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 !