A Paddle Forward
A Paddle Forward
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Shortly after the birth of our first child, Diane was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. Finally we had an answer to extreme weight loss while pregnant! There is no cure - only treatment of the symptoms and prayer for remission. I’d never heard of it before then, but we’re now well versed in its effects. Basically attacking any part of the digestive system and along with it debilitative pain, we’ve seen more than our share of ER visits, surgeries, worried nights, and intercessory prayer sessions with friends and family.
Over the past two years after her most recent surgery, Di has crawled through a slow restoration, inching week by week to a bit more energy than the last. The progression is not linear - with valleys where she is quite tired and peaks where we risk taking too much advantage of the strength. The reason for our purchase of a used RV is to provide Di with a change of venue and means to travel with family when she is in a bout of being ‘couch bound’. Summer 2012 afforded many excellent opportunities to take advantage of unseasonably dry weather and the lasting beauty of the Pacific Northwest, Yellowstone & Teton National Parks.
And now we paddle. To others, a leisurely pace on a surfboard, oar in hand may seem unexciting. Yet to us - this was something new to experience that is within the means of Di’s strength. Last weekend we enjoyed this near Lincoln City, Oregon. When I say “we”, this included Di, Wade and Alayne taking turns on a rented paddle board. When I also say “we”, it is a smile from each member of the family when we see Di engaging in a little triumph. The simplicity (if balancing a narrow board for you is simple) and her smile was a beautiful moment.
A paddle forward.