Day 4 - Aug 17

Today is the start of a work week. I have FOMO!! I love being in office with my friends. It is such a blessing that Alan is able to work from home! 

I can’t start the day at The Foundry Hot Yoga yet (6 weeks) so I’ll start with some swaying to ‘Its a Beautiful Day”, by Jamie Grace. Pick something that brings a smile to your face and start your day! Please share with me what you selected. 🤗 

We’re easing into a schedule at home. I’m not in a lot of pain, which is common after brain surgery because the brain tissue itself does not have pain receptors. However, discomfort can still be reduced due to the effects of surgery, anesthesia, and pain medications, as well as the body’s response to healing and the management of inflammation and swelling. The medications are manageable and are also helping reduce inflammation and swelling, as well as prevent seizures.

Future follow-up appointments are not for a few weeks due to the imbedded radiation that’s already doing its job. I’ll see medical staff in the early part of September.

The body does feel fatigued and I’ve had mild nausea. I’m getting some good naps in too—if you know me, you know I need my sleep. Naps are the best!! 😃 Maybe a bit too much since it’s 3 and I’m working on my update?! 🤪

Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for your personal texts, scriptures, pictures, videos, phone calls, and generous donations. Your love and encouragement are carrying us in ways we can’t fully express. We feel so deeply held and supported by all of you. As Philippians 4:19 reminds us, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” We are holding onto that promise with gratitude and peace, and we are praying the same blessing over each of you—that the Lord would supply all your needs and surround you with His abundant grace and care.

A beautiful friend dropped off Flower Child for lunch. I ate some tofu and roasted broccoli for both lunch and dinner. Alan was able to enjoy burgers (his favorite!) with the family. WIN-WIN for us. ❤️

Twenty-eight years ago, Alan and I stepped out in faith and said “I do” so very young. There were those who didn’t support our decision, but we chose to move forward, trusting God to lead us.

And what a journey it has been.

God blessed us with two beautiful daughters, and our youngest is truly our miracle baby — a precious gift after a season when we were unable to conceive.

Our wedding song was From This Moment On by Shania Twain. And oh, how many moments there have been since that day. The beautiful ones, the difficult ones, the unexpected ones… all woven together into a life we could never have imagined when we stood at the altar.

Today, as we navigate separate rooms and this season of isolation, I find myself reflecting on all that has brought us here.

And I think of another Shania Twain song.

You’re Still the One.

Because through all these years, through every season, he has remained faithful.

Alan has led our family with a quiet calm, with love at the center, and with a steadfastness that I have come to treasure more deeply with every passing year.

Twenty-eight years later, I am grateful for the young woman who took that step of faith. Grateful for the family God entrusted to us. Grateful for every moment — even the ones that have tested us.

And today, my heart says the same thing in a different way:

You’re still the one.

Still my husband.

Still my family.

Still the one I chose.

What is evident is that God has shown up—in every moment, in every season, in every unexpected turn. He has been faithful when we could see the path clearly and when we could see only the next step. That is why there is hope.

Through the beautiful moments, the difficult ones, and the ones we never could have anticipated, God has continued to meet us where we are and carry us forward. ❤️

And through it all, God is still leading us. ❤️

I’ll continue focusing on healing, recovery, and rest. I’ll be moving to less frequent updates, but please know how deeply grateful we are for all of your love, prayers, and support. 🙏❤️ Please don’t hesitate to reach out directly—we truly welcome hearing from you.