Progress is very important, though sometimes we can miss it.
There was a time that progress in my recovery was very evident, as the injuries were so severe. My healing has been miraculous and I praise God for the Healer that He is. Healing and recovery are still coming my way, but sometimes it is not as evident, even to me.
Yesterday at church was a lovely reminder. There are songs that I sing in church where I love to close my eyes so that I can meditate even more so on the words that I am singing. Three years ago I could not close my eyes if I wanted to sing the songs, because I could not remember the words to the songs that I knew I knew.
As I was singing yesterday the remembrance of that reality came to me and it made me smile, because I was singing songs with my eyes closed. Yesterday was not the first time I remembered this reality in my recovery, but it is the first time (I think) that I shared it.
Progress sometimes has come in small steps, but they have come in steps that are headed in the right direction. I want to keep my focus on the progress, no matter how big or small the steps. My therapist Dodie reminded me early on in recovery to celebrate the little things. Actually, the little things are much bigger then they may appear to us.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Saturday, October 1, 2011
The Wisdom of Friends
I experienced something very cool this week. I really believe that I had an opportunity to experience God's love, concern, and His watching over me. God used people in my life to demonstrate those things to me.
I am riding in an 'organized ride' with one of my cycling teams, Team Revolutions, tomorrow. The entire ride is 72 miles from El Dorado Hills (where I live) to a place in Sacramento. I have heard great things about this ride and all that is connected with it. I really wanted to ride this ride. It would be the longest I have ridden in over a year.
A couple of my friends had concerns about the distance, I wasn't riding with a specific person, the potential of riding in the bike lanes on the road, and just not quite being there emotionally about my riding again. These are legit concerns, but I wanted to ride the ride.
As I stopped by Team Revs headquarters I spoke with a friend, Dian, who works there. She was encouraged about my desire and willingness to ride. After I left, she shared with Mike about me going. Mike called me and he shared some of his concerns with me about the distance and some other aspects. Again, very legit and wise words.
After speaking with Mike, I called Dian. I shared with her the things that Mike shared with me, including asking Dian to ride with me. Dian agreed. We made adjustments to the ride from Mike's suggestions and we're scheduled to ride together tomorrow.
I believe that God helped to orchestrate these conversations, as well to give each of my friends the courage to share their concerns and love for me. Their input, which all lined up with one another, was why I changed my mind.
I am grateful that my friends shared their concerns with me and their graciousness to me. I experienced wonderful love and care through them. I am excited about riding with Dian and seeing all the other Team Revs riders on the trail. As well, we won't ride the complete 72 miles, but I am grateful that I can ride a bike again.
I am grateful for God's love and concern for me. He helped to guide my steps to a wise conclusion. I did not feel pressured in any way, but felt people's love for me. Good thing I woke up to the reality to a wise decision to make.
Thanks Friends!
I am riding in an 'organized ride' with one of my cycling teams, Team Revolutions, tomorrow. The entire ride is 72 miles from El Dorado Hills (where I live) to a place in Sacramento. I have heard great things about this ride and all that is connected with it. I really wanted to ride this ride. It would be the longest I have ridden in over a year.
A couple of my friends had concerns about the distance, I wasn't riding with a specific person, the potential of riding in the bike lanes on the road, and just not quite being there emotionally about my riding again. These are legit concerns, but I wanted to ride the ride.
As I stopped by Team Revs headquarters I spoke with a friend, Dian, who works there. She was encouraged about my desire and willingness to ride. After I left, she shared with Mike about me going. Mike called me and he shared some of his concerns with me about the distance and some other aspects. Again, very legit and wise words.
After speaking with Mike, I called Dian. I shared with her the things that Mike shared with me, including asking Dian to ride with me. Dian agreed. We made adjustments to the ride from Mike's suggestions and we're scheduled to ride together tomorrow.
I believe that God helped to orchestrate these conversations, as well to give each of my friends the courage to share their concerns and love for me. Their input, which all lined up with one another, was why I changed my mind.
I am grateful that my friends shared their concerns with me and their graciousness to me. I experienced wonderful love and care through them. I am excited about riding with Dian and seeing all the other Team Revs riders on the trail. As well, we won't ride the complete 72 miles, but I am grateful that I can ride a bike again.
I am grateful for God's love and concern for me. He helped to guide my steps to a wise conclusion. I did not feel pressured in any way, but felt people's love for me. Good thing I woke up to the reality to a wise decision to make.
Thanks Friends!
Monday, September 5, 2011
The Recovery Journey
Life can feel crazy at times, can't it? For me, pre-injury-wise, life would periodically feel crazy; that was usually out of my own choosing. Post-injury-wise, life has often felt crazy. Some things I just cannot do the same, at this point in time. I am slower mentally, in decision making, and physically.
There are some things that take me longer to comprehend and understand. There are some things I am just not getting at this point in my recovery.
I don't say those things for people to feel sorry for me, but because they're reality. I don't say them because there has not been incredible healing and progress: because THERE HAS BEEN those things.
God has been very gracious to me. The capacity in which I am able to function is miraculous. The reality though is that recovery continues and it can be discouraging and difficult. It may not look difficult to others, as many people face some of the same sort of challenges i do and move forward with them.
I am seeing now that the deficits that remain slow me down a bit and make some things, that seem to me should be much easier, more difficult.
The recovery process is a journey. I am grateful to be on this journey. And I am grateful I do not walk this journey alone: my Faith in God, my Family, and my Friends keep walking with me.
There are some things that take me longer to comprehend and understand. There are some things I am just not getting at this point in my recovery.
I don't say those things for people to feel sorry for me, but because they're reality. I don't say them because there has not been incredible healing and progress: because THERE HAS BEEN those things.
God has been very gracious to me. The capacity in which I am able to function is miraculous. The reality though is that recovery continues and it can be discouraging and difficult. It may not look difficult to others, as many people face some of the same sort of challenges i do and move forward with them.
I am seeing now that the deficits that remain slow me down a bit and make some things, that seem to me should be much easier, more difficult.
The recovery process is a journey. I am grateful to be on this journey. And I am grateful I do not walk this journey alone: my Faith in God, my Family, and my Friends keep walking with me.
Monday, June 20, 2011
3 Years and Counting
June 18 of this year marked the 3 year anniversary of when my friend Kathy and I were hit by a car whose driver was under the influence of alcohol. Our lives were significantly impacted, not just physically, but emotionally, mentally, spiritually -- in a number of ways. My life has not been the same since.
I am grateful to God for the healing, recovery, and the hope He has given me throughout this time. I really was not expected to survive and if I did, the question remained in regards to what my condition would be like.
My life has made a miraculous recovery! I am doing well physically, though I still have some challenges, aches, and pains. Mentally I am doing well, though there are some behavioral challenges that I need to focus on and work through. My memory and problem solving have gotten a lot better, though they can have their hiccups. Stamina-wise I have gotten better, but that can be a challenge too. I still need to build rest into my schedule. Work-wise I do not have a job, but I am working on some writing that I am doing, seeking to tell the story of this journey I have been on.
On the 18th my friend Kathy and I, as well as a number of other friends on bicycles and on foot, joined us on El Dorado Hills Blvd along the site where Kathy and I were hit. Also, the paramedics/firefighters who helped us, were there.
On my new bicycle, and for my first time since the crash in 2008, we rode the route along EDH Blvd. It was my first time to ride a bike along this route since I have been hit. It felt good to be on the bike again and it felt good to be able to ride the EDH Blvd. hill that I needed to ride.
It was an incredible time. It far exceeded the expectations I had for the ride.
This site is no longer just a crash site, but it is now a celebration site! We had an incredible celebration of the hope, healing, and recovery that has and is taking place.
What lies ahead in the "...and counting"? I don't know, but I know that God does know. I am in good hands.
I am grateful to God for the healing, recovery, and the hope He has given me throughout this time. I really was not expected to survive and if I did, the question remained in regards to what my condition would be like.
My life has made a miraculous recovery! I am doing well physically, though I still have some challenges, aches, and pains. Mentally I am doing well, though there are some behavioral challenges that I need to focus on and work through. My memory and problem solving have gotten a lot better, though they can have their hiccups. Stamina-wise I have gotten better, but that can be a challenge too. I still need to build rest into my schedule. Work-wise I do not have a job, but I am working on some writing that I am doing, seeking to tell the story of this journey I have been on.
On the 18th my friend Kathy and I, as well as a number of other friends on bicycles and on foot, joined us on El Dorado Hills Blvd along the site where Kathy and I were hit. Also, the paramedics/firefighters who helped us, were there.
On my new bicycle, and for my first time since the crash in 2008, we rode the route along EDH Blvd. It was my first time to ride a bike along this route since I have been hit. It felt good to be on the bike again and it felt good to be able to ride the EDH Blvd. hill that I needed to ride.
It was an incredible time. It far exceeded the expectations I had for the ride.
This site is no longer just a crash site, but it is now a celebration site! We had an incredible celebration of the hope, healing, and recovery that has and is taking place.
What lies ahead in the "...and counting"? I don't know, but I know that God does know. I am in good hands.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
A Community of Brothers
One of the important things in my schedule is to meet with a support group of people who have sustained a TBI. We meet every two weeks. Our group has changed a bit since I have begun attending. Currently there are four of us, besides our neuro-psychologist, who meets with us. I am the only woman with three guys (four guys counting our psychologist.) Though sometimes Lynda, our physical therapist, leads our time. She does a great job too.
I am in good community.
We all have different backgrounds. We each have sustained our injuries in different ways, though one man was also hit by a car while riding his bicycle.
Each of us has sustained horrendous injuries; we each were in a coma for some extent of time; we've been having to learn to adapt and adjust to our new lives; we're all happy to be alive -- it is miraculous that each of us is alive.
I enjoy these men and find them a great encouragement to me. We are all a great encouragement to one another. We can relate to what one another struggles with, as well as the areas that we have been able to celebrate in our lives. Their community, their friendship, is important to me.
I am in good community.
We all have different backgrounds. We each have sustained our injuries in different ways, though one man was also hit by a car while riding his bicycle.
Each of us has sustained horrendous injuries; we each were in a coma for some extent of time; we've been having to learn to adapt and adjust to our new lives; we're all happy to be alive -- it is miraculous that each of us is alive.
I enjoy these men and find them a great encouragement to me. We are all a great encouragement to one another. We can relate to what one another struggles with, as well as the areas that we have been able to celebrate in our lives. Their community, their friendship, is important to me.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
A Celebration Site, Not Crash Site
Over the past couple of years, there has been incredible progress on the bicycling front for me. Just over a year ago I rode on a tandem bike with my physical therapist Tom in a 65 mile ride. It was incredible.
Tom was wise in getting me on a tandem bike to relearn what I needed to relearn about cycling. It built confidence, trust, and the feel to be on a bike again. i have also ridden on a bike solo, but not too much. It was great to be on a bike again.
Recently for my birthday, my sister and brother-in-law bought me a new bike. I can't wait to get out on it. One of the first goals for my new bike is to ride on El Dorado Hills Blvd. along the path where I was hit. That is the last time I rode on EDH Blvd. I am looking forward to transforming that route.
For me, the site will now be a celebration site: celebrating the healing, recovery, and hope that God has given me.
Want to join us (Kathy and a few other friends will be joining us.)
Here is the info:
DATE: Saturday, June 18 (the anniversary of the crash);
TIME: 11:30 am
LOCATION: Meet at the intersection of EDH Blvd and Serrano Pkwy.
LENGTH: only a mile up an incline.
WHAT ELSE: We will celebrate a toast at the painted rocks on EDH Blvd., then whoever is interested will gather for lunch (Buy your own lunch) at Bistro 33.
Join us if you can. I am planning on being there rain or shine, but hopefully it will be sunny.
Thanks to all who have been a part of my recovery and helping to make this ride possible, Kathi
Tom was wise in getting me on a tandem bike to relearn what I needed to relearn about cycling. It built confidence, trust, and the feel to be on a bike again. i have also ridden on a bike solo, but not too much. It was great to be on a bike again.
Recently for my birthday, my sister and brother-in-law bought me a new bike. I can't wait to get out on it. One of the first goals for my new bike is to ride on El Dorado Hills Blvd. along the path where I was hit. That is the last time I rode on EDH Blvd. I am looking forward to transforming that route.
For me, the site will now be a celebration site: celebrating the healing, recovery, and hope that God has given me.
Want to join us (Kathy and a few other friends will be joining us.)
Here is the info:
DATE: Saturday, June 18 (the anniversary of the crash);
TIME: 11:30 am
LOCATION: Meet at the intersection of EDH Blvd and Serrano Pkwy.
LENGTH: only a mile up an incline.
WHAT ELSE: We will celebrate a toast at the painted rocks on EDH Blvd., then whoever is interested will gather for lunch (Buy your own lunch) at Bistro 33.
Join us if you can. I am planning on being there rain or shine, but hopefully it will be sunny.
Thanks to all who have been a part of my recovery and helping to make this ride possible, Kathi
3 Years and Counting
It is hard to believe that on June 18 will be the 3 year anniversary when a friend and I were hit by a car driven by a drunk driver. Both of our lives have been impacted significantly, yet we continue on.
My brain injury still is influencing my life. I can struggle with my memory, retaining new information, and get tired fairly easily. Physically, my leg still has it's challenges and my arm and shoulder can still bother me a bit.
Though my life has been turned upside down in many ways, I am very grateful for the healing, recovery, the opportunities, the provision, and so much else that God has provided. He has loved me, cared for me, provided for me, extended His grace, mercy and forgiveness toward me. He has directed my next steps. He has walked with me each step of the way.
These 3 years seem to have gone fairly quickly. I do have hope as I move into the future, because of the way God has been there with me and for me these past three years. There have been other times in my life when I walked through some incredible times and God was with me then too. When we trust Him for certain things, then we can trust Him for the next things.
I am not sure what the "and counting" days/years will hold, but I have never known that in the past. But as I have experienced God being God, I know He will be with me wherever that is and whatever He has us doing.
My brain injury still is influencing my life. I can struggle with my memory, retaining new information, and get tired fairly easily. Physically, my leg still has it's challenges and my arm and shoulder can still bother me a bit.
Though my life has been turned upside down in many ways, I am very grateful for the healing, recovery, the opportunities, the provision, and so much else that God has provided. He has loved me, cared for me, provided for me, extended His grace, mercy and forgiveness toward me. He has directed my next steps. He has walked with me each step of the way.
These 3 years seem to have gone fairly quickly. I do have hope as I move into the future, because of the way God has been there with me and for me these past three years. There have been other times in my life when I walked through some incredible times and God was with me then too. When we trust Him for certain things, then we can trust Him for the next things.
I am not sure what the "and counting" days/years will hold, but I have never known that in the past. But as I have experienced God being God, I know He will be with me wherever that is and whatever He has us doing.
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