05/30/09: Terrific weather & 6+ miles!!

My new sunglasses -- very cool, eh? They fit perfectly over my eyeglasses, so I can still see where I'm going.

Promised (& permitted) pic of tall, dude PT on my trike. I can lift the trike in/out of my Element now, thanks to Scott.

Trike (that is a verb now, for you grammarians out there) was s'posed to be just to pick up a Rx for my daughter. But, the weather was so incredibly amazing I couldn't head right back home. Meterologist predicted T-storms for today; I bet he still has his job, again, despite being correct only about 50% of the time.

I triked down some neighborhoods I haven't been in for a long time. Mostly condo & rental areas. Not sure I could permanently live that close to others. I live pretty close in my neighborhood, but at least my walls don't join up to someone else's walls. Although, there would be the benefit of a quick "run around the wall" to borrow a cup of sugar :-)

What a beautiful day. And it was a pure surprise. I dragged myself out of bed right before 2 pm. I guess I should've opened the blinds and looked outside instead of believing what I was reading online. Better yet, I should've gone to the door and stepped outside. Ah, but there's always another day to do that.

As I was triking (have I used all the grammatical forms of "trike" in this post?), I kept uttering "Oh, My Word" (OMW) in reference to how completely spectacular the weather was today. My dear friend, Julia, always exclaimed, "Oh, my word". Her earthly birthday is approaching. I miss her. She's a grandmother now and has two son-in-laws. I know she is very pleased with her daughters. And she'd be thrilled for her husband who is teaching rock climbing classes and traveling anywhere there are mountains.

I'll be triking out of state the next few days - can't wait to share those adventures w/ you. I dream about triking across the country raising awareness for some charity. I think I need stronger legs first. HOWEVER, I moved into 3rd gear today. That was sweet! I had my triked tuned (say that 3 times quickly) last week. The gears shift much smoother now. And I can shift between the 3 speeds (I know that isn't the correct term). There's like a total of 27 gears or speeds (?), I think. I do not know the shifting lingo. When I say "3", I reference the tiers on the large chain holder in front of me. There is a chain holder on the back tire, but I think it is not as big as the front, large thing. I guess I don't know for sure b/c I can't see it when I'm pedaling. See, I told you I do not know the language. Please feel free to educate me :-) And the trike tuner switched my gear shifters to the opposite sides. That helps a lot! In the original position my right hand was doing most of the shifting. My right thumb is mostly useless, unless I want to experience pain. Someday, whenever I determine, I'll get a joint replacement in that thumb.

Well, I'm signing off because tomorrow I will not remain in bed until mid-afternoon. Those days only come once in a blue moon or when the weather person predicts t-storms and I don't have to pop up for appts.

Blessings Abound!

~A~

(I typed this in another document yesterday. While I did not do any triking yesterday [or today], this post is related to my trike. Plus, I think it shows another element [yes, that's the type of vehicle I drive] of this journey I'm on.)

TGIF 05/22/09

16 months post accident today. When I initially realized this I was relieved for the explanation of why I hadn’t been sleeping well lately, despite Lunesta (the little, blue butterfly pill - NOT that other kind of little blue pill). I hadn’t even thought about today’s anniversary.

I am making contact w/ a 20 yr younger woman from town re her journey from a “near-fatal” auto accident on the same road, one yr, nearly to the date, of my accident. I hope to see her tomorrow at a family celebration. (Update: I did meet her and her husband. We plan to visit again soon - this will be good for all 3 of us.)

I think the two, aforementioned, events influenced the flood of tears spraying from my soul this evening.

And, in today’s mail was a huge envelope from my attorney, which produced a 1” stack of court proceeding paper workings. Reviewing it made me sob. So many people were/are affected by that accident. My heart hurts b/c of the extent of disrupted lives. Fortunately, for my family, we are all Believers and this kind of challenge motivates us to be real and struggle through it together, supporting each other.

Plus, today was a great therapy day; I learned how to maneuver my trike into/out of my Element. Hopefully, I’ll remember the correct way to “use” my back, arms, and legs. My Fri PT took a short ride, HA, Dude’s over 6’ tall; his ride was literally short in 2 ways. Trike is built to personal specs: I’m 5’4” on left leg and 5’3” on right leg, so the pedals were a bit crowded and he had to get back inside for the next person's therapy session. I took photos, but will attain his permission and consent b/f posting them here.

I made beef & noodles for dinner. My daughter said wonderful things to my heart – she speaks truth! Another day, speaking of truth, I hope to tell you about a recent conversation she & I had about the inheritance she missed due to me surviving the crash.

Falling asleep
Blessings Abound!
~A~

Two Canadian Geese w/ their three goslings on our little, local lake.

A little closer image. They were paddling much faster than I.

"Yes, Sir, that's my Baby" ------- unrelated to HER, don't you love that pick up your dog poop sign?! If her brothers read this, PLEASE do not make this the topic at our next gathering.

Yesterday, Wed, 05/20/09: 87 degrees Fahrenheit!! And 8 miles (not the Enimen 8 miles, although that isn’t so far from here). Today, Th, 05/21/09, I'm recovering from 18 miles of triking over the past 2 days :-)

I had a “guest” journey with me today (yesterday's "today" since I'm posting this on Th). We had interesting and unusual conversation. You know, sometimes those conversations inside your head just sound plain weird and scary when uttered out loud. At least that’s what my daughter told me while we were conversing & pedaling through the dismal, swampy areas of our local trail. I’m glad she understands me, even at times is confused, by others, as being me ( a "mini-me"; much to her chagrin/delight).

Having my daughter join me today was akin to celebrating her birth and many of the other firsts in her life. She hasn’t ridden a bicycle in many, many years. In fact, when she was learning to ride, I was petrified that she would get lost going around our block. That was her style: playing out in the yard and ending up in some other neighborhood b/c she saw something pretty “over there”. Over there led to another “pretty over there”. So, we held a family meeting, one night, to discuss whether she was ready, er, whether we were ready, for her to ride around our simple, square block, ON the sidewalk. Her merely older brothers took it upon themselves to set up posts at the corners away from the sighting distance of our front yard. Meaning they went to the street behind our house and positioned themselves on their bikes at the intersections to prevent their little sister from wandering off. We did this a few times, until she understood that she had to turn left at every intersection. Very comical, in retrospect. Poor child, “bless her heart”! Even till today, she’s likely to end up somewhere entirely opposite of where she intends to go.

When she was in high school, she and a friend wanted to make a major road trip. Neither of them outright owned a vehicle nor had the financial resources to just get in a car and go. So, they invited me along. We were going to the Outer Banks of NC. I settled into the back seat, reading and napping, totally giving them reign over the vehicle and map. My sole function was to dispense money. At some point, well into the darkness, my dear daughter, awakened me and inquired whether we should go to NY or WV. We were quite far into PA, having departed earlier in the day from MI. Well, our initial itinerary did not include any part of PA. I figured out where we were, that’s when I decided that from then on, I have to purchase only large-print maps and keep a magnifying glass with the map, JIC, and decided upon another itinerary. Fortunately, we hadn’t made hotel reservations for that night. Unfortunately, we ended up “sleeping” across the street from some raucous truck driver convention, or something of the sorts.

All in all, it was just short of a miracle that my daughter rode her bike yesterday and stayed close to me. I guess she’s learned a lot in her “old” age. With explicit directions, we departed paths while I had a massage and chiropractic visit. She seemed concerned/anxiety-ridden, about getting lost when I had to turn right and go 1/4 mile south from our divergent paths. She repeadtedly asked for verification of her directions: "Go straight across this road, turn right as soon as you see another paved path, otherwise, you’ll be in a parking lot. Go to the end of that paved path until you reach the park. Stay there until I come to get you.” It worked :-) The park essentially is in the back "yard" of the chiro ofc. Same park as mentioned yesterday (yesterday's yesterday), which our family helped build and we've spent many, many visits playing there. This girl (young woman) grew up in this town. "Bless her heart!"

My chiropractor is very intrigued by this trike. First time he’s seen it – he sat on it and fell in love. I bet I’m gonna see him triking around town some day. You can’t NOT love it. It is so comfortable: reclined position, head rest, elevated legs. Luxury. I am grateful to my auto insurance company and my parents for gifting me with this trike. Well, my parents’ portion was a gift. I think I’m still paying for it re: the portion from the insurance company (recovering from injuries sustained in that auto accident). People comment on how “good” I look (I take it to mean “not as mangled as we imagined” or as gauntly as when I came home from the hospital). I am feeling stronger in my core. The core provides balance & stability for the limbs. People, also, comment that I’ll “be back to running very soon because you look so ‘good’”. To which I respond, “I love my trike”.

I may want to run a 5K, just so I can say “this is my last run” and know it is. The last time I ran I didn’t know it was the last time. At least, I do have that memory – the Portland Winter Run on Sat, Jan 19, 2008. Gosh, it was cold. And snowing. Bitter is more descriptive than “cold”. But, the veggie chili afterwards was awesome. And talking forever with my friend, Tracy, was a special treat. My concern about running “one more time” is that it may hasten the inevitable damage in my joints, thereby hastening surgery and recovery (and dependence upon others…). I vacillate between: 1) Be Nike and “just do it” – cherish the opportunity – go out w/ a victory run, and

2) slow down the inevitable – take as long as possible to prolong the need for surgery.

I meet w/ the foot/ankle dr (who, I just learned, attends the same church as I) in July. I’ll ask his opinion. He’s young (-er than me) and will understand this conundrum.

A conversation that threaded from my massage therapist to the chiropractor is how we think we’ll respond when we see Jesus F2F the 1st time. Do you have an image of how you think you’ll respond? Won’t it be incredible? Maybe you believe that you’ve already encountered Jesus’ face when you’ve fed the poor, visited prisoners, and given your Bible away to someone w/o a Bible, joined in the mesmerization of a little child’s wonder over nature, etc. Will seeing Him the second time be less awesome than the first time? Or will the first time be the beginning of eternity- no day or night or tears or sorrow or pain or ….

Blessings Abound!
~A~

(BTW, yes, my daughter granted permission for me to share how much fun she makes love)

Tues, 05/19/09 Perfect weather day: 71 degrees F....... 10 miles! woo hoo. Joints are a little achy, but my soul is soaring.

I forgot my camera today, doggone it. Let me start from the beginning:
Upon exiting my garage, I did not initiate one pedaling effort. I coasted down my driveway, across my street, "jogged" to the street across from my drive, and zoomed down that hill right onto the trail - no pedaling, all coasting! Yep, that yardage is included in the final 10 miles :-) In some aspects, I'm loving triking more than running. Running allowed me to eat all and anything I wanted w/o guilt. Triking, well, I can go faster :-)

I cut off the trail to go to the bank, then went around a side street to re-access the trail. If you live in a place w/o trails of our kind, I feel sad for you. For a small town, we are grateful to Fred & Lena Meijer for their generous investments in improving the quality of life here. Even on a rainy or blizzardy day, our trails are beautiful.

At the Kids' Kingdom, which is an incredible play ground built by our townspeople (including my family), I took a loop (former running path) off the trail and rode over to Industrial Drive (it is what it sounds like). I called a friend who lives in an apt over there, telling her that I was triking by her house. She and her partner came out onto their deck to wave happy greetings. I rang my bell in gleeful response :-) THEN, I reclaimed another portion of the infamous Hwy 57. Aside: I saw my hand dr yesterday and he always tells me that he can never be on or think about Hwy 57 w/o thinking of me. He's a fabulous person, related to Beethoven, I believe. And I'm related to Andy Griffith. Seriously.

At the river I rejoined the trail. Quite a few people are out today soaking in as much Vit D as their bodies will hold and then cherishing the beauty of today just because they can. At my 1st Century marker (100 miles) I pulled out my phone to call my neuropsychologist and exclaim this event. He's become a bicyclist in this past year and will participate in a 24-hour biking event on Father's Day wkend. He's lost 50 # while training. He looks strong & lean. Well, I don't have his phone # in my cell phone, so I was scrolling through my list to see who else would actually care, to the degree that Martin would, and along came Mary. A lady, probably in her 60's was walking toward me as I'm zagging all over the trail trying to hold my phone w/ both hands leaving other pedestrians at the mercy of my undriven trike. Mary struck up a conversation as we approached each other. So, I figured she was GOD's provision of a person w/whom to celebrate. And she was perfect! She's starting up walking again after increased arthritis. She was most curious about my trike and how comfortable it appears (IT IS). So, I gave her a business card for http://www.terratrike.com/. I'm taking my trike in for a tune-up this Fri and going to query about commission for distributing their cards and advertising their business. Mary attends our local Catholic church and says she hopes we can chat again on the trail. For some reason, I imagine we will. She was thrilled I had pedaled 100 miles. GOD is so good to me.

As I rounded the turn to head toward the lake, two elderly men (late 70's - mid 80's) stopped to have a look at this "contraption." They commented that I was "sitting down on the job". I agreed and said that I was still getting the job done. We talked a couple moments and I rode on wondering, why is it that some people think that if another is getting the job done in a more efficient manner then it must not be quite good enough? Well, that's the sentiment these two old geezers presented, but you know what? That isn't my problem. My problem is to keep on pedaling and to reach the 2nd century mark.

Oh, I wish I'd had my camera w/ me. This next section will thrill my daughter and her friends as I describe the fowl wildlife. At the south end of the lake two swans were "posed" for a free holiday bank calendar picture of May. Right around the bend, a 3rd swan stood guard while 6 ducks slept on a wooden dock. In the middle of the lake 2 other swans were "pedaling" in the sunshine. Beautiful, ain't it, girls :-)

I caught myself a couple times pedaling w/o noticing the moments. I don't want to live like that anymore. When I ran, usually it was to get that marked off my list and hurry on to the next thing (and to eat a lot and feel good inside). I'd plan to go to a neighboring town today to find some shoes, but decided during the triking adventure, that I'm not going to hurry about in life anymore. It will be what it will be. It is what it is. Que sera,sera. Savoring the opportunity to sweat and smell my sweatiness is enough for today. If other things get accomplished, so be it, but I could not cut my time short w/ GOD in nature, just to do the next thing. I realize that sometimes I will have to "hurry up". But, today is not one of those days. Pacing, choosing, remembering what's most important, connecting w/other humans - lightening their load (thereby lightening my load, also), giving Praise, basking in now, fully living in now.

Wow, I sound better than I use to. Last summer seems like a blur. I think I fought so hard to prove to myself and everyone else that I can do this by myself. I wished I'd relaxed more inside me. Next summer I don't want to think the same thing about this summer.

Blessings Abound!
~A~

Sun, 05/17/09 < 2miles

I cannot believe it is June 17th already. Seems every so often I "wake up" and realize a chunk of time has passed (again). I wonder if this is peri-menopause or TBI or both.

Today, I ate heartily after returning from church, then sat on the couch w/ my daughter, to watch "Chocolat," which was on TV. Next thing I knew I was waking up 3 hrs later! Another thing I cannot believe. That's the 1st time I've napped that long and w/o Lunesta or any of the myriad other sleep aids I've tested in the past many months. My daughter said I must have been tired. Guess she was right. When I woke up, I triked to the movie rental store to return "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button". Being outside felt good, but for some reason, I wanted to hurry back to be inside. I'm learning that when I resist what I "need" to do, I don't feel good about myself. Spend too much time second guessing. What a waste of energy- just be true to what you know you need, in the first place.

While I was out, I was reminded of an old joke as a V-formation of geese flew over my head (thank goodness they didn't drop any bombs on me). Do you know why one side of the V-formation is longer than the other side?
.........................................................................................................................................................................
more geese on that side. HA HA I chuckled when I observed the truth to that joke this evening.

Tomorrow (Mon) is my 1st solo drive to physical therapy. Maybe that's why I want to be inside more, some anxiety about being "out there" and vulnerable. I'll work through this, but I do have to be honest and admit that this is tough work. When I was a teenager taking my first trips alone, I felt quite confident and invincible. Age informs me there are many over-confident teens out there driving now. However, the man who hit me is close to my age. I wish I knew why he was in such a hurry. I may never know, but I've learned a huge lesson: nothing is important enough to hurry somewhere in a wreckless manner. Passing vehicles on an icy road in blustery weather. Not safe. I hope he is well. If you ever cause another person harm, please, at the very least, send them a card letting them know you pray for their healing. I pray for his healing - if he's human, his heart has to grieve. If he is "not" human, then I pray that he becomes human and grieves.

Last summer, I was significantly more impaired w/ mobility; using a platform walker and learning to walk w/ a cane. I also relied on a wheelchair when outside my house. This summer, I'm finding that I have to choose activities so to not overtax my endurance. My R leg/foot seem to only be able to sustain so much use. I look forward to what next summer will bring. At least I'm walking (still w/ a cane when out of my house) and TRIKING this summer.

Blessings Abound!
~A~

Thurs, 05/14/09 (only) 2 miles

It took every ounce of internal motivation I could muster to get out & trike. Due to procrastination I only had time to travel 2 miles. And due to more procrastination (& forgetfulness) I'm updating this blog on Fri eve.

Now, I'm remembering that I triked b/f going to PT on Th. I found out that only women work at this office on Th afternoons. For some reason, all the male therapists and aides do not work Th afternoons. Kind of makes me re-think going to PT on MWF. My main PT is a female and triathlete (competitive triathlete, that is). She only works MW and spends the other days with her 2 young sons (& husband). My secondary PT, who thinks he is my chief PT, is a male; I see him on Fridays. He spends Th afternoons w/ his wife and 4 young children. He makes pizza every Fri eve for their family dinner.

Last week I met a woman, who is a patient and has survived more than many people I know (in my career, I've heard stories of many losses). This lady is in for rehab after knee replacement. That sounds funny, doesn't it? We do ask each other, "What are you in for?" I imagine that's what people in prison ask each other, too. What if wait staff asked that question after seating us, "What are you in for?" Funny question, to me. Her young adult son was killed in an auto accident by a drunk driver; her husband died from cancer. She had breast cancer in one breast. Had a lumpectomy. Went back to dr for follow-up; cancer was discovered in her other breast, which was completely unrelated to the previous cancer. She opted for double radical mastectomy. Then reconstructive surgery. She said they pulled the fat up from her stomach to make new breasts. I commented that this was a new way to get rid of the tummy bulge. We laughed and laughed. She was there on Th, gosh, that was just yesterday. WOW, seems like days ago (Yep, I am tired). Yesterday, as Linda was leaving (I hadn't even noticed that she was there; I guess she was leaving soon after I arrived), she stopped by my table and called me by name (pronoucing it correctly). I felt so loved. Again, we found something to laugh about and hug. What a beautiful person she is! She knows how to love well despite losing the loves of her life.

I'm watching "Farrah's Story" as I type. Her story is painful & exhilerating to watch. I have little memory of being in the hospital. However, seeing scenes from Farrah's journey elicits some subconscious memory in my being. I'm experiencing flashbacks of shiny floors and inumerable needles. Her son believed her to be well and on the mend b/c she looked so good. People seem to only see what their eyes show them (and their hearts can contain, I guess). They cannot see the "cancer cells" on the inside, so they only see the outside. Like faith, huh? What's the purpose of faith if it is based on what we see?

I'm closing here while I can still see the screen (tears are gonna fly) - hoping to get in at least one triking session this wkend (weather depending).
Blessings Abound!
~A~

Tues, 5/11/09 - 3 miles.

Relatively simple course. What I noticed is that I am stronger. When I began triking outside (versus on the personal trainer for inside) I mostly used gears 1-5. I don't think I ever went under 5 today. Quite cool. This was a new "aha" for me to discover another way to guage my physical progress.



Seems I hadn't ridden in a while - 6 days. Sometimes it seems like 6 days are a fog; can't account for them. They're here, then they're gone. Blur. One of the gifts resulting from this accident is that I'm learning how to live in the "most things don't matter" attitude. So what? 6 days are gone. Many events happened during those days or days just prior. My youngest son graduated college and was informed yesterday that he is awared a graduate teaching assitantship, which will pay a living stipend and FULL tuition for his MA. He's a happy, happy guy. My youngest child, my daughter graduated from college this past weekend. She obtained a 4 yr degree in THREE yrs. Oh, I journeyed to witness my younger son's 1st participation in a 25K running event. He made great time -- under 2 1/2 hrs!

All these events have made me very fatigued. I spent the better part of today sitting in bed on my new coccyx cushion and completing phone calls, etc, I'm falling asleep now (should be - it's mid-night thirty a.m.

Blessings Abound!
~A~

Tues, 05/05/09. Painful triking this afternoon; just under 3 miles. Not listening to my body, determined to overcome the pain w/ movement, I triked a few errands in town. A storm front is moving in and I think that combined w/grueling, sweat producing therapy on Mon made my body ache. Turns out that the movement didn't really help. Should've spent more time reclining w/ my legs elevated. Oh well, another lesson learned. Sure I'll forget it though, b/c I LOVE triking!

Adults "casually" comment on the trike when I'm out. Usually a male will comment that the trike looks "interesting". Females don't generally speak out - not sure why, because I'd for sure, be chasing down someone on a trike like mine to ask a hundred questions :-)

Kids, however, again especially males, yell out what a "cool bike" this is and "where'd you get it?" Females kids tend to smile and say "wow". I wish I could purchase a trike for every kid out there walking around. Wouldn't that be "COOL"?

To all, I respond that this is a "fun trike" and "very cool ride". I hand out terra trike's business cards if I'm not flying by the commenter.

I wish everyone could take a ride on this kind of transportation. It is completely GREEN :-)
Today, I used my coccyx pillow (i.e., hemorrhoid donut); it provided extra comfort. Yesterday, I picked up two styles of coccyx pillows. One is larger and more square shaped w/ a "V" cut out where the coccyx goes. I use this one inside, like right now! It is too big (height wise) to use in my Element; it raises my foot off the floor so I'm unable to depress the accelerator w/ my foot, relying only on my toes (not safe). The one I used today w/ my trike is my Element cushion. It is, literally, a hemorrhoid donut. Looks just like it seems it would look. I suppose I could take pics of them and document this phase of recover :-) I'm waiting for my spine dr's ofc to call and schedule an appt. Discomfort is increasing in both ends of my spine. Cervical end had a few fractures from the accident. I wonder if the discomfort is arthritis creaking in. The other end, coccyx, well, not sure why it is more painful. Could be due to unequal use of hip muscles. Spine guy will check it out. Yep, it is odd having someone palpate my coccyx. All modesty went out the window after spending so much time in the hospital and being unable to attend to any of my needs for such a long time. If a dr can touch it and make it feel better, then I'm up for it!

What an odd ending (get the pun??) for this post. Not gonna trike tomorrow; storm may be here by then. I may apply for a meteorologist position someday....

Blessings Abound!
~A~

Mon, 5/4/09: ~ 3 miles. Triked to Meijer to drop off scripts, then stopped by local gym. PT seems to be planting the seed that in a few months I will transition to individual therapy w/ a personal trainer, through a gym. Since the gym was between me and Meijer I stopped in for a visit. I've been advised to get a couple gym options so that I can compare my needs when presenting my research to my insurance company. I don't anticipate problems, but tonight, my nurse case manager (ncm) popped into my head being puzzled by the outcome of a recent script for a coccyx pillow. In this dialogue in my head, she didn't realize I'd need two types of pillows and wondered if that was excessive. In my head, I repeated the conversation I had w/ the order clerk at the home care supply business. Then, it hit me, I'm beginning to feel some anger. Anger, b/c, I may have to justify how one cushion does not fit all seats and sitting needs. For the rest of my life, I imagine I'll be in one conversation or another, advocating for my needs. What a reprieve it will be when Christ advocates for me b/f The Father and I won't have to. I need to think about this more. Any comments??

Somehow I always keep thinking I'll fully recover. I have recovered so much, more than expected from a medical standpoint. This afternoon, a formerly quiet space inside me roared up and asserted an acknowledgement that I won't easily go down. Today (& hopefully, tomorrow, I'll have the energy to advocate for myself again. Today's "deal" was only in my head, but that's a tip off that some confrontation is heading my way and I feel prepared.

Oh, GOD whispered her name to me this morning while out triking. I did a double take and questioned GOD what was happening, when all Iwas hearing was the single word, "whisper". Well, I was completely alone, on my trike and no one to speak to, let alone, whisper to. After a few more pedal pushes, I saw her in my Element and GOD again said "whisper". Now I know her name. Her name is "Whisper". Ironic, isn't it since she is a lion? It fits. I'm sure I'll learn more about how this fits. Wouldn't you know that as soon as I ask the question the answers begin appearing. I've been a loud lion in my life. Since this accident, my voice fades into a whisper as I tire, feel anxious, fearful, vulnerable, etc. I am still a lion in my heart. Now I am the kind that can lie down w/ a mouse and care for each other.

I'm typing this under the influence of sleep med. I had much energy today and started many tasks. I'm planning to complete these tasks tomorrow. As long as the energy holds out.
Blessings Abound!
~A~

Sat, 05/02/09 FAITH! Yeah, the kind of faith that can trike on water - amazing, eh? Of course, I have the kind of faith that says, "I'll watch you go first." I saw a woman run on this water, then I dipped my tires in, ever so slowly, thinking that maybe I shouldn't get my trike in the river. But, then determined "What the heck, Peter walked on water, so I can trike on water;" plus, I'd just witnessed the woman not sink. What I believe isn't the problem, it's the unbelief part that gets in my way of focusing on faith. I am like Thomas - no doubt about it. I'd want to poke my fingers in those holes and see if it was for real. Perhaps that's connected to another reason I'm fascinated w/ cadavers - I can poke around inside a human body and get an idea of what the insides of me look like. Of course, the insides of me gush blood if poked too hard. Not so w/ a cadaver, although some parts leak a variety of matter. Enough of this subject already.

A river runs through it, or more accurately a river runs over it. This is a beautiful portion of our local trail, which is paved. We have been blessed w/ an abundance of rain (and snow) this year, hence our river spilleth over and onto and into. I think we should plant rice b/c the fields are so wet. That's me treading water on my trike this morning. All in all, I triked 12+ miles for around 2 hrs. I stopped and visited a few times during the venture. The woman who ran on the water was gracious to take my picture triking over the water. The City had a barricade to stop people like her (& me) from entering this flooded portion of the trail. Well, those same barricades did not deter me a couple yrs ago when this portion of the trail was being constructed. Secretly, back then, I hoped a cop would lunge out from the trees and fine me for trespassing. My speech was prepared, "I am honored to pay for the right to run on this historic path and witness its transformation." I guess cops don't lunge, especially from trees. There are no Dunkin' Donuts or Krispy Kremes in my town; ahhh, now I remember, they gather at Big Boy. Where else?? No offense to any cops or relatives who may read this.

What a day of wonderment! Not to forego mentioning the beautiful weather, but I visited w/ a dear friend (from my former, pre-accident life). Her shouts of excitement made my day - she is hilarious (one of my favorite traits in people). I appreciate her candor in acknowledging that my face is different now. We (medical lingo for "doctors") think my "stiff upper lip" is due to nerve damage. I can feel it and can't make it loosen up; "we" notice nothing "unusual". Of course THEY didn't know me before. My lip, facial muscles, and voice quality are different. I don't drool as much as I did last summer. Speech therapy helped, but I suspect this may be as good as it gets. I think I'm in that phase of recovery where I'm accepting reality, "as is". When you see that label on a garment or appliance or any retail product you begin looking for what's missing or dented or malfunctioned. My personality resists "as is" - there's always room for improvement, which ultimately means nothing is "as good as it gets". That's my personality. GOD made me this way, right?

The perfect ending to an absolutely amazing day of graces was happenstancely (new word?) stopping by another friends when I "missed" the usual road home. Fortunately, she had just arrived home and had a fresh bouquet of flowers. "Bouquet" seems to minimize the enormity of this floral arrangement. She lavished flowers and readings and goodies for me to bring home. GOD never ceases to amaze me. I wonder if GOD says that about me??? When I merely go about going about GOD pours "more than I deserve" into my heart. I was perfectly content w/ the beauty of the day and being able to trike on water. That was enough. GOD gave me more than enough. Is that possible? I guess it really isn't "enough" unless GOD is in it, then the cup can overflow w/ GOoDness.

I look forward to sleeping (from my hips to my toes, every joint moans) and tomorrow's adventures. May you gain awareness and gratitude of your overflowing cup.

Blessings Abound!

~A~

PS: I made it up "that" hill on the other side of the lake (pic in some earlier post). Barely. Coach Mark walked behind me when I couldn't make one more pedal push. I regrouped my brain and breath and pressed on. By the end of July "that" hill will be a piece of cake! I love cake. Oh, and yeah, I started out this morning w/ former runner cohorts. Whenever I ran w/ this group I was always in the rear. Today, I zoomed ahead of them a couple times. In the end, they finished before me. Like I said, I stopped and visited a couple times :-)