Consider it pure joy...

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, (James 1:2 BOOKS)

This verse is a verse that I so often turned to in a time of need, and though I turned to it often it wasn't until recently that I grasped just a glimpse of what The Lord is saying here. Looking back on the past seven months of my life I could of handled it one of two ways, I could of become very angry at The Lord and at Kaleb. I could of lived my life in a deep depression choosing to not see the joy in the little things, which in turn would of very quickly hurt Kaleb's recovery. 

Or I could, and can, handle it in a state of joy. 

I truly am so very thankful for this situation, which to some of you may sound very very odd. I am thankful that it has brought Kaleb and I closer than we would of ever been without it. 

Because of this very injury we have had to completely readapt our lives, not necessarily a bad thing, but a thing. We had to humble ourselves, Kaleb obviously physically and mentally. But for me it was a bit of both as well, lets be honest people look at us a little different, we do things a little different, and we live a little different. Our lives are no worse or better than the people next door, they are just a little different. The best part of our lives being completely turned upside down is we were able to find our own right side up. 

I can also so I am incredible thankful for this injury and the wisdom it has brought. After facing an injury like this you learn to not forget about the little things in life. I can promise you Kaleb is looking forward to simple walking down the street again, and I am looking forward to holding his hand and taking twice as many steps to keep up with him. But besides learning that we shouldn't take the little things for granted I have so much more biblical wisdom. I can truthfully sit here and tell you that this wisdom comes from The Lord. This wisdom has been a gift which I am so incredibly blessed to have. This wisdom comes from lots of me and God time praying for healing, patience, strength, and wisdom. The Lord is faithful lord and has not forsaken us in this time of need. 

Well while I'm on here I can't help but brag about Kaleb's miracle, in which I am lucky to be apart of. As of recent Kaleb has most of his left leg back and his right leg is coming right along. After a recent Asia test is confirmed that more sensation and feeling has come back in his right leg. His back muscles have come back along with his trunk muscles. He is doing incredible in the NRN, which is a huge blessing in it of itself. He is practicing standing out of the harness and is doing very well as far as that goes. As far as that head of his goes, well he is just the same ol Kaleb that I fell in love with almost four years ago. 

Thank you all for your prayers, support, and love. And try to remember that yes we are called to consider trials joy. not because God is commanding it of you, but he knows it makes those trials so much easier. Plus he will only give you what you can handle! 

Brittany Marie 

Its a "See You Later", not a "Goodbye"

As we sit here tonight embracing the fact that tonight is our last night as patients' of Craig Hospital I can't help but shed a tear or two. Thinking back to our first day here, November 19, I can't help but recall the fear I felt. It was the beginning of an adventure that I was terrified to be apart of. From the moment we arrived the future was right in our face. The second we pulled up there were people seating on the sky bridge, in at that point in time the dreaded wheelchairs. As the days continued the adjustments started coming in waves. Our lives were changing and they were changing fast. Kaleb quickly grabbed ahold of each and every trial that was put in front of him and defeated them.

One phrase I so often caught myself using during our stay here at Craig's was "I am to little". Today once again I took something that I thought I was at one point to little to do and proved myself wrong. Which seems to be the theme while we have been here at Craig. So often do we think we cannot do something and within a matter of time we have figured out our own way of doing it. 

Our life will not be easy, and will be filled with so many challenges. But in reality no ones life is easy, everyone's lives are filled with some sort of challenge. It truly is all about who's hand you are holding while going through it. I have been blessed with being able to hold Kaleb's hand while we adjust our lives and enjoy every minute of it. 

So tonight we wrap up one chapter of our life. Tonight we say "see you later" to so many members of Craig's hospital. Tonight I sit here and cry. I cry because I see how many of these people have become attached to my amazing boyfriend. I watched as his PT therapist had such a hard time saying goodbye. He has truly enjoyed watching how much amazing progress Kaleb has made, and wishes so very much that he was able to continue Kaleb's recovery. 

I know that Kaleb is going to continue to wow us all with his amazing recovery! Please continue to pray for his healing and strength! Though this is the end of our journey as in patients at Craig's, this is still a very hard adjustment and we still need your prayers. I for one still 100% believe that God will heal Kaleb! I know God has some amazing plans for him and I feel blessed to be apart of it, and so should all of you. 

Goodnight and God Bless,
Brittany Marie

Standing still, sprinting to the finish line

So much has happened since the last time I sat down and blogged. The biggest greatest thing to happen since November 10th happened a little less than a week ago. On January 7, 2013 I received the greatest phone call I could ever imagine. Kaleb called me shortly after I had left the hospital to tell me that he was able to controllable move his big toe on his left foot. Tears of joy streamed down my face as I thanked God for this incredible blessing! This small movement was exactly what we both needed. This movement showed us that God has prefect timing for everything and that when he is ready Kaleb will walk again.

Since the accident I can't help but feel like time has completely stood still. Yes, we have started a completely new year in a new city with a new plan, but for Kaleb and I both it is like the world has continued spinning while we live in this bubble at Craig hospital. And yet it is like we are in some marathon race to have him completely ready for discharge on January 30th. It is like whether we like it or not our lives are both standing still and yet spinning out if control at the same time.

I may not have any control over what is happening in our lives but I have a God who has a perfect plan who I know will provide. I know that Kaleb will walk, simple things like the increase spasms and the big toe movement remind me that God is completely in control! So I ask and beg that you continue to join me in praying for our lives; pray for guidance, strength, and healing for Kaleb's body! O know God hears the prayers of his children, and answers them.

God bless you,
Brittany Marie