Hopped up?

Because this blog is used as a family journal, I have always felt like I needed to be completely real in all that I do and say on here.  I want our families to know my kids, since we've lived away from them the better part of our marriage and child rearing years.  I also want my posterity to know the ups and downs that have shaped the lives of those that brought them into the world, and to know that through everything, their ancestors tried to look for the good in everything, while also realizing the hard times for what they really are-- hard times.  I tell a very vivid story in all that happens, whether it is a soaring high, a harrowing low, or the magical mundane of our new normal, the every day lives of our beautiful family.

So it made me laugh when I got a face-to-face call from my dad (he was in another country, mind you) asking if things were really as good with my back as I had said on here.  I laughed, telling him that I was just as stunned and amazed about it as he was.  Things really are miraculously wonderful with my back.  Truly, in just three visits, I was practically pain free.  I have still been doing the exercises, and only feel a slight pulling sensation every once in a while, but it is more of a sore feeling, not pain.  He was just as amazed about it as I was.  It is weird for me to think that the raw truths of the hardships could be easier to believe than the exuberant words of the healing.  It really is incredible to believe (even when I am the one living it) that it only took a few low-key exercises, done in a certain way, with a certain intensity a few times a day to help me in such a short amount of time.  But, I promise, all of the words that are written on this blog are raw and real and truthful!  You may not be a personal, day-to-day acquaintance or friend, but the words that you read are from a girl that would most likely be your friend.

I had another appointment with my physical therapist today.  When he walked in, asking how I was feeling, he was just as astonished to hear my excited voice telling him how much better I am after the visit I'd had on Wednesday.  As I was telling him how well things have been going in all that I do (cleaning, packing, Nursery, and just daily life) he stopped, looked me in the eye, and asked,

"So, you're not, like, hopped up on drugs, right?"  I started laughing, thinking he was totally kidding.  "So... you're not, right?!"  His face was dead serious-- he really wanted to know.  Even telling someone to their face, it's hard to believe!!  I just laughed, promising him that I was perfectly serious-- things are going SO well for me!

So, here's the truth: I'm just a girl that likes strives to be happy.  I'm a fierce protector of all I hold dear; I would do anything and everything for those I love most.  I like to tell a good story- to make others smile and laugh- but I try to be honest in all that I do and say.  I do not like confrontation or awkward situations, even if I am simply a bystander.  I say yes to others before considering what it may cost me to deliver-- I just want to help.  Once a friend, always a friend.  I recognize this life we have been living has been hard to understand these past few years, I know our story, at times, has seemed fantastic, but every word of it has been real.  Some have asked how I can do it, how have I endured so much and can still be sane, how I could even get out of bed.  To this, I say: With the love of so many beside me, both in heaven and on earth, how could I not?

I really am the luckiest girl in the world!

And, NO, I am not hopped up on drugs!!  :)