Recovery, Renovations, and Reflections

184 Days Later

It’s been six months and one day since my last post on June 29th. I have no excuse other than being downright lazy about posting — lesson learned!

Reflections on the World and the Election

The good news is that the world didn't end in December as predicted by the Mayans. The bad news, in my view, is another four years of the current Obama administration. I’ve spoken with many friends and family who share my frustrations. My issue isn't personal; I simply feel the leadership lacks respect for our country’s core values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. I also have serious concerns about the integrity of the election process itself.

A Difficult Summer: Mom’s Fall

Moving on to family news: On August 9th, Mom fell down three steps and fractured her right hip. It was a difficult injury to diagnose; it didn't show up on an X-ray and required an MRI to locate. During her stay at Wayne Hospital, she was also diagnosed with mild pneumonia. A swallowing test revealed a serious issue: liquids were going directly into her lungs rather than into her stomach.

Understanding the Root Cause

This wasn't entirely new. Two years ago, a neurologist diagnosed Mom with Chronic Progressive External Ophthalmoplegia. It affects the eyes and limbs, but also weakens the muscles used for swallowing. Though she was previously told to walk a mile a day and use "Thick-it," she struggled with the exercise and disliked the consistency of the supplement, so she hadn't been following that regimen.

Recovery and "Divine Intervention"

During eight weeks of rehab at The Gardens of St. Henry, Mom worked hard with speech and physical therapists. They switched her to Simply Thick, which she tolerated better. By her release on October 12th, she graduated from 50% weight-bearing to walking with a wheeled walker. She still has some independence with dressing and going to the bathroom herself, which is a blessing.

While Mom was in rehab, my siblings surprised her by redecorating her bedroom and utility room with new carpet and fresh paint. Looking back, I see the fall as a form of divine intervention:

• It could have been much worse (like the basement stairs).
• It finally forced us to address her chronic swallowing and choking issues.
• Mom finally got the home renovations she’d wanted for eight years.

 

I won't wait another six months to update you — I hope!

 

The Joy of Setting My Own Pace

Slower, But Surer

As I’ve mentioned before, I move at my own speed—roughly one-tenth the pace of the average walker. In the past, whenever I tried to "keep up," I’d end up with aching feet and sidelined for days. I finally reached a simple, brilliant conclusion: if I want the consistency of walking every day, my own pace is far better than everyone else's.

My Trusty Sidekicks

Indoors, I’m fine on my own, but outdoors is a different story. I need my elbow crutches to feel safe. Some people see them as a sign of "dependence," and I actually agree. Without them, I couldn't even make it to the neighbor’s house; with them, I can cover nearly a mile in an hour. To anyone struggling to stay mobile: don’t fear the crutches. They take away the constant worry of falling and, because they weigh a pound and a half each, my arms get a fantastic workout with every step.

Nature’s Spectacular Show

Walking slowly has its perks—I actually see things. I’ve been struck by the simple beauty of a yellow dandelion; it may be a weed, but it’s a flower in every sense of the word. The blooming trees have been spectacular lately, and unless you’re living in a cave, you couldn't miss the maple trees showering the world in "helicopter" seeds.

 

Weather Whims & Road Works

Our weather has been a rollercoaster. After being spoiled by 80° days in March, we were zapped back into winter coats. Now that it’s May, I’m optimistic the freeze warnings are finally behind us! Meanwhile, North Star is undergoing a transformation. Road crews have already ripped up the east side of town. By September, we’ll finally have sidewalks and curbs on both sides of the street—a much-needed upgrade since the original work back in 1969.

Blessings After Blessings

A Special Milestone

My mom, Joann Bensman, turns 82 today! Happy Birthday, Mom! Though she’s slowing down a bit, her determination, positive outlook, and sharp sense of humor remain as strong as ever. We call her witty remarks "little gems" because they always make us laugh out loud. We are so blessed to have such an amazing mother.

"This photo of Mom, Bob, and the kids

—Abby, Max, and Alex—was taken 

back in 2002. While I have plenty of 

photos from their younger years, we’ve 

fallen out of the habit lately. I really 

want to start capturing these moments

regularly again."

The March Heatwave

The weather has been everyone's favorite topic lately. Looking back at the AccuWeather data for March, we had an incredible 20-day stretch where the temperature averaged 70°. It peaked at 85° on March 21st! We were all getting a bit spoiled until a cold, windy front hit on Easter Sunday. I’m not a fan of the wind—anything over 15 mph keeps me indoors—but I’m thrilled that the beautiful, calm weather has finally returned.

Walking: A Daily Miracle

I may walk at a tenth of the average pace, but I am profoundly grateful to be moving at all. After being unable to walk for 18 months (from 1977 to 1979), the fact that I can still cover a mile a day, 33 years later, is a genuine miracle. I’ll never tire of thanking God for the strength and endurance He gives me. To Him be the glory!

Inspiration on YouTube

I’ve become a big fan of YouTube for its variety, especially in faith, health, and music. Recently, I was moved by a two-part video featuring Gianna Jessen, an abortion survivor. She speaks eloquently about her faith and the obstacles she has overcome. Her story is a powerful reminder of the right to life; though her mother chose abortion, Gianna survived to show the world that every life is a gift from God.

Gianna Jessen Abortion Survivor - Part 1 of 2

Gianna Jessen Abortion Survivor - Part 2 of 2 

Breaking the Distraction

I’ll admit it: I haven’t posted in two months because I’ve been completely distracted by Angry Birds on Facebook. It’s a bit of a "lame" excuse, but I’m owning up to the obsession! By making this confession, I hope to set the game aside and refocus on what truly matters: my faith, health, and this blog. I’m committed to being more diligent from here on out—at least, that’s the plan!

 

An Attitude of Gratitude

Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder

I am incredibly grateful for the blessings in my life: my faith, my improving health, the support of family and friends, and the technology that allows me to share my journey. I am back, and I am eager to continue sharing my love for God. I am especially thankful for my friend, Mary Ann, whose passion for the Lord inspires my own. Walking With God By My Side is more than just the title of this blog—it is how I live my life, and a gift I feel called to share with others. Amen!

Moving Forward, Literally

Last summer was a milestone for me. For the first time in years, I could walk freely on two "new and improved" feet and ankles. My life isn't just good—it is fantastic! I am so thankful to Jesus for leading me to the talented team who changed my life: surgeons Dr. Thomas Lee and Dr. William DeCarbo, and orthotic specialists John Druckemiller and Dan Kimball. Thank you, gentlemen, for your patience, expertise, and the gift of mobility. My gratitude is overwhelming.

Ralph Waldo Emerson Speaks Volumes

"For each new morning with its light,

For rest and shelter of the night,

For health and food, for love and friends,

For everything Thy goodness sends."

I found seven more gratitude quotes on the internet that I would also like to share with you.

1) "Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation. " — Brian Tracy

2) "Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom." — Marcel Proust

3) "We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures." — Thornton Wilder

4) "As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." — John F. Kennedy 

5) "At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us." — Albert Schweitzer 

6) Everything we do should be a result of our gratitude for what God has done for us.  — Lauryn Hill 

7) "Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.  — William Arthur Ward

To everyone from me...