Thrive at CCC

I'm going to a women's retreat

I know what you are thinking...sounds awful! It took me several years to agree to go to this thing. Thanks to a church event back when my girls were toddlers, I decided it was better to do a scrapbook weekend with friends than a women's retreat with a bunch of annoying women. Seriously, if I am going to spend lots of money and be away from my family for 1-2 days it better be fun or a time of great spiritual growth (or both). No kidding one of the sessions I attended back in the day was "how to dress your shape" WHAT??? That did me in! To be fair, there may have been something good presented that day, I just don't remember. I vowed to never go again. I don't want to learn how to fold napkins, use a scarf as an accessory or clean a bathroom in the midst of a women's retreat at church!

Geepers...a lot of punctuation and frustration just flowed out of me.

Anyway, I am so happy that Christ Community Church knows how to put on an event for women. And I'm thankful to some persuasive friends who got me to go back. Over the years at CCC I have had a variety of roles, this year I am a table leader again. Other than my loyal GF Tami, I do not know who will be at my table. This is both a source of excitement and anxiety. This week I am focusing on prayer for the event, the speakers, the table assignments, the attendees, the weather and health. God is able to do more than I could ever imagine. If you are so inclined please lift up this event in prayer.

As a table leader I am also trying to come up with something special to make for each person at my table. I can't spend much money so it may be a little sign with scripture on it. I will let you know if that actually happens. With a theme of "courage" I like the verse below. (I know I just mentioned it in my last post) I will take suggestions for other short verses.

Happy Presidents' Day!

Pray for our leaders!

Milestones of Hamstring Recovery

Identifying and meeting milestones has not been a significant part of my thought process. Now that I think about it, I don't seem to be a person who does a lot of goal setting. I remember doing a goal setting exercise when I worked at a church in Phoenix. I hated doing it. I wonder if that is the symptom of some underlying neuroses. ;) Flashback to potty training days, I am certain there was milestone planning, I just don't remember. In the last year, without realizing it I have become much more focused on reaching milestones. Some of these milestones have been suggested by medical professionals and some by me (the patient).

The purpose of milestone-based thinking is to help choose the right goals. It is counter-productive to be laying on the couch 2 weeks after hamstring surgery thinking only of running a marathon. At 2 weeks PO (post op) I was elated to be able to put a little weight on my right leg and began to focus on my next milestone of bending at the hip. Today, I am nearly 6 mo PO and my next milestone is running. Excitement builds these last eleven days until I can put a big checkmark in the "running again" box.

Yesterday I spent an extended amount of time searching and planning my running milestones of 2018.

• February 11 begin running
• April 21 local 5K race
• April 22 sign up for a 1/2 marathon
• Summer 10K race
• October 21 Des Moines, IA 1/2 marathon

What I went through was rough but conquerable.  If you want to understand my injury and surgery better you can read about it by clicking here. Instead of feeling sorry for my aging self I decided to beat the odds and come back better than before. I share these goals so you can become part of my road to recovery. I am a bit frightened to run again and have no idea if I will be able to run 3.1 miles in April much less 13.1 in October. Posting this is my way of asking for your support, prayer and encouragement, not just in running these physical races but in walking along side me in my life journey. 

I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus is calling us.  Phillipians 3:14

Road to Recovery

Reagan is ten weeks PI (post injury) and six weeks PO (post operation) Already she is hitting benchmarks that remind us "she is going to get there!" From the beginning I told Reagan we weren't going to focus on what she can't do or how long it was going to take to get back on the pitch. Rather we would take a look at the next goal and look back at how far she had come in one week, two weeks, etc. It's been a great plan, so far. 

I love lists and spreadsheets. I haven't made a spreadsheet or line graph (yet) but it is very encouraging to look back at what Reagan has accomplished thus far.

MRI before surgery 10/18

Getting around before
surgery. 10/17

3 days PO 11/17

BENCHMARKS
1. 1st Doc appointment and MRI (Oct 18)
2. Rehab to heal MCL and regain ROM for surgery
3. Surgery (Nov 14) This was a big one...she got sick 4 days before surgery and there was a strong chance that surgery would be post-poned. I loaded her up on several essential oils and surgery safe supplements all day long. Her body fought it well enough to go under.
4. Start Physical Therapy (Nov 17)
5. Pooping...no one wants to talk about it but anyone on painkillers KNOWS this is an issue!
6. Off Pain Meds
7. Back to school (Nov 27) and back to soccer practice.
8. Two week PO appointment (Nov 28)
9. No Crutches (Dec 11)
10. 6 week doctor appoint (Dec 27) = no brace and start driving

I hope I can get the video below to work. For 2 weeks I dropped Reagan off at PT for her hour long visit. A couple weeks I stayed to watch her progress. The emotions caught me off-guard. Seeing Reagan walk, march and ride the bike without crutches, a brace or even the ace bandage was overwhelming. Reagan is doing so well and even though there's so much she is waiting to do, she can be very proud of her accomplishments in such a short time. Then two days later at PT again she was kicking a soccer ball. Claire, her therapist understands the psychological side of this injury, touching the ball is critical!

Dr Arnold explained today that the next six weeks can be difficult. To this point she has had very visible benchmarks but weeks 6-12 PO are all about strengthening which happens gradually without much fanfare. It's also a time when athletes such as Reagan begin to think, "I feel good, I can do that." WRONG!!! No you can't! Use caution! Think about the future not the immediate limitations! These are difficult things for a 16 year old to do but Reagan is up for the challenge.

On a personal note, Reagan and I attend physical therapy together from time to time. Our injuries are completely different, our bodies are completely different but we are both extremely competitive. Claire (PT) put us both on little wheeled chairs to scoot across the floor. First thing she says, "THIS IS NOT A RACE!" To that Reagan exclaimed, "OH YES THIS IS A RACE!" Ha She makes me laugh. Only because I have to enjoy it while I can... I won! :) My leg hurt later that night but that's ok, it's been many years since I have been able to beat Reagan at anything physically.

All joking aside, I am so proud of Reagan's hard work and determination to return better than ever. There's something to be said for a warrior who can fight the battle on the field but also the one that rages within. You've got this kid! Keep working hard and reach your dreams.

JT

Today I find myself constantly praying for all those who are suffering today from the loss of their friend and loved one, JT Butrick. Friday morning JT was struck by a car as he was walking to school, his life on earth ended that evening. This kind-hearted boy attended the same middle school as our oldest daughter which means my husband had him in class last year.

Last night Emma struggled with what to feel and say. Today there will be so many kids in that same boat. Dealing with ones mortality is difficult for all of us but for a middle school child it is just too much to really understand. Please join with me in praying for the students, staff and faculty at school today.

Molly Bear

I have asked so many to pray for Sweet Little Molly, I decided to post a few pictures. 

I like to have a face to go with my prayers.

I have some updates.

The news does come in slowly & I do think this will be a long process but I tend to continue praising God for the miracles He has & will work in the life of this baby girl & all those who love her.

*Today officially the doctors started seeing gag reflexes, even though the nurses have been reporting it since yesterday.  It isn't real until the neurologist sees it.  :)

*Tonight Chris and I spent some time with Mike and Stacy in the hospital.  It was pure joy to see our friends look alive again. It's amazing what a little sleep and some good news can do for the body.

 We hugged, visited and laughed.  All good for the soul!

*Molly opened her eyes while we were in the room and then began moving her arms and legs.  It sure looked to me like she was uncomfortable and trying to reposition herself but the docs aren't certain if these movements are involuntary or intentional.

*Tomorrow morning Molly has her second MRI.  The first one showed some damage in the brain and they expect to see a little more tomorrow.  However, after the procedure, the vent should come out & the feeding tube will go up her nose then finally mom & dad will be able to hold their baby again. 

 Olivia and Molly at the pool

 At the soccer field.

This girl is use to being at a game of some sort, she can make almost anything into a toy.  I have a fantastic picture of Molly covered in baby powder after digging through someone else's diaper bag.  Unfortunately, I could not find that picture.

If you would like to follow Molly's progress her parents have started a page for updates at

www.caringbridge.org

Message me and I would be happy to share the info you need.  What you can do is pray for Molly to come completely out of the drug induced coma and start showing more neurological advances.

Isn't God Good?  Already in the last 3 days He has shown 100's and probably 1000's of people the power of prayer.  I serve a Mighty Savior!

Prayers Needed!!!

What a week!!  I don't want to go into too many details but I do want to get out the message to anyone who reads my blog.  My friends need your prayers for their little girl, Molly and for their family.

Yesterday sweet little Molly (2) choked while eating lunch at home.  Her dad was quick to help her but could not get the food dislodged.  She is now in a medically induced coma to allow her body time to heal.  I don't know much more than that but God knows every detail.  Please go to Him on their behalf. 

Two updates from this week...
1. Please continue to pray for the Ayala family.  Our hearts are broken for the loss of Gabby.
2. My dad is out of the hospital and back at home.  The infection in his arm and hand was very bad.  Praise God he got great care in Omaha.

There are some verses that keep ringing in my head (paraphrased).

God works all things for good for those who love him. Roman 8

Trust the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5

For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you.  Plans to give you hope and a future.  Jeremiah 29:11