And Six Years Later

Six years ago this month I was waiting on a final diagnosis.  I felt much better but still had numbness and tingling in my arms.  My arms would still "seize" up periodically and I tired easily.

Today I had my annual follow-up with my neurologist.  On the quick look, he said my brain looks great and no new lesions were seen on my spine.

The office exam of gait, balance and reflexes indicated that I look like a "million bucks."  Essentially, I continue to have "wussy MS."  I left there today with a big smile on my face and tear of relief in my eyes.

When you have a disease like MS, you live in the constant knowledge that at any point it could be devastating the mylein in your brain and/or spine.  However, I have learned how to live with that knowledge without letting it control who I am or cripple me emotionally.

I think back to six years ago and what do I remember?  I do remember the feeling of anxiousness.  Sure I was scared, but what do I remember most?  The people who walked with us through that time.  Those who brought me meals, helped me clean my house (even my distaster of a closet), drove me around, brought us groceries, cared for my children, called, texted, listened to, hugged and prayed for us.

I have not forgotten you and all you have done for me and my family.  Thank you!

The Highs and Lows of Life

This past week has been full of highs and lows.

We are on a high when we returned from meeting my nephew.

We are on a low when Lizzie started vomiting that night.

Another high...Lizzie is better.

Low...Jacob started vomiting.

High...Jake is great

Low...Brian has it.

High...Philisha gets to go to work for a full day and a half.

Then the lowest of our lows hits...my Mamaw Wellman passed away.  I am not sure that I have the words yet to describe that feeling of low.

Then another low...the morning we are to leave for Indiana Zach gets ill.

However, while continue to sting with the low of losing my grandma, we experienced some highs.

Seeing and playing with cousins.

Visiting with family we don't see often.

Seeing friends from "way back when."

Last night brough the highest of highs we have experienced over the past week and a half.

We attended Zach's Fall Sports Banquet.  Each team gives out a "Bulldog Award" to one of the players.  The winner of the Bulldog Award exemplifies what it means to be a Bulldog - character, sportsmanship, leader, true team player, etc.

Zach received that award last night as well as recognition for being all conference.  He received the same award last year.  Last year they talked about how he never quit being a team player and leader even though he had a season ending injury.  I cried then thinking of how his season was cut short and the character he showed through it.

Last night, I held back tears as I heard coach relay a comment from an assistant coach regarding Zach.  He said, as he pointed to Zach, "I wish I had five of him."  To me that is one of the highest compliments you can give my child.  They recognize his character, leadership, athletic ability, coachability and much more.  I see those things in him daily.  It is nice to know that others notice as well.

We are proud of Zach.  Because he won an award?  No!  Because of the man he has become.  One full of integrity, character, Christ-likeness and leadership.  We are proud of him because he is that person when people aren't looking as well as when they are.  We are proud becuase of his concern for his teammates and others.  We are just flat out proud and excited to see where life will take him in the next few years.  

Receiving the Bulldog Award from Coach Gwinnup for the 2nd year in a row. 

Trip To Indiana

Lizzie and I took a girl's trip to Indiana this weekend.

First we stopped and had a great dinner with Dad and Karen.  We enjoyed out time together and like always, we left with a few things to giggle about.

Then we headed down to meet the newest member of the family, Curtis James Leo Gilstrap.  He did not disappoint and was absolutely perfect!  

Lizzie got lots of cuddling time with the sweet guy.

 They were quite comfortable together.

 Sweet kisses for a sweet little guy.

We also got to spend time with all the cousins.  We went Trunk or Treating 

and enjoyed our time together.  

We had to get our picture with cousin, Ivy.

All dressed up and ready to go.  We were well protected with lots of superheroes and a Zombie hunter.  

 Eating hot dogs at the Trunk or Treat

 A baby and a bat

 The potato sack race

 We went back to the Trunk or Treat to visit with Uncle Jimmy and Aunt Lydia.  These kiddos love their aunt and uncle!

They even shared their nose with Kacey

And no trip to Indiana is complete without a picture of Lizzie and Max.  He is such a gentle giant.