Hebrews 12:1-3

Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we'd better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Timing is everything!

Well Sandra couldn't have pick a better time to go south! It looks like she will have a 47 degree temp change today.
Just a little update on how things are going. Sandra has her good days and bad, she is always uncomfortable and the pain varies. Her attitude is still amazingly positive but there are strange things she misses that non of us really understand. I was talking with a friend who is in his own valley right now and we both agreed that no matter how much people try to imagine what we and our families are going through they just won't understand, and hopefully never will.
So we are now over the 8 month point, I tried to explain Sandra's progress with a weight loss analogy. Imagine having to lose 100lbs, you work for 8 months eat all the right food, hire a trainer work out 4 times per week follow the process to a T and at the end of 8 months you have lost 5 lbs. Well are you doing better then 8 months ago? Yes, however you still have a long way to go, it gets discouraging and hard to keep pressing on.
I don't mean this post to be a downer but life isn't always a bowl of cherries.
On the up side I'm going to put up a video for you to see, it is the 1st voluntary movement she has had in her right leg. As you can see she can pull her right leg in I joke with her that she can do 3/4 of a snow angel. This is the muscle that scored a "2" in her last assessment, she needs a 3 for it to be functional.
Prayer request; Sandra will have an uneventful trip to Florida, Continued healing with the activation of her quad muscles, the few remaining pieces of equipment she needs will come in while she is gone.
Mike

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Home Again!


We are back on the road, destination home! We had a good three days back in Detroit.  They do their best at whipping me into shape and encouraging me to keep on going. It was fun to catch up with what's going on in their lives, my physiotherapist had her baby girl Ava we even got to see her and she's beautiful. We are waiting to hear about two of the athletic trainers and their special bundles coming soon. Catching up with other patients and their journeys is always exciting and encouraging to hear how well they’re doing. Today I had my assessment, I was a little disappointed. I was really hoping that more muscles would be contracting specifically my quads and that didn't happen in fact nothing changed in that department. All the muscles that rated a 1 and or 2 stayed the same. My core increased in strength which is always good and I'm thankful. God is keeping me on my knees; I know it is His perfect time for the day of healing. I just can't wait! Please continue to pray for complete healing and patients on my part. Big Hugs Sandra 

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Snow isn't wheelchair friendly

So of all years to have a lot of snow, this didn't need to be it. Sandra basically can't get around through the snow on her own, when I'm with her I can drag the chair backwards to  plow through  
But it isn't fun for either of us. The second issue is the wheels get full of snow and get her wet and we wait at the door for the wheels to dry when we come in the house.
What seams to work best is underground parking it is worth a little further drive to stay clear of old man winter. 
Another solution is to send her south, she will be visiting her parents in Florida at the end of the month. It is something she is excited about, just enjoy the sunshine. While Sandra is away the girls and I will take advantage and spend a few days skiing.
As I type this out Sandra is working hard, core and stretching again. It is good to catch up with the people here see their progress as everyone here is on their own journey. 
Till tomorrow, Mike

Monday, January 7, 2013

Time marches on!

Christmas has come and gone. The ball has dropped, Happy New Year! The kids are back to school and Mike and I are back on the road to Detroit. Isn't it crazy how time can fly by at times and be as slow as molasses another. Someone was asking Mike how his year was, they didn't know what had happened, but Mike's response was other than for 10 seconds, it's been really good. In a blink of an eye our lives can take a completely different path good or bad but it's up to us on how we choose to live out that change. Its been a crazy 8 months. I've looked back and have seen how God has been guiding us through every step but I've also looked back and have wondered why hasn't He healed me yet. Genesis 18:14 "is anything to hard for the Lord? No!" I was reading in our devotional and this was the key verse. It then went on to say "don't quit. For if you do, you may miss the answer to your prayers" Sarah and Abraham waited for a baby and just as she was too old to have a child she gets pregnant. Gods perfect timing.  I've been praying specifically that God would heal me completely leaving physically only the scar on my back as a reminder. Hebrews 4:16 "let us come boldly approach the throne of our gracious God, where we may receive mercy and His grace to find timely help" So I need to be patient because God knows the perfect time, not too soon, not too late. He'll be right on time. Emotionally and mentally I will never be the same nor would I want to take away what I've learned in this process. I'm so thankful for Mike and the support he has been to me and our girls. He has been an amazing example of what love is. I'm praying that I will keep my eyes focused on God through this process, being diligent and patient waiting for His perfect time to heal me. As we approach Detroit please be in prayer for a lot of positive gains during my assessment. Praying for Gods riches blessing on all of you for this coming year. Hugs Sandra