two years and going strong

This Saturday marks the two year 'anniversary' of my right leg injury and diagnosis of RSD. I'm not complaining and just wanted to share what happened and what I've learned. I injured my right calf muscle (ruptured it) at the Atlanta airport in '06. From there the "wonderful" docs at the Outer Banks Hospital, the hematologist, and Ortho doc I saw here at home told me "I'd never walk again, order a electric wheelchair, and forget ever working as a nurse again". I was also told "there was no need to finish college" - I'm working towards a Masters in Psychology- because "I'd never be able to use it". I 'self-referred' myself to UNC in Chapel Hill in February of 07 and the rest is history. I underwent two rounds of some strong med for bone cancer, wore a cast for 1 and 1/2 years and was given more pain meds then I would ever use.

All this time I was angry, depressed, and wanting to blame others instead of just taking charge. I finally had a long talk with God. I know you aren't suppose to make deals with God, but I did anyway. I promised him that if he would just let me walk enough to play with the babies- I would stop complaining, be happy, and try to realize and learn from the lessons he is trying to teach me. This was last July. Two weeks later I was able to walk enough to go to Wally world alone- yes, that means drive my car.. I continued to get better and now I am working at least three to four days a week- as a cardiac nurse, I swam in the ocean last fall (this was a big deal as I was told never to go there because of walking in the sand and the waves), wore sandles, vacationed in florida and the Bahamas this past February, and chase (as in run) around with my babies all the time now...

Here is what I've learned: God is stronger than anything, RSD is not a definite diagnosis, never listen to doc's if they tell you "you can't do something", to let others help you- I had a hard time with this and even crawled to the bathroom because I refused help in walking there, never give up your dreams- I just started my senior year in college, and the most important lesson is "Let God do his work in your life and all will turn out just as he planned". Of course it may not be what you planned for your life- but remember- God knows best.. Sherri

Dreams

The other night I watched a show about Madeline O'Hara and her son (you know the atheist that ruined public schools by having prayer taking out of it). Later that night I dreamt that the three of us were sitting around a table talking. Her son stated, "there isn't a God".

I took offense and asked, "how he could say that knowing I was a Christian"?

He picked up a block of wood, banged it on the table, and stated, "if there was> your God would have done something".

I picked up the same block of wood, banged it on the table, and the son turned into a old fashion player piano and Madeline turned into a disk full of Christian music. I put the disk into the piano and told them, "for the rest of eternity you both will be playing Christian music". I turned to walk away and stated, "tell me my God isn't powerful".

It just goes to show that even in dreams God lets you know that all things are possible through him, if only you believe...

Nick at the sugar bowl

Nick is no longer the "baby". He is growing into a beautiful young man.. Here is the latest picture I have of him taken when he went to the sugar bowl.. I know he drove all the ladies crazy> why wouldn't he? He's just as beautiful as his older brother..

Baby girls and sneezes

Bekah and Audrey aren't feeling good. They either have one nasty cold or allergies that are killer. Their eyes are puffy, running, and their cuddly. Bekah is getting up on her knees and rocking back and forth now. Soon she'll be crawling and chasing Audrey all over the place. Audrey's favorite words seem to be "go bye-bye". She always wants to go somewhere. Their so cute you have to love them...

New things and old

Rob took this picture and told me I had to post it, so here it is... Of course the manatees in the background are the highlight of the whole thing... School is in full circle and I have began my senior year!!!!! Yes, there is a light at the end of my tunnel- although I still don't know where I'm being lead yet.. I've left that up to God- hopefully he'll let me know soon... We also just found out we may be adding an addition to the family in November- I'll let you know more when we know :)

The Girls...

Audrey and her "say cheese" face
Bekah eyeing trouble that she can get into

Audrey decided she wanted to wear Bekah's pj's on her head. Take note of her bottom lip


Bekah posing for the camera all smiles and dutch apple baby food included

The girls spent the night last week-end and here are the latest pictures of my beauties... Rebekah (or boo boo bear as i call her) is eight months now and Audrey (my little princess) is 21 months.. They are growing up so quickly.. Audrey keeps calling Bekah "boo boo". Bekah is not crawling yet but she does baby push ups for us... Audrey is into everything and the minute you get her out of one thing she's into the next. I've nicknamed her "Hurricane Audrey" because when she leaves my house it looks like a hurricane hit it... Got to love them....

Robbies off to see the world- at least vegas...

Robbie is off to work again in Vegas. Thank God this time he will only be gone for about 2 1/2 - 3 weeks. He decided before he left to get his hair cut.. Here is his before and after pictures. Notice how quickly he aged once he cut his hair... He went from looking like a young surfer dude to looking like a hit man for the mob (come with me and you'll be safe)... However he still has those beautiful Hershey kiss chocolate eyes.. Got to love the eyes...