Life's Choices

Sometimes in life, we are faced with choices that we sometimes do not like,understand, or know which way to go and this is one of those points in my life. Having surgery in March was not my choice-I had to or face being paralyzed, so I had it done. Since then, I have not been able to do the things that I am used to doing. I am a very active and independent person and DO NOT like to rely on others doing things for me, but this path that I have been taken down has given me no option. Soooo, I tried to view it as God wanted me to slow back down and enjoy the things in life that I used to, but had been too busy to since working. I absolutely LOVED my job though; loved my patients and taking care of them; I believe that is something that I have always enjoyed doing-taking care of people, and it comes naturally. Also, I watched God at work everyday, miracles happening, & where doctors said that someone would never live or never walk again, God said differently. People that had no hope, were given hope, those that could not walk, got up and walked out of there and it was wonderful to be a part of that team that made it happen, through God. I felt like I had a purpose in life and finally felt like I had found my calling.

Now that I've been placed in the position that I am in and it's not looking like I am able to return to work, I have gone through a thousand different emotions. I miss my patients and my friends, I hurt all the time, am limited on what I can do now, missing out on a lot of things that I used to be able to do, and I am broke.

I am one that always at least tries to look at the bright side though. I fought being at home tooth and nail at first, but then as I began to search for the bright side, I started to enjoy myself again. First of all, I am never one big on money; money does NOT buy happiness and I am not big on material possessions. It takes very little for me to function (other than paying household bills), but I had gotten used to being able to take the kids on vacation or buy them something whenever I got ready, something I've never been able to do and I enjoyed being able to give to my family. Well, being broke now, I just had to search for new ways to "take vacations". Sooo, hence came the swimming pool. It is not big, but it is a metal pool and I spent only $149.00 dollars on it and it was worth every dime. I got a picnic table for free, that we put next to the pool and Tammy "built" us a redneck bar-b-que grill out of an old washing machine tub and what was left of my old grill


Since we have gotten the pool, I think we have honestly had more fun this summer than we have ever had. We get up in the morning, load up sippy cups, snacks & hot dogs for lunch and head outside. We swim all morning, get out of the pool, eat our hotdogs at the picnic table, get back in the pool, and swim for the rest of the afternoon. Most of the time for supper, after we dry off and change clothes, we cook something on the grill and sit outside for supper also. On days that I plan on cooking inside, the kids still ask if they can go outside to eat. They LOVE it. They are like their Meme, they are not indoor couch potatoes. When we are not in the pool, (which is rare now, since it's gotten so hot), we are playing on the front porch, where I rigged us up a tent so we'll have shade out there also. Everyday is a new adventure, different in some way, but we're still having fun. Sometimes we move the pool party up to Stacey's house. She has a bigger pool and it's a change of scenery. Regardless though, we are never bored. Yes, if I was still working, we would have been to the beach at LEAST 5 or 6 times by now, getting us a hotel room for the night or weekend, been to Gulf World, been "prize" shopping more, where I take them to WalMart & get them a prize (only to clutter up their room more or collect dust). But, since I have been given this new road to travel in life, we are no longer doing things that costs money, BUT we ARE doing the important things; we are creating memories that will last a life time. If I were still working, we would have never been given this opportunity to spend each and every day together, MeMe would still be saying, "I'm sorry honey, not today, MeMe's got to work-I'll come get you on my next off day".

Soooo....I can honestly say that even though I really really miss my patients and friends and the feeling of me making a difference in people's lives and having money to go and do as I pleased (when I had the time), since I have quit fighting this road in life and trying to make a u-turn, I am thoroughly enjoying it. I believe this is the best summer that I have had so far; limited abilities, limited income and all. I just had to accept what life threw at me and to find more creative ways to do things! :0)The smiles and laughter that we have shared so far are absolutely priceless and the memories will last a lifetime!!!