Finally, on the other side !

In honor of turning 50 (in a few more months)... I have been focusing on some goals this year. I'd like to share the journey of one with y'all. 

Back in 2020, I Graduated Nursing School, and honestly;went thru a bit of burnout afterwards. We then prepared our house to go on the market and pack up our lives of 25 years,move across the country, from WA to LA. It has been a bittersweet transition for all of us. 

We are slowly making community and finding our way.

We have been homeschooling all these years, so that has still been a priority. This time with the kids will be gone in just a few years. Last year we found  a great co-op, graduated Sarah and now in the homestretch of High school with Isaia. Just a few years left❤️

Last year, I was blessed to do some Hospice type caretaking with a few special families. This time rekindled my heart for serving, and standing in the gap of prayer and medicine. As '23 began, My heart was watching those Nurses in my life. I said goodbye to my Gr.Aunt T, who first inspired me to be a nurse. Her daughter, just retired as a nurse and has become a dear friend. I watched my niece finish up her Nursing School Program and many friends whom are advancing in their careers. It was time to complete this journey.💜

So, I fought off lots of doubts and grabbed some courage.... Be strong and courageous...I repeated often. I studied hard the past three months. From co-op to Dr appts and track practice, always with notecards in hand. The stubborn part of me knew that if I was finally going to tackle this NCLEX, I only wanted to do it once. I fought off fear and doubts and what ifs all the way to the door of the testing center last week .

But God is bigger than all those thoughts and fear is a Liar !! I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I prayed that over all my questions. The test shut off at 85 and I panicked.  Held back tears and went to the car. Prayed for peace driving back to hotel. When I turned on the car the song, By Faith, was playing. "By faith I keep pressing on, by Faith hope is never gone...."

Well, after the longest 48 hours waiting, I am so happy to say that I did pass and I am now an official RN. 🎉🎉

It has been a long road, but I am so thankful to be on the other side and to see how the Lord will use me.❤️❤️

So thankful for all the family and friends who have supported me and the family through this long journey.

Love, Tammy Hollaway,RN

 (This picture was a card given to me by my first Clinical Instructor..seemed fitting for closing out this journey.)

Isaia's big night

For all our friends and family that have known Isaia since he was little, sharing a huge milestone.

So back when Isaia was about 8, he hit a point with his speech struggles. He was shutting down and only had a handful of people that could 'translate' his words for him. That year he was diagnosed with Apraxia of Speech. He had moved up to his second SLP at the time. Heather and Shawna became part of the family, with Skype sessions several times a week. We love these ladies !!!

Summer of 2016 and '17, with the support of many friends and family, we were able to get him into Camp Candoo in Spokane, with Dr.Amy and Dr. Nancy and their team. His world opened up and he began finding his way and getting his huge vocabulary unlocked. He still has to think through his words sometimes,but overall he has fought hard and came to be a well spoken young man conquering his Apraxia. 

Friday night, our Homeschool co-op drama class put on a play. "Such a Time as This", a story about Queen Esther. Isaia played King Xerxes and had a large script of lines. 

He and the rest of the cast did so well.

We were so proud of Isaia and just seeing him up there projecting his voice and words with passion, made my heart rejoice. 

I remember the years where he felt trapped and no one would talk to him or they would walk away rather than try to decipher his words, and He has always had something to say ... He wouldn't go anywhere without Mom, Sarah or his buddy Anchor- because they knew his special language. Nowadays he is non stop talking !!😂

 God is so good,and we just loved seeing how far he has come in the past 7 years, wanted to share! Excited to see how the Lord uses him and his voice in the future.❤️❤️

Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.”

Psalm 126:2 ESV

Nursing School is complete❤️

4 summers ago, after being a stay at home mom close to 20 years, I started taking pre-reqs for Nursing school. I seemed to carry textbooks everywhere we went, studying at Jerry's Dr appts, kids swim practice,kids co-op, in between homeschooling, and every spare moment of these past years has been consumed with pushing forward .God has carried me beyond anything I ever thought I could handle. I have been surrounded by Family and friends who have supported me in every way imaginable. I have cried and doubted myself, questioning what I was thinking.I have found success and failures both to be meaningful and life lessons that encouraged me to keep going💜.I made wonderful friends, even when I was old enough to be there Mom.💕  I have said "no"to my kids and husband more than I wanted as we sacrificed time so I could carry on this journey. There are moments that I can't get back but there is so much to look forward to.
Being 47,  I might not get as long a career as others, but I am trusting the Lord will use me in just the right places ❤️ Covid has cancelled Pinning ceremonies, but I am Proud of making it on this journey.. Thank you so much to everyone who prayed and encouraged and helped in so many ways through these past 4 years, I am truly greatful.Nursing School Complete✅
~Tammy,Graduate Nurse 2020

Homeschooling during isolation

Isolation schooling is not Homeschooling 😥. As a homeschool family of nearly 18 years, this social distancing is just as hard for those of us who spend more time at home with our kiddos.  Our kids are missing out on the many social activities they are used to... Field trips, library stops, park meet ups, co-op classes,sports activities and just hanging out with their friends...The good thing is we don't have to figure out the schooling thing, it just a normal part of our days.💞 I will admit Katie has taken on alot of the homeschooling for me with Nursing school this year as it became much more intense.. Very Thankful for her help.

To the Mama's flung Into this, hang in there.  Know there will be gaps, that's ok. Take time to just soak up watching your kiddos learn and give them freedom to be creative and explore new interests.  Find a good chapter book, make a fort under the table and read aloud and escape the craziness of this world.  We love the Narnia series for read alouds, just find joy with the kids. If things are becoming a battle, Stop, try something different, reclaim your day, take a walk and try later.❤️

Today we drove to the middle school and got the school lunch in the drive up, New experience of public school lunch 😉Bonus was friends doing the pick up too..visited through the car windows,for a few minutes of connection. ❤️ Missing hugs and time with friends💞Finding Joy in the day to day💞

Count it all Joy

The last few weeks have been filled with so many emotions !

Three weeks ago I was cramming for my finals for level4...so completely beaten up by Nursing school at this point.Just wanting the end...We had a trip planned to go to MO and see AJ and Stephanie marry. I was so excited to see them and get away.  Isaia had been sick for a few days, by Sunday night He was not improving. So we made a trip to the ER in the midst of all the new Virus precautions. Navigating white tents and secluded rooms, he had a gnarly ear Infection and we were in and out under an hour.Thankful to get out of there quickly. By Tuesday, Nursing school finals were done and packing was on the agenda. Wed, Isaia looked awful,felt awful. We were not going to be able to fly today 😥Flight moved to Fri. By Fri, restrictions were coming down everywhere and painfully we did not fly out to MO. We were all in tears...I don't think I have cried so much in 24 hours… this one broke my mama heart.💔

I have clung to these verses since that day:

Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy.

John 16:20 ESV

By Saturday, They ended up moving the wedding a day ahead and having a small ceremony with a few friends and family.❤️

The JOY is that they are married and we couldn't be happier for them.

Count it all Joy !

Technology !! What a blessing it can be .

We were able to watch the ceremony at home and it made the distance so much easier to bear❤️

We look forward to celebrating together at a different time.

We are sad at Missing being present. 

We are sad about not seeing the few friends and family that were there.

We are sad about not meeting so many people whom have become family to our boy. 

But our sadness turns to Joy as we have gained a Daughter-in- Love.💞

Welcome to the Family, Stephanie❤️

Happy 2 Weeks of Marriage 💞

Happy New Years 2020

Working on  New Year's Cards and I didn't order enough,...so some of you dear friends might find one in your mailbox, but to all the rest.... Know you are precious and loved and we are so thankful to journey through this life with each of you . Much Love, Jerry, Tammy,Katie,Sarah, Isaia, AJ and  Stephanie (Soon to be Hollaway)💞 2020 appears to be filled with many new things for our family, So much to take in, but excited for the journey. ...For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.Jer29:11 #hollawayfamtime #ajandstephwedding #2020 #mommightgraduatethisyearLordwilling  #wemightbemoving #jerrywantstobewhereitswarmer #notsurehowitisallgoingtohappen #walkinfaith #greatthingsarecoming #HISplansarealwaysthebest #blessedlife

Farewell and Thank you 2019

I have thought about this blog for months; actually a few years.... It has been in the back of my mind and I have yearned for time to just sit and write what's on my heart.  I started pre-requisites in 2016 and it seems that is the time when this special corner of my world was put on pause.

Life has continuously changed for us through the past few years. The Lord has navigated us through many highs and lows.  I am thankful to look back and see how far we have come. It is not the time to fill in the gaps, but to just be in awe of the progress.

2019 is nearing its end and with it is a year filled with struggles and victories, joys and sadness, moments that have caused me to question what I am doing and moments where the only way to move forward is to close my eyes and walk in Faith.

Currently, the house is in an array. Christmas is still lingering around. We have soaked up days of just being together. Playing games, watching movies, staying in our jammies all day. Not even opening the gate to the world.  It has been such a gift to just be home together. (Minus the big boy, who is off on his own adventures the past 2 years) Saying "no" to fun things because they would take us out of the house was easy this time. In the past, I have felt the urge to squeeze as much as possible into our breaks.  It's late and kids should be asleep but we are still in the moments of free time which will end in just a few days. The boundaries will go back into place and the schedule will remind us of our coming and goings. But for now, we just enjoy the Selah, pause... I have clung to that word often this year. Reflecting on what has happened, been said. As the year ends, what a perfect time to do just that.

A year in review: 
January 2019: I, Tammy, began my first quarter at TCC-Tacoma Community College- as a Nursing Student. It was a bit scary and also exciting to embark on this new journey at 45. 
Jerry had a spinal ablation in Dec which seemed to help his lower back pain, for the first time in years. We are hopeful this will bring newness to him.
A.J. marked 1 year away in Missouri.  He is working at SOAR and working towards his dream of becoming a Missionary Pilot.
Katie is working on her Early Childhood Degree at Bates Technical College. She is also teaching a preschool class at the homeschool co-op. She really is great with the younger kiddos.
Sarah and Isaia are doing well, adjusting to the new routine with Mom gone more. We are still homeschooling, and busy with co-op and swim team.
February brought SNOW !! Days of snow.  I don't remember having so much snow since I have lived here in WA.  It was so pretty. I think by the end we were all ready to see it melt away. I loved that we could put on snowshoes and trek right outside our door. The kids loved the fun that comes with the white stuff.  It made for more chores for me..hahaha....clearing roofs of cars, sheds and even the driveway. (Thankful for friends who came to help with the last one.)
March- AJ has met a gal in Missouri. Her name is Stephanie. They seem to have a lot in common and boy does she make him smile.
Jerry was an auctioneer for the Equest Auction. I enjoyed seeing him out and doing something that brought joy to him.  It was good for both of us to see him in action.
Sarah went to swing dancing at Burwell. She loved it.
April - 2nd qrtr of nursing school begins. We get to see AJ for a weekend, thanks to his buddy getting married here in WA.  We will take each moment we get.
Jerry has been doing PT and that was helpful.  He has begun to have some strange neuro issues so PT will have to pause.
May - We have had wonderful spring weather. Trying to enjoy any break in studying I get to soak up the sunshine. Enjoyed kayaking for Mother's Day. Memorial day was fun at the Carroll's.

Summer-

Spent with friends and doing activities close to home... Weather wasn't superb... Didn't even have many days out on the kayaks.. 

Fall-2019

I started 3rd qrtr of Nursing school. Isaia begins 6th grade,Sarah 10th and Katie is taking on more of the homeschooling as Nuraing school intensifies.

Jerry is working on projects in his shop.. This summer he rebuilt the riding mower and it was helpful for maintaining the yard,but also for giving him a fun mode of transportation around the property.

AJ and Stephanie came home for Thanksgiving. What a Joy to finally meet her.  He sure loves her...

While they were here he took her up in the mountains and proposed to her.  We are excited to have her Join the family.

 

Thank You

**I started this entry in July...Summer Quarter has taken all my free moments !!!

First and foremost, we come to you with grateful hearts for the way you extended Love and support to us as we trusted the Lord to provide for Isaia's Speech Therapy camp. We were able to meet all the needs for camp, hotel,gas and food. We could not have done that without your support and the Lord's promptings. It was a little uncomfortable to ask and yet it was so humbling to know that we have such an amazing team behind us through so many ups and downs these past few years.
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you !!!

It has been nearly a month since we left for Speech Therapy Camp. It was an amazing experience and we are continuing to see the results each day. It was a very intense program. He had speech for 4 hours every afternoon. He worked with two incredible Dr's and a wonderful Grad student named Erin. We have learned so much about apraxia and ways to help Isaia work through his sounds. He gained so much confidence and met some great friends. We were given a phonics program to use at home that they used during camp. It has really been a bridge to open him to the word world!!
One of the most memorable comments he made to me was on the way to camp one day..he said"Mom, I really like my new friends here at camp because they all talk a little different, but no one laughs and says stuff like some kids do back home" I asked what he meant and he told me how lots of times, kids tell him he is talking a foreign language and laugh about it, he says it's ok but it's nice to not feel different. My mama heart was sad to hear that,but also grateful he was able to open up and share with me. I always fight back the concerns as he goes out with kids, wondering how difficult it will be for him to communicate and when he will reach his frustration and just shut down. Some days it's hard when he wants to say something and he tries and tries and we just don't get it. Camp Candoo gave him so much encouragement to keep trying, speak slow and also some new ways to make sounds more clear. We are so thankful we were able to experience this camp.

The week before camp was rushed with Graduation prep. Our first Homeschool grad,Aaron-AJ. I am very thankful for the other moms who really were the brain behind the ceremony. We have home-schooled since he was Kindergarten age, until this year when he went to Olympic College for Running Start. It has been a wonderful season,stretching and learning together as a family. We are so proud of the young man he has grown into. He is working through the summer and then headed off to Bible School in the fall for a gap year program, and then work on earning his pilots license.At this point he would like to be a missionary pilot one day, we will see where the Lord takes him :-)

We arrived home from camp as the older kids were returning from our church youth camp, the Friday of Fourth of July weekend. We spent the weekend at a slow pace. Just being back together again. The past three weeks had been a whirlwind.

On Tuesday after the 4th, I started school at Olympic College and so it has just not slowed down. I am taking a full load and realizing how stretched I can or can not be. Algebra 2 has brought me to a new level of studying,(and frustration) it has been 25 years since I did math on this level, but summer quarter has no mercy with 4 hour night classes and only 6 weeks to squeeze it in. SO, you just gotta do what you gotta do !!
 Kids are trying to help out around the house more and Katie has taken on much of the meal prep and planning which has been a great help to me. So thankful for her heart and love for cooking ! She is also babysitting a couple mornings a week which has been fun for her.

All this to say , I am working on Thank you notes,and with everything else they are a work in progress.

Jerry had a great eval at our last visit to the Spinal Cord Injury Unit at the VA. His walking continues to improve. He was fitted for some new types of orthotic -like products that are being made to help with his gait. I am working on a progress video I will share soon. ( when I find some extra time). He has came so far this past year, I am so proud of how hard he has worked. The road ahead is still long but the progress each day gives us hope and reminds us how far we have came.

Summer for Sarah is busy with swim team and swim meets. She is loving it and it keeps us on the go.She received a scholarship and will be attending a sailing camp in the Harbor this summer.She is pretty excited for that opportunity.

Just wanted to give an update on life here and let you all know how Blessed we are by each of you. Stay encouraged friends, seek Joy today.


Much Love to you all,
Tammy,Jerry,AJ, Katie, Sarah and Isaia

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Here we are

Dear family and friends,

We hope this finds you all well. We want to Thank You for being so supportive of our family,especially this last year.

We went to see the Chief Neurologist for Jerry's 1 year follow up last week... He looked at Jerry sitting in his wheel chair and said he heard he was walking some. Jerry told him he is walking more and more at home. The Dr. Looked at his MRI and stated that looking at it, he was quite surprised to hear that ! Jerry told him the Lord is giving him his strength and can do mighty works. We trust there are bigger plans ahead.

We left there reminded of all that the Lord has done this past year and what a miracle it is to see him walking more and more. Praise the Lord.

This fall, Isaia, our 8 year old finally got a diagnosis for his extensive speech disorder. He has CAS- Childhood Apraxia of Speech. It is deeper than just articulation, more -motor skills and neurological-training his brain to help his muscles move the correct way. He works so hard at it. This past year we have not been able to put in his full time speech therapy;with all the time given to therapy for Dad. He has been at a point lately where he is beginning to shut down when he has to talk to grown ups or even kids his own age whom do not know him well. This little guy is filled with great thoughts and ideas and our biggest fear is that he would shutdown and not share his beautiful mind with others.

We learned of a special camp just for kids with CAS in Spokane. (This is a good 5-6 hour drive) It is offered through WSU/EWU Health Science centers-Camp Candoo.They accept 6 students through the age of 8. We sent a video and applied to the program and quickly received notice that Isaia was a perfect candidate and could take the last spot. We have been super excited for this opportunity for him. He will have one on one therapy and they have parent sessions to help us work with him more. Jerry and I are looking forward to this opportunity to learn new tools alongside of Isaia.
The camp is two weeks in length , running from June 20-30. We are working on lodging and waiting to hear back from insurance on how much they will cover.

This is the purpose of this note, we have tried to trust the Lord for every need this past year and He always meets us where we are and provides for things as they come up. As we seek the Lord in this , we have felt that we are to share this need with you .

Here is our basics these days: Jerry is now receiving Social Security Disability and his military retirement.We are beyond thankful for these funds. We are able to pay the mortgage, all our insurances, phone,power, tithes and medical bills,and that leaves about 400 a month left for gas and groceries and anything else. Gas seems to be a big expense with all the appointments we have for Jerry still, at least 2-3 a week. We are working on getting our mortgage redone, and Possibly selling the truck. I am planning to start Olympic College in July and depending on financial aid, might have a little funds for transportation. Many Things are pending in the next month or so.

Right now ,we are really stretched and honestly could use some financial support to get our little man to this program. The camp cost 900 dollars and we are hopeful the insurance will cover 50% at least. The gas and lodging (I have found a hotel for 70$ a night and still looking for other possibilities) to get there and back and leaving food for the older kids and packing food for us to take. I know the Lord saved that last spot for Isaia and I trust it all to come together.

We are hoping you can pray with us for the provisions to be met however the Lord declares. We have been trying to make this work but have come to a place where we feel like we need to share our needs. If you are able to help in any way we would be so appreciative and thankful.

Thank you for being vital in our family's life this year, We are so grateful for your Love and care of us.

All our love,Humbly
The Hollaway's
Jerry, Tammy, AJ, Katie, Sarah and Isaia

PO Box 637
Lakebay,WA. 98349

Isaia loves history, his favorite time periods are the Revolutionary War and World War II.

He spends a lot of time re-enacting battles with his soldiers, legos or even drawing out battles.

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Spring brings many new things our way

May came in with a beautiful,sunshiny display. The temperatures are rising and it feels so nice to be dry and warm outside at the same time !

The warmer days of spring have been so good for Jerry. His thermometer in his body still doesn't quite work. Usually he is always cold, kinda like me. Usually he does not like the warmer weather, unlike me !

The cold seems to increase his spasms in his body, so having warm weather has been a blessing. It has encouraged him to get outside most days. Now, we just have to remind him to not overheat. His body doesnt't sweat, crazy nerves !!

He works in his shop and has been doing little projects around the house as well. He is walking more, I catch him wobbling to his shop when he doesn't want to use his cane. (Though he is getting so much better ) Seeking his independence !! I really need to find him a more personalized cane for his spry age. If you see something that would be fitting, let me know ;-)

He is still doing Physical and Occupational therapy two times a week. We have changed his days to Mon/Wed for the most part so he can come to the Y with us on Tues/Thurs eve. That keeps him pretty active with exercising 4 days a week and has helped keep him up and going most of the rest of the time as well. He is building up his strength on the bike and a few weeks ago he actually floated in the pool. Which seems like such a simple thing,but for some reason with his nerves his buoyancy has been off. Every new accomplishment is a huge victory ! I am so proud of him and how hard he has worked with therapy and not giving up. He still has lots of nerve weakness throughout his hands and lower body. We are hopeful that with time this will all return. Knowing that our timing is not God's timing is the key to all of this !

For those of you whom have not seen him in a while, he stopped shaving in Sept !! It was hard to hold a razor and I guess you could say he didn't trust me with the razor ??? I have a few pics....

 

In April we went back up to Seattle VA and he went through Driver's Rehab. He passed his cognitive and his drive test and is back behind the wheel, officially. He is mostly building up his endurance for it now. Between his meds and his back pain , those are the two things keeping him from any big excursions so far.He does the drive to Church now, and has been driving at least one way to therapy in Bremerton. It's been a lot easier budgeting gas for one vehicle anyways ;-)

Meanwhile, the rest of the family is staying busy and keeping Dad on the move.

In Feb, Jerry's daughter, Rhiannon, whom lives in Connecticut, gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. The first Grandbaby... Miss Lena. It is lovely seeing Rhi as a mama.

A.J. Is in his last quarter of Running Start- a dual credit program for High School. After beginning this Homeschool journey 13 years ago,he will be graduating in June.

Katie is staying busy with her studies as a sophomore, getting into some photography, and making her paper flower bouquets...and she helps out so much with meal prep when I'm on the road.

Sarah is usually tucked away in a book and is on swim team this past year and loving it.

Isaia has really hit a spot in his speech therapy that had us looking for new ideas. This winter he was diagnosed with CAS- Childhood Apraxia of Speech. This has opened a whole new world to us with working with him and seeking new ways to help him communicate better. If you know him, he has lots of grand things to share. Our biggest desire now is that he doesn't get frustrated and stop talking when he is not understood.We just received word that he has been accepted into a camp this summer at WSU in Spokane just for kids with Apraxia. We are still learning all the details but are very excited for this opportunity.

New seasons mean changes, and for me that means something new too. I am going to go back to school. We have talked about it for years and have decided this is a perfect time. Jerry is going to do more of the homeschooling and I will be working on my pre-reqs this fall for applying to Nursing School at Olympic College. I am really excited and looking forward to whatever is ahead.I am sad to step away from homeschooling the kids but looking forward to being able to help the family out in a new way.

Jerry goes back in to the neurosurgeon mid May to discuss his lower back. It has been so hard watching him struggle with this back pain for so long. Not sure what is the best thing for treating him but praying for wisdom as we seek more info.Please pray for comfort from the pain, He is tired of taking meds and would love relief.

Mostly we just want to share progress and continued thankfulness to all of you for coming alongside of us during this past year and a half . Your love and prayers mean so much to us.

Blessings~Tammy,Jerry and family

 

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2016 ~ How it began

 

I finally have a load of words floating around in my head again...this is one of two blog post coming out just to update you all. We sure Love you all. Thanks for following along :-)

Here it is May and life keeps us going in so many directions. Mostly , moving forward. That's the goal, to finish each chapter well. Somedays , I have to remind myself over and over, that this story isn't over yet.

This winter brought us all through a season of discouragement. I will be honest with you and say that it was one of the hardest couple of months I have ever journeyed. We were blessed by many during the holiday season and reminded of how much the Lord loves us and has surrounded us with such amazing support.

January brought me through the unjoyfulness of kidney stones, to say that they were bothersome is an understatement. I spent weeks, 3 to be exact,comforted by heat packs and consuming enormous amounts of water and pain meds. It gave me a new perspective on Jerry's consistent back pain, which to this day seems to be a non-stop battle for him.

Jerry was realizing that it had been a year since he stopped working. That in itself was discouraging,but then to see that physically his body was worse in functioning than Jan 2015 was defeating to him. A year later, his lower back injury is still bringing intense pain, but he also has the dealings of spinal cord injury to add to it. There are moments when you can see the "woe is me" and it can suck you into this dark place where life is simply a moment to moment struggle. We both know there is Hope. HOPE is the Light in those dark moments. Our HOPE is in the Lord. HE is omnipresent. He is steadfast. He is orchestrating every good and difficult part of our story. HE is waiting on us to call out to Him. Like any loving parent is. I am thankful for His arms that rescue us with Love and Grace overflowing.

I spiraled downward in Jan and Feb, myself. The weariness of the last year became heavy on me. The reality of what was ahead was not what I wanted. The dreams we have had and looked forward to all have to be changed, I was overloaded with responsibilities. I did not like the 'new normal'.

I was yearning for the normal I used to know. Wanting my hard working man to just walk in the door from a long day of work so I could be his biggest fan and welcome him home to a nice meal and restful evening. Those days are gone, for now. The winter in the NW, cold, wet, gray and gloomy had welcomed the mood of sedentary, unmotivated life in him. While I just felt lost to myself. I came to a place where I was tending to the needs of 5 people whom I love, trying to make school days productive, pouring out what little energy I still had in me. I felt like I didn't know who I was, Tammy. Not wife or mom, just me this girl from a map dot in Louisiana. Wondering what it was that I even liked anymore. What color made me happy or food do I like. But even feeling all these things, I felt guilty for even thinking about me !! Although, I just wanted to curl up in a dark corner and just be alone...let me tell you.. In a 700 sq ft house with 5 other people, THAT IS IMPOSSIBLE :).The weariness was so heavy but the Lord is strong and HE does prevail.

Those two months brought me to a new place of trusting the Lord and his plans. I had to fight to get my JOY back, to even desire to seek joy again. Yes, that's how I felt. But I didn't do it alone, friends stayed close, they let me have those hard moments but were ready with prayers as life preservers to pull me out as soon as I went too deep. I hope if you are struggling through a dark time you have friends who can be that lifeline between you and the Lord to carry you out. IF NOT, message me, call me..I will pray with you.

Jerry and I both had to get real, find TRUTH in the hard days that we were walking through. Not to be ashamed of things being hard, but to admit that it's not easy right now and we can sure use some encouragement and a helping hand to see the Light of the Lord shining through.

To be reminded of all the good and glorious things that have happened in the last year. Sometimes, it's just redirecting our eyes. It seems so easy but it's an action that takes willpower to fully achieve.

We both had a weekend where we were apart and trusting God to move our hearts back to a place where they could be filled up again and revived. My weekend consisted of a women's retreat. Surrounded closely by women whom were life speaking and loving. The speaker started the night off with this phrase "Your story isn't over..." And an activity that was about "Discovering who you are again". In those first hours of the weekend my heart began to beat again, knowing that this was all part of this great journey we are on and going through another difficult time is really okay; as it too, can bring glory to the Lord. He allows us to overcome and come out stronger on the other side of each and every circumstance. Great is thy Faithfulness.

Jerry, also, had a filling weekend. He was able to share His Story at a Men's breakfast. The Lord's plans laid out perfectly, and he shared the great things and the hard things. he was surrounded by men to lift and encourage him. We both came away from that time apart renewed and ready to move forward again. I am truly greatful for the experience, though I hope to not repeat that, Lord willing.

We covet your continued prayers as we move forward in our story each day. Thank you for being beside us on this journey.

We are blessed and so thankful for each of you.

If you really need a prayer partner please leave a comment, I would be honored to pray for you in whatever is going on in your life ~ Tammy

 

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Reflecting with Gratitude

*** I started the following blog entry in Nov, I am finally finishing it and updating another post very soon ;-)

The days seem to fly by and I think about updating everyone and then another day passes. We are at 7 months post surgery. I have so many thoughts about where we are on this journey.
Here is the latest on Jerry's progress

Jerry is upright most days walking with a cane. Many times, even leaving it hanging on the dresser while he bobbles around the property. He gets around in our house well enough. What an amazing miracle to think back to 7 months ago when he couldn't move most of his body !! He walked 800 ft in therapy this week !! He makes it out to his shop and finds himself occupied with little projects and just a place to be, think and pray. I love the moments I walk in and see him sitting at the end of his workbench ,soaking up time with the Lord. Then there are days I walk in and  he is sound asleep in his chair. He tries to fight off the sleepiness from the medications,though they usually win if he slows down. I have learned in the past few months not to hover over him and let him be. It's not easy, I have fears, I fear he falls or he tries to cut some wood and something goes wrong with his hand control and he injures himself. Or he climbs up a ladder and his legs don't work the way he wants them too.!!   I send the kids out at different times to "check on Daddy". I want him to have that independence but, I Don't want to go backwards... That is my fear, one wrong fall or injury and he has to go back in to the spinal unit and we have a setback. I have trusted God this far , yet, this is a daily struggle I have to surrender over and over.

The cold weather is another obstacle with his spinal injury. His thermometer doesn't work right and he is always cold. The tremors - actually called clonus, that he has dealt with for years, gets pretty bad, especially when he is cold.  They cause him to shake uncontrollably for a few seconds to a minute. We seem to have the heat on higher than normal this year, just to accommodate his thermometer. Definitely thinking about a wood stove for next winter.

Our hearts are overwhelmed at all the ways we have been carried through this year. We know that the Lord has provided for us in such a multitude of ways through so many of your hands.  Thank you for being part of God's story for Us, this past year.  Jerry only did one horse in 2015 = 50$. This fall he was able to get on Disability. I write this to remind myself and whomever reads this (especially our kids) that the storm may come and it might seem impossible to go one more day, but when you have nothing but the Hope of Jesus to hold onto, He will not let you go.

It has not always been easy this past year to see how things were going to work out.  It still isn't always easy , yet, I do know that our needs have always been met and I have Trusted the Lord to provide in all ways.  The monetary gifts took away the worries of how to make ends meet, allowed for us to function in some kind of normalcy, allowed us to put gas in the car to get from one point to the next, sometimes even the only possible way we would have seen the kids was through those gifts when we were apart.  Keeping the mortgage paid, the utilities and the groceries. The meals that have been provided over the past year have always been such a blessing, especially when I was not able to be "mom at home". The numerous ways our fridge and freezer and pantry have never went empty, even when there were days when I wasn't sure when we would get groceries next, there always seemed to be an answer the next day. A reliable vehicle, a roof for the shop, an electric recliner, a camper for company this summer, a family get away, adventures for the kids..... the Blessings list is longer than all of this and We are beyond grateful for all the ways you have helped us this year
.
Some of the most impacting Blessings, though, were the words spoken to us, the phone calls, the text messages, the cards with words of Love and encouragement. The Prayers that really lifted us up and carried us.  So many times , it felt like it was going to be too hard to do the 'next thing' and then a word of encouragement and love came through in some form and that was just what Jerry or I needed most at that moment to keep going. Your Time is valuable, and when you take a moment to spend time on someone else it becomes even more valuable. It might seem insignificant, or even bothersome, yet you were prompted in some way ,in your heart to take time, your precious time, and share a moment with someone else.  That gift of time has been the greatest Blessing...I know for me there were times this past year when I felt so unsure of how to respond or what I needed to do next.  I was alone, the kids were home, Jerry was in a hospital bed and I was left to make decisions and try to make sure things were in order or kids were all fine and I would receive the gift of time from someone in some way, and that was the reminder that "No, I am not alone". We have a circle of friends that reach far and wide and the Lord chose each of you to be a part in our story and we are so thankful for each of you .

2015 has ended and I can say it has been one of the hardest years of our life, but it was also one of the Grandest years, as well.  Our journey has a long ways to go and I hope you will continue to be a part of it.  Much Love to you all ~ Tammy and family

Here is a video of a song that has become my anthem this past year, May it encourage you .

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Settling in....

I just realized we have been home for over two months. In some ways time has flown by and in other ways it has been the longest four months of our life together. Coming home was the greatest joy of this journey. Settling in at home , on the otherhand, has been filled with so many ups and downs.
The joy of being together as a family has been wonderful. Learning logistics with both of us back at home had some challenges in the beginning. AJ had been holding down the fort for two months. Taking care of his siblings, working and finishing school. Making decisions that needed to be made and handling big responsibilities. There was an adjustment time as the ranks changed. Releasing duties but carefully protecting his Dad at the same time .
There were ideas of how things would be easier once we were home. Mostly for Jerry, not being restricted in his day to day living. Though as we returned and started living life, the reality is. Things are harder . Just going from point A to point B in the house or on the property can be very exhausting.
Jerry is walking more and more,with his walking crutches. He uses his wheel chair when we are away from home. Mostly, for his endurance. It is exhausting for him to do lots of walking on his crutches and then try to do anything else once he gets to where he needs to be, especially if it's a great distance.
Our weeks have consisted of 2-3 Dr. appointments weekly. Follow ups with surgeon. Physical therapy and occupational therapy twice a week in Bremerton.
Upon leaving the Spinal Cord Injury Unit, his diagnosis at the time is Quadraplegic (incomplete injury) C-5. Which means he has injury in all quadrants from his C-5 down. He has regained much sensory in his hands, though his hands are still problematic. his right hand seems to be the worse, he spends a lot of time trying to keep his fingers stretched open, they seem to want to curl up all the time. This is frustrating, as he wants to use his hands, he loves to be doing things and he is learning to adapt all the time. He still has loss of feeling from his belly button down. It is so interesting as to how the nerves are effected. Some days he has more sensory than others. He is on numerous Med's to control the nerve spasms and nerve pain. We live by the alarms set on his phone 4x a day to take his load of pills. His legs are strong, even though he doesn't have a lot of feeling in them. His right side is the most numb. Just in the past few weeks, he has regained some new feeling in them. Just last week he felt the wind blowing on his leg. He stepped on something off the floor and as he complained about the pain., we realized that he could feel it !! Which was a great thing ;)
Being home has meant facing reality, letting go of expectations.. and finding contentment in the journey. We are learning to grieve some things we were hoping would be transformed once Dad had surgery. We are learning to accept that this healing could take a very long time. We don't know exactly how much nerve damage will be returned completely. We are hopeful and trusting the Lord to completely restore him. We also know that the Lords plan often looks different than ours. Sometimes the most difficult part of the day is just staying encouraged. We have to be joy seekers all the time. Honestly, that is not always easy .. But giving in to discouragement and doubt can wipe you out mentally and the time it takes away from progressing is not worth the loss. We have found ourselves there a few times since being home, and those were some hard days.
Thankfully, Joy does come each day. The first few weeks, just having the younger two kids run into our room to "make sure we were still there " was so heart tugging and wonderful. The gift of "Time" together , I can not say enough about how much I treasure that more than anything. Seriously, if we had to do this all over again, I would go through it just for the gift of Time together we have been given.
The blessings that have been poured out upon our family have been so amazing and beyond anything we could imagine. We have always tried to live in full surrender to the Lord, trusting Him for our daily bread, our every need. It is a daily walk in faith when you are trusting Him for each and every need. Having your own business reminds you that each day is all you can count on. Jerry hasn't worked since Jan 3, 2015. We have been blessed so many times above and beyond. Just as I would start to wonder how we could make the house payment or get some thing that we needed, the need has always been met. We are completely in Awe of how much the Lord Loves us and has surrounded us with friends and family whom are obedient to his promptings. We want to always make sure we are not taking any gift for granted. Our desire is to stay humble and yet we want to scream from the Mountaintops all the ways he has blessed us. Shortly after arriving home, friends showed up in our driveway and gave us keys to a newer van for us so that all the driving would be comfy and in a reliable vehicle. A recliner that would lift to standing for Jerry to use was brought over. Our freezer was filled with meat. A patio table, so we could be outside and enjoy the summertime. New fans were placed inside the house before we returned to keep us cool. Numerous other things have happened and my list goes on and on. A few weeks back we were coming close to a bill needing paid and AJ's scout troop had done a collection and it was just what we needed. This has happened time and again in so many ways.I am finishing this post as we are visiting the Ocean on a mini vacation we were blessed with to recharge before our schedules are filled with all the activities that come when school starts. We just want to say Thank you over and over to all of you for your Love.
Jerry applied for Social Security Disability and they said it would take about 6 months, we just got a letter that it is starting up already. Just another way to know we are being carried through each step of this journey. We have had so much peace during this entire year, it is only the peace that can come from the Lord. If our hope was not anchored in our Faith and trust this whole journey could be so dismal and full of discouragement and anger. We do not wish to ever go there, we will keep our eyes lifted and Trust in the Lord as he continues to shine brightly on this journey.
This was a long read thanks for sticking with me to the end. I pray you are encouraged in whatever you are going through today and that no matter how difficult it seems , remember there is a purpose to our trials. Sometimes we just have to wait and settle in and see what is in store for us.
We Praise the Lord for his continued faithfulness to our family.
We are thankful for Jerry's continued healing and his strength each day.
Thankful for the guys who are stepping up to help me get Jerry to his appointments, such a huge blessing as I try to get our homeschool days going again.
Please pray with us for him to continue regaining strength and feeling in his body
Pray that he would stay encouraged , when the days are hard and that he can remember how far he has came in just a short time.
Pray that our busy schedule for the fall would come together smoothly.
Thank you for coming and being part of our journey, we Love you and are greatful for each of you.
Tammy, Jerry, AJ, Katie, Sarah and Isaia
Here are some pics to enjoy..Some memories as we "Ended summer better than it started "

Making memories at the ocean!

It was a bit breezy, Jerry was not ready to tackle the sand. Thankful for the Promenade at Seaside to give him some sidewalks to enjoy the ocean.

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AJ Our Eagle Scout

Sunday we celebrated AJ as he received his Eagle Award Rank. We are so proud of this young man and all he has accomplished with Scouts in just under 3 years. Just goes to show you that if you really work hard and persever through the hard times you can meet your goals and finish strong.

He officially earned his rank on Jun 9,2015. Taking care of his younger siblings and finishing school and working made it tough the last year but so thankful he was able to keep focused. We are blessed by him.

I will do an update on Jerry in the next day or so, being home has been so different with finding time to write. I miss it , just haven't had time carved out yet. Blessings to all

 

 

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~~ Home Sweet Home ~~

This week is the best week of the year ! We are all together again. Nothing makes our hearts happier. What a long journey it has been, I know for some it goes on much longer. I am thankful that this chapter is as long as it gets for us. The transition here at home will take some getting used to . But, the fact that we can work through things as a family is so helpful. Jerry's spirits have never been higher. he is motivated to get up and go each day. HOME is healing. Home is love giving. Home is JOY Giving at its finest.
We came home Monday evening. Arrived to a welcome sign and fresh,colorful flowers along the walkway. A sun canopied table with a menu and fresh tea, to on the East side of the house.. Someone else had even set up canopies on the west side with chairs. Plenty of outside sitting to get the fresh air soaked in. what a blessing to be so loved and we are so thankful for all those that are encouraging us along this journey. It would be such a hard, lonely road without you all and our Heavenly Father to carry us thru.
I will share a few of our memories from Monday eve. I still have a video of Jerry's walking to finish, soon. ;)
We Love you all,Tammy & Jerry and family

Home Together

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Plans Change

I have said time and again, we are living this journey as God writes the story. I catch myself planning things out the way I hope/want them to happen. Silly me, when I know that the Master Planner already has it written down. HIS story, our story is part of the journey.

I went home over the weekend and worked on things to prepare for our return. The kids have done a great job keeping things pretty much together. We are soproud of them for all they have done these past few months while we were away. How they have grown closer and just took charge and still enjoyed life and all their activities. We are beyond thankful for the friends and family that have came along to be the extra Mom and Dad to our kiddos during these long weeks.
This week started with the excitement of departing the VA Hospital on Wednesday morning- 1 July. Jerry worked hard these last two days with all of his therapies. Through all the weeks here in rehab, he has always given 110% to every therapy session. He fought off exhaustion, back pain, spasms, discouragement when his body doesn't do what his mind wants it to do. He always followed thru and made the best of every situation. ( This doesn't surprise me one bit :) thats my man !! )

Tuesday, I went home to do a final run thru of the house to make sure things were ready for Dad coming home. Lots of medical supplies to find a place for and med equip to place in our small cozy home. Everything looks great and then he calls to say he has a Fever of 102.9 He has been so healthy these last two months, besides the first week of recovery from surgery. So this was such a shock to both of us.
I think in my mind the only thing that would change our departure would be if he decided to do something crazy like walking too much with his crutches or walker and fall or something like that. But to have an infection was not even in our mind. I was in tears Tues evening, we have waited so long for this journey to change course and the idea of all of us being together again was so JOY filling. I was mad, heart broken, discouraged and weary. I just wanted this to all be done, and being home was thte final page of this part of the story. This fever is a JOY zapper, for sure. I received a msg from a friend with a verse that reminded me to trust the Lord's plan. :

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10God has amazing plans for your family. I'm sorry there have been so many hurdles! I'm convinced they are all pieces of this amazing story God is writing. Praying for strength and encouragement for you both. Love ya bunches!

I was able to tell the older two that night, they were bummed but thankfully can understand this, almost better than Jerry and I. I dreaded telling the younger two. Isaia has been counting the hours til we are all home together. He had told me earlier, "one more sleep, Mom ". They stayed at friends house Tuesday, I needed to be strong to tell them. Though , deep down I am tired of being strong, I am weak and I need the Lord more than ever. Jerry's body is weak and the Lord is the giver of his strength.
So, I came back across on the midnight ferry. What a beautiful night , with a full moon and the stars shining brilliantly, lighting the way in the night. I was reminded to keep my eyes on the Lord, he is guiding us and is navigating our path. I am reminded of how , even in the darkness his way is perfect and makes a way when we can't seem to see, we don't know what's ahead but He does and He is not surprised by anything that happens. Oh, to trust him and keep my eyes focused on HIS perfect plan.
Wednesday we fought thru tears of disappointment. Jerry's body is still fighting through this fever. Pray for it to be broken and his strength to be renewed. ~~ We are thankful that this came on before we went home, that would have been much more difficult to deal with. We are thankful he has a cool place to be, this has been the hottest summer on record here in the NW. 80's and 90's are NOT the norm for June here. So, there are several ways we can Count it all Joy. He is on a round of IV antibiotics thru the weekend. So we will be here until the beginning of next week. It's been 9 weeks , whats one more, right.
We are taking these days to just rest and be ready for the transition home. It is giving us both time to pray and lift up others we know going through some very difficult times right now. It's a blessing of time ,even though our hearts desire was to be home with the kids by this weekend. Our Independence day is coming soon.
Please pray for the antibiotics to work and clear up Jerry's infection and no more complications
That his body would gain strength and he would be able to rest these extra days
That the kids would be strong and have a fun weekend
That we would not be discouraged through this bump in the journey.
That Jerry would be healed so we can go home early next week !
That we can be encouragers to others we meet here during our last days in the Spinal unit and that the Lord would be glorified through this latest change of plans.

In the Fisher House tonight is a family whose loved one is having a heart transplant on the 4th, pray for them and the family that chose to donate to them.
Thank you all for coming alongside of us. your prayers truly carry us through the hard days as well as tthe good days. we Love you all
Tammy and Jerry

 

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The end of this chapter is near :)

Life is going really well here: Jerry is making AMAZING progress each and every day. Walking more and more . The days are really long with therapy and we are just wiped by the end of the days. I have been making weekly trips back home to be with kids and get the house ready because :
WE ARE GOING HOME THIS WEEK !!!!! 🎉🎉💜💜🎉🎉
Yes after 9 long weeks this chapter is almost done ! Thanks for being with us on this journey. I have so much more to share but little time to share it, YET. I will , and I do have some videos I will try to post soon of Jerry's progress in action.
Pray for us this week as we make huge transitions back to home life and family life. We are so Excited to be together with the kids and they are counting down the days as well. We are looking forward to just some down time with our family all together. But we still have a few days of work here and a whole new journey ahead of us. We Love you all and thank you for your support and Mostly we Praise The Lord for his healing and overwhelming strength through this.

The long stretch

**** This post is about a week overdue, never hit publish ;)

Life is very busy here so I will try to give a more current update in next few days. Know thingsare progressing   well here.  We are worn and ready to go home. We Love you all and are truly thankful for each of you.

***

The last two weeks have been long. They have had great moments in them but also many hard times. We are now 5 weeks post surgery. Our time in the Spinal Unit is becoming very familiar to us. We are in a steady regiment daily. Jerry has Physical and Occupational Therapy 6 days a week. He is working so hard. Every little victory is a Huge victory. I am so proud of this guy.

It's like going backwards as an adult and having to relearn everything you have taken for granted your whole life. But this time, your mind knows how to do it, but your body doesn't always have the strength or the control to make it happen. His right side is still the most affected. It is stronger than it was 5 weeks ago, Praise the Lord !! Some days the pain overrides the strength. Some days the pain is absent and the strength takes off. Some days the body is so worn it takes all he has to get up and try again. But he does, he doesn't quit. He wakes up early and starts Praising the Lord and doing his stretches.
We met with the Jerry's team last week and they set a promising date of 2 July for returning home. We are so excited to get to that day !! Just knowing the day is coming brings joy and so much hope. The inbetween is still hard, and what's ahead is so foreign to us.
Jerry is beginning to cruise around well in his Wheelchair. He is able to keep up with my walking speed and tries to pass me now;) He can transition to and from most everything now. He passed off on getting into our van so we have been out to the park last week and out to a store and the Licensing. Recreational Therapy has taken us out to get him new shoes, to Alki Point beach to trial run some sidewalks and ramps along with taking in some beautiful scenery and this week to the Museum of Flight and worked on navigating carpet and crowds.
In house, he has been walking more each day, he was up to about 300ft or more at this point. today he did that in the walker. He received his new brace for his right leg and that is making a huge difference in his control on that side. His strides are really looking good. His confidence is building after each session. The goal is to be able to go home with his wheel chair but be able to get around for short distance; the house and such , with his walker.
The kids are getting used to taking the Ferry across to come and see us. It makes the drive a bit entertaining and not so distant. We Love there visits, though they seem few and far between when you just want to see them everyday !! Last week I went home and surprised them and AJ came up here to be with dad. It was a short but good visit. Leaving them was one of the hardest things I have ever done. Isaia, our 7 yr old, gave me a big hug and squeezed my face and said " I understand, Mama, you need to be with Dad to help him get better to come home" That kid !! what a joy ! The girls struggled more with me being home then leaving. It's not what I wanted to do but what needs to happen and sometimes we have to just keep going and trust the Lord's plan. He has prepared those kids for this season. They are taking on amazing tasks and closer to each other than ever before.
The blessings, yes, all of you , our dear friends and family. Thank you for pouring out to us. There are meals for the kids , there is not a need at home , always something shows up just when they might need it. God is so good. Our bills have been paid, all of them, since January when Jerry stopped working. It is completely giving it all to the Lord and trusting hiim to carry us through this season. The Love and support we have felt is beyond words. But what words we have we share with everyone we meet up here. At our family meeting last week to discuss Jerrys care, the one comment repeated was that they can see us relying on our Faith and each other. Just living out this story is sharing the Lord's love. thank you for helping us carry out this story he is writing. Thank you for praying us through this, we feel your prayers and we see them every day !
This week has been one of the hardest emotionally for both of us. Exhaustion is the biggest part, but the stretching can wear you down. When we are down or just have our eyes closed a little Satan can slip in. this week Fear was entering in and it was a battle that was fought and that fear has been cast out. I donn't think I have ever seen such a rough time until that nasty fear crept in, be on guard because Fear is not something that is healthy and it can cripple you when you thought you already were.
There is no fear in Love, but perfect Love drives out fear.,Thankful fr the Lords perfect love....

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One step at a time

Well, we are three weeks post surgery. I can't believe how time flies. This was Jerry's first official week of Rehab here at the Spinal Unit. We have a wonderful team to work with. The days are full. He gets up bright and early to begin his personal care, I usually get in by 8 , as he becomes more independent I am coming in a little later. Due to his back injury, which actually led to this, Praise the Lord, he has needed some extra help for quite a while before surgery. As we are learning and connecting the dots to his injury. We are seeing how this damage to his spinal cord has been going on for many years.

He has a great plea for anyone whom may have tingliing in your hands, neck and extremeties that you have ignored or thought was nothing major, Please talk to your Dr and get an MRI. Especially , he is thinking of his buddies he flew with. Wearing the Flight helmets and NVG's bouncing on your neck while flying.

So after breakfast , he is off to appointments from about 9:30 til 3:30. There are appts throughout the day for therapy, Meeting with Dr, psychiatrist,Social Worker. He works hard each and every day. There are classes to attend some days and some times its just group discussions for patients with similar conditions. The uniqueness is that they are all Veterans and they share their stories. This is rehab where you get what you put into it. I can say that Jerry is putting his whole energy into it. So proud of him and his determination each day.

He finally was given the chance to walk this week. Though it seemed like it was past due in his eyes. He did amazing and has been giving it a go each day. The first day was about 20ft. By day 3, he is up to about 80 ft. Some on the balance bars and some on a walker. As he was given this opportunity, it gave him the reality of what in his legs is working and what is still asleep. He is such a fighter. This guy will tough it out as much as he can. They are noticing that his right leg is still super weak, and have decided to have him fitted for a brace for his right leg. It is going to help alot with over extending his knee and just keeping his leg healthy as it recovers. It is strange at times he says both legs are numb , but his left leg is more functional and close to normal. His right side is mostly still the worse of the two. Some days are better than others. As we are learning , Nerves will do some strange things.

Another reality this week has been the fact that he is here for a spinal injury. In his mind he went in for neck surgery and came out unable to walk. While this is fact, the whole point of neck surgery is because his spine was so damaged. Sometimes the trauma is unseen and it really makes it harder to grasp. Though , when we look at many of the symptoms he has struggled with for years , it makes sense that this has been occuring over a long period of time, unbeknown to us. Each day we are thankful that he did not incur one more bang to his head, or this recovery would look completely different.

There were many things to share from this week , but mostly tonight I just want to brag on Jerry. After all these weeks, his spirits are still high. he gives God all the glory for every small victory. He is in the word every morning and he has something new to share with me every day about how God is speaking to him. I am in awe of his strength, not that I doubt it, but his complete dependence on the Lord and his unwaivering faith. What a blessing to be walking alongside of this guy for the rest of my life. I know in our weakness the Lord is carrying us through this. As his wife, what a joy to have him encouraging and reminding me each day of God's greatness and love for us. There have been many times when he has been so down with injuries, where I just have to be tough and pick up and keep us all going and focused , but there is such a peace as I let go and let God carry and Lead my Husband as he Leads us, One step at a time....

Here are some highlights of the past week's success - We are so thankful for each of you as you come alongside of us. May your weekend be blessed and Joy filled, dear friends.

We continue to covet your prayers and Thank you for Loving and supporting us through this season.

Jerry's Rehab -Week 1 One Step at a time :) from Tammy Hollaway on Vimeo.

ENJOY :)

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