PSALM 23:2

My poor body. My poor brain. It's enough adjustment simply coming back to the United States from a trip of a lifetime. So much change hit me all at once, and I'll admit, it was quite overwhelming: I'm no longer in Europe. No more European food, people, or culture. No more traveling. No more anything I had gotten so used to, including the presence of my dear friends. I was handed back to my parents, and I was headed back to Henderson. Oh, not to mention, my entire left upper body was immobile. Needless to say, my parents were a bit shocked at my condition, and so much change all at once from me added together to make an...interesting reunion. 

After time to process all the way home, my parents went into ultra-parent mode with Dad leading the way. He was legitimately scared, and we talked through a lot of decisions. The first order of business was to get me off these intense Swiss meds written all in German that made my heart race as if I were running a million miles per hour. I was to see a very trusted, family friend surgeon on Tuesday, but until then, it was just a matter of accepting heaps of help, care, and love and just trying to stay as comfortable as possible. It's weird because I went from being so independent and Miss Adventurous to under 24/7 parental supervision that was DEFINITELY never in the plans. God has quite the sense of humor...

My surgery was on Tuesday, June 19 at 7:30 a.m. at Henderson Hospital. I received screws, a titanium plate, and a huge bandage. I woke up in extreme pain, on lots of meds, and in the most uncomfortable bed I've ever been in in my life! I was told I had woken up earlier and asked my surgeon and my parents, "Am I fixed?" Yes, I was finally fixed, but I had to stay just one night.

Once again, it was a battle all day and night to rearrange the pillows on my bed. My mom has become the master at discovering exactly which pillow piece fits into the giant pillow-pile puzzle, and ya'll, it's not easy. Every inch and angle counts, and if it's wrong, it's miserable (by the way, one must sleep sitting straight up with a broken/newly fixed collar bone). 

I greatly enjoyed and appreciated all the company, flowers, and cards I received that day. However, the BEST present came around 4:00: a visit from Brady, Garrett, and Drew. WHAT?!?! They all took off work and made the effort to come all the way to Henderson, TX just to see me. Oh my word. I knew I called them family for a reason; I could have kissed each of them 1000 on the cheek and given them 1000 more hugs if I could. They even brought me a kitten coloring books (because they know I love kittens), crayons, the Fun CD, flowers, candy, and a giant, handmade poster! I am speechless at their tender hearts, their dedication to friendship, and their love and care. They will never know how much that meant to me!! THANKS BOYS!

Recovery has been a tad slower than I was anticipating. I'm still in a lot of pain, but I refuse to take pain meds until bedtime. I can now straighten my arm when I walk, and I can use my left hand, but my entire upper shoulder/chest area is still immobile...and numb. Yesterday, mom and I removed my bandage, and it was time to reveal my battle scar. Lying down in fear of passing out, we slowly peeled it off, and my beautiful, LONG, new cut was in full exposure (well, with lots of tape over it). It goes literally from my neck to the end of my shoulder, which is way longer than we thought, and the stitches are along the inside. I'll admit, I sort of freaked out a little bit on first glance through my iPhone (I had to be laying down to see it, being Miss Dramatic to some degree). After much more time to get used to it, I've come to lots of conclusions about this thing:

1) Our bodies ARE merely tents, and this body is merely mist and then it's gone according to the Lord's time and creation. 2) They make scar-removal cream and patches. 3) I'm fixed. 4) It could have been WAY worse. 5) I stinkin' got it SLEDDING IN SWITZERLAND 6) You never know the conversations it could cause me to strike up. 7) Scars are a part of us that remind us who we are and what we've been through to get there; they're a part of our story. 8) It can be beautiful no matter what. 9) One day, it will be one of someone's favorite things about me. 10) I can make jokes about it. 11) I will ALWAYS remember the incredible trip I had and the things I learned that helped grow me into...me! 12) I decided it can be my constant reminder to just...BE! 13) I already named it Mount Titlis. My aunt says I could call it Tit for short, but that might be pushing it...haha!! Sorry, I just had to put that on here.

The Lord continues to romance me. He has revealed Psalm 23:2 to me these past several days, "He makes me lie down in green pastures." I am one to NEVER really rest, and coming home, being bed-ridden, and under constant parental care and supervision, I have been forced to lie down and rest. The Lord knew I needed it. It's also been cool for my parents too; they have their little girl back, and they get another go-around taking care of her as if she were a toddler again (or at least I feel like I'm a toddler). My mom has thoroughly enjoyed being the caretaker, and I'm sincerely glad I could give her this role again, although my brother, Jonathan, has helped some in giving me THREE foot massages already! What a good brother.