Heel Healing Journey

The Israelites set up stones every time God did something and called it a new name – describing what God had done there.  I just blog – I don’t want to forget – I want to remember  --  I call blogging my electronic scrapbook – if it doesn’t interest whoever you are reading this – OK – it’s an impression and a Godwink that I don’t want to forget. 

2 1/2 months in a boot

It’s been a journey – Terry’s Spring schedule was lighter and when his February calendar cleared we agreed it was time to do SOMETHING about his increasing pain.  We’d been praying for a time of healing for him for some time. He started  swimming up that endless stream of medical tests, consultations, x-rays (each doctor had to do his own) and MRI’s.  We were daily thanking God for good insurance.

Now it goes without saying, he lives with LOTS of pain b/c of his rheumatoid and so much of this had gotten misdiagnosed – when x-rays didn’t reveal  anything – we just assumed it was the rheumatoid.

Finally, after the MRI – it was evident that his Achilles had torn b/c of spurs and growths that were developing on his heel – IT was an AHA!!! moment – a  “NO WONDER YOU CAN’T walk” kind of time.

One orthopedic earlier had even discounted that he needed crutches after an x-ray didn't show a bone problem. . .

This has been a season of excruciating pain – with T managing it the best he could – I read a pain chart with all those 1-10 numbers – 1 being, no pain – to 10 being,” I can’t function or think or do daily processes because it consumes me.”  Terry’s been hanging out about 6-8 – the pain draining all his reserve and emotional strength unable to walk upstairs and hobble.

Dr. B our orthopedic surgeon after seeing the MRI – said “YES, THIS IS VERY PAINFUL”  - and looked straight at T and said, “I BET YOU THOUGHT YOU WERE GOING TO BE A CRIPPLE THE REST OF YOUR LIFE DIDN’T YOU?”  “I’M GOING TO HAVE YOU DANCING!!!”  (Which was news for T since he says he can’t dance.)

One happy guy leaving the hospital (the happy meds were still kicking in here)-- T kept saying "I'm so glad to have this behind me"

My man is LONGSUFFERING – living with my man during these last 15 years of pain – I have seen a live demonstration a real definition of the word -- He keeps himself busy and redirects his focus -- though the fatigue of the rheumatoid and drain of the pain tries to slow him down.

It’s been a long journey  for Terry– God is bringing us through this ---the last six months have been hard.   We’ve been anxious to get test results and sometimes they were inconclusive or left T thinking it was all in his head.  It’s like I told Lora one day when we were talking over where we were in our situations, “God has us both in a waiting place.” 

he figured black would go with everything -- better than bright pink!

We’re coming through – HE is bringing us to a new place – with strong footing – biggest question Terry had for the surgeon –“ when can you get me back on my feet?”  “I’ve got to get to New York for a wedding in 4 weeks!”

Isaiah 41:10

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand

can you guess who is a fan of the scooter????

Wedding Weekend -- Dr. and Mrs. Marshall and Katie Bell

 

 

The kids had made so many special plans and now it was becoming a reality. They took such great care of  EVERY one and worked hard to make certain we all had everything we needed!

 

We’d all waited so long – the weekend was finally here – and what a beautiful celebration it was! The place they chose was like the Garden of Eden -- the weather was gorgeous -- and it was the perfect setting for our two outdoor-loving kids who fish, canoe, ski and snowboard (Katie).

Campbell had been eager for this weekend for months and packed all of her stuffed animals days ahead

Bethany hosted a scrumptious Bridal luncheon on Saturday morning

Katie and sister, Shelly Rodemer - we loved getting to know Katie's family!

Geeta and Erica arrived in time for the luncheon

Saturday evening we all enjoyed fajitas at Amanda Fonda's in old Colorado Springs. (didn't take one picture!)
 

Katie sporting her Hammetter shirt one last time wedding day morning

Sydney Kate was a trooper the whole weekend and loved being in on the bridesmaids getting ready

Campbell couldn't get enough of being out doors, so much so, that once she went down the aisle with her basket of petals, she promptly emptied them out and headed for the flower bed to dig during the wedding -- she was in Heaven! -- Mommy was mortified!!!!

They picked gorgeous colors for springtime!  Navy and Yellow --

Katie was radiant –

 They kept it small --  family and close friends–Oklahoma guests were about half the crowd - several couple friends came for a weekend getaway.

Marshall and best man, Jerrod Petty -- friends since high school

 Terry was honored to be asked to officiate . . . a job he doesn’t take lightly . . (sorry no pics yet of that -- we were all "busy" at the ceremony :-)

Campbell and Sydney got to spend lots of quality time with Grandad and Grammy Good -- such wonderful family we're blessed with!
 

Our good friends, Dallas Cooper and Geeta Silas accompanied us and it was so delightful sharing this time with them.  They were so helpful in holding babies and soothing anxious little ones

                                 

 Special memories . . .

Campbell Hope – dancing the night away 

  . . 

Grandma Jeanette from Milwaukee and Marshall sharing a dance

There's no pics of T & me in this blog(except for the one below) --and these are not the most inclusive of our pictures, by any means -- just a few of our favorites -- when the photographer finishes her edits -- the rest is yet to come! 

The girls started reacting to whatever was blooming in the mountains -- Sydney Kate kept up the grins the whole time!!!  LOVE YA - SK!

This was Marshall's fav post wedding pic -- he said that's the way he felt!

Sisters

Campbell has the perfect
knack for quieting Sister Syd --
Sometimes she sings her Lullaby song which goes

"lullaby, lullaby, lullaby" --
to which Sydney promptly gets still.

C looked up at Mom and said,
"Aren't I the lucky one?"

I LOVE SUNDAYS

               ... . . .  they are my do-over day -- when we get a fresh start -- a clean slate -- a new week and a new heart --

Sundays do that for me --


 family worship . . .

                 I love watching Campbell Hope singing with her Papa  and Sydney Kate chilling on her Daddy's lap taking it all in.

                  Today picking up Campbell from Sunday School for her Mommy she was stomping and singing  "If you're happy and you know it" -- well you know the rest!  Later when Bethany asked her what she learned in Sunday school she answered "mustaches"
 
MUSTACHES????

 -- "Yep", she said "and M & M's and Jesus" -- It turned out those M & M's were Oreos and her teacher commented the Oreos made a mustache on her mouth. She LOVES her sweets and her Bible stories!

Sundays are about
                                  Praise and Worship time
..                                                        weekly communion ...
                                                                remembering Jesus .......


                                                                        That  puts my life back in the right perspective.



You know the verse that talks about people not being together in weekly worship saying that many had become ill or fallen asleep ---

I KNOW what happens to ME inwardly when I'm not in that special place on Sundays -- maybe I don't get physically ill --- but my attitude can sure get an attack of the "crabbies"  --  it's like small things become the MAIN thing -- instead of loving other people in their walk with Jesus

I like to think of it as celebrating the Resurrection each and every week -- NEW LIFE -- It brings Creation ENERGY to my week ----

I can live off Sundays for a looooooong time. . .

The Generations

In the middle of our daily schedules, God's timing can unexpectedly bring family together to celebrate the life of one of it's precious ones.  Annie Ruth, Terry's first cousin, passed away suddenly this past Wednesday from a massive stroke. Her family asked him to come and speak words to the large Bell / Pohl clan.  Terry's been "grounded" the past three months with a broken heel and bulging discs -- so with us tag-teaming the driving and the approaching Spring Break for me-- we were able to attend

Having all the cousins together for Ann's memorial, was something rare for us since we have always lived far away from family. Annie Ruth was 12 years older than Terry and his earliest memories of her were coming to help his family when his mother was recovering from a surgery.  Many people there spoke of that spirit of helpfulness.  That was her nature -- so nurturing and willing to help.  She went on to become a nurse and carried that giving spirit through life --dearly loving her four children and scores of nieces and nephews, caring for lots of folk, and loving her animals.

As Terry spoke first to his cousins, then to their children, grandchildren and even great grandchildren. His pervading theme was "she came to help"-  from Jesus words about the widow who gave all her resources, having done what she could. He challenged them to adopt that same mission in order to create a life of simplicity and significance by helping others. He spoke of those who'd gone before them who sacrificed, worked hard and attained the good life of deep family relationships meaningful work.  

                He shared Jesus message of life and resurrection and spoke to the source of comfort that Jesus is to us having survived his own death preparing a place for us.

                    His words seemed to resonate with so many who came to speak with him afterward about what he had to say.

It brought to mind two things:

                   . . . how very quickly life is passing and 

 . . .what an impact two people can make on the generations --

Two country folk married in 1901-- a 16 year-old girl to a 40 yr.-old rancher who raised 10 children -- during the depression on the sand hills of TX -- in what we would call poverty --raised them to be strong teachers and soldiers and athletes and businessmen . . . some 200+ descendants now including great-great- grandchildren.

As Terry gave the eulogy for Ann, I couldn't help but think how two lives lived well can impact so many other lives and accomplish so much  - I'd been in this family for forty years --and I realized how time has flown and thought how many family traits had been passed down from these two people -- Grandma Annie's faith and Papa's love for education -- (He often moved his family so his children could attend school, serving on the School Board in several little villages.)

.

Spring in South Texas brings lots of Bluebonnets--

 It was a renewal moment for me -- a re-purpose time to make every day special with my dear ones -- letting them know how very deeply they are loved.   

                               This Deuteronomy  passage came to mind. . .

Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.

The Many Faces of Sydney Kate

 The first few months of an infant's life it's all guess work -- 
but with Sydney Kate we never have to wonder what's up with her -- her little face says it all!

Those lights are so bright . . . I mean, really --

I don't get to eat until when?

WHATEVER!

Everybody jumps when I cry ...  works for me!

I know I'm cute -- just look at me -- all dressed up in my skirt and jeggins.  I never go out without a bow!

Nana thinks I don't ever smile --Momma & Daddy get most of my grins --

I told you I was sleepy!

Are you really gonna let her hold me?  Hurry up Mom and take the picture!!!

You played outside in the snow while I was napping?  Now I'm really ticked!!!!

Really Mom?  What makes you think I want ANYTHING on my head????

No way am I wearing this goofy head gear!

Brain Break

These two are lost in a world of their own - with lots of Papa questions like "Will we see sloths?"  "Where's the ducks? -- I wanna see ducks. . . 

 "Can we go swing Papa, Can we swing?"   A little girls squeals and shrieks as she goes higher (relatively speaking for a 2 1/2 yr. old, of course) and guessing all Papa's silly animal sounds -- puts all of life into proper perspective
again.

After two bouts of the "bug" and 10+ days of  Potty Training Boot Camp, Campbell was thrilled to be going somewhere with us and announced that she was going to be a "first-time listener for Nana and Papa" (hmmm-- I think she had some momma coaching before we picked her up!)

Even though it was 38 degrees -- we decided that we all needed to get outside and that a trip to the Lafortune Park before our visit to the orthopedic was just what we all needed.  Campbell couldn't have been happier -- so we bundled up and headed out!

NO, we didn't take Sister Syd out in the cold.

With chilly fingers and toes, we made a quick stop at Starbucks for kid's hot cocoa and dropped C off at home --begging to go to the doctor with us.












BTW-- we have gotten some answers-- lots going on in T's back which is causing the extreme pain in his left side -- ankle, hip and knee. Looks like we have a treatment plan -- pray for healing and deliverance from this pain!  God's our healer!!!