Tag: #lifeandwheelchairs

Basket Case

by C.C. Hasty, posted in Blessed, Brothers, God Is Good, Graduation, Mom, Uncategorized, Wheelchair

I have spent the past couple of days planning for Jackson’s surgery and Alex’s graduation. How can one do both emotionally and not be a basket case? The answer is simple: by the grace of God.

9 months ago our boys were life flighted to Vanderbilt.  We didn’t have time to clean the house, make sure the laundry was done, the pets were taken care of. Pack bags. In fact, for several days we only had the clothes on our backs. After multiple surgeries and several months later, we were all finally home together. This time, Jackson’s surgery is planned. We know how long the recovery should take. We are not naive to be oblivious to the possibility of complications. Of course we are not happy that he has to be put to sleep and cut open again. But we don’t have a choice. We knew from the beginning that the surgeons were creating surgical hernia’s that would someday need to be repaired. We didn’t care. We wanted him to live. As much as we worry for him, we also know that God is the one in control. I say it all the time I know, but it is so very true. Since that day on the side of the road I have learned that He is always in control, not I. It isn’t ideal for my husband and I to miss a week or two more of work, but God provided for us before, and I have to believe He will do so again.

While planning to be in the hospital with Jackson, I have also been planning for Alex’s graduation. I still can’t believe he is old enough to graduate. He is my baby. He has had to overcome so many obstacles this year to make this happen. More than most adults ever experience in a lifetime. I am so very proud of who he has become. I was amazed at the strength he had during and after the accident. His love for his brothers and people in general. His heart is so very pure and true.  Last week he met with Pastor Randy and I could see God working and putting everything together. He has a purpose and I know that he will do mighty things for the kingdom of God. And so does he. I can’t wait to see it.

I am not a basket case because I am blessed. I am blessed that my son, despite every opportunity to throw up his hands and give up, will be graduating high school. I am blessed because our boys are alive, and even though Jackson has to have surgery, we know that he will be okay. No matter how bad my day is, I can always look back on what I experienced on August 16, 2015 and find hope and gratitude in God for what He did then and continues to do. He really is an awesome God.

Love and blessings,

C.C.

by C.C. Hasty, posted in Blessed, God Is Good, Mom, Uncategorized, Wheelchair

Mother’s Day: A day that florist prepare to work extra hours fulfilling orders. A day that restaurant owners know that they will be busy with reservations. Jewelry companies advertise giving your mom or wife that special piece of jewelry to let her know you care.

So many mom’s hope that on this day her husband and children will suddenly realize how important she is to them. How much she does and sacrifices for them. We hope that somehow they have had an aha moment and want to surprise us with gifts and acts of appreciation and love. We ‘drop’ hints about ways they can surprise us. We see our friends on Facebook being spoiled with lavish gifts and trips and hope that we too get to show everyone how loved we are.

The truth is a lot of time we end up disappointed.

Being a mother is the most challenging job a person will ever have. And once we become a mother, it is a lifelong sentence. But it is also the most rewarding. Our joy of being a mother doesn’t come from gifts or words of appreciation. It doesn’t come from a husband that shows his appreciation on a day that is supposed to be celebrated for all that we do. Our joy comes from watching our children grow. The pride we receive when we see them act with love and kindness towards others. When they step out into the world to follow their dreams. Act with strength and courage when faced with life’s trials and tribulations.

I woke up today and went to church by myself. I picked up lunch and brought it to them. I took a nap, which I never do but decided that I was going to take the time for me today. I didn’t get lavish gifts or words of praise. After the year we had, I had hoped that my family would suddenly want to show me how much they loved me… but they didn’t. Next year will be the same. After a little while of feeling sorry for myself, I remembered that Mother’s Day is a commercial holiday. Our appreciation doesn’t come from gifts or material items. It doesn’t even come from our husbands or our children. Not in the way that we sometimes think that it should.

I hope that all of those moms who feel unappreciated today know that they are loved and valued. Your value isn’t in the gifts you receive on Mother’s Day. It doesn’t come from a husband who appreciates your worth. Your value is in doing the hardest job imaginable. Every time you have prayed and cried for your child. Those times when they were sick or hurt and you wished more than your next breath that you could take it away from them. For every sacrifice you have made so that they could have what they needed. God chose you to shape the next generation. He chose you to be a mother. What better honor is there than that? That ladies, is your value.

 

 

 

Menopause, what?!?!

by C.C. Hasty, posted in Blessed, God Is Good, Menopause, Mom, Uncategorized

Menopause. Seriously?!?! I am 38 years old, and according to the doctor … in full-blown menopause. I thought the doctor had to be wrong. Or at least making a not-so-funny joke. Nope, the second labs confirmed the diagnosis.

I shouldn’t be surprised. I mean c’mon, my body was surely going to have some type of protest after the last year. Losing my Nannie then the accident and subsequent months in the hospital. That would take its toll on anyone. Also, did y’all know the IRS audited us 3 days after the wreck?? Nope, not kidding. And they didn’t care that we were in the hospital with our children or that they might die. Carla from Bookkeeping Plus was such a blessing and took over everything AND made several trips to Vanderbilt. Did I mention that her and her team put in numerous hours and didn’t even charge us??? There were other trials that we endured this year but I have decided to wait until I finish the book to discuss them. Needless to say, if menopause is the worst of it, then I am fortunate.

At first, I wasn’t going to talk about this but with only my closet family and friends. It is kind of embarrassing to admit that I am going through the “change of life” and I am not even 40. That is what older women do, right??? But after thinking about it, I decided to hell  with that!

My body has earned the right to go into full-blown menopause at any age! After all, I have birthed 2 beautiful boys. I have endured levels of stress that most could only imagine. I am still standing strong. And best of all…. I haven’t committed a physical assault on anyone!! Plus, I now have the perfect excuse. It isn’t my fault, blame it on the menopause 😉

With Mother’s Day just a few days away, I am reminded why I am proud to be a woman. To be a mother. They say being a mother is the hardest job in the world. I absolutely freaking agree!!! It is also the most rewarding thing a woman can ever experience. Yes, we have to deal with all of the drama of being a woman, including trivial little matters like menopause. But at the end of it all, anything and everything is worth the joy of being a mother. To be a mother, I will embrace menopause and everything else that comes with it.

Love and blessings,

C.C.