New Shower

After experiencing some ripples lately, I am once again enjoying the calm waters. With each loss I experience, usually brings with it a time of mourning the losses I am going through at that particular moment. The cooler weather seems to magnify the spasticity which makes movement of hands and legs harder to control.

This week we are replacing our existing shower with a barrier free shower which will allow easier access in and out if the shower eliminating the need to step up into the shower. I cannot lift my legs that high anymore. Thanks to Graybill Plumbing and Danny Fisher for installing the new shower. Even though this is another change, it is a positive change and will be a blessing for me and Emy. Some of the things I never thought about and took for granted, have now become monumental issues. Never take anything for granted, it could change at anytime.

Right now I have a caregiver come twice a week to do range of motion exercises with me. It is supposed to help keep my joints loose and stretch my muscles to help eliminate the spasticity in my arms and legs. It seems to be helping, I think.

Reflections

This morning as I was getting ready for the day shaving, combing my hair, and brushing my teeth I thought about the person I see in the mirror. I saw a person that is the exact reflection of me. I got to thinking about what others see when they see me. Do they see someone who has a desire to honor God, someone who reflects the image of God. I must say as I began to reflect on my life to this point, I saw someone who is less than perfect but also a person that strives to be what God wants me to be. There are so many people and events to thank that have a part in making me the person I am today.

Did you ever sit at the edge of a body of water and see your reflection in the calm waters then have something disturb the water causing your reflection to become distorted? Just like our lives we experience some ripples in our life and then the ripples go away and the water is calm again and we can see our reflection clearly again.
Sometimes we experience ripples in our life but after the ripples are gone the presence of God restores the calmness back into our hearts and minds.

Lately I've been experienceing the ripples but today is the day the Lord has made and I will rejoice and be glad in it and not worry about tomorrow and put my hands in his.

Seasons

Well there's not a whole lot to write about as not much has changed. I have been enjoying this weather but I know old man winter is just around the corner. Like the weather we experience different seasons in our lives. I'm thankful God has provided a place of refuge when the storms of life come our way.

October 1st 2008

This past weekend Emy and I went to Virginia to spend a few days with Aaron and Becky Stoltzfus. Even though the weather wasn't that great we had a great time relaxing, playing games, and just hanging out. They are such kind and caring friends, thank you.

Lately I've been experiencing some decline in strength in my arms, especially my left arm and hand. I am learning to accept these changes which ultimately will make me more dependent on others to help me do things I am no longer able to do. This week I feel at peace with my situation and learning to put my trust in God as this earthly body deteriorates.

It breaks my heart to see my wife dealing with the frustration that comes with this disease. I know it is hard for her, but she is a real trooper though it all. Pray for strength, courage, grace, and peace as we travel on this journey together.