Dear friends,
The maple tree over my head is poking out green leaves. It's golden hour at 7:20pm, with the light a color that makes you feel like you're in Sherwood Forest, or the woods of the Seven Dwarfs. A few months ago at this time it was pitch black outside. Now I'm looking at my crab apple tree with pink buds that are aching to be blossoms, anticipating the growth that must come as the season changes.
We too are experiencing change. What was once immobile and constrained by injury and darkness is now moving and healing. The faith that was real, but too rested, has been (and is being) stretched. The winter of difficult circumstances gives way to the spring of hope, and eventually to the summer of fruitfulness. If I didn't believe this, I would be curled up in a ball somewhere. But I know it to be true. The Great One always steals victory from the hands of defeat. The cross being the ultimate example. "Unless a seed falls to the ground and dies, it cannot bear fruit." Back in the fall my crab apple tree looked dead. The little apples fell off, the leaves died. But now there are more buds than ever, and next September there will be more apples for the deer to munch. Nature reminds me all the time of the ways of God. Mysterious and beautiful. Simple and profound at the same time. Even the trees bring Him glory.
Steve got some good news about the scars on his arm from one of the therapists at Sunnyview today. Apparently it's very good that the scar tissue is not attached to the tissue or muscle under the skin. She gave Smitty some kind of adhesive that helps diminish the raised scar tissue and promote skin healing. Steve told me "I don't have enough stuff to have to wear on my arm when I'm trying to sleep, so we got a little more..." If the man can deal with an external fixator (good gravy, that was the nadir!), he can deal with another little scar appliance.
David had to go to the ENT doctor today to get the wax cleared out of his ears. He's one of those kids who has this problem, and goes periodically for an "excavation". Well, I told Dr. Gavin this appointment was anticlimactic compared to all the other doctor visits over the last 5 months. Weird to go for an ordinary medical procedure without lots of questions, papers to fill out, and recounting of events. I still couldn't stand seeing them go into David's ears. It wasn't nearly as bad as when Hannah was extubated, but it was unpleasant none the less.
We have been approached about helping some of the DWI prevention folks with the upcoming prom season. I'll keep you updated as we go along with this. Like I said back in November, the time would come when I would start working toward changes to stop this tornado from smacking someone else's family. Later this month, Oscar Lewis will be sentenced to prison. He knows, as do we, the ultimate consequences of drunk driving. No one knows it like my friend Bill Dikant, who lost his wife and 2 children to an intoxicated driver. It's an elephant in the room and it has to be addressed. It can't be ignored or pushed under some rug. Lives are at stake. People's freedom is at stake. A drunk behind the wheel is driving a loaded weapon. But you already know that...
Thank you for continuing your walk with us along this winding road. I ran into Dr. Rosati yesterday, and was reminded of his words to me "it will take a year to hit some semblance of normal". Not that the year mark will bring us back to where we were. We are changed forever. But we'll keep marching on with this blog til November 8, 2010, unless the Great One shows us otherwise. At some point there will be cake and celebration too. And you will all be invited. Because you are a big part of this recovery. Bigger than you know.
Thanks too for the prayers for Judy W. Keep em' coming, ok? And don't forget to pray for Oscar Lewis and his family.
Your friend on the pilgrim road,
Loriann
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Update 4/13/10 Day 155
Dear friends,
Working at the hospital tonite, my coworker Cara the Kind showed me a little saying she keeps in front of her. Holy cow, this is for me:
“Lord, fill my mouth with worthwhile stuff,
And nudge me when I’ve said enough.”
I’m a communicator by nature. I was born to talk. (I passed this DNA on to my oldest child). But knowing when to stop talking, that’s my weakness. (Ditto on the firstborn). Hopefully as I walk the pilgrim road mile after mile I will be more able to hear the Great One’s voice saying “Speak now. Shut thee up now.” I’m truly grateful for the tolerant family and friends He has put in my life who graciously put up with me while I learn and grow. Especially Smitty. No one has had to be as gracious as him.
On the subject of Smitty, if I could just brag on him for a moment… This man is as excellent as they come. I’ve already told you, he never complains. But way beyond that, he is always looking for ways to serve and love his family and others. Every morning I smell the coffee brewing that he set up the night before. (How I missed that when he was gone for almost 2 months!) He checks baby boy’s math homework each evening, providing instruction when the little whiz misses a beat. He cooks supper on the nights I’m out at the hospital, and cleans up the kitchen after the kids clear the table. No one makes me laugh more than him. I’d tell you about his “imaginary character”, but I don’t want anyone to call the psych unit on us. Mostly, he is willing to do a million little, unseen things to make our lives sweeter. All in the middle of a huge recovery. Blood vessels are still healing. The lymphatic system in his legs is still repairing itself. (His swelling in the evening is way down from 6 weeks ago!) His bones are still healing. Apparently once the bone cells replace themselves, there is a whole process of reforming that goes on for a long time. In other words, bones not only heal, they get back as close as possible to a normal, smooth shape. With injuries like Steve’s, some of that process is iffy. Areas around his knee and elbow joints don’t align perfectly. Let’s face it, his brother Richard is right when he says we’ll have to dress him in red for the family football games. He may not be able to play this year, but just wait til next year! Hercules is so determined and optimistic, and His God is so great, I’m expecting him to run a few touchdowns.
My emotions continue to run hot and cold, but isn’t that just life? Some days I’m really struggling to hang tight to the truth: “God works all things together for good for those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Other times, I’m wildly grateful and exceedingly hopeful. I’m a mixed bag. I guess we all are. Except the Great One, in whom there is “no shadow of turning.” Hallelujah!
Things to look forward to:
Tulips coming up in Washington Park
Nursing Supervisor Joe D. making Blondies next Tuesday (YUM)
Stephen’s Mom turns 80 on April 24 (a surprise birthday party with all the Smitties, shhh…)
Hannah Rejoice turns 15 on April 28 (She's amazing!)
Jack Bauer will no doubt save the world before the end of May
Lunch with M.A. on Friday (she manages to do healthy and delicious)
David John to make his debut in Our Savior’s school musical
Joe sings in the Columbia talent show (mother not allowed)
Let me know what you’re looking forward to. I would love to know. It’s fun to anticipate things. But every minute is a gift. Now is oh so good. I think it’s time for me to “shut thee up”.
Your friend on the pilgrim road,
Loriann
Working at the hospital tonite, my coworker Cara the Kind showed me a little saying she keeps in front of her. Holy cow, this is for me:
“Lord, fill my mouth with worthwhile stuff,
And nudge me when I’ve said enough.”
I’m a communicator by nature. I was born to talk. (I passed this DNA on to my oldest child). But knowing when to stop talking, that’s my weakness. (Ditto on the firstborn). Hopefully as I walk the pilgrim road mile after mile I will be more able to hear the Great One’s voice saying “Speak now. Shut thee up now.” I’m truly grateful for the tolerant family and friends He has put in my life who graciously put up with me while I learn and grow. Especially Smitty. No one has had to be as gracious as him.
On the subject of Smitty, if I could just brag on him for a moment… This man is as excellent as they come. I’ve already told you, he never complains. But way beyond that, he is always looking for ways to serve and love his family and others. Every morning I smell the coffee brewing that he set up the night before. (How I missed that when he was gone for almost 2 months!) He checks baby boy’s math homework each evening, providing instruction when the little whiz misses a beat. He cooks supper on the nights I’m out at the hospital, and cleans up the kitchen after the kids clear the table. No one makes me laugh more than him. I’d tell you about his “imaginary character”, but I don’t want anyone to call the psych unit on us. Mostly, he is willing to do a million little, unseen things to make our lives sweeter. All in the middle of a huge recovery. Blood vessels are still healing. The lymphatic system in his legs is still repairing itself. (His swelling in the evening is way down from 6 weeks ago!) His bones are still healing. Apparently once the bone cells replace themselves, there is a whole process of reforming that goes on for a long time. In other words, bones not only heal, they get back as close as possible to a normal, smooth shape. With injuries like Steve’s, some of that process is iffy. Areas around his knee and elbow joints don’t align perfectly. Let’s face it, his brother Richard is right when he says we’ll have to dress him in red for the family football games. He may not be able to play this year, but just wait til next year! Hercules is so determined and optimistic, and His God is so great, I’m expecting him to run a few touchdowns.
My emotions continue to run hot and cold, but isn’t that just life? Some days I’m really struggling to hang tight to the truth: “God works all things together for good for those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Other times, I’m wildly grateful and exceedingly hopeful. I’m a mixed bag. I guess we all are. Except the Great One, in whom there is “no shadow of turning.” Hallelujah!
Things to look forward to:
Tulips coming up in Washington Park
Nursing Supervisor Joe D. making Blondies next Tuesday (YUM)
Stephen’s Mom turns 80 on April 24 (a surprise birthday party with all the Smitties, shhh…)
Hannah Rejoice turns 15 on April 28 (She's amazing!)
Jack Bauer will no doubt save the world before the end of May
Lunch with M.A. on Friday (she manages to do healthy and delicious)
David John to make his debut in Our Savior’s school musical
Joe sings in the Columbia talent show (mother not allowed)
Let me know what you’re looking forward to. I would love to know. It’s fun to anticipate things. But every minute is a gift. Now is oh so good. I think it’s time for me to “shut thee up”.
Your friend on the pilgrim road,
Loriann
Monday, April 12, 2010
Update 4/12/10 Day 154
Dear friends,
The Smith family is on the lookout for a kitten. Last October, when Charcoal died, we told the kids we would get a new, very young kitten come spring. Well, spring has come, so the search for a companion for the great Cosette is on. Personally, I wouldn't mind getting a dog. But that's an argument I'm going to lose, and really, there are plenty of good reasons not to get one. But I do love those loyal pups, who seem always happy to be alive. Perhaps you've heard this perfect quote before: "Dogs have owners. Cats have staff." That about sizes it up purrfectly.
Stephen kept the Dynasplint on ALL NIGHT last night! Let's hear it for the boy. And it was the extension brace, which hurts more than the flexion brace. Usually, in the middle of the night I hear the sounds of Velcro detaching, and I know he's had enough. Both pieces of equipment have to go back to the company in May, so Smitty's doing his best to stretch while he can. We'll see how well it's working when Sweet Sandy measures his range of motion angles. She manually stretches his elbow and shoulder as well, and does a mighty good job of it. So glad to have that dear girl in our lives! She's an absolute peach.
The kids were back at school today, and I missed their presence (if not their messes!) around the house. Hannah got home and went straight to practicing her guitar. David had musical practice, so he didn't get home until almost 5! Joe had tennis practice (his first match is tomorrow), and I picked him up at 5:15, so I was so happy when we sat down for baked chicken together. Listen, it isn't the Waltons, but I simply enjoy being near them all in the evening. It's that recurring theme the Great One has me on: relationship is priority. Since the accident, our relationships have changed. It can't be helped when you go through such a life altering experience. Sometimes I get sad about the change, but we still all love each other! We're just learning how to find our way in the altered landscape of our new reality. Sometimes it's subtle. Other times glaring. But at all times, the Father of All relationships is the compass. He's bringing us up our mountain, and we're going to make it. I'll bet things will look a lot different a year from now. The nature of life is change. Ours may have been dramatic over a short period of time, but I know all of you are ever adjusting to something or other. An older child moves out, a new baby comes in, a job is changed, someone dies, someone gets sick, someone takes a pay cut, someone gets a raise...there is always something going on that is out of our control. One thing stays the same, though. We were made for relationship. First with our Creator, then with His creation. "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. And love your neighbor as yourself." You want peace? That's the simple truth of it. Simple, not necessarily easy....
David is reading the comics, which reminds me I'm halfway through a Betty and Veronica comic book. I never, ever read the funnies before the accident. Ask my family. I read the editorial page, and the news, but not the comics. Then one day I really sensed the Great One saying "You've got to lighten up. Read the funnies." I'm not kidding. No audible voice from heaven or anything, just that inward voice that moves in our minds. And I really think for my intense personality, Betty and Veronica are just what the doctor ordered. But I honestly don't know what those girls see in Archie...
I'm kind of scattered today, going from kittens to Dynasplints to Betty and Veronica. Sorry about that, friends. As I've said from the beginning, I'm not looking for a Pulitzer prize here. Just writing what's real. I know sometimes it gets a little dopey. Thanks for listening. Again and again.
Your friend on the pilgrim road,
Loriann
The Smith family is on the lookout for a kitten. Last October, when Charcoal died, we told the kids we would get a new, very young kitten come spring. Well, spring has come, so the search for a companion for the great Cosette is on. Personally, I wouldn't mind getting a dog. But that's an argument I'm going to lose, and really, there are plenty of good reasons not to get one. But I do love those loyal pups, who seem always happy to be alive. Perhaps you've heard this perfect quote before: "Dogs have owners. Cats have staff." That about sizes it up purrfectly.
Stephen kept the Dynasplint on ALL NIGHT last night! Let's hear it for the boy. And it was the extension brace, which hurts more than the flexion brace. Usually, in the middle of the night I hear the sounds of Velcro detaching, and I know he's had enough. Both pieces of equipment have to go back to the company in May, so Smitty's doing his best to stretch while he can. We'll see how well it's working when Sweet Sandy measures his range of motion angles. She manually stretches his elbow and shoulder as well, and does a mighty good job of it. So glad to have that dear girl in our lives! She's an absolute peach.
The kids were back at school today, and I missed their presence (if not their messes!) around the house. Hannah got home and went straight to practicing her guitar. David had musical practice, so he didn't get home until almost 5! Joe had tennis practice (his first match is tomorrow), and I picked him up at 5:15, so I was so happy when we sat down for baked chicken together. Listen, it isn't the Waltons, but I simply enjoy being near them all in the evening. It's that recurring theme the Great One has me on: relationship is priority. Since the accident, our relationships have changed. It can't be helped when you go through such a life altering experience. Sometimes I get sad about the change, but we still all love each other! We're just learning how to find our way in the altered landscape of our new reality. Sometimes it's subtle. Other times glaring. But at all times, the Father of All relationships is the compass. He's bringing us up our mountain, and we're going to make it. I'll bet things will look a lot different a year from now. The nature of life is change. Ours may have been dramatic over a short period of time, but I know all of you are ever adjusting to something or other. An older child moves out, a new baby comes in, a job is changed, someone dies, someone gets sick, someone takes a pay cut, someone gets a raise...there is always something going on that is out of our control. One thing stays the same, though. We were made for relationship. First with our Creator, then with His creation. "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. And love your neighbor as yourself." You want peace? That's the simple truth of it. Simple, not necessarily easy....
David is reading the comics, which reminds me I'm halfway through a Betty and Veronica comic book. I never, ever read the funnies before the accident. Ask my family. I read the editorial page, and the news, but not the comics. Then one day I really sensed the Great One saying "You've got to lighten up. Read the funnies." I'm not kidding. No audible voice from heaven or anything, just that inward voice that moves in our minds. And I really think for my intense personality, Betty and Veronica are just what the doctor ordered. But I honestly don't know what those girls see in Archie...
I'm kind of scattered today, going from kittens to Dynasplints to Betty and Veronica. Sorry about that, friends. As I've said from the beginning, I'm not looking for a Pulitzer prize here. Just writing what's real. I know sometimes it gets a little dopey. Thanks for listening. Again and again.
Your friend on the pilgrim road,
Loriann
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Update 4/11/10 21 weeks since crash
Dear friends,
"If we don’t move to establish and then guard that which matters most, the breathless pace of daily overload will blind us to eternal priorities." ~Richard Swenson
Monday is coming around the bend again, with all its fuss and struggle. I read this quote by an author I enjoy, who wrote an excellent book called “Margin”. In it he brings his readers relentlessly to the point of seeing the consequences of a rushed life. Every day, there are a thousand “important” things that have to get done. Have a catastrophic car accident come into your life, and suddenly all the important things are ever so unimportant. I know that Monday, November 9, was nothing like the other Mondays of my adult life. The to-do list was scrapped, the planner was pitched. All that mattered was relationships. God. My family. Others.
So now, down recovery road a little ways, I will fight like mad to keep my head on straight with this business of what really matters. Pastor Dave the Humble addressed the priority of people in his message this morning on community. If you think you can go the pilgrim road alone, forget it. It was never designed to work that way. And it would be miserable if you did. Even with all the rough edges on people, especially on ourselves, relationships are what make life worth living. And only the Great One can give us what it takes to live with people the way Jesus did - with love, acceptance and truth. Every time I get a judgmental thought, I want a red light to go on. How I need to learn to “love deeply, from the heart!”
I left Smitty with a beautiful pot of Potato Corn Chowder to feed the kids tonite while I was at work. I must say, I do make an excellent PCC. I wish I could have all you bloggie friends over for a bowl! I’m afraid I’m not very humble about this particular soup. Steve adds cheddar cheese. Yum. He is really amazing, friends. He does so many things. And this week, he will most likely be returning to work full time pending the ok from Dr. Samaio. Believe me when I tell you, though, he is still a work in progress. It hurts every time he stands up, and he can’t be in any one position too long. He still depends on the cane for stability, and he moves much more slowly than before. But what a long way he has come!
As for Hannah’s recovery, I’m speechless. She confounds all the statistics. And at 14 years old, she’s handling it all like a champ. (By the way, forget the Potato Corn Chowder. If you want something really good, ask her to make you a cheesecake…) Cheesecake with my daughter, a joke with my baby boy, a drive with my firstborn, listening to the baseball stats from my husband, talking to the Great One about my hopes, talking to all of you about anything. This is the stuff of life. I’ll clean the bathroom later.
Your friend on the pilgrim road,
Loriann
"If we don’t move to establish and then guard that which matters most, the breathless pace of daily overload will blind us to eternal priorities." ~Richard Swenson
Monday is coming around the bend again, with all its fuss and struggle. I read this quote by an author I enjoy, who wrote an excellent book called “Margin”. In it he brings his readers relentlessly to the point of seeing the consequences of a rushed life. Every day, there are a thousand “important” things that have to get done. Have a catastrophic car accident come into your life, and suddenly all the important things are ever so unimportant. I know that Monday, November 9, was nothing like the other Mondays of my adult life. The to-do list was scrapped, the planner was pitched. All that mattered was relationships. God. My family. Others.
So now, down recovery road a little ways, I will fight like mad to keep my head on straight with this business of what really matters. Pastor Dave the Humble addressed the priority of people in his message this morning on community. If you think you can go the pilgrim road alone, forget it. It was never designed to work that way. And it would be miserable if you did. Even with all the rough edges on people, especially on ourselves, relationships are what make life worth living. And only the Great One can give us what it takes to live with people the way Jesus did - with love, acceptance and truth. Every time I get a judgmental thought, I want a red light to go on. How I need to learn to “love deeply, from the heart!”
I left Smitty with a beautiful pot of Potato Corn Chowder to feed the kids tonite while I was at work. I must say, I do make an excellent PCC. I wish I could have all you bloggie friends over for a bowl! I’m afraid I’m not very humble about this particular soup. Steve adds cheddar cheese. Yum. He is really amazing, friends. He does so many things. And this week, he will most likely be returning to work full time pending the ok from Dr. Samaio. Believe me when I tell you, though, he is still a work in progress. It hurts every time he stands up, and he can’t be in any one position too long. He still depends on the cane for stability, and he moves much more slowly than before. But what a long way he has come!
As for Hannah’s recovery, I’m speechless. She confounds all the statistics. And at 14 years old, she’s handling it all like a champ. (By the way, forget the Potato Corn Chowder. If you want something really good, ask her to make you a cheesecake…) Cheesecake with my daughter, a joke with my baby boy, a drive with my firstborn, listening to the baseball stats from my husband, talking to the Great One about my hopes, talking to all of you about anything. This is the stuff of life. I’ll clean the bathroom later.
Your friend on the pilgrim road,
Loriann
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Update 4/10/10 Day 152
Dear friends, That practical (sometimes blisteringly so) book of James says this:
"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."
Some dear old friends visited us this morning from Vermont, a couple of people who put into practice pure religion every day. Pastor Gordy was our pastor a few paces back at DFG, before Pastor Dave the Humble began his diligent watch of love and care. Pastor Gordy and his wife Sue have adopted the little pistol in the picture, Jasmine. She was originally a foster child. They have another little girl who is also a foster child, who for obvious reasons cannot be highlighted on this blog. But take my word for it, she's a sweetheart too! It was great joy to spend a couple of hours with these humble folks who walk out their pilgrim road with an eye toward the dignity of "the least of these". I am honored to know people like them, and our friends Tom and Lucy M., also foster parents who have gone on to adopt 4 children. Gordy and Sue are bloggie friends too! Their church in Vermont has prayed like crazy for Stephen and Hannah. Thank you friends from the maple sugar capital of the world!
It inspires me to spend time with people who put their money where their mouth is on the highway of the life of faith. They make me want to "be a doer of the word, not just a hearer" as Sister Laurie reminds us every week during prayer. Listen, we all fall short. But we can all stretch a little bit. I read this in a book by Mother Theresa this morning:
"It may happen that a mere smile, a short visit, the lighting of a lamp, writing a letter for a blind man, carrying a bucket of charcoal, offering a pair of sandals, reading the newspaper for someone- something small, very small- may, in fact, be our love of God in action."
Of course doing good works out of guilt or obligation profits us nothing. And it certainly doesn't earn us anything! The Great One already did the whole job of redemption Himself. But in conjunction with the true love of God in the heart, the tiniest act of love becomes so much bigger than it seems. I'm challenged by the Gordy and Sue's of this world. Indeed, by the people who have helped us in ten thousand ways over these past five months. I know what it means to have someone simply rake your lawn, or take you for a cup of coffee, or sleep next to your cot at the hospital. I have seen the love of God in action. I continue to see it. And it makes me want to know the Great One all the more. It's a crazy, dark world, full of dazzling pockets of light. You all have been those pockets. Makes me say "wow'.
Also went to the anniversary party of another sweet couple, Ernie and Lorraine the Adorables, married 25 years and beautiful examples of parenthood and grandparenthood. They too are bloggie friends, and have encouraged us greatly during the big storm. I have to pinch myself at times when I look around at all the fine people God has put in the pathway of this family. People are the gold currency of life on earth. That being the case, we are rich indeed.
Time for "North by Northwest" with the original tall, dark and handsome, Cary Grant. We actually watched this movie up to a point before the accident, and the DVD went bad on us half way through. So we've got the Netflix version for the final stretch. Looking forward to snuggling up with that wonderful man of mine, a cup of tea and an apple turnover. Another day closes out, and who the heck knows (right?) what tomorrow will bring. Only the Great One. I think He can handle it. He's the source of the dazzle. Someday, it will be nothing but dazzle...
Your friend on the pilgrim road,
Loriann
Friday, April 9, 2010
Update 4/9/10 Day 151
Dear friends,Here's Smitty with Tom Seaver. We had a delightful family trip today to Cooperstown and the Baseball Hall of Fame. When Steve came home from Sunnyview, I told him to think about a day trip we could take when he was feeling up to it. He chose Cooperstown, and despite the chilly, cloudy weather we had a relaxing and enjoyable time. The kids were good company, and the ride is pretty easy. Afterwards we went to the Fly Creek Cider Mill, and we came home with a delicious half gallon of apple cider. Yum. It was half gone by the time we got home.
I made a pot of spaghetti, and now we're gearing up for our Friday evening feature, probably "Muppet Treasure Island" with the fabulously funny Tim Curry singing the praises of being a pirate. I think this is the first night all three kids are home since the school vacation started. I'm thinking only the youngest will watch the movie with us, but it's so nice just having them all here, warm and safe and under our roof. It's the simple things, isn't it? I am completely exhausted, but it's the good kind, where you can curl up on the couch and fall asleep carelessly because you don't have to start out too early in the morning. Walking around the Hall of Fame wore me out more than expected.
So short post tonite, just to let you all know that the Smith family continues, by God's grace, to move forward on the pilgrim road. We even have these blessings along the way; simply a day together enjoying the heralding of the great American sport, and driving the highways and byways of unmatchable New York. The Great One has indeed been good to us, when you consider our lives 5 months ago. (Yes, 5 months ago yesterday! Can you believe I didn't post that?)
We have some special visitors coming tomorrow. Tune in then, and hopefully I'll have a photo to show too.
Thanks for reading, friends. I continue to be amazed at the people telling me they read each day. I'm humbled. Truly.
Your friend on the pilgrim road,
Loriann
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Update 4/8/10 Day 150
Dear friends,
It was one of those days (it kind of reminded me of late November/early December), when it seemed I was in the car endlessly. The van was sparkly on the outside (my boys washed it for me yesterday), but still trashed on the inside. My friends at Cole Collision are going to detail it for me in the near future, but I’m so embarrassed I think I need to clean it out before they clean it up! David told me the other day he hates cars. I think I can figure out where that’s coming from. He thinks he would be just as happy with a horse and buggy. Of course the “good ole’ days” had their own share of problems. And it would take an awfully long time to get to the beach on a horse… The weather has made me misty for Cape Cod. Since Stephen first woke up, it’s been a major goal to get his feet in the sand of Coast Guard Beach. Of course, he may look a bit scary with his crazy scars, but as I’ve said before, it just clears away a little more space for our blanket and chairs. (That WAS a joke! Sort of.) After all, it will be harder to truck down to the less crowded sections than it was before.
Miss Rejoice saw Dr. Noonan today (plastic surgeon), a very personable fellow who probably makes a lot of middle aged ladies like me (albeit much wealthier ones!) smile. While we were waiting I read some of the pamphlets about getting eyes lifted and tummies tucked and wrinkles unwrinkled. Whatever. I haven’t the energy to contemplate my unlifted eyes or my very untucked tummy. Bigger fish must be fried. Life has enough wrinkles for me to unwrinkle right now… Anyway, Dr. N. looked at that beautiful child of mine and told her he wanted to wait a while to see how well Mother Nature did the job of scar healing. She’ll go back in July for a look see, and she’ll have to be careful in the sun this summer. Scars apparently need time to “mature” before traditional or laser surgery are performed. Maybe she won’t need intervention at all. We’re still early on in this. Once again, we must wait…
I can’t help but think about that scripture: “Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” I have no opinion about cosmetic plastic surgery (unless of course it is in the harmful zone, physically or psychologically). But this is for certain; you can fix up the outside all you want, it’s still going to die someday. You can nip and tuck, and still be a complete mess on the inside. The Book also says “man looks at the outward appearance, but God sees the heart.” I’m all for looking your best and feeling chipper. But there seems to be a huge disconnect in our world. Our souls are left untended, while our bodies get notable attention at the gym, at the makeup counter, at the hairdresser. Again, don’t misunderstand me. Taking care of ourselves is a reasonable thing to do. But it seems strange that we would spend so much more time on something that could perish in a car crash, and so much less on the eternal part of us. Believe me; I’m not trying to lecture anyone! Usually when I’m lecturing someone, there’s a mirror in the vicinity. If you’ve read this blog at all you know very well that I’m first in line at the “I need mercy” door. It just kind of struck me, what with the Botox circular and all. Still, I’m most grateful for people who can fix the scars of a young girl in a terrible accident.
I hope you all are greatly blessed, inside and out. You certainly make my "smile lines" come out.
Your friend on the pilgrim road,
Loriann
It was one of those days (it kind of reminded me of late November/early December), when it seemed I was in the car endlessly. The van was sparkly on the outside (my boys washed it for me yesterday), but still trashed on the inside. My friends at Cole Collision are going to detail it for me in the near future, but I’m so embarrassed I think I need to clean it out before they clean it up! David told me the other day he hates cars. I think I can figure out where that’s coming from. He thinks he would be just as happy with a horse and buggy. Of course the “good ole’ days” had their own share of problems. And it would take an awfully long time to get to the beach on a horse… The weather has made me misty for Cape Cod. Since Stephen first woke up, it’s been a major goal to get his feet in the sand of Coast Guard Beach. Of course, he may look a bit scary with his crazy scars, but as I’ve said before, it just clears away a little more space for our blanket and chairs. (That WAS a joke! Sort of.) After all, it will be harder to truck down to the less crowded sections than it was before.
Miss Rejoice saw Dr. Noonan today (plastic surgeon), a very personable fellow who probably makes a lot of middle aged ladies like me (albeit much wealthier ones!) smile. While we were waiting I read some of the pamphlets about getting eyes lifted and tummies tucked and wrinkles unwrinkled. Whatever. I haven’t the energy to contemplate my unlifted eyes or my very untucked tummy. Bigger fish must be fried. Life has enough wrinkles for me to unwrinkle right now… Anyway, Dr. N. looked at that beautiful child of mine and told her he wanted to wait a while to see how well Mother Nature did the job of scar healing. She’ll go back in July for a look see, and she’ll have to be careful in the sun this summer. Scars apparently need time to “mature” before traditional or laser surgery are performed. Maybe she won’t need intervention at all. We’re still early on in this. Once again, we must wait…
I can’t help but think about that scripture: “Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” I have no opinion about cosmetic plastic surgery (unless of course it is in the harmful zone, physically or psychologically). But this is for certain; you can fix up the outside all you want, it’s still going to die someday. You can nip and tuck, and still be a complete mess on the inside. The Book also says “man looks at the outward appearance, but God sees the heart.” I’m all for looking your best and feeling chipper. But there seems to be a huge disconnect in our world. Our souls are left untended, while our bodies get notable attention at the gym, at the makeup counter, at the hairdresser. Again, don’t misunderstand me. Taking care of ourselves is a reasonable thing to do. But it seems strange that we would spend so much more time on something that could perish in a car crash, and so much less on the eternal part of us. Believe me; I’m not trying to lecture anyone! Usually when I’m lecturing someone, there’s a mirror in the vicinity. If you’ve read this blog at all you know very well that I’m first in line at the “I need mercy” door. It just kind of struck me, what with the Botox circular and all. Still, I’m most grateful for people who can fix the scars of a young girl in a terrible accident.
I hope you all are greatly blessed, inside and out. You certainly make my "smile lines" come out.
Your friend on the pilgrim road,
Loriann
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