Dear ones,
As I write this today, July 26, I have passed 7 months! The winter of December seems a long time ago -- well it is.
I am doing extremely well. As an example, I accompanied a friend last week who had an evaluation by my surgeon. Dr. Horton recognized me as one of his patients and said, "Stand up Cheryl and let me look at you". He felt along my spine and said -- you're doing fantastic. That was a nice unexpected blessing since it wasn't even an appointment! I will see him on August 10th and have a CAT scan that day. I'm looking forward to how the bone growth is growing.
One of the barometers of progress is how many things can be moved off the counter tops to their belonging places. Another is the discontinuing of "tools" like elevated toilet seat, grabbers, and of course the best - energy level and flexibility. I can report that the counters are looking far less crowded. The toilet seat is gone and I now use a public toilet as well. My energy is increasing each week. I am realizing how diminished my energy was last December and even before that because I now have the new energy. I had no idea that I was slowing down and now realize a lot had to do with the diminishing lung capacity. I swim several times a week and can feel my lungs happily filling with air. When I started back swimming it was all I could do to do 1 stroke of the crawl. I can now do 8 laps of the crawl plus some breast and back stroke. Progress no matter how small is a gift to observe.
My time with my 2 post scoliosis surgery friends has been very satisfying to me. To see them in their beginning stages of recovery has shocked me because that was "me" just a short time ago. I am so happy to be able to encourage them and to tell them how well they are doing... and they really are. As I said earlier, it is good to have someone alongside you who has already gone where you are going. So many similarities in much of our life spiritually and in life lessons. We are all to be there for others to be their encouragers and cheerleaders. It gives both of us pleasure.
What's next? I've got a ticket to visit Tim in Eugene, OR on Aug 20. This will be yet another 1st-- 5 hours on a plane. I am looking forward to this time so much -- for my sake but to see Tim's world.
I can never close without thanking you so many times for your continual prayer and love for me. I feel it -- it is something one can only know by experiencing it. I feel like a new woman and in ways I look like it too -- +3 inches!
Fondly,
Cheryl
