Tuesday, June 9, 2009

scrappin' away for aaron

these past few days have been sooooo busy. i've been working on a scrapbook for aaron walden which included all his achievements from pre-k to his senior year. i had already started and gotten to 3rd grade when his mom-lisa and our friend michelle pitched in to help. after many many hours our masterpiece was done- all 232 pages!!!!

today, i'm just playing catch up. the kids and i are enjoying our time at home- but it won't be 4 long.

charlene tag

Monday, June 8, 2009

New design

Trying out new blog designs... what do you think?

charlene tag

Friday, June 5, 2009

going back to candler....again....

please don't think i've lost my mind (melissa), but once again- i forgot my password and i've had to wait patiently until i could remember it- so i could blog. i knew i'd remember....eventually. a day in my life is never ever dull!

i've been going to candler in savanah now for the past several weeks visiting someone who's become very special to me- and i decided early on that i wanted to visit 5th floor rehab where i spent 6 weeks after my stroke- and bead with some of the patients. last week we made bracelets and this week necklaces. this has become a very special time for me 1- i get to meet the patients and we share our stories and 2- i get to visit with my former therapists- who i am certain- gave me the jump start in getting me to where i am today. amazing isn't it? i am so humbled that god can use me in this way- even though after doing it it takes several days of rest!

i also visited with charles-my stroke surviving friend-7 times i think. i first met charles at the marks exhibit at the jepson center. i didn't realize it- but he recently had a leg amputated and was scheduled for the other one to be removed today. wow- what can you say to someone going through that? i had prayer with him and shared with him about my 2 years in the chair and about my friend andy. i shared with charles that after being in a motorcycle accident 9 years ago- andy is now in a chair and at the present time facing other challenges- and then i shared andy's strengths- not focusing at all on his disability. i then pointed out to charles that god has left him with a wonderful talent in drawing- and perhaps by being in the chair- god has a specific purpose for which may not be revealed until later.

i now have 2 friends who are in a chair.....and i admire them both for their strength, courage, and determination! kinda gives new meaning to psalm 46:10 where he says....be still and know that i am god- for it's in my own stillness that i've learned some of life's sweetest lessons !