Show family affection to one another with brotherly love. Outdo one another in showing honor. 

Romans 12:10 (HCSB)

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I’ve learned a few lessons (in no particular order) from being wheelchair and walker-bound for the last five weeks:

1. Everything takes twice as long or more to do than it did before.

2. Crumbs on the counter and dust and debris under furniture are more easily seen.

3. Husband and family are there when you need them.

4. I can now balance on my left leg for several minutes. My upper body strength is awesome.

5. Light switches in my house are reachable. Pretty much everything else is not.

6. It’s easier to carry stuff in a wheelchair.

7. Scooters can be dangerous if you aren’t used to hand brakes.

8. Mark now makes a mean latte.

9. Grandgirlies make tasty freezer meals and sweets for another day.

10. The handicap sign makes life a lot easier. So do cutouts in curbs.

11. Scooting around with one leg in the grocery store is exhausting.

12. Mark has an interesting interpretation of my grocery list.

13. Negotiating in crowds is tricky: some people are rude, some are oblivious.

14. Friends and neighbors are caring, kind, and bring great food.

15. Mark says we are never bringing down Christmas decorations again. NOT.

16. It’s easy to pet Parker and look at each other—eyeball to eyeball.

17. It’s impossible to strip and remake a bed.

18. It’s good to get out for a ride in the golf cart: fresh air and the sun on my back felt good.

19. A forgotten item in the other room may just stay there.

20. Friends make it possible to go to Bible Study and wheel you to the right room.

21. Limit drinking water when headed out of the house.

22. Facebook and email are great connections to the outside world.

23. Winter is the right season to wear the fashion-forward black boot.

24. Prayer is the necessary ingredient to make it through the day.

This entire experience reminds me how much we take for granted every moment of every day. And…in an instant it can change. One of my goals in life is not to waste an experience that God gives me. Sometimes, His plans are far different from mine and I may question “why?” But, I have learned to trust that He knows best.

I have a far greater understanding and sympathy for those who live life in a wheelchair. I, also, now appreciate the kindness of a hot meal, a quick call or text of encouragement, or an offer to pick up something at the store.

May my eyes be opened to someone in need, even if it is only for a little push.