Beginning Shift from Big House to Little House

It has been 8 weeks since my ankle replacement.  This week I experienced a sinking feeling of depression that my energy was not returning.  I could walk from one room to the other and feel entirely exhausted.

I cried.  I regretted and expressed regret verbally that I had agreed to this awful surgery.

My foot is Straight!  My life will be better, but in the present moment it is frustrating.  So…..I tried to think like a baby.

Babies move!  They crawl,  fling their arms, legs, scream, smile, attempt to walk, fall down, crawl, roll over and stretch.  I began to do the same.  Umm, I did, scream, holler, crawl (it’s good for the legs) stretch (intro to yoga) smile, laugh, walk,  move and energy is returning!

Lesson is, when we want or need something we must do.  Receiving is an action word.  Receiving requires dreaming, doing, stretching, and faith.

My goal is to walk with a normal gait by December 11 at 4:00 p.m.  I have an appointment with my surgeon and believe he will release me with full recovery.

Second goal: to be in a house before December 22. That requires stretching, finding resources to get there, moving, moving, moving, crying, laughing and faith  to enjoy that home while the little house is being built.

How are you wrapping the end of this year?

My right ankle was replaced September 27.  The past 5 weeks have been highly stressful, dealing with recovery.  My mind was the only thing that would race and I had to learn to put the brakes on.  When I slowed it down, we mentally got into the recovery boat and gently sailed along. When the waters were rough I learned to let Jesus sail the boat.

Release:  Doctors visit yesterday resulted in the release for more activity.  I can drive.  I am free to walk again, which requires learning, practice and exercise.

My transportation now will alternate between my car, my mental ride in the recovery boat and walking without props or assistance.

Tomorrow, I will drive to Springfield, Va where I will continue to recover.

Connection:  Springfield is within 20 miles of the tiny house community in D.C.  As my strength returns, I will visit there and you will have a full report!

For me it has been a transit year.  Goals without dates are definitely dreams. The dreams have faded into reality and I am disappointed with my progress.

I anticipate I will be walking within 3 weeks.  That takes us to the middle of November.

I face two choices.  One would be an immediate solution for where I will live during the time  plan and I build the little house.  This housing is in Nashville.

The second choice relates to the place I have worked for the past 9 months.  My job is protected there until December 13.  Returning there to work may require me to stay in Sevierville.

This choice cannot be made until next week when I visit the Doctor. I will then complete goals with dates.

The struggles of this year have lent some clarity to the overall floor plan of my little house.

Living in a little room without a TV that can be used,  items of a hoarder, not much light and no sunshine dictates that my little house will have lots of natural light, no clutter  and lots of  sunshine!

Secondly,  I love the concept of a house built for conversation.  Check this reference.  I don’t want a totally off grid home, but I do love this layout.

Third note to self includes that it be handicapped friendly.  In the past, I have survived two accidents that were with severe restrictions and now this.  It isn’t an age decision.  It is only practical to build a little house that can be enjoyed in all seasons of life.

Our construction C’s for today are comfort, convenience and conversation.

I am two weeks into the healing process for my ankle.  This is the first day I have physically felt like posting, reading or planning.  Watch out, the race is on!  Healing first or the little house?  What is your vote?

I love the story of Ruth in the Bible.  Since I was a little girl, I felt the love in this story and I wanted to be Ruth!  My daughter in law posted an additional thought about this picture as explained by Joseph Prince.  It is:  ” Boaz, Ruth’s kinsman redeemer, is a picture of Jesus our Redeemer, whom we are to rest in. This rest refers to an inner posture of trust and quiet confidence in Jesus’ finished work and in His ability to give you increase and good success as you go about doing what you need to do. Rest is not sitting around doing nothing and waiting for His blessings to fall into our laps.”

I have been preparing to build the little house for at least 5 years.  For twenty years I have lived with a very injured ankle that could not be fixed.  This Friday I am scheduled for a total ankle replacement at Duke Memorial Hospital.

Reflecting on my history, I wish I had rested.  Thank God I am aware of this message today and I rest in His care.  My foot, the house, family, finances are all in good hands.

News the next few days,will be just of recovery to the point of not being on pain medication.  Anyone had an ankle replaced?

They say it’s leaving.  This plane called life.  Each day takes our flight closer to our final destination.  My mom was right when she said time flies when you get older.  I know why!

Our mind is a computer that stores all travel information, home, projects to do, memories to relive and over the years it fills close to capacity.  I am filled with the desire to kick in all engines and make up for lost time.

Home,  education. goals, love, projects to do all fill my desires.  Going back to my roots and remembering that wonderful mid-wife Aunt Josie, who is my great grandmother I know she waited months before welcoming new babies to this world.

My waiting will be filled with music from Heaven!  Fortunately or unfortunately, I see the runway for landing.  I must hurry to complete all I want to do before I land.

It has been a challenging year, trying to make all my goals and keeping them contained inside my head.  In one Real Estate Course I heard the comment, you must bank in the bank not in your head,.

I have banked my thoughts, goals, love, feelings and everything else in my head.  So, now it spills open and let’s share the  Real World.