Exactly One Year Later...

I have really had the events that happened a year ago on my mind a lot lately, and I have to say, WHAT A YEAR this has been! I have seen great miracles, been so blessed by the love and support of others, and I am grateful for what the Lord has taught me. Last year on December 10th, I vividly remember going to the IMC hospital with my mom and dad at 5:30 a.m. for brain surgery. I'll never forget the concerned look on their faces, nor the tender and long hugs they gave me before they wheeled me in on to the operating room. What great love, that I'll never forget!!

I will be ever so grateful for the surgeon, Dr. Maughan, for the hospital's endocrinologist Dr. Ehrenkrantz, for the other nurses and doctors who followed the Spirit in the way that they cared for me. I remember being so grateful to be able to go home and be taken care of my incredible parents. I also remember calling upon the Lord many nights when I was so sick I couldn't do anything else but cry in pain. My sweet, loving mother was there to hold me as I cried, and she would cry with me too. I will also never forget celebrating the holidays with my family, and how very concerned they were about me, how each sibling, in-law, niece, and nephew came downstairs to give me a big hug when they arrived at the family party. I'll never forget the many cards, flowers sent phone calls, visits, meals brought, comments on the internet, and sincere Christlike love of others who cared so much. What an abundant amount of love I felt.

I will always remember the night of February 10th, when I was out to dinner with my parent, Grandma, and uncle for his birthday when I looked in the mirror and could see my eyelid was opening up enough to see the pupil! I had prayed soooo man times that I might have my eye open again. My parents told me that it was even beginning to track with the other eye! Such a miracles! I was so joyous and grateful to my Heavenly Father that this wonderful miracle was taking place and our prayers were being answered in such a way. A month later, I was able to start teaching school again, and it was so sweet to come back to those children. Every day they would tell me if my eye was opening up a little more!

And then, just two months later, another wonderful miracle that I have been praying and fasting for for years came true-- I met the man of my dreams, Tyler Kendrick! He is everything I hoped for and more, and he loves me more than I could describe. I also love him more than I can put into words! He takes such good care of me. This morning he brought me breakfast in bed to tell me happy anniversary of my surgery! How very far I have come in a year, and what great blessings I have been given. It's amazing to me how gentle, sweet, and sensitive he is. He is truly the sweetest man, and so good-natured, willing to serve, and unselfish. I love you honey!!

There have been other things that have come up with my health in the last several months. One heartache that I discovered is that because my brain tumor (which is still 2/3 there) is progesterone receptive, I will not be able to have children. Both Tyler and I love children so much, and have dreamed of becoming parents. I'm grateful to sensitive doctors who have helped us and for a wonderful husband who sees adoption as a very beautiful and inspired process. We look forward to adopting a child (or several) someday!

Another discovery a doctor made is that I have a tumor on the top of my foot! No, it's not related to the brain tumor, and it's actually more of a vascular malformation rather than a tumor. It has gotten a little more painful, but there is a procedure that can be done to remedy the problem and reduce the swelling of the blood vessels in that area. It's much more minor that brain surgery too-- just an outpatient, back-to-work-the-next-day sort of surgery.

And lastly, the diabetes doctor discovered I have gastro paresis, which may be a result of 20 years with diabetes, or from surgery or being so sick in recovering from surgery. Not sure if this was there before, but it could be WHY I was so sick in recovery. It's characterized by a "weak stomach" and I will have to adjust my diet a little to help cope with stomach pains. Luckily, the doctor approved me for a continuous blood glucose monitor that I'll start in January, which should really help with my diabetes management! I'm SOOOO grateful to be moving to Tyler's wonderful insurance coverage! What a blessing for us!

I still have headaches, but I'm also thankful for the doctors who have prescribed and tried various medications to prevent them. They do a great job most of the time! I do still wish and pray for the miracle of having the vision in my right eye return, but with all I have to be thankful for, I know that I can wait for the Lord's timing in this blessing being fulfilled. I'm so thankful for all who have supported me, been there with me through the difficult and the happy times of this past year, and who have never faltered in their love. I am most thankful for a loving Heavenly Father that I have been able to pray to often, and who sent His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, to bring hope, peace, and healing. I love my Savior and desire to serve Him and show my gratitude to Him for His many tender mercies. I know He lives and loves each of us, and that trials are for our growth and learning!

Thank you for reading!