Good capitalized with the intent to refer to God is good….all the time. Busy day: youngest started Girl Scouts after school. Seems to be a good-behavior incentive. A lot of research for my next writing project. Makes me so thankful to have improved as far as I have. It’s like look around, enjoy the beauty you see with your eyes and the privilege it is to be alive. Interesting comment on a previous post on the blog here and happened to call the gentleman this morning. A closed brain injury, as well. Allegedly no physical impairments; his are more neurological and cognitive. Sounds like his emotions get the best of him at times. Struggles with depression and negative thoughts. (And Dana and a lot of my family thought it was just me and my tendency towards pessimism.) Please pray for my friend. Don’t believe sharing his name here would be unwelcome: James. It would be a God-thing for his marriage to be restored and his estranged wife to be overcome by grace, compassion, love, and understanding. That is definitely how I’m interceding. I’ve seen first-hand this God-thing in my own life. Matthew 19:26 keeps coming to mind: “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Grace, grace. God’s grace. We need it now.
Plagued this last week with some paranormal events. First an incident last week involving a sheriff at school. Seriously, I mean c’mon man. Two things: sure don’t feel like ratting the school out; and careful to be respectful of the efforts and duties of the police force in general. Though in this particular instance I would say “most.” To blame my thorn in the flesh, not sure with my brain injury I received proper treatment or with etiquette. The situation can be left unnamed, as well as the officer. Just to make a statement if I could in this genre, rather than legally, for those with my particular – or any – impairment. It’s too bad a little consideration can not be given, and also understanding, for our perspective. Brain injuries, any sort of impairment, stroke, etc. While on the egocentric train, I would comment that our day today also went badly. I firmly believe the Lord to have been in charge. He redirected my thinking and allowed my mind to think with mercy. This, after the other quite negative event of being stopped at the same school for photographing an account where the scene last week had occurred. I blame myself for not having the merciful mindset earlier, because I was quite startled by the separate incident regarding another sheriff at the same school. I’m just thankful for a lot of other parents sharing my same point of view, but glad no harm will come to the school and I’ll refrain from involving my attorneys. Then today, my wife was in a fender-bender. Really hoping the insurance agents view the accident scene correctly, as no fault of hers and not the lies of the other gentleman. Our deductible would increase our burden and the repair bill would be costly. So grateful, however, we all are well. Thank you, Lord.
Been a busy few weeks, between lawn mowing, research for my next project, and everything else. Dana gets back soon. Returning from the devastating loss of her mother and her funeral. Been able to make a few good contacts locally. One friend at a local college may hook me up with a speaking engagement; we’ll see what happens. Someone from WayFM sounded half-interested in the book and is checking it out; that’s also a potential. As well as my local church, Crossroads, perhaps to let me present sometime. Gave a copy to a dear teacher friend at a school down the road. She sounded quite interested. Trying to put together some form of a testimony or speaking gig. So that plus some more never-ending cleaning tomorrow. Yippee. Loving it.
Two days back found me discussing life stories, or synopses, at one of my favorite restaurants, Taco Bell. My new friend, Ruth, intently learned of my bus accident, tbi, and my debut book. In turn, I listened to what had occurred in her life. Her son had been born with a brain injury from a twisted cord, I believe. Chiari malformation is the name of it, specifically SyringoMeylia- Syrinx. I have yet to research his predicament, though to born with a tbi in my estimation may be a far worse tragedy. She is a very interesting lady, and hopeful we can stay in touch.
At lunch today, the restaurant manager and kind personal friend, Randy, introduced me to a fine couple. Along with the other patrons, I had noticed them being seated. I had such a pleasant conversation with Mr. Joe and Jane Doe. It’s not everyday someone inquires of your life story, your testimony, how you became you. They agreed with me in God’s sovereignty and how He orchestrates each event in our lives. Despairingly, I listened to what had transpired for Miss Jane. I say despairingly because I was shocked. It welled the empathy right out of me. I’m sure the grievous circumstances has made, or is making, my sweet friend who she is.
From our brief time together, before she had to get to therapy, my heart was tugged. Here is what I remember. Jane was biking along one of the country roads when a car slammed into her, breaking nearly every bone in her body. God is holding her together; and Mr. Joe is a sweetheart. He has assumed the role of caregiver, helping her navigate in and out of her wheelchair and so forth. It looks like he is doing the (many) little things for her. As one with what others may consider an infirmity, I would echo on or for Miss Jane’s behalf, they are not little things for us. We’re grateful for you, our caregivers, spouses, and friends. Thank you, Dana, Mr. Joe, and everyone, our angels in disguise.
Be thankful, regardless.
(Names changed for anonymity.)
As excited as I was to help with the “Loss” project, guess we’re going to hold off. Apparently, the lady is seems overwhelmed by all the curve balls life is throwing at her. Besides the schooling of her two young sons. So I’ll continue – now heavily -with my other writing projects. Currently researching the brain injury sequel and I’l attempt to come up with a tentative outline, chapter designation, maybe bits and pieces of various chapters. Very exciting based upon the readings to this point. And a stark reminder to be filled with the utmost gratitude for how far the Lord has brought me.
This morning I listened to the story a friend told. Melissa and I met at Panera and we reminisced about the development of her faith. As the adage goes, ‘You don’t know how good you have it until you’ve walked in someone else’s shoes.’ Melissa has quite a testimony of faith, it was exciting hearing how the Lord has carried her through the storms in her life. All that to say she’s letting me help write her a book, and, Lord-willing, get it into print. God is good.
It has been awhile since I last posted. Had a busy summer. School started last week which affords more time to work. Looks like we’re having to put the brakes on one of the projects I’d been working on. “Blue Eyes of Hope” will have to hope – and keep the faith. I’ve got little Jade’s pediatric leukemia deal I’ve begun, plus another we’re fixing to begin with Melissa Arterberry. To find out more on Wednesday, though have already done some groundwork. Should be exciting.
Oh, what a wonderful, wonderful day. I’ve been making so many friends lately. Like Mr. Rodgers, “It’s all good in the neighborhood.” Not a lot of time to read or work on my things lately, but so many observations. Though the majority of people do not, it’s been encouraging to find several folks who share my (our) Christian worldview. He leadeth me beside still waters….in the presence of my enemies. The Psalms capture the Lord’s goodness and guidance; also, His protection. One way or another, we will be protected. And delivered. Let us have faith as we live out His dream and what He wants.
It has been awhile since I’ve last posted. Call it absent-mindedness or whatever, but will try to rebound. I’ve been meaning to copy the story I recently read from one of Dana’s magazines; excellent family article. That can wait. We had a good vacation this summer and spent time with great friends. One day we had a “mini-reunion” with some of the families from our children’s school.
In the past few months, we had to make a difficult decision. For the time being, I have had to shelve my Mitochondrial Disease project/book. It’s most unfortunate, had really been making good headway. I had been profusely editing, researching, and writing; spending so much time on it. My inability to get together with the family whose memoir it is has caused this change in direction.
Another family approached me about writing their memoir; specifically of their child with pediatric leukemia. It has been fascinating to delve into this subject. We’re just getting started but remain very enthused.
