones. There will be pictures of the whole family together but they have to be developed first.

P.S. I have a couple new things to tell you about. There's a box on my right sidebar for the people that want to subscribe to my posts through email. I also thought this would be great for people who read my blog but don't have a blog themselves--all you need is an email! I've also added a search box. I do label my posts, but this will enable you to find just what you're looking for without scanning through several posts. I'm all about variety here at Making my Mark.

Weekend Recap

I regret not being able to post these last few days. I had a really rough weekend. I was just trying to make it, you know? Even though this weekend wasn't the greatest, I went to bed believe today would be better day. I'm having to constantly remind myself what the Word says about my situation because I know nothing good ever comes from being negative. That's easier said than done, but God promised his grace would be sufficient through it all.

We had a small graduation party for my brother this weekend. He graduated from an electrical lineman program, and although it was a short program, he learned some invaluable skills. The whole family is proud of him.


This is a picture of all of the cousins together, which is rare because I'm not usually able to come.




The fun isn't over yet! We have my other grandparent's 50th wedding anniversary coming up this weekend. I'm sure it will be great. What did you do this weekend?

Weekend Recap

Nothing exciting happened this weekend. We ordered Mexican and had a movie night. We watched InkHeart. Interesting, captivating...just good. It keeps you in suspense. Have any of you seen it? It was a relaxing weekend at home.

We've tried to make Friday movie nights since I can't sit without being in pain at the movie theater. This way I get to enjoy the movie without having to endure the ride back home. Don't get me wrong, I love going to the movie theater, but I've decided it just isn't worth the pain. I know it won't be like this forever. I will be able to go to the movies eventually.

Saturday we didn't get to do anything because of me. I always encourage Mama to get out whenever she wants because I know it does her good. No one wants to be cooped up in the house. She went to Wal Mart for a few things but that was it.

What did you do this weekend? Go to dinner? Stay in? I want to know how my lovely readers spent their weekends.

This, That, A little bit of Chit Chat

Not much happened over the weekend. We did manage to find good homes for all the puppies. We could have gotten rid of most of them in one day, but we wanted to give the Mama time to adjust to them leaving. The last two will be gone on Thursday or Friday.

My physical therapist is on vacation, so that means I don't have to go. I still have to do the exercises though, but it's nice to have a break from going to the same place twice a week. I had a pretty painful weekend. I listened to some music so I wouldn't think about about the pain.

I'm going to my pain management doctor tomorrow. We're going to stop at a smoothie place on the way back. Gotta have some fun, right?!

ETA: Here's the latest pics of the puppies(yes, they're mixed). She was put up like we always do but a stray dog got in there somehow. We just made the best of the situation. They're getting ready to go bye bye. This is just for you Duckie. :)






Aren't they cute?

Weekend Recap

My mom and I went to Belk in Seneca. It had much better sales than the one where I live. On the way to get something to eat, I spotted a Bath and Body Works sale, so of course we turned around. They were having there semi-annual sale. Sadly, it wasn't as good as years past. I remember when they had the antibacterials 5 for $10. Mama was needing a few things, but we looked around for a bit because I was tired and in pain. Not a good combination. We were able to get out and go somewhere new for a little bit so that was good. I've learned to be thankful for those trips, even if they're not long because I remember when I couldn't stay in Wal-M@rt for ten minutes due to hip pain.

We had a laid back Fourth this year. My mom grilled filet mignon just for our little family not a whole crowd. She wanted steak from one of her favorite restaurants, but they were closed. She said the price of the filet mignon at the store equaled about what the takeout would have cost.

My cousin didn't do fireworks until last night. I was kinda bummed because I thought he was doing them on the Fourth so I rested all day to have enough energy.

Stay tuned for the next edition of Memories Rewind! It involves old men and sweet treats.

What a Weekend!

On Friday, my mom decided I needed to get out a little so we went to Anderson. We went to Ross(a clothing store), and I picked up some cute tops for summer.

We ordered takeout from Olive Garden since I couldn't sit any longer. It was so yummy!

Even though we only stayed gone a little over two hours, I was beat when we got home. I told my mom, "If anybody wants to kill me tell them to take me to Anderson!" She just laughed, but I was serious. The minute I laid back down I felt much better. Sitting for longer periods of time is still a work in progress.

Today, I plan to rest. I completed my mission which was to go to Anderson. The interesting thing is that it didn't always hurt me to sit up. I may give you the back story on everything sometime, but I don't want anyone to feel sorry for me.