My day starts around 6 am, give or take a few minutes. The night nurses wash and dress me but don't get me out of bed. I lie and listen to Christian music. I find it ministers to me. Provided I don't let my mind wander. One thought that I have thought too much lately is, "I really don't want to face another day in this place". The truth is that I am more comfortable when I am lying down as my neck is so bad. But the time comes when I must get up and face another long day. Around7:30, the day nurses put me in my wheelchair and hook me up to my computer. The first thing I do is my Bible reading. It is my favorite time of the day. The nurses are busy so I can enjoy time with God uninterrupted. Breakfast is usually between 9 and 9:30. Then it is back to the computer. This time, though, I write an e-mail. It takes a long time to write anything because I have to bop out each letter with my head. Still, I find it a more efficient means of communication than my speech board. My speech board allows me to spell out words letter by letter with my eyes. It is invaluable if I need to tell the nurse something but it is too time-consuming to hold a lengthy conversation. Once I finish e-mailing, I usually do more Bible study until lunch. This computer has been such a blessing. It allows me a small amount of independence. After lunch, I have to rest in bed. I can't sit up all day or I get sore. Again, I lie and listen to Christian music. Once in awhile, I get company which helps the afternoon go by faster. Mind you, company at any time is a relief from the monotony. Up again at 4 pm and back on the computer. It is pretty much all I have to do so I spend most of my time at it. Supper is at 5 and then is back at the computer. By evening I don't have the energy to do much more than watch tv. My computer has a tv so I can change channels myself. But, because there is so much garbage on tv, I pretty much limit myself to sports. I figure, at worst, I might overhear a few bad words! Bedtime is around 10 and, except for being repositionedbetween 2 and 2:30 so I don't get sore, my night is undisturbed.
So there you have it. An overview of what my day-to-day life is like. Sunday is a bit different as I get to go to church. Church is like an "oasis in my desert".
As hum-drum as my day-to-day life is, I know that I have some advantages over other people. I have more time to spend with God. And I have fewer things to distract me from God. Because I can't speak, I have learned to commune with God constantly in my mind.
Hello Linda: I do not believe you know me, but I had said hello a couple of times, when I was in to visit, when my mom had used to be the hairdresser at the hospital several years ago, but has since then passed on. I want to tell you, that I find you quite an inspiration and, from reading your letter, makes me realize that although I do have a busy life, I must find more time to spend with God, as that is a TRUE treasure. I have lots of interesting things that we probably have in comman, so if you would like to exchange an email my email is smilskis@gmail.com As well I am on facebook.
ReplyDeleteHi Linda, I'm so glad that I get to read to you. I know that helps break up your day. I'm also glad that you can use your computer to spell out the words. I always found the speech board very intimidating to use!
ReplyDeleteYou are an inspiration Linda. In the face of such adversity you remain constant in your faith and your time spent with God. I love that about you, and I'm inspired to "up-my-game" so to speak myself. No matter what is going on in our lives, there is always time for God and I am so thankful for my relationship with Him.
ReplyDeleteI do however want to apologize to you. I say hello to you at church, but have felt intimidated to try to use your speech board and so our interactions have been too limited. I promise to make a better effort the next time I see you.
Love and hugs...