Weds., Feb. 18, 2009, Nashville, TN., 10:27 a.m., C.S.T.~

Dear Journal~

Howdy!  Rachel Dian Smith here.  Thought I'd write in here before getting ready for my appointment at 1:00 today.  Yes, another dang doctor's appointment; have to see how I'm faring since my surgery of last November (pain control device implanted). 

I don't need to tell them that I know how I'm doing:  I'm doing great!  Hardly any pain excepting for an occasional twinge if I move wrong.  I haven't felt better than I have been in a long time; too long, if you ask me!

I just took my shower; now I'm about halfway dressed, dried my hair.   That's a breeze:  my hair is super short, so it doesn't take long to dry.  I love this "wear-and-go" style; it's better than hassling with my hair, trying to make it behave!  LOL  Figured I'd write in here while the gettin's good.

Rheese is down for his nap, and Kendall is sleeping too.  I'm the only one awake at the present time, me and the computer.  LOL  It's so nice to have this peace and quiet!

The weather here is fairly cool, temps in the forties, pretty chilly.  I don't mind; it's the heat that I can't stand!  When I start to sweat, I'm more than ready to pull my clothes off, and the braces on my legs irritate the fool out of my legs, causes them to break out in an ugly rash!  This is when I hate having to wear my stupid leg braces; I'd give anything not to have to wear them at all!!

I'm just grateful to be able to walk, even with crutches or braces on my legs; it's better than the alternative:  sitting in a wheelchair like a lump!  (I've been there; don't WANT to go back!!)

Ken has been working oodles of hours at his job as paramedic/EMT; it seems he's always on the go.  He's also on standby; if they need him, he'll go to the firestation and work his butt off.  It's no wonder he's so exhausted a lot of the time, poor baby!

I'd work, but I am drawing disability; have been since getting struck by lightning.  It's not much, but it does pay the bills, provide for my little family, so I'm blessed in that regard.

Can't work again.  Doctor's orders.

I have been doing some writing; am thinking of writing a book, tell people about my life story, about surviving a lightning strike injury.  If I can give lightning victims a sense of hope, then it will be worth it.  I think it will be good for them (and me).

I am reading some good books:  "A Family Made Out of Miracles And Rainbows" by my friend Louisiana Sandsuky (and its sequel, "...And The Miracles Continue)", "Marley And Me" by John Grogan, "Multiple Blessings"  by John and Kate Gosling, "Lessons From Jacob" by Emily Schwartz, and "Angels In The E.R." by Robert D. Leslie, MD.  They make for some terrific reading!  (Since becoming sick/disabled, I've become a regular bookworm:  my bedroom [as well as the livingroom] has more books than the Nashville Public Library!  I mean seriously!  LOL)

Kendall isn't much of a reader, but boy, I sure am!  I can't get enough of getting into a good book!

I hope our son becomes a reader like his mommy when he's older!  I read to him all the time; he loves it!

I can't wait until spring:  I am more than ready for it to warm up!  While it is not so bad now, I have been staying in the house most of this winter; we had a very cold, snowy one, and I am ready for some warm spring sunshine, birds singing in the trees, and flowers beginning to show themselves in the snow!  (Snow now has melted, but no sign of flowers blooming yet, dang it!)

Well, I am going to let you go.  Rheese is whimpering; he must be waking up form his nap.  Guess I'll fix him a snack after I finish getting ready, then wait around until it's time to see Dr. Stryker.  I will write in here again soon; until later, this is Rachel Dian Smith saying so long for now!  Take care and God bless you!

~Love, your friend, Rachel.  :D