When all else fails, keep moving forward. This year our family faced a battle that we had not seen before. My mom’s body shut down on December 26, 2021 and left her fighting for her life on a ventilator for ten days. Each day after she returned to us was an exercise in peace, patience, and perseverance. It challenged us in ways that we had never known.The only thing I knew to do was to keep moving forward.
There came a series of days where I would ask my parents what adventure they were going on as I helped my Dad turn my mom from one side to the other to get her into the hoyer belt. My mom was never one for amusement rides, so taking a ride in a hoyer belt a few times each day could present its own challenges, yet, we tried to have a bit of fun. Some days they were going on a train ride, other days traveling to some far away land, and still some days they were happy just to pretend to sit on a couch where they could hold one another again.
Funny how life can be like that, one day you are moving forward and just like that the progress is impeded or is stopped. Our faith is what sits us down, keeps us moving forward, and reminds us to trust that God truly has a plan for us:
Train your brain to be at peace.
Rest your body for 20 minutes each day.
Unleash the beast- go on a walk, run, bike ride, swim, kickbox, keep moving forward
Set aside time to be alone. No TV, phone, internet.
Trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be doing the work you were called to do.
Fortunately, my mom has regained most of her strength. She still struggles to stand up without assistance, but each day she continues to move forward. We continue to anticipate her complete healing and look forward to a fresh start for her and my Dad as they walk together through the rest of their lives. For now, the time I have spent with them has allowed me to regroup and rest in the rhythm of moving forward with an even greater peace, trust, strength, and discipline than I ever knew could exist.
When life reroutes your journey, keep moving forward.
Ya’ll have a beautiful day!
All My Love,
Jen
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