Coming home was a bit of an ordeal for me. Tom, Matt, and Jani were epic in doing all they could to lessen my pain. Still, it was a difficult day. Once in the door, I sat at the table to catch my breath and gather energy to make it to the bed they had prepared for me. I was shaky and had cried as I made my way to this point. I needed a pause and a few deep breaths to focus on the joy o...f being home. As I sat there, softly and gently Mr. Puggles approached me and snuggled between my legs to give me a hug. He stayed there with me as I calmed down. Neither Jani nor Matt encouraged him to do this. I believe he simply sensed where I was at and wanted to be balm for my tears. His stillness and presence soothed me. Today is Puggy's birthday. I celebrate this guy and all the joy he brings to Jani and Matt and so many of us! Happy Birthday Sweet Mr. Puggles!!!

Wonderful news! On Feb 26 I wrote about meeting someone while at therapy. She was here in rehab for a broken back. Our conversation led to her sharing with me about her deep desire to get home to her husband and cat. I found out today that A. gets to go home this Wed. Tb2G!!
Thank you for your prayers for her, someone you don't know and never will meet. Luke 6:38 comes to mind as I ponder your generosity of prayer "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap: for the measure you give will be the measure you get back."
May our prayers continue for A. as she lives out her final days with her beloved hubby and cat.

The 4 days I was at Sleepover #1 (Snoq. Valley Hospital) I didn't get a shower. Then the 8 days I was at Sleepover #2 (Overlake Hospital) it took until the day before I was transferred to rehab before they gave me a shower. You can imagine how good my shower feels at Sleepover #3! I could have the most insensitive klutz showering me and I'd be in heaven!! However, that isn't my good fortune. I... have a beautiful soul, older than me, with English as her second language and bright smile as my hair and body washing attendant. She works long hours each day showering men and women in every condition of ill physical and mental health. This lovely woman is the epitome of gentleness and pastoral care. Though she says she doesn't go "to the church" her hands are the healing touch of Grace, her voice the sound of joy, her presence ointment for my soul. I understand that God is bigger than we can wrap our minds around. Church buildings can't contain His glory nor can even the most incredible mountain tops. But still it surprises me when the Holy shows up in humble places. If you are like me, we tend to want to keep holy moments in a box- in church/ temple or certain people that have lives very different from our own (which have days of doubt, wrong decisions, broken limbs, throbbing headaches, unkempt promises, uncertainty, missteps, ...the list goes on). My beautiful shower friend has reminded me that although we do have to do our part in our relationship with God, sometimes God will come to us. All we need to do is to sit under the faucet of grace and let the warm water of cleansing, peace and healing wash over us. #GodIsNear #HealingWater #CarmodyStateOfMind

Just curious....what are your plans for Lent?

Tomorrow is the beginning of Lent. As I have considered how to hold this season holy, it seems obvious that I will be living my Lent in stillness, prayer, offering up some of my pain for others and giving up alcohol (certainly not having a glass of wine while on pain meds is a good idea). Yet, tugging at my heart is a bigger truth. God is good! I may be in pain but God is with me in this. The...re may be darkness in the world but God has redeemed the world and in Him there is Light and Life. Although on the surface the easy answer for a Lenton practice is to keep doing what I am doing, however I have noticed that each morning I am brought a breakfast tray with a cup of tea on it. In the Spirit of God's goodness and my current physical limitations, perhaps the practice of "Embracing A World Of Possibilities" for these 40 days of Lent is more what I am being led to ponder. I am guessing yes.
Just curious....what are your plans for Lent?
#Godisgood #EmbracingPossibilities #CarmodyStateOfMind

41st Wedding Anniversary

Some years I have talked about his faithfulness. Other years how he makes me laugh. I've also remarked how Tom Carmody has been the face of God for me year in and year out. With the past year in our rear view mirror, today on our 41st wedding anniversary, the words to Jason Aldean 's song " You Make It Easy" come to mind..."You're my sunshine in the darkest days, my better half, my saving grace.... You make me who I wanna be. You make it easy." For all that has been since we walked down the aisle on March 4, 1978, I say "Thank you, Tom". For all that will be in the years ahead, "I Can't Wait!" You are my heart, my laughter, my home. Happy Anniversary, best friend. I love you.
#CarmodyStateofMind #grateful #luckyinlove #41andcounting

Spoiler Alert! Preaching Post!
So, did you get out of bed by yourself? Perhaps take a shower, make breakfast, grab a cup of coffee, and head into your day without anyone's assistance? Three weeks ago, I would have replied yes to all of these questions and, for that matter, taken them all for granted. Currently I need help with all these tasks. I don't tell you this for sympathy. I am surround...ed by wonderful caregivers. I simply want to invite you (and me) to take a moment to be grateful for the simple pleasures we enjoy....walking, reaching, holding, climbing, sitting down, standing up. To Jesus, Yahweh, our Higher Power or who ever you give thanks, may THIS MOMENT not pass without a whisper of gratitude for ALL that has been given. We are blessed indeed.

I had OT today alongside of a gal that had broke her back for the second time. As we commiserated with one another while taking a break in our regimen at what we are calling the torture chamber (PT and OT room) she shared with me that she is terminal. She wants to get home to spend the final months of her life with her husband and beloved cat.
We talked throughout our 70 min. session. We also laughed, grunted, sweat, and cried side by side.
Now, back in my room, I pray she gets well enough to move home. Her hubby and cat are waiting. Won't you also offer a prayer for her intention as well? Thank you.

In my heart of hearts, I don't believe that God gives us trials to test us or to make us strong. However, in the midst of tough times, it seems that when I am able to offer my temporary sadness, frustration, pain, whatever to God and accept how things are, our gracious God takes my offering and Grace shows up in unexpected places. When we are at our lowest, we get to see God's mercy in the conversations and kindness of the people around us. Amazing! "Yes, I accept whatever You give, and I give whatever You take. Amen"

And so the story begins...

STOP, children. What's that sound? Everyone look what's going down.
(Photo taken Feb 9th, Lake Kachess State Park)