Thurs., Jan. 22, 2009, Nashville, Tn., 12:29 p.m., C.S.T.~

Dear Journal~

This is a brand new concept for me.  Have not had time to write; have been recovering from my last surgery (had that back in November), and I'm just now getting back into the swing of things.  It took a lot out of me.

I had a pain control device implanted; it's been nothing short of a miracle.  I have lived with pain since being struck by lightning, and it affected just about every facet of my life.  I couldn't eat, lie down, sit up, drink, move.  Nothing.  I was severely curtailed; I couldn't even care for our son, who is now three years old (he'll be four this year).  It was really bad.

Now I don't have but minor twinges; however, they're nothing compared to what I experienced prior to the surgery.  I'm able to laugh, smile again, and I can even go out of the house!  It's been wonderful!!

Kendall is still working as one of Nashville's finest paramedics/EMT's.  He works most of the time, but he's happy.  Our son Rheese is happy, and I am happy.  Yes, life is indeed good for us, the Smiths!  :)

I still can't walk, but that's nothing new.  I just have to do things sitting down.  I can cook, do laundry, do the dishes, care for Rheese, care for my husband, pay the bills as they come in.  Nothing's really slowed me down other than getting over the surgery.  I'm just about healed now, and it feels great to move without pain slamming into my brain!

I have been going to church on Sundays with my husband; in fact, the Sunday before Christmas was really the first time I'd been out of the house, and everyone at church was thrilled to see me.  Everyone welcomed me, made me feel loved; it was enough to make me cry!

Ever since then, we've been going out at least several days a week if Kendall doesn't have to work.  If Rheese doesn't come with us, he stays with his MeMaw and PaPaw (Ken's parents), who live here in town.  We go out to eat, shopping, even to a movie.  The last movie we saw was "Milk" with Sean Penn.  He liked it; I didn't much care for it.  I thought it was boring.  I didn't think it was that special.

We may go to the movies again tomorrow, this time take Rheese with us.  If we do go out to the show, we plan on taking our son and seeing "Marley And Me" starring Owen Wilson.  I've heard nothing but good things about that movie; but they warn for people to bring their handkerchiefs, as it's a tearjerker.

Oh, good, that's all I need:  to see a movie that makes me cry!!  LOL

Well, I am going to go now.  Have to fix Rheese some lunch; he wants a grape jelly sandwich and some milk to drink.  I will write in here again; sorry if this isn't much, but I have a rather boring life!  LOL  God bless and talk to you soon!

~Love, your friend, Rachel Dian Smith.  :)