Lost One Thing (Toben)

For thos eof you that follow the blog you know that when Joanne had her stroke I prayed to prayers. One was that Joanne would not die. The other was that if she did live she would retain the ability to read. Both prayers came true and I am thrilled by that. Joanne always gives me a hard time. She says, "You were on a roll. You could have asked for so much more!" Anyhow, as I look back I am still convinced that these were the right prayers to pray. Joanne is still with us and she is a voracious reader. It fills her days and keeps her mind active. Plus she can still be in scripture which has always been a cornerstone of her faith. 

She is headed to painting class this morning and I am so hopeful that this will become another outlet for her creative bent. The class is really challenging--who knew watercolor was so complex! but she loves the class and I think it'll really be fun for her once she gets the basics figured out.

Joanne has lost a lot of things that formed her identity pre stroke. I won't go into details here--most of you already know what they are, but she has retained some important ones. She can get around for the most part, she can speak, she can read and has the use of her right hand and arm which allows for a lot. But she has lost a lot too.

So here is my question: If you made a list of the top ten things that you love to do or that define who you are and you had to cross five of those things off the list, which would you keep?

I would cross off writer and I could turn off my creative side and would leave, husband, father and mentally/emotionally sharp and the ability to speak. I would be willing to let a bunch of the physical aspects of my being go if I was able to stay connected to my family and friends. My top secret keep would be the ability to type. It's how I stay in touch with the world. 

What would your list look like?

Toben

Comments

[Kimberly Severson]

Great question, but I think you stole the answer that a lot of us would choose. I would say; wife, mother, emotionally/mentally sharp and to still speak relatively clear. My top secret would be that my taste buds stayed with me. I have learned to eat new healthier foods and I LOVE a good lunch!

I can't wait to hear how Joanne does with watercolor painting. My sister was given that creative gene in our family. I was given the gene of being a nurturer and caring for people. Good luck Joanne!!!

[Nan]

In the next few days, I will lose my mother to Parkinson's. A few years ago, I knew nothing about this disease. But after watching her struggle, I can't imagine what I would give up - my mobility, my voice. It would be a very tough choice. She lost her balance, ability to drive, write, talk, feed and dress herself. I try to give thanks every day for my many blessings and pray the Lord gives me another day with them. Very good question to ponder.

[Christy]

Ten things that I love to do or that define me:
1. Bible Study
2. Travel
3. Scuba Diving
4. Photography
5. Sewing
6. Art
7. Reading
8. Communicating with family and friends
9. Learning (curious about new things)
10. Time with my pets

Five things I would give up:
1. Speech (so long as I could write)
2. Hearing (so long as I could see)
3. Photography
4. Sewing
5. Honestly... I would figure out a way to still enjoy aspects of all 10 of my things. I might have to enjoy them differently, but I think I could capture the essence of the joy they bring me.

[Kim Feth]

I've had a grandmother die from Alzheimers and my Mom died from Parkinson's. I'm not sure which is more difficult - not being able to function physically or not knowing that you can still move physically. I would still want my faith in God, my family, my physical health, my mental health, my mental sharpness.
Great question!
Grace and Peace,
Kim Feth
Apex, NC