I am so MAD! No, not just MAD… ANGRY! Here are a few other words with which we can fill in the ________: Disgusted, Discouraged, Distressed, and Disappointed!

You are probably wondering what happened this time. Once again, I over extended my reach and FELL out of the power wheelchair. I caught myself WEDGED in a very painful position. When I was finally able to reposition the power wheelchair and reached the telephone, I was so frustrated!

The irony is I was trying to reach my notebook to file one story and finish another one that I had started some time ago. But instead, now I am writing one about this exciting occasion!

People often ask where the stories come from and sometimes they happen just like this. When I started writing, I realized that some folks would think that I am mad at God. Others may think that I should blame God for this happenstance and the negative feelings.

Well, I don’t blame God and I’m not angry with him. I am mad at myself for not listening to that “still small voice” that warned me. I would have been able to reach the notebook better if I had first transferred to the recliner. But my intention was to grab the notebook and go sit in the shade in the power wheelchair and finish the other story.

And that is where I sit now while writing this story. It has been so beautiful here the past two weeks, but the irises are all gone and the rhododendrons and azaleas are shedding the beautiful flowers. But soon the daylilies will start blooming and if I accept my limitations, I pray that I will be able to stay at home again this summer.

The pain will be with me a few more days but once again, I thank God I did not break anything this time (and I have experienced pain at a much higher level in the past!) I was especially thankful when my next-door neighbor and my oldest grandson arrived to pick me up and place me safely back into my power wheelchair. They have both had to do this several times, but my neighbor never seems to mind. He has said I should not hesitate to call him even in the middle of the night on work nights. (I discovered some foods he likes so I always cook enough of those things to share with him as a small token of my appreciation.) My grandson knows I love and appreciate him!

One friend said I should wear a seatbelt to remind me not to lean over. But then I would have one more thing to do every time I transfer. Other well-meaning folks have recommended that I wear one of the life alert buttons around my neck. I have explained that I tried that once, but it does not follow me outside and requires another monthly payment that I choose not to make.

The smarter thing to do is listen to the warning words that signal mistakes.

God gives us choices and often we make the wrong decision. We will bear the consequences of some mistakes we make. I just recently heard about a man that shot three people, bang, bang, bang, just because someone made him mad. He has now ruined the lives of many others just as he will spend the rest of his life in jail.

I like to think that my mistakes do not have profound effects on others, but I know when I have to call for help it can be an inconvenience for those who respond. I regret that, but thankfully there are many people who feel blessed for being able to assist me. (I guess they see that as part of God’s plan for them.) I know for someone living with all the challenges I face, I am one of God’s most highly blessed people who have willing friends, some of whom I am not even aware of until I meet them in one place or another. May God bless each of you!

Just as Job responded to his friends in the Old Testament book of Job (Chapter 19:25), “I know that my Redeemer lives.” He is always here for me in the best of times and the worst of times! As I reread this chapter, I realized that like Job, “my heart yearns within me” for the time I will face my Lord and Savior!