Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Success Part II



June 18, 2009 marks the one-year anniversary of a horrific accident that I was involved in. My life nearly ended after I was hit by a car while riding my bicycle. Much of the past year is a blur. I've had plenty of good times and have made tremendous progress on the rehabilitation journey. But the recovery is still in process. Some days I feel incredibly good and optimistic, but I have to admit that there are some days that are hard, slow and discouraging.

Many people have been a part of the healing process. I have had some disappointments and limitations. My physical and mental healing have made great strides, but there is still plenty of room to go (though I tend to be in denial of how far I probably have yet to go).

Before my accident, I didn't think I knew anyone who had suffered a brain injury, but I was wrong. My mom suffered a stroke, and my brother had complications (an infection) following surgery that impacted his brain. My cousin's daughter suffered a traumatic brain injury a couple years ago as a result of a car accident. Of those people, I didn't fully grasp the challenges that come from having an injury to one's brain, but there are many. I still don't fully comprehend the injury I sustained, but hopefully I am learning.

I am a person who enjoys anniversaries and special dates. I am extremely grateful for this anniversary. God has been incredibly faithful over this past year. Though there is much I don't remember of June 2008 - June 2009, I'm sure it is a year that I won't forget.

Has this been a successful year?

I don't believe achieving success means that one doesn't experience pain, loss, disappointment or failure. I've experienced all those things this past year. I've made many mistakes, but I am grateful to be alive and know that God is doing a work within my character and enabling me to trust and honor Him.

Success.

Blessings,
Kathi

Note from family: It has been one long year, but we are so grateful for the love and support from each and every one of you. We appreciate all the prayers, meals, gifts and cards . . . and most of all, loving us through this. God has blessed us with an outcome we hoped for, prayed for and dreamed of - to God be the glory! Great things he has done!

4 comments:

Sally-Girl! said...

To God be the glory is right! I will never forget this day last year while on vacation in Hawaii and opening the email stating you had been hurt so bad that they did not think you were going to make it. You change my prayer life that day. I went into 24 hour prayer. it seemed like everything I did always included prayers for you even walking through the grocery store. I am so grateful that our God answered the prayers of hundreds!

Happy Anniversary and an incredible year of success!!

Lendyloo said...

Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow! Only God could make this last year possible. It is so amazing to see the progress you've made since your horrible accident. I realize it seems slow & unending to you, but just keep looking at those pictures & reminding yourself of where you were a year ago & it makes each day a milestone to celebrate! We continue to pray for you & believe that you will not only recover, but be even better than before. You certainly have this experience to draw from when others go through similar injuries. Hang in there! Next year's anniversary will look much different I'm sure! We love you. I regret that I didn't get to see you when you visited FBC a while back. Maybe next time.
Don & Lenda Snyder

christy said...

Continued Prayers and words of encouragement for you.
Christy Raschke

christy said...

Dear Kathi,
We have continued to pray and lift you up over the past year. We were in awe at the extent of your injuries and then to see you today. God has truly worked a miracle in your life. I know all too well how difficult it is when the body and brain don't function as one. My husband has advanced Parkinson's Disease and Dementia. We have learned to live day by day and some days hour by hour. There are days where the confusion is overwhelming and the body doesn't respond to what the brain wants it to do but those are the days that we remind ourselves that God is in charge and one day we will be with him pain free and rejoicing. On those difficult days when my husband isn't able to communicate or remember who I am I remind myself that Jesus is enough! And oh how different my outlook is when I see life through the eyes of Jesus. I continue to pray and encourage you in all that you have done and where you have come from. All my love.
Christy