2nd week of May

The television is playing a cartoon song and Hubby is doing something on the computer. Kiddo is watching but more into her handheld game. I'm just sitting here reading online the various blogs and Facebook updates. I get up to go to the other room and here comes the questions. "What do you need?" "Where are you going?" (This place is small, where might I go?) I know I'm disabled but I can at least do a few things. Sometimes I need to get to where I'm going, and quick, or the laundry room will need a visit. So I leave the room and here comes "the party". (think I talked about this in previous notes) I'm trying to enjoy company because yes, never know when it is the last but sometimes I need me time, a breather but I'm never alone.

I've realized that I have a hard time telling my family that I want to do some things, like read, exercise and just spend time thinking and spending time with the Lord. I'm trying to state what I need/want. This week has had some challenges but also really good times.

We spent Monday tending to our daughter and her dentist appointment. (two more to go) I'm amazed at how fast she jumps back, ready to eat and play. We have to remind her to rest, take it easy, have some yogurt or something soft. So hard when we need to take a break and slow down. I used to be a go go go girl or thought I was but now I can't remember. Kiddo is still very active, she's nine, who wouldn't be? At least she tried to sit and rest.

Then comes the challenges, "Trust Me" He says. Therapy time on Tuesday was difficult. We get there and my therapist wants to do some testing, to see how I am doing. The first tests were great. I passed. But.. oops I'm not doing what I need to do at home. Supposedly there was a goal about walking around the apartment complex without stopping. (Not sure who set that goal) I think I might had mentioned when I started this session, a few weeks ago, that I have tried to walk around the building in front of ours without stopping but at 5 minutes I'm almost out of breath and all my muscles are tight. I stop for about a minute and keep going. I would like to walk better. SO.. I'm told we are going for a walk, was handed a single prong cane, (only used one a few times and not long so still unsure of myself) and headed out the door. Hmmm.. how am I to process all this newness. New cane, new place, new ramps/hills, loud noises on road, people around, eeek... I tell you this place is not even at all. About 1/4 the way, I'm stressed, my muscles are tensing up and I'm trying to focus. Therapist is talking so I'm trying to respond but having a hard time. I don't remember what all was said, just too upset, wind tried twice to blow me down and I was crying, tears filled up my eyes, I kept walking. "Jesus...Jesus" was running through my head while my mouth was saying my frustrations. I did it.. 10 minutes of painful walking, frustration but I did it from gym and back, all around the building. We stopped for the day. Both therapists said no way to continue, no use when I'm upset. Took a few days to process what happened. Anything new and my anxiety level kicks in so I'm trying. I have too many excuses why I don't go out and walk 10 minutes. My comfort zone is one, our apartment. I don't like steps right now and to go anywhere I have to deal with 14 of them outside our door. Takes a good bit of effort and time which people seem to forget because they are go go go. 10 minutes=a lot more but it's only until I get better at walking and dealing with stairs. Now if I could tell my family we are going outside.

Good things: Great therapy on Friday but only Physical Therapy as other therapist was out. My husband and I spent time talking about what needs to happen (good but could be better). Saturday was my birthday (another post on that great adventure) and good family time. I spent a good time studying Psalm 119. Seeking Him!

My obstacle course for Friday

My surprise cake Yummy!

Have a great week! God bless you!

Then Sings My Soul Saturday - Jesus Saves

May you have a blessed weekend!
Praising God!
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First week of May

I hope you all had a great week this first week of May. Between our daughter's dentist appointment, my therapy sessions and school/work, was semi busy. When my family is at home I tend to do all I can with them, from playing games, watching movies and doing things around the house. It's hard sometimes to say "I'm going to read" or whatever I want to do. My family follows me around our apartment no matter what but because they don't like to leave my side. This might be too much information but I want to share. We have bathroom "parties" or did for a long time because of my stroke, there is usually one family member with me. *laughs* I finally asked them to give me a few moments. This practice was ok at first when I really needed help, guess it stuck.
So a few things:

Kiddo had a dentist appointment, both last Monday and today.  She was such a trooper!! Much better than I ever was and she did not complain at all about anything. We came across this dentist through our insurance program. I'm so thankful that she is close and she does great work with Krista. We all like going there!

Twice this week I had therapy and each day brings more challenges. I have two therapists, my main ones, but occasionally I have someone new. New people = New exercises but same concept. Occupational therapy for me has been lots of stretching my right arm and hand including back. I have started to work on some finger exercises, like moving the basketball around me. We also did arm pulley, not sure proper name but what I call it.

In physical therapy, we worked on my right leg balance and stretching muscles. My heel got a good stretching which has helped to bring some feeling awareness to that area of my foot. We used the wall/door and then on Thursday we used a two inch high board that gave me enough stretch that felt really good. I placed my right foot on a slope like almost stepping up but using the step as a prop. Then my left foot on the other side of the board going down. Hard to explain but felt great. We also did lots of squats that by end of session my core muscles were screaming at me. We used different size balls for me to pick up and place on some tubing. We had an issue with my heel of right foot wanting to come off floor, mostly because my muscles are so tight but I kept going and trying. Mentally and physically challenging, so glad! I am called the warrior around the gym. *chuckles* Only with God's strength!

We ended this week with Mother's Day. We didn't do anything much but I was surprised a lot and then became emotional. My daughter gave me a bag she colored a hill with a tree, lovely green, brown and blue sky. She also made me a card that had a note inside of love and missing me while at school. Inside she gave me a butterfly that she made in art, beads and a clothes pin. Made me think of a song that my grandmother and great aunt would dedicate to me on my birthday (May 14). I had to share it. I also got flowers, another card and chocolate turtles.

If I Were a Butterly

There is so much more to say about this week and the month is just getting started. God is working! He is so good, mighty and is love. Praises and thankfulness to the Lord for all He does and will do for us.

Now to start a new week with therapy tomorrow but for now some lunch and reading this afternoon.

God bless you and keep you!

Then Sings My Soul Saturday - Great Is Thy Faithfulness

Great is Thy Faithfulness performed by Chris Rice



Praising God!
Visit Amy's post here or join with us!