Sometimes we look at sights in nature but don't really see. While hiking in the woods the other day, it became a realization that we need to open our heart and eyes to see the beauty of the simple things in nature with each season. There is so much order and purpose in His creation. God has given us awesome beauty in this world to see and enjoy... if we would but stop to see and feel it. Join us as this blog is about stopping to see the real beauty around us...to touch and feel it... "Through the Lens".

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Sunday, July 16, 2017

We're Still Here

                                 

Has it really been this long since I wrote a blog?  Gee, time sure has a way of slipping by.
                       


When I last updated, Nick was doing much better with his allergies and had not had any further nose bleeds.  He did, however, decide to have an issue with his shoulder.  He woke up one Sunday morning yelping so we took him to a local animal hospital where the doctor diagnosed his problem.  He was loaded up on meds and sent home.  We did follow up the next day with his Vet in Lagrange where we lived before full-timing.  He agreed the diagnosis was correct and wanted to give him some laser treatments and bring him off the pain medicine.  He was beginning to act weird.  So several weeks later and a few less dollars he is pretty much back to normal!!!  I guess we aren't the only ones aging in this family!!
                                              
As most of you know that read our blog, we have been fairly stationary for the past several months.   We knew we would be limited in how we could travel for awhile due to my cancer diagnosis two years ago this coming August.  We just didn't realize how limited we would be.  I knew I would have to return to my Oncologist every 3 months for the first 2 years after treatment.  What we didn't know was Mike was going to be diagnosed with cervical stenosis and pinched nerves in his shoulder/neck area....C4 & C5, C5 & C6.  He would have to go through some physical therapy on his shoulder/neck and receive a few shots hoping to ease the pain and avoid surgery.  So with my every 3 months appointment with my doctor and his trips to the Neurosurgeon, physical therapy and the pain management doctor we haven't hardly left our site at Chewacla State Park.
BUT THAT'S OK......because full-timing is a way of life.  Life happens no matter where you live.  You don't full-time to avoid life.  At the end of the day, there is no better place to relax, recuperate and heal than in God's creation.  To watch the animals and listen to the crickets serenade you to sleep is about as good as it gets.
                                  
Picture taken from inside our rv
From inside our rv
IT MUST BE WORKING.....because when I saw my Oncologist this past Thursday he released me to every 6 months instead of every 3 months.  This came as a HUGE surprise to both of us.  This is about 8 months before I complete year 2.  I can't begin to tell you how excited we both were to hear this.  It just opens up the time between visits so you can actually do things, go places!!!!  The journey is not over and I will still have scans and such but this was a big step in the recovery process.
                                               

So even though we haven't clocked the miles in...... it seems like we have all three been busy working on our health and healing!!!

The Lord is my strength and my shield;
My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped;
Therefore my heart greatly rejoices,
And with my song I will praise Him.    Psalm 28:7

17 comments:

  1. You have a great attitude in dealing with these issues. I hope you can get on the road soon!

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    1. Thank you for your comments, and yes we will be hitting the road soon. You guys take care.

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  2. Nice that things are improving and maybe you guys can get out and about for a while again. Hope Mike improves as well.

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    1. Thank you for your thoughts...we have several outings in the making and can't wait.
      Take care!

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  3. Happy things are starting to turn around for all of you. As we age it seems these types of things affect us much deeper. That is why living the Fulltime Lifestyle now is so Important. You are definitely at the best spot to heal surrounded by nature.
    Be Safe and Enjoy!

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    1. Thank you for your kind comments. Yes, being out in nature is a healing environment and we are so fortunate to be able to be here. We have several outings in the making and are ready to venture out.

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  4. These pictures are absolutely stunning! Loving this camera! Thanks for the article share, love checking out your blog. Always an interesting read!
    Phil

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  5. Glad to hear your good news! The place you have been staying looks pretty great but glad to hear to can venture out a bit soon.

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  6. Thanks for your thoughts. We have enjoyed where we are, but are very anxious to start traveling again and making memories. It won't be long now.

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  7. Yippie-ki-ya on the 6 vs 3 month checkup....and Mike and Nick seem to be heading in the right direction for getting back to their stride...Just takes us "old Men" a little longer. :)) I really liked your sentence that read..in part "At the end of the day there is no better way to relax...." what a terrific thought...thanks...Enjoy the summer...Horst sends

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    1. Horst, thanks for your kind words...it has been a long journey,but by God's grace we continue to move forward and soon be taking some trips and seeing more of His beauty in nature. Take care my friend and stay cool in this heat.

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  8. Poor Nick. He has been hitting some rough road lately, but hope it is behind him now.
    I am so happy for you two! What a blessings the Lord has bestowed on you. I love all your photos!

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    1. Marsha, thanks for your comments, God truly has blessed us and we give Him all the glory and praise. Hope you guys are doing well.
      Take care...

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  9. Looking forward to hear about your travels when you both are quite ready.

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    1. Phyllis, thank you for your comment, we are so very ready for seeing different sights and travels.
      Take care..

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  10. You really are doing good. Jim didn't get released to every six months until year three. Last May we hit the five year mark and graduated to once a year. It was definitely a time of celebration. Here's hoping that both Mike and Nick continue their recovery as well as you are. Faith in God's love and purpose keeps us going.

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  11. Jim and Sandie, thank you for your so very thoughtful comments. I fully understand the celebration as each step is truly a God blessing. You are so very right, our faith in His love and purpose sustains us fully.
    Take care and may God continue to bless you.

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Thanks for taking your time to read our blog and to share with us your thoughts and comments. We really do appreciate hearing from you.