A New Week...

Well, as we all are aware it has been a very stressful couple of weeks, but now the immediacy has passed and it's time to take a breath and go on. I spoke with Sissy at length about the funeral on Saturday. My husband and I could not attend due to distance and the fact that while my spirit is only about 25, my body only 59, recent health issues put me at closer to 80. I lived and worked hard and while attempting to trim pecan trees, apparently broke a few things in my neck when falling out of one. (I was 54 going on 18 at the time.) It took a bit to manafest itself, but on June 8th 2003, (after the triple bypass surgery I had on December 21 2002) I found myself quite suddenly paralyzed from the neck down. After the sudden hurried ambulance trip to Florence, SC, I was seen by Neurologist who assured me while I would never walk again, he could get me motor function from the waist up but it would require immediate emergency surgery. So, I had the surgery and no one was more shocked than he was when I managed to walk from the hospital...haltingly, to be sure...but I walked none the less. That is why my faith in God is so strong. I know my family and friends were praying for me, but more importantly, He gave me a strong determination and will to prevail over diversity. I don't travel long distances because I still have severe nerve damage and can only sit that still (as a car trip) for about an hour and it's like having to learn to walk all over again. After such a close brush myself, I had such hope for Joey but the injuries were so far beyond what the doctors could do. And so God answered the prayer, what's best for Joey. Sissy tells me that they had to stop traffic on Interstate 65 there were so many cars in the funeral procession. We both saw Joey in our minds eye laughing at the thought of traffic coming to a halt for him. He was such a daredevil that I am sure I'm not the only one who was shocked by his death. We pictured him going out bungey jumping or racing. He kept in touch with every friend he had ever made, I think. If he had been able to, he would have kept in touch with you, too. So, our friends, we thank you. His family is doing what other families do everywhere after the loss of a love one. They're picking up the pieces and going on. It's all we can do, after all. Be assured that your kind thoughts and prayers helped Karen so much and it's something she will look over and read now and be able to see just how many people were in her corner, pulling out all the stops for her Joey.