Alive

"Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world truly needs is people who have come alive."

- Howard Thurman

I have to give Josh the credit for this post seeing as how he is the one who asked the question. It was a simple question directed to the whole community, but it made me think. What makes you feel alive? I did have to think hard about this, but in the end my answers were quite simple. I love changes in weather... When spring becomes summer, summer becomes fall, leaves become snow, but especially when clouds become rain. You can always tell when it's coming. The sky gets dark so that only a little sun can peek through. Wind blows and most of all you can smell it. Ther is no possible way to describe that smell in all it's glory, but it's there. It's clean and fresh, like a new beginning. And when I stand outside to smell the air at those times, I feel alive. Something inside me feels different, and I absolutely love it.

Summer Reading

As you all know, Vanguard gives out summer reading assignments. This year's were David Copperfield (Charles Dickens), For Whom the Bell Tolls (Ernest Hemingway), Bleachers (John Grisham), and a book of your choice from this online list. Well, I am reading David Copperfield at the moment. Because of this I thought I would warn everyone. It is the most boring piece of literature I have ever read. If you have already read it, I am so sorry. If you haven't, don't!

Church!!!

I finally got to go to church again. I have been away for almost two weeks! It was good to be back, seeing as how I have been very lonely. I was actually able to sit in those hard chairs (granted I had a pillow) through the whole service. I was so proud of myself! Everyone seemed shocked to see me, which I don't really understand. I had been walking and getting out and about occasionally, so why not come to church? It's not like I am completely laid up. Anyway, I hope everyone was as glad to see me as I was to see them. I am still doing good and hope to be doing a lot more than just going to church very soon.

Surgery Update #3

I am doing pretty good, if I do say so myself. The pain is gone and the soreness is limited. I have been getting out more, which is great. When I do get out, I can't walk to far, so yesterday at Target I drove one of the little electric chairs. It was awesome. I am finally getting used to the brace. As the time increases, it actually gets easier. Yea!! So yeah, I am doing great!

Surgery Update #2

I am doing pretty good actually. I am walking really well which is amazing. I don't need the heavy duty narcotics anymore. Just plain old Tylenol. That is a major improvement. Pain is almost nonexistent; I'm just a little sore. The brace is going okay, I guess. I am now up to wearing it 4 and 1/2 hours a day. Tomorrow will be 5 and so on until I get to 17 (I've decided that is when I'll stop). Yeah so I am getting by. People need to come visit because this whole laid up thing is somewhat boring. Even though I am not completely laid up.

Shower!!!!

With all this surgery stuff happening and trying to make sure the incision closes up, I have not been able to take a shower for about 10 days. It has been horrible. But yesterday everything changed. I was finally allowed to take a shower. I think it was probably the best day of my life!

Surgery Update #1

I've been home since last Friday but I am just now getting the chance to post because I have just become able to sit in the office chair. My back is very tender and somewhat sore , but I am not in pain. Pills keep everything well controlled and I am doing great. I am definitely able to deal with sore and I expect to have to for awhile. I have to wear a brae but because I am tender at the moment we are adding 30 minutes of time everyday until I get up to 16-18 hours a day. It sucks. The brace is hot and uncomfortable but I will deal. Everyone has been so helpful. I have gotten so many wonderful presents and meals. Mom has really appreciated the help. I should be back at church on Sunday. Yea!!! I am finally able to get out of the house. Yesterday Mom and I went to Kohl's and she had to push me around in the wheel chair because I couldn't walk that long of a distance. It was great to be out, though. I can't wait o see everybody and to get back to my normal routine. It will truly be a blessing. It will take some time though. Mainly because or six weeks I cannot bend so I need Mom's help for lots of things. She has been terrific! That's all for now. I will post more later.