Back to Church Activity As Life Continues – May 7, 2013

This has been an eventful few days.  A fun story to share: Saturday night at my family, Gramps and Nanny joined us for dinner and afterwards played Mexican Train, an entertaining and strategic domino game.  The best part was, in previous times playing games, Cassie has needed some assistance remembering the game and playing it properly.  This time around, she needed little reminders and, as it turned out, won the first two go-arounds!  She was laughing and quite pleased with herself – a reward so worthwhile as she has dealt with so much.

We have worked ourselves back to church, having returned April 14, the week following General Conference.  We started out with just sacrament meeting, and this past Sunday we went to the first two hours of church (skipping the 3^rd hour) as we continue to work up to full activity on Sundays.  It’s a treat to be among the Saints, to feel of the Spirit of God helping buoy us up in our time of need.  When the prayers are said, and heaven’s help requested for those that stand in need, I take note of that.  Before, I never felt that those pleas applied to Cassie and me.  Now, it certainly does. 

Yesterday, on the 6^th, there were many errands and tasks to be completed.  First we had therapy, which Cassie continues to excel at.  We have increased her baclofen dosage to 60mg per day and that seems to be loosening up the tone in her hand that is causing the ligaments and muscles to work in such a manner that she clenches her hand (not quite a full fist, but certainly not relaxed).  Her step is also improving – it is less compensated by her torso but more moving the leg forward and utilizing her knee.  She takes the steps going down at a normal pace, one foot per step.  She still feels uncomfortable when there is not handrail for her to feel secure.  Her physical therapist Shane helped her take the stairs going up in the same fashion, and it took some time but she is making strides in that area.  She is able to balance more and more, and put more weight on the right side.  She still cannot move her foot or wiggle her toes (it’s all involuntary movement).  She can lift her right arm and hand to position it by her mouth, such as if she were to eat. 

As far as the errands, we went to Shopko to buy some sheets, to Deseret Book for some Mother’s Day shopping, the bank to deposit some cash, and finally the Bishop’s Storehouse to get some much needed food and supplies.  I was not quite sure what to expect, imagining some kind of Costco setup.  I was taken aback at the quaint little convenience store vibe there.  The service missionaries were quite helpful and garnered all the supplies requested for us by our Relief Society president days prior.   I was humbled and I felt the love of God and the fellow members of the church who contribute to the fast offering funds.  I obviously can say that I did not anticipate ever using the funds, only to contribute.  But here we were, in the storehouse, receiving the aid of the church.  I took me aback and I truly felt humbled, and know that my life is more in His hands, more than what I may be comfortable admitting.  I am used to independence and living within my means, but now the “means” just are not there anymore.  Humility requires a submissive heart and willingness to be served.