December 24, 2000
Dear friends and family,
Once again it is Christmas Eve. Last year about this time, word was spreading about my accident. As I stood on the hearth to light a candle on the mantle, the limestone facade collapsed, from ceiling to hearth - and threw me across the floor. This began for me a journey like no other I had taken. The journey started with my 12 year old boys calling 911 and their dad at work to get some help for me, my first ride in an ambulance, days in ICU, months in rehab, and serious spinal cord surgery along the way. Perhaps most importantly, I have learned to rest in the arms of Jesus and wait with hope for God's healing hand. I have learned to say thank you for the cards, calls, e-mails, food, rides, visits, and the many, many prayers that have been brought before God our Father in my behalf for healing and in praise and glory for the mighty work He has done.
Today at 3:30, we will hang a special painting on the repaired mantle of our fireplace. It was painted by Ruth Childre, a very accomplished artist and special Christian lady who is part of our church family. It was painted in the Texas hill country near Fredericksburg, and is of the hillside at Springtime, with bluebonnets and Indian paintbrush around an old abandoned barn with blue skies and white puffy clouds. My life was spared, and I have been blessed with much healing physically, emotionally, and spiritually, and I feel that it is Springtime in my heart.
In January, I will start having therapy only twice a week - one day on the floor and one day in the pool. I will be working three full days a week, and hopefully the afternoons of the other two days. I continue to improve! Last week in therapy, I got up off the floor all by myself. Around the house and for short distances, I walk on my own, and when I'm out, I use my cane. For longer distances, and on those especially hard days, I still use my mobilizer. Typing is getting easier, but writing is still difficult. It was sweet to be able to help decorate the Christmas tree, and to be able to bake my traditional gingersnap cookies. Even if it does take me a long time, at least I can do it. I am still not driving, but that is one of my goals for 2001.
On Christmas Eve, 1967, I gave my life to Christ, and was buried with him in baptism into the living hope - born-again - and my life changed forever. On Christmas Eve 1999, my world was turned upside down. Without the faith that comes from my relationship with God, I could not have made it through the last year. On the day that our Savior was born, the whole world was turned upside down, too, and the promised Messiah was finally here - Emmanuel - God with us - a tiny child and yet Almighty God. Most importantly, this tiny child named Jesus died and took upon himself the sins of the world, and then was resurrected, and even today sits of the right hand of God. It is this God to whom you have been coming boldly on my behalf. And He has answered your prayers in a mighty way, and used my tragedy to His glory. Thanks be to God - he has given me new life once again!
Merry Christmas and God bless you all,
Lynne
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Dear friends and family,
Once again it is Christmas Eve. Last year about this time, word was spreading about my accident. As I stood on the hearth to light a candle on the mantle, the limestone facade collapsed, from ceiling to hearth - and threw me across the floor. This began for me a journey like no other I had taken. The journey started with my 12 year old boys calling 911 and their dad at work to get some help for me, my first ride in an ambulance, days in ICU, months in rehab, and serious spinal cord surgery along the way. Perhaps most importantly, I have learned to rest in the arms of Jesus and wait with hope for God's healing hand. I have learned to say thank you for the cards, calls, e-mails, food, rides, visits, and the many, many prayers that have been brought before God our Father in my behalf for healing and in praise and glory for the mighty work He has done.
Today at 3:30, we will hang a special painting on the repaired mantle of our fireplace. It was painted by Ruth Childre, a very accomplished artist and special Christian lady who is part of our church family. It was painted in the Texas hill country near Fredericksburg, and is of the hillside at Springtime, with bluebonnets and Indian paintbrush around an old abandoned barn with blue skies and white puffy clouds. My life was spared, and I have been blessed with much healing physically, emotionally, and spiritually, and I feel that it is Springtime in my heart.
In January, I will start having therapy only twice a week - one day on the floor and one day in the pool. I will be working three full days a week, and hopefully the afternoons of the other two days. I continue to improve! Last week in therapy, I got up off the floor all by myself. Around the house and for short distances, I walk on my own, and when I'm out, I use my cane. For longer distances, and on those especially hard days, I still use my mobilizer. Typing is getting easier, but writing is still difficult. It was sweet to be able to help decorate the Christmas tree, and to be able to bake my traditional gingersnap cookies. Even if it does take me a long time, at least I can do it. I am still not driving, but that is one of my goals for 2001.
On Christmas Eve, 1967, I gave my life to Christ, and was buried with him in baptism into the living hope - born-again - and my life changed forever. On Christmas Eve 1999, my world was turned upside down. Without the faith that comes from my relationship with God, I could not have made it through the last year. On the day that our Savior was born, the whole world was turned upside down, too, and the promised Messiah was finally here - Emmanuel - God with us - a tiny child and yet Almighty God. Most importantly, this tiny child named Jesus died and took upon himself the sins of the world, and then was resurrected, and even today sits of the right hand of God. It is this God to whom you have been coming boldly on my behalf. And He has answered your prayers in a mighty way, and used my tragedy to His glory. Thanks be to God - he has given me new life once again!
Merry Christmas and God bless you all,
Lynne
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