One foot in front of the other

Today was another good day.  Russell did not use the cane.  Woohoo!  He saw the chiropractor and then he had a 1 hour massage.  The chiropractor thinks the surgery did work but that the muscles were so tight from constant spasms they just kept contracting and twisting into a big mess.

We also started Russell on an herb and vitamin regime, and a more raw diet.  Hey, if raw is good for your health it must be good for the back too.  I have been reading, and reading, and reading.  The body was made by God to be able to heal if given the right tools.  So, thankfully God has put the right people into our lives to help us find the right tools.

Well, need to head to bed.  But had to share the hope we are feeling right now!  Remember, you have never failed unless you just quite trying.  Thank you God for helping us to keep on trying one day at a time.  

Small Victories

Just a quick note.  Had to share the good news.  Russell had a good day.  He was able to chase Kidane around the kitchen table today.  I haven't heard Kidane laugh so hard in a long time.  It was an awesome moment.  Russell went to see a chiropractor today, she didn't do the regular run of the mill crack/adjust send you on the way.  She did acupuncture, pressure points, and I don't know what else.  I just know that what she did gave Russell his first good day in weeks!

Praise the Lord for small steps.  Russell is going back tomorrow.  And yes, the chasing around the table was in slow motion, but he had been using a cane for the past week just to walk.  It was so uplifting to see Russell smiling, and hear Kidane laughing and to feel hope on the horizon.

I can't remember the words, but I know I have heard a song on the radio about hope rushing in.  Well, it came to our house today! 

Step by Step

So, nothing has really changed since the last post.  Russell's back is still in really bad shape.  I look back and think "how have we gotten by to this point?"  Well, it is only by God's grace.  One day, one step at a time.  That is the only way we have survived through this ordeal.  We walk by faith, not by sight.

Russell is an amazing man.  He gets up each day knowing that he is going to face excruciating pain again and again.  I am so thankful for the friends who have lifted us up in prayer. In our American culture we want to do something.  We are compelled to take action.  Prayer often feels like the last resort,  if we can't do something, or donate money for something, we often say "we'll at least we can pray".  But prayer is the most important thing we can do.

So, please keep praying for Russell.  Those prayers are surrounding Russell with the courage to keep on going when the pain is more than he can bear.  Those prayers are the strength I need to carry the burdens that he is not able to handle right now.  Those prayers are keeping a song in the hearts of our children, when Dad can't play with them.

Believe me those prayers have kept us going. Those prayers have given us peace in midst of trial. Thank you! Now, I must go.  I have some more praying to do.  Philippians 4:6,7 Be anxious for nothing, but in EVERYTHING by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.   

Getting back into Life

Wow!  I realize that I haven't posted since my wonderful husband, Russell, hurt his back.  I didn't realize how busy my life would be. Now almost 4 months later, Russell is finally starting to get better. The kids have been amazing through all of this.  I know it has been hard on all of them.  Each one of them helped extra with no complaining.  They really love dad, and I know we all look forward to his full recovery.

I know it must be especially hard on Kidane.  He has already seen people he loves hurting and sick and then lost them.  I imagine that he is afraid that Daddy won't be able to play again.  He has tried to be so strong during this time.  Only once did he ask "Will daddy be able to play with me again?"  I could tell by the tone of his voice how  concerned he was.

The prayers and support of friends & family have been a strength for both Russell and I.  God created something wonderful when he created friendship!  So many times I received a hug, a smile or a text just when needed most.  And amazingly God gives the strength we need day by day.

Each day we have is a true miracle.  Make sure you take the time to appreciate the life you have been given.  Be thankful for everything, even the trials and hard times.  The experiences we have make us who we are.  Treasure each moment with your children, your spouse, your family, your friends.  Tell each one how much you love them and live each day to the fullest!!!!  That's how to get back into real life.