Round 16, Birchwood Girls, Church - Pictures Included!

Wednesday was fantastic for the most part. I had some pain, but I fought through it. I got up early enough to put make up on, which was fun, and made me feel good. I figured I may as well put my free samples to use instead of just letting them sit in my make up bag. The eyeliner I got in my Ipsy bag this month rocks! I always look forward to getting my make up bag each month, now to start making a point to get use out of it.

Jessica, (My Birchwood Girl) came to visit Mom and me at treatment this week. We went out for lunch after, and then had a short, nice visit at her house before having to head out for church. She has a beautiful home. It is very quiet and peaceful with a lot of natural light coming in. I love it and could spend hours sitting by the huge windows in the kitchen reading.

Mom mentioned something about wanting my tablet at treatment and I told her she could have it, and I would get an iPad since it would connect with my phone and also since Apple seems to connect to WiFi at treatment a lot better than my Surface. Needless to say, Jess remembered her son had an iPad he no longer used and he kindly gave it to me. I went shopping on Amazon today and bought a case with a keyboard for it. I am looking forward to learning how to use it - cause I've never had an iPad!

This handsome boy right here is Jess' baby named Barnabas. He is a beautiful Maine Coon cat. I am not generally a cat person, but this big guy kinda stole my heart. He is just a big ole baby! He has a very sweet and playful nature about him. So, now I am his "Aunt Crystal". :)

To go back to treatment, it went great today; the new port has made a huge difference. It doesn't feel weighted and heavy upon access like the other one. I really cannot even tell I have this one in. Just knowing that made the day a whole lot better!

However, I do have to change my medicine regiment which I was not happy about, but will do what I have to to remain pain-free at this point even if I don't like it.

Ya know, that's just life sometimes, we fight through pain to have a good day and suck it up, and do things we do not like to remain comfortable and/or pain free to keep our lives worth living!

I was also able to attend the first night of Kids Konnection - a program my church is doing in place of Awana this year. I have to say it is really neat. I enjoy watching the kids get exciting about singing and serving our Lord. I get to be with the toddlers. I must say, it is lots of fun. They are little busy bodies and they love to push my wheelchair around. I am blessed to be able to sit in this class even though we do not really teach them anything. I am teaching them how to accept someone who is "different" at a very young age. I love having this opportunity, and they are a joy to be around. I love the sound of their laughter as they run around giggling, and the warmth of their smile and hugs.

Hugs and Love,
Crystal

P.S.: I just realized I never sign my posts.. shame!

Home...

Home (noun): the place where one lives.

I was thinking about this simple word today quite heavily as I was getting ready to go to physical therapy. I thought to myself, home has many definitions and that definition is different for everyone. Come to think of it my definition of home has changed in the last 7 months.

It is not that little box with a triangle for a roof and the door and windows we draw on paper as kids. It is not even my physical address or the brick and mortar that keeps me safe at night. Are you thinking I am crazy yet?

Home for me at this point in my life is my community and my church. Home truly is the small town U.S.A. I grew up in. I always said after I left that I would not live here again. A lot can change in 12 years. Moving back in with my parents has been one of the best decisions of my adult life and I am not afraid to admit it. I have been a lot happier and found that contrary to my thinking I have more of a social life here within the community than I did when I lived in my own home, and the two are very different.

I have found a church that feels like home as well and that is something that is very important to me. I attend a discipleship class, Bible study and help with other activities when needed. I am growing spiritually and learning so much about His Word, reconnecting with people I've known all my life, as well as making new friends.

I recently started attending Zumba classes at our community center and will be attending a Bible study there as well beginning next week.

Next on my list is to attend a show at our little Opry we have and find my picture on the wall. :)

When I left this place I had no intentions of living here again, ever. I guess God's plan was different and obviously better than mine. He knew where I needed to be.

I am glad Birchwood is home.

What does it mean to you?