SEND IN THE CALVARY and BLESSINGS

On a particularly bad day in May 2015, while wallowing in my pain filled misery with a side of "woe is me", my sisters decided to SEND IN THE CALVARY!

I try to inject some humor but I was truly in a very low and depressed state that only the fear of never walking again, chronic pain and endless isolation can bring. I really felt that life was over for me.

I kept as much of my personal struggles hidden as possible. Most people that know me didn't even know I had fractured my back or was unable to walk. Facebook allowed me to keep a public persona and be involved with others.

But, I am BLESSED with an amazing family that includes 2 big sisters that love me and are there for me whenever they are needed.

After a pitiful cry for help was made by me to my sister, Jerri Ann, they rallied and things happened fast. My sister, Linda came in from another state to stay with me, a GoFundMe page was started for medical needs, a visit to the Dr determined therapy goals, an eating plan was created and an exercise program was begun.

Wow, let's slow down and break it down. LOL

My sister, Linda, has recently survived a ruptured intestine, emergency surgery and 27 days in the hospital. Since that time, she has lost 130 pounds. Amazing, right? So she came to be a daily support and start me on an eating plan.

After a family discussion, a GoFundMe page was created for my medical needs, I have insurance but it is not good insurance that I have learned is a common issue. At this point, the fundraiser is on-going. My medical journey has the potential to be long and expensive. It is embarrassing having others ask for money on your behalf. It is intrusive and so very hard on the little pride you have left in this kind of situation.But it is a BLESSING! My family and friends and friends of friends have given of themselves and enabled me to go to the Dr, start/continue weekly therapy and chiropractor sessions and setup nerve blocks to curb the pain while I work to rebuild my body. Surgery is out of the question at this point due to my weight. This is giving that I can never repay. They know that and they still love me and continue to bless me with their giving.

My eating plan: I will talk more of this in a future blog but it must be simple, easy and effective,. I have 200 pounds to lose. I cannot play around.

My exercise program: I cannot stand on my own and my back will not straighten for me to stand completely upright even on crutches. Mainstream exercise will not work for me. So I must strengthen my core, legs and arms... all from a chair. This should get interesting.

Now that I have my family, funding and fundamentals. Let's get started!