My choice is to enjoy life

In my childhood years I was known as a tomboy. I spent most of my time outdoors actively participating in any sporting activity in my neighborhood. My favorite sports are volleyball and baseball, although I love to watch many other sports on television. On occasion my dad would come and join us kids for a pickup game of baseball. I particularly enjoyed those games. Throughout my school years, I participated in school sports and actually enjoyed gym class.

During high school, I met the man who was to become my husband. Of course, Jerry had to be interested in sports as well, or I probably wouldn't have given him another thought. He played football and hockey. On many occasions, I would sit and watch his games to support him. It was through him that I came to know Jesus Christ as my personal Savior. One of the first dates we had was to go to church on Sunday morning. He was attending an evangelical church where his family had been attending since he was a very small boy. They talked about having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ by accepting Him as God's Son, believing that I was a sinner in need of forgiveness, and asking Him to come into my life. Within a few short weeks of first going to the church, I realized what my life was missing and prayed for Jesus to forgive my sin and take control of my life.

Jerry and I got married soon after high school and eventually had three children. Each of them became involved in sports also. Our son, Brad, played soccer and hockey. Marcia played basketball and baseball. Laura played baseball, They are grown now and each continues to participate in sports as much as time allows. Brad is an engineering student, Marcia is a doctor and Laura is applying to a school to become a hair stylist.

Our family is quite active. We like the outdoors and sports! So you can imagine how difficult it was for me when, in a matter of seconds, my physical ability was forever changed.

In October of 1987, while I was working as a bank teller, I herniated a disc in my lower back. This was the beginning of a new lifestyle for me. I could no longer move freely around my home, never mind think about participating in sports.

I began a course of tests and treatments that took months to repair the damage and did not necessarily have the desired effect. I remember going to bed many nights in such severe pain, I wondered if I would wake the next morning paralyzed from the waist down. Even though I knew the injury was not affecting my spinal cord, it sure felt like it. I asked the elders of our church to pray for my healing. I do believe God answered their prayer which seemed to be "No", so I continued to pursue the medical treatment my doctor recommended.

My doctor decided I would need to have surgery to repair the herniation and I was all for it, if it meant no more pain. The surgery was performed in April of 1988 and I was back at work as a teller in September. The surgery seemed to have worked! I had very little pain, except for the scar tissue. Then one day in March of 1989, I developed severe pain once again in my lower back. I bad numerous X-rays and appointments with more specialists.

These specialists found that I had developed osteo-arthritis in my lower back and that the muscles and tendons had stopped functioning as they were intended. The prognosis: a life of limited mobility and activity. It was even suggested our family move to Arizona to escape the pain of the arthritis in the dry heat.

As I look back I see how God has had His hand on my life all the way through this challenge. I was told by the neurosurgeon and another specialist that I should never have been able to have children, God blessed us with three beautiful, intelligent children who are living for Him. I have had more time to spend in His word and other books, learning of His grace and will for my life and how to cope through His strength with all the trials that have come our way.

There is not a day that goes by that I do not have some measure of pain. Sometimes it is just a bit of stiffness and other times it is debilitating But God is always with me and through His power and strength I can face whatever each day brings. He has taught me the pleasure of walking, instead of running. I walk as much as I am able--sometimes a block, sometimes a few miles--but on each walk I experience the beauty of His creation and am able to offer Him praise.

There are times when I wish I could be on the field playing baseball instead of sitting on the sidelines cheering, but then I think of others who have never been able to play at all and I don't feel so bad. There are many people in this world with physical challenges. How we deal with them is up to us! God has taught me to do things in moderation and to be thankful for what I can do. I choose to enjoy life with His help and strength, rather than wallow in self-pity.

COPYRIGHT 2002 Intertribal Christian Communications
COPYRIGHT 2003 Gale Group