Treasured Words

 It always amazes me how God prepares me ahead of time. 

Long before our journey with Huntington’s began, He helped me store His word in my heart. Oh, I needed it then in the good times too, but when I really needed it years later, it was already there to lean on. 

Thy word I have treasured in my heart, Psalm 119:11a

I heard something on the radio a couple of days ago...I'll try my best to summarize it here:

Daniel 3:17-18…as part of the story of the fiery furnace.

(paraphrased): When commanded yet again to bow to the idol, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego said, “Our God is able to save us, but even if He doesn’t, we are not going to bow.”

So we all know the story…they are thrown into the fiery furnace.

And what we usually do is immediately go to the next part of the story…there is a 4th man in the fire with them. Whether you believe it to be an angel or pre-incarnate Christ, there is a representation of God with them inside the fire. The fire is so hot, the guards at the entrance die, but when these three faithful young men are taken out, they aren’t singed, they don’t smell like smoke, and we think “God saved them (from the fire)!”

And He did…but…He did NOT save them from going into the fire.

God could easily have intervened, in a variety of ways, miraculous or not, to prevent them from going into the fire. 

But He didn’t. 

Instead, they went into the fire. 

And God was there, with them. 

And He was PRESENT, and He SUSTAINED them. He kept them safe, and He kept them from being destroyed by it….but He did not stop them from experiencing the fear, from experiencing the pain, from experiencing the suffering caused by going into that fire. 

They were absolutely ready to die for Him, because their faith in Him was that strong.

And that is the message that we usually teach from that story: Have faith in God, no matter what happens to you. And it is a great message. It is one we should learn and rely on.

But let’s not forget– He is present WITH them, and with us! He is Immanuel. He is God With Us.

Jesus said “In this world you will have trouble, but take heart, I have ALREADY overcome the world.”

So instead of only focusing on the miraculous salvation, I also love to see the moments in scripture where God didn’t act how we wanted Him to, but instead He did something unexpected that I now know is better.

.....

Driveng across town from work to go see Rob, and there HE is, yet again. Immanuel. God with us. As always putting these snippets of wisdom in my heart to guide me down the road we are on.

Rob continues to fall.

On Tuesday, his facility called 4 times with falls, all the way right up to 11:30 pm. He will suddenly stand up from his wheelchair and take off before they can catch him.

The following morning I had a care conference with them. We discussed in length how we can attempt to protect him from injuring himself in these falls. He is just so independent and strong…while also fragile and unsteady. We also discussed what steps we would take should he hurt himself beyond the bruises and scrapes. We are all amazed he has not broken any bones (other than his nose) or required stitches. Their nurses are pretty good at using steri-strips to close up the worst of his wounds so far. 

Wellllll…we jinxed him. Poor guy.

Yesterday I had the hints of a migraine and after trying to fight through it for a couple hours at work, felt woozy enough to head home for a nap. I slept for an hour, started barely waking up, and my phone rang. Rob had sprang out of his wheelchair, took off walking, and before anyone could grab him, he fell and hit his chin on a marble countertop.

Steri-strips were not going to close the gash this time. Would I like to come bring him in for stitches or should they call an ambulance? Of course I was going to take him! I loaded, rather bleary eyed, into my car and off I went to get him.

All the sweet caregivers and staff were hovering over him and helped me load him up.

I actually considered taking him to the Billings Clinic Urgent Care because it was so close, but remembered we are on a financial plan with Bozeman Health so I took him to the ER where our long night began. We were in the waiting room for almost 2 hours. That is an awful long time for someone with dementia to wait, but Rob was so patient. Unfortunately, he “sprung a leak” and had to sit there in wet pants and air conditioning for most of that time.  

God sure has surrounded me with amazing friends and family. A couple of text messages and they drop what they are doing, leave their job, drive to his facility to get dry pants, and head up to the ER. Just as we were taken back, another friend pops in to give me a hug and a prayer. (start the tears) The nurses help get Rob out of all of his wet and bloody clothes, into a gown, and covered in warm blankets. He is still being so brave and patient and kind. I know he has to be uncomfortable and in pain, but he is happy to just be there. I get him registered and run out to meet my friends with his dry clothes. THANK YOU! I just love all y’all so much! You have no idea. (more water works).

We wait, and I find Alone Australia on TV, so he begins to intently watch while waiting. I’m about half woozy and exhausted from my migraine meds still, so I keep leaning my head on the edge of his bed while holding his leg or hand. 

Upon inspection, we can’t get him to open his mouth enough to make sure he didn’t bite his tongue, but we don’t see blood, so we assume he is okay. He does not respond to questions but is agreeable and patient. So a pain killing/numbing ointment is applied and we wait the 20 minutes for it to take effect. It fell off a couple times, but we kept putting the gauze back on. The tech arrives to flush it out…how do we know if the numbing is effective or if he is in pain? We don’t. We just hope for the best and watch for obvious agitation. By now, Mountain Man is on, and he doesn’t want to lay backwards. He wants to watch Jake in the Tobacco Roots chasing mountain lions in the snow…or Eustice working with a horse. He was also struggling not to choke on his drool, so I had to let him sit up so he could cough and watch TV.

The Doc returns to start stitching him up. Ironically, he grew up in LeMars, IA, so we could sit and play a little Dutch Bingo and “do you know so-and-so?” while he was stitching. As soon as I said I went to church in Churchill, he said, “oh! So you have a great support system then.” It wasn’t a question. He knows. But he doesn’t really know. I can never describe the depth of the care, love and community support we have been given. He was so kind. SO kind. I suppose you have to be in order to work in medicine.

He leaves and I flip the TV back on while we wait for Rob’s updated tetnus shot and help getting him re-dressed. Rob is so brave and so strong and so patient. He is also VERY interested in Mountain Men. 😊

We get him all taken care of and wait for our discharge paperwork. I am probably too patient sometimes in the ER, but I always feel like they must be helping someone who needs it worse than we do. I leaned my head back against his railing, held his hand and laid my hand on his leg again, and dozed off a couple times. Twice, when my hand started to succumb to gravity, Rob squeezed it to keep a hold of me.

Have you ever been so tired tears just fall for no reason? Well…maybe there was a little bit of a reason…

I woke up a little and glanced at the TV and finally got impatient enough to open the door just in time to see the nurse heading over to check us out.

It was now 9:30 pm. Quite the 4 ½ hour adventure. Of all the motocross wrecks, snowmobile wrecks, avalanches, grizzly bears, whatever-adventures Rob has had in his life, falling is now causing him the worst wrecks!

Back to his facility we go.

All of the other residents are sleeping, so all of the nurses and caregivers troop out to welcome him home and love on him. We get him caught up on bedtime meds and some food. He immediately slurps up a chocolate ensure so fast the nurse asks if he would like another one. He finally responds to the first question we had all night with a big smile and a “yeah!” off she runs for a second one but slows him down so he doesn’t choke on it. Still – about 3 sips of the straw and he downs it. Is he ready for bed? A BIG smile and a “Yeah” for her and we get him over and tucked in. His very few words are a treasure. 

I received hugs from the sweet caregivers and nurses and headed home, so grateful for them all, the love they pour on Rob, the care they give, and the size of the smiles he gives them.

I reach the house around 10:30, exhausted and ready to crawl in bed but knew I need to eat. To all my friends who offered to bring me food earlier in the night – thank you for your kindness…and wisdom! I should have accepted, but I didn’t feel good...and didn’t realize how long I’d be there. Next time I’ll know better. And next time anyone is in the ER, call me to make a food run for you!

Earlier in the day, when I arrived home with my headache, I was craving toast but we were out of bread. Heidi immediately hopped in her car and ran to the store for me. I still had not eaten, so I made some cinnamon toast. Then cooked myself breakfast at 11 pm. I felt better but had the migraine and migraine meds “hangover” so I headed to bed. As exhausted as I had been, now I couldn’t fallasleep! I laid there praying and tossing and turning, then turned off all my alarms so I could sleep in. Nope. Fell asleep sometime around 2 and woke up at 6:30. I laid in bed for an hour trying to force myself to sleep…nope!

Oh well. 

I was a long exhausting evening but I have so much to be thankful for. I’m grateful my kids are adults now. So while I am busy with Rob in the ER, they can make dinner, empty the dishwasher, go to church activities, do their own…life…and I no longer feel guilty for missing school events or life events or making them meals or…whatever might induce mom guilt.

This morning, after a stop to pick up my repaired (x2) ATV tire and a stop at Costco for better quality depends for Rob and snacks for “my” students at MSU, I got to work hoping to cross a bunch off my list. I’m so grateful for a job/supervisor/department who are so understanding and flexible. I did send a few email responses from the ER last night, but then I could roll in a little late this morning. I had hoped to get done early enough to check in on Rob but by the time I got there he was eating dinner. Its all fine. Ill see him tomorrow. 

so...you see…

God hasn’t kept us out of the fire. But instead, He is Immanuel, and He is right here in it with us. Providing, protecting, caring, carrying and leading us down this road. After all, it’s His story – we’re just a couple characters in the book.

We really are so very blessed.

I encourage you not to forget Him in the good years. Treasure up His words, His character and His promises, so one day, when you need them, you'll remember how really truly amazing and remarkable He is. 

Love you all

#adventuresofacrazywife #LifeAsAHager #blessedbeyondmeasure #huntingtonsisdumb 

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him! Psalm 34:8

 I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. Psalm 89:1

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him! Psalm 34:8

 --

I want to sing the praises of His goodness!

Throughout this journey with Huntington’s, Rob and I always said we wanted to somehow glorify God from our trials, while not really knowing how we would do that. But it is easy to do, for God is SO so very good. SO GOOD! When I say we are blessed beyond measure, I am not just quoting some commonly used phrase – it is truly how I feel. God’s presence is closest when we need Him the most.

Recently, one of my friends was telling another how God has ALWAYS provided for my family in miraculous ways. It is true. I should have been writing them all down and keeping track, but whenever there is a need, God has provided. Often times, He provides before I even know I will need it. His faithfulness never wavers. Put on the spot, I felt like I was looking for specific raindrops of His goodness in a mighty sea of His provision. How can I remember each drop of water when there are millions of gallons of it mixed together? I have started seeing and reflecting on the sea of His blessings instead of each drop. He has been teaching me (I’m a slow learner) not to fret or worry about the future and my (our) needs. Back to that analogy I used a few months ago – I’m on a roller coaster, but I’m learning not to puke on the corners and drops anymore.  God’s driving the roller coaster. I know some day I’ll pull back into the station and get off the ride. Until then, I just need to hang on and trust Him as He drives the ”train” (no matter how scary it may be at times).

Since that conversation a few days ago, I tried to reflect on the many miraculous blessings. The things I have pondered in my heart these years.

Remember my story about the 13 cents? How, in 2018, when Rob’s health was in an out of control downward spiral, and we were going to the Doctors 4 or 5 days a week, and going through medication after medication, and cortisone shots and physical therapy and chiropractors, and he had my poor mom on speed dial to come “buff his back out” with the massager multiple times a day, and my phone was ringing off the hook while I was at work because he was so frustrated and in so much pain, and so depressed and even suicidal, and NOTHING was working to help with all of his wild and crazy symptoms, I was running out of money to pay for all of his medical care. Trying to balance the house payment and his medical expenses was becoming very stressful. Then God put a thought in my head to check to see how much we could get if we closed Rob’s retirement account early, and how much the payoff balance of our house would be. It was a few months of finagling paperwork between the two institutions…but when it was all said and done…the difference was 13 cents. I had to come up with 13 cents to pay our house off.  You can’t tell me God doesn’t have a sense of humor – nay – He created humor. 

Or who remembers last December, when Rob’s declines “bumped up” his care level from Level 1 care to Level 3 (out of 4). Each level is another $800/month, so staring in January, I would need to come up with another $1600/month. I had been figuring out how to squeeze another $500 out of my budget each month, I could maybe do $600, but how was I going to do the other $1000/month? Meanwhile, God woke up a wonderful lady on Churchill with the idea that she needed to help me. She called me, and I drove out that evening, and she offered me $1000/month out of her investment/retirement account. This is money she could very well use! She could upgrade her vehicle! She could go on a vacation! She could take care of some things around her house! And she was apologizing to me, that it “wasn’t enough” to cover the $1600/month. She didn’t know (until I told her), that the $100/month was EXACTLY the amount I needed. So, when they raised his rates again on June 1, I didn’t even blink an eye. God is filling our cup to overflowing.

Whenever there is a need – whether it was a hotel room at a cross country/basketball/golf tournament, or tires for my car, or school lunches, or sweatshirts/sports gear or passes to the games, or something for my house, or NEW FLOORING for goodness sake, or an extra $50 for groceries, or, or, OR whatever – God has always provided for us through so very many of you.

Shortly after Rob was diagnosed, a wonderful WONDERFUL person from our church slipped a check in a heart shaped candy box for Valentine’s Day. He thought he was hilarious to fold it, so it looked like a dollar amount, but when I opened it, it said “thousand” behind it. I called him in shock, “what did you do?!?! We can’t take this!” He laughed his sweet laugh and said, “it’s to take your family on a vacation somewhere Rob has always wanted to go….so…where are you going?” You’ve all heard this story before. Everything fell into place, and we were able to go to Alaska, where we always said we go “someday, for an Anniversary.” And how it didn’t dawn on me until we boarded the plane, that we were headed to Alaska on our 20^th Anniversary. So many friends and family helped make that the most amazing trip – we crammed a summer’s worth of Alaska into 15 days. We tried to get it all in, even though that meant I was often driving the motorhome from one town/campground to the next in the middle of the night while everyone slept. I’ve told that story before – most of you know it – so I don’t need to share a ton of details now. But…that was 2017. The next summer was the worst for Rob’s health. If we had not gone that summer, we never could have done it.

A few months after we came home one of the deacons called me. There was a very generous sum of money put into a fund for us. I tried not to touch it. I wanted to save it for when we needed it most. So it has been in the care of the deacons since 2017. I want to stretch that money from church out as long as possible, and I’m so grateful I didn’t have to really start using it until we moved Rob into his facility.

 

Folks often ask how I pay for Rob’s care. Let me be clear. I don’t pay it – God does.

One time I walked in, got his bill, and it showed a large donation someone anonymously applied to his account. It was enough to cover several months of his care!

 

Did I mention (a million times) how God provides long before we know we need it. 😊

When I started working at MSU as a silly, naïve, goofy, newlywed 25-year-old, they first offered Long Term Care Insurance with open enrollment. I almost didn’t sign us up. I thought, well, even if Rob gets Huntington’s someday, I’ll just take care of him at home! Little did I know. I decided to sign him up and saw a list of automatic disqualifiers on the application. It listed Alzheimer’s, ALS, Parkinson’s, etc. It did not list Huntington’s. Instead of just filling it out, I called the company. I told the lady, “I don’t see Huntington’s on the list” She said, “it should be!!!” “Oh…okay” Then she asked, “But has he been diagnosed with it?” I said, “no, but his mom had it and…” she interrupted me. “SIGN HIM UP RIGHT NOW!” I said, “but…do…” “DO IT RIGHT NOW! If he has not been diagnosed, turn in the application now!” well…okay then! This was the woman representing the insurance company! Who does that? God orchestrated that one! We could sign up for 3 levels of care – thank the good Lord, I listened and turned in an application, although I signed up for the middle level of benefit instead of the highest level. BUT – God provides! I pay $14/month for Rob’s LTC Insurance. 14 DOLLARS!! Yet they pay out $3000/month towards his care. It does also have a maximum spend down amount…so I have just over 3 ½ years of that benefit left each month. But I’m not even going to panic about that. There are times I start to – but, why? When God has always provided!? Surely, I can trust Him and His faithfulness. Especially with each miraculous provision.

Then, we also have Rob on disability. Oh yes – remember God’s goodness there? Rob was let go on January…8…2016, if I remember correctly. He was diagnosed on January 13, 2016. Because he was let go, he was able to collect unemployment benefits. Sure, they don’t pay as much as his salary was, but it was enough to cover the bills. Meanwhile, I was filing for disability. Most people are automatically denied the first time they apply for disability. Some folks must fight for years to collect. We watched family have to fight all the way to a court hearing to collect. Rob’s doctors supplied letters stating when they believed his disability began. Friends and former co-workers wrote letters comparing “old Rob” to “new Rob” and his inability to work. (Thanks again, Ed) We over-supplied them with information. The school superintendent contacted politicians to join the fight. (Thanks Patrick) Rob’s application was approved the first time. And it was dated back to his last day of work. We never missed a bill during those months he was out of a job. Not one. So – Rob has a disability check that comes in each month, which I use (minus a couple of household bills) towards his care.

Where does the rest come from? God.

That church fund does not run dry. The original donation has been added to routinely. I can’t count the number of times something has come up and I have needed extra funds to cover an unexpected expense, and when I email the deacons, they say, “oh, someone just turned in a check this month for that exact amount.” What? How do you all know? Because God knows.

Each time I start to worry about ”how many more months do I have left?” another donation comes in. This year, I keep looking at the amount. I have it figured…this will last me through September. This will last me through October. Then what? (Then I plan to attempt to claim a terminal illness benefit on one of his life insurance policies).

Each month I look for any extra I can squeeze out of my budget, and I write a check for anything I can add. Then I send the remainder of the bill to the deacons and ask for help from “my” fund. The fund that doesn’t run dry. Like the widow’s jars of oil (2 Kings 4:1-7), God’s blessings do not cease. The amount I ask for each month varies slightly since I can pay more some months than others.

This week, I sent the August bill to the deacons, double checked what would remain in the fund, and how long that might last. The response from the deacons was this: “On Monday we did our monthly count, and there were two checks that were designated for Rob’s care and amazingly they totaled $X,XXX exactly. God knows exactly what you needed this month!! Continue to keep us on the loop and we will continue to walk through this together month by month!”

You guys – even if you were writing the most fantastical fiction story, you could NOT make this stuff up! God’s story is so much bigger and grander than we could ever hope for…just as the Bible says, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen!” (Ephesians 3:20-21)

When I say, we are blessed beyond measure, I mean every word. Despite the hard. Despite the desperate years. Despite pain, agony, and loss and mourning and fear, anxiety, depression, and sorrow…we are so very blessed. To God alone be the Glory, forever and ever amen.

#LifeAsAHager #AdventuresOfACrazyWife #GodIsGood #BlessedBeyondMeasure

Per request – continued sermons from the ones I posted a couple days ago:

Psalm for a Dark Night Part 1: https://www.davidjeremiah.org/radio/player?id=4254

Psalm for a Dark Night Part 2: https://www.davidjeremiah.org/radio/player?id=4255

Additional verses of God’s faithfulness:

Romans 8:28

The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth. Exodus 34:6

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23:6

If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! Matthew 7:11

I will meditate on the glorious splendor of Your majesty, and on Your wondrous works. Men shall speak of the might of Your awesome acts, and I will declare Your greatness. They shall utter the memory of Your great goodness, and shall sing of Your righteousness. Psalm 145:5-7

 

Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting. Psalm 100:4-5

The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him. Nahum 1:7

 

Anniversary Camping Alone July 2023

 Chapter 14?

 (Of the book you all want me to write?😆)

Last week I saw a campsite up Hyalite up for grabs for 20 bucks, and thought, why not?! So I worked a half day on Tuesday, loaded up my car, picked up an inflatable kayak for $20 and headed out of cell range.

Back in the day, my mom and dad gifted us a camper when Heidi was a toddler. We used to camp a lot, trying to make memories. We never camped in a campground though (other than the giant RV I drove all over Alaska). We outgrew the camper, and trying to get Rob in and out that last time in 2018, I realized we couldn't use it anymore. We parted ways with our camper. I didn't know how to keep our family traditions alive and together, so we tried camping in a cabin but it was hard for Rob. It has been years since I've been camping, (other than the backpack trip to Mystic Cabin with Yvonne last summer). 

Now, I was empty nesting, and a campsite was available, so…why not go?! It is time for me to go ahead and do stuff, even if it is alone. 

God blessed me with beautiful weather. Hyalite was gorgeous! I found my campsite around the corner and tucked in the trees away from the giant RVs, and popped up my new (Facebook garage sale) tent. 

Then, being too Dutch to purchase firewood, drove up the road to find some dead fall. I remembered the days of pulling into some dispersed camp site in the mountains and sending the kids out to gather wood. They would come back, arms loaded down, or dragging a big log between them, yelling, "we found the jackpot." Instead, I was on my ow, but I suppose they are too old to run around yelling "jackpot!" these days. I sawed a log into pieces and loaded a big cardboard box up with good sticks…Then realized it was going to make a mess no matter how I put them in my car. 🙄🤦‍♀️ oh well! Good thing I have a husky liner!

I quickly ran back up to my campsite, unloaded the firewood and drug my husky liner out and shook it off. Then down to the lake I went.

I had been a little worried about carrying and pumping up the kayak with my restrictions but it was easy peasy. I could plunk it on the ground, and it didn't take too many pumps to air it up. Off I went, paddling, fishing, and just staring at the mountains from the peaceful water.

Well…about that…it wasn't the calm evening lake I hoped for. The wind wasn't too noticeable but enough that there were pretty big waves on the lake. When I borrow the plastic kayaks, they sit a little lower in the water and cut through the waves. The inflatable kayak sits on top like a tiny raft. So I was bucking waves most of the time I was rowing, and I drifted back pretty quick anytime I stopped padding to fish. I didn't mind though, I still loved it. 

After a couple hours, I let myself drift towards the inlet, where I could see Hyalite Peak better, knowing it was going to be some work getting back. By now the waves were almost white capping, and I still needed to make dinner before dark, so I started "rowing" against the wind and waves for shore. 

When I finally beached next to some paddleboarders, the guy commented on paddling against the wind. I agreed! I was tired! The kayak rolled back up easily and I was going to put it in my car, but decided it was going to be over my weight restriction, so I had the guy pop it in my trunk for me. See, mom, I'm being safe! 😉

I probably pushed it a little, but I need to keep pushing or this is as far as my recovery will go. I need to "slowly return to my normal level of activity!"

I had a lovely campfire (one of Rob's "white-man fires") and what Rob and the kids would call a char-b-qued "dog dog." I had to smile just thinking of them. I was enjoying the peace, staring into the fire. Every so often a couple or family would walk by, look over and wave. I think some people were surprised to see me alone. As I watched them all go by together, I wondered if I should feel sad that I'm alone...and I did, for a while.

Obviously, I'd rather have Rob there and healthy, and my kids there to spend time with, but I was ok. I'm never truly alone anyway. God goes before me. As a Christian, I am the bride of Christ. Jesus is there. He is my protector. He is my provider. He is my Wonderful Counselor. He gave us the Holy Spirit to be our Comforter. I would love if Rob or the kids were there, but I'm learning to be okay even when they aren't. 

We used to always camp on our anniversary. This fact wasn't lost to me, as I sat there alone. It wasn't our anniversary yet, but it will be soon. 

Sitting at the campfire, I pulled out some funeral planning paperwork to fill out for both Rob and myself. After our hospice scare, I thought, "I'm not ready to plan a funeral in the middle of all these emotions!" so I want to take care of it when I'm not in the midst of great loss.

Not that there is a ton of planning that needs to be done. Rob already told me what he had wanted, so I just needed to get it out of my notebook and on record with the funeral home. I want to save myself the bother of planning a service while I am in the midst of mourning. I also wanted to write down my basics and wishes, so if/when something happens, my kids don't have to deal with it. By filling it out now, there is no pressure, so when I'm in the right "emotional space" I can fill out the details. The campfire seemed the right space. 

A couple walked by with their dog, holding hands. I looked down at my paperwork and thought…well…this is weird. I should probably feel traumatized, but sometimes, taking care of the hard now, makes it easier in the long run.

Then I remembered how, when Rob was diagnosed with Huntington's, we rented the Spanish Creek cabin for our anniversary and brought a stack of legal papers to go through and discuss. No one wants to have heavy, hard conversations, especially on their anniversary, but what better place to do it than next to a mountain stream? It was also the best thing we could have done. It allowed me to know, exactly, what Rob's end of life desires and wishes were. 

What medical care does he want? What doesn't he want? We even discussed his funeral wishes. What a lovely anniversary, right? But it was. Nothing brings you closer than setting yourself aside, caring only about your spouse, and having those hard conversations, with love, with compassion, with hearing each other's desires, praying for God's guidance together and knowing we will cherish the good times and face the hard together. 

Lost in memory, gratitude, and the flames, I looked up to see the sun was going down. I planned to get up fairly early, so I'd best get at it. I shut camp down for the night, crawled in the sleeping bags, and slept fantastically. It was pretty chilly, but I had lots of layers and blankets. And for those worried about me alone in the "woods" I was in a campground. I had bear spray (for man or beast), I did the carabiner on the tent zipper trick, and I kept my key fob within reach - setting off my car alarm would definitely rouse the neighboring campers. 

Even though I was up at 5 and hoped to get an early start on my day, I decided I should sleep in a bit longer. Afterall, I was camping with no overwhelming responsibilities waiting for me, or cell coverage for people to access me. The pressure of getting down the trail did drive me from my cozy bag in a couple hours though.

 It was already warming up to a tropical 44 degrees. It took me significantly longer to tear camp down and pack up, because dew covered everything, slowing me down and soaking me pretty well. I ate a quick breakfast of jet boil instant mocha with prepacked eggs and bacon then drove off to the trailhead. 

I looked for the SERVE kids, but had beat them there. I wanted to make sure I brought plenty of water, food and safety essentials, so I bumped up in backpack size. Unfortunately, I bumped up straight from small to overnighter, skipping a midsized day pack. The empty big pack is probably nearly as heavy as my small pack. It didn't feel bad in the parking lot or the first few miles, but it was definitely a mistake by the end of the day. I keep forgetting what "85% healed" looks like. Whoopsie Doodle.

I am also convinced the hiking book LIES on mileage. My GPS always reads farther. I tried to stick to the trail and skip most of the side shoots to the numerous waterfalls. There was also some major dead fall as high as my head, with no way underneath, that I had to climb up and over. 

There are always water crossings on the trail, but the water was deeper than expected this time. Rob always emphasized the importance of taking care of your feet and keeping them dry. I know I wasted a good 45+ minutes bushwacking up and down one creek trying to find a way over without getting soaked. Heidi says my water crossings are "slightly risky" so she would have loved my very sketchy rotten log. Then I had to fight deadfall to get back up to the trail. Probably not the best choice but hey, my feet were dry!

 Pretty soon the water became unavoidable and I had to just cross right through the waterfalls. Not surprisingly, I was delighted by my first snowdrift. When I got to the lake, my GPS already said 7 miles. It is supposed to be 10.9 round trip. Hmmmm.

The lake was beautiful as always! I offered to take a picture for a couple who arrived at the lake just before me. He told me it was their 25th anniversary. What a blessing! I told them it was almost my 26th. He offered to take my picture and I said "great! Now I can show them to my husband!" He asked why he didn't come with me. I told them he is in a memory care facility, but God is taking good care of us and we are very blessed. They heartily agreed that God is in control and told me to have a blessed day. How could I not, out here in His creation?!

I ate my "snacklebox" lunch in the not so peaceful, very mosquitoey lakeside, then decided to walk around the lake. It looked awful shallow to attempt fishing. I imagine it freezes solid in the winter, so instead of fishing, I wanted to get close to the cliffs. It's so beautiful and peaceful there. I praise God for His power, majesty and might as seen in the beauty of His creation. 

As I stood at the lake, soaking up the beauty, it dawned on me. The last time I hiked up here was several years ago with "my hiking ladies" (Kelley Halle's Walking in Faith group). At that time, I was really struggling with Rob's care at home as his symptoms progressed, while still trying to work full time and be a mom. I had been sleeping on the couch for about 6 months so far. I was going to need an in home caregiver once school started. Rob was having trouble eating. There was so so much to handle. 

I remember Michelle Leum and a couple other ladies told me I should start looking into a care facility. At first, I was resistant…a facility was never on my radar or part of my plan, but I also didn't expect his dementia to outpace his physical limitations. Michelle told me it's a good idea to at least tour them, pick one, and get on a waiting list, so in case he had another drastic change in symptoms (as happens with Huntington's), we would be ready. She also said I could be on a wait list and never use it. She knew someone on the top of a waiting list who had been turning down openings for over a dozen years. There was a lot of discussion and "group therapy" for me as I walked with and talked with different ladies throughout the day. I teared up as I remembered their love, compassion, advice, and prayers as they (literally) walked with me through another stretch of this long journey. I appreciate you ladies more than you know! And look at where things are now...look at Rob now...it feels like no time has passed, yet also an eternity has passed since that hike. So much has changed. What would or could the current me go back to tell that me? It will all be okay. God has it all under control. You will do fine under the Shepherd's care. My gratitude for my Savior and my community of believers is overwhelming at times.

I looked around the cirque. I knew I was way WAY over my time frame, but I needed this time to recuperate and reminisce, so I adjusted my expectations. My kayak rental was going to be late. Oh well. I was here, thinking, praying, healing, and I needed to be smart instead of pushing too hard down the trail. I made my July snowman from one of the smaller drifts, took 1000 pictures for Rob, looked at my watch, then headed down the trail. My GPS read 9.1 miles at the 1st switchback going down. Not exactly 10.9 miles round trip…I was tired, but not exhausted. I was already dreading the last few miles, though. I may have bitten off too much…but there's only 1 way out, and it's on my own 2 feet! At least it was downhill now. I'm sure Rob would have checked me before I even left the trailhead, to make sure I considered what state of recovery I am in before hiking too far. Well..I gotta learn on my own sometimes. 🤷‍♀️🤣

I purposefully didn't stop for pictures on the way down. I should probably get down to cell coverage and check in with people. In fact, for all I knew, Rob had suffered some kind of mishap or setback and Spring Creek couldn't get ahold of me. Hiking out was fine until the last few miles. My legs and wet feet were shot. My plantar fasciitis was complaining rather loudly. It stinks getting old!

I slowed down, took several breaks, ate the last of my food and drained my last water. I had plenty waiting for me in the car and I would get there soon enough. That last giant deadfall however…I stood staring at it and thought, "Lord, This is going to do me in…get me over this one!" A college kid on a mountain bike laughed about the size of the deadfall, then picked his bike up with one hand and climbed over. Thanks for making me feel old and weak, dude! It is higher than my head! I managed to get up top, then sat and rested before dropping off the other side. I was very careful not to strain anything I shouldn't. I was so happy to be over that thing! Then I plodded on down to my car. I immediately dropped my pack, peeled off my socks and shoes, slipped into my flip flops, drank 2 bottles of water and ate a bunch of camping food. I plugged my phone in and checked the GPS. 16.4 miles. What on earth? "Slowly work up to my normal level of activity?" Ummmm…sure….whoops! 🤣😆  85% Julie...85%, not 110!

I wasn't going to make it to cell coverage in time to call on my late rental before they closed, so I decided to enjoy the beautiful drive back out. I was sure the SERVE kids had already left, but I was watching for them until I drove past a car on the side of the road with a couple sitting next to it ..was that…Pastor Tim and Heidi??? I slammed on the brakes, popped her in reverse, whipped a u-turn in the middle of the road and parked like a tourist, sideways in the middle of the pull out. Sure enough, it was them! We sat and chatted while I stretched my legs and recovered a bit more. I kept apologizing for parking like an idiot to anyone who pulled into the turnout and they commented on my license plates so I told the story of Rob saying, "Look out Mister, she earned these plates!" as I pulled into a restaurant parking lot (the guy was 20 yards away, for goodness sake!).

I sat and told Rob stories with Tim and Heidi for quite a while before deciding I had better get to cell coverage and check in with people before they send search and rescue after me. 

The closer I got to cell range, the more I worried about what could have happened to Rob or any other family member while I wasn’t rereachableI worry more about what happens to everyone elsebwhen I'mgone than I do about myself, alone on another adventure! Thankfully, the most pressing messages were that the SERVE kids would be arriving to do yard work for me in the morning and the kayak rental place looking for the kayak and stating I'll owe a late fee. There was also a new note in Rob's chart from his Doc, going over his most recent observations and Rob's geriatric symptoms. I didn't notice a couple of missed calls from Spring Creek...when I'm out of coverage my missed calls and voice-mail go into cyberland.

They did try to reach me at 11 pm while I was in the shower. Rob had fallen 3 times that day. He won't stay in his wheelchair. Or he slides out of his chair and hits the floor. I was going to call back but decided I could just chat with them in the morning. 

I was home. I was well rested (but my legs were trash), and my cup was overflowing with blessings from God. I so needed the respite from life the last few days had provided.

Thursday. 

As much as I wanted to sleep in, and as scared as I was to attempt walking, much less working out, I still rolled out of bed and went to Cami's class that morning. I figured it would help loosen me up. We started immediately on legs and glutes, followed by weights. Great! 🤣 But it was good for me and better than not moving at all. 

I made it home and showered before the SERVE team arrived. While caring for Rob, I ignored several problems/projects on the house (not just my health). Now I am looking around thinking, "I should probably take care of ____ before it becomes a problem" (like cysts that are actually carcinoma!) But, I also can't lift enough yet to do some projects alone, and don't know enough to fix others.

I am incredibly grateful for the SERVE kids who came to help with some landscaping. We never finished putting a border around the house (I would just spray it with roundup) but between the mud and the neighbor cats, it was time to do something! Now I have a rock border around the house and a tree island! They could have helped redo my "tree circles" in front, but I haven't decided what I want to do there yet, as I still need space to drive a four wheeler around back. 

I needed to go to work and couldn't stay with the teams. I went to work, then went to Spring Creek to pick up Rob and talk to the nurses. Rob was more responsive on his ride on that day! He walked out the door with a smile. We drove a lot of gravel roads in the valley, eventually seeing 2 tiny fawns with spots directly in the road not 10 yards from my car. (Not fast enough with my camera) Rob said they were "verrrrrry cute." He also said "they are, uhhhh whitetails" then the doe scooped them up and back out into the field. I was excited he said so much and tried to get him talking more. No luck. 

I told him all about my camping, trying to spark memories (like butt fishing in Hyalite Reservoir, etc) to get a response. He grunted when I said I tried to keep my feet dry but had to walk through water. It wasn't until I said I wasn't sure if there were fish in the lake because it is so shallow, and he said, "what, uh….lake was that?" So I told him Hyalite Lake again. He rubbed his head like he was thinking. I said it might freeze in the winter. No response. I asked him if the time he ended up underneath his upside down sled in the creek up Hyalite was in Hyalite Creek or headed up to Emerald and Heather, and he just mumbled "yeah." I'm forgetting too many details of his Rob stories. 

 Later some horses in a field really caught his attention. I pointed at a dark one and asked, "What was your mom's big black horse's name again?" He said, "I think it was…uh…Maggie" (No, Maggie was white, I think his mom's horse was Moriah) Then he said, "she died, in, ahhhhhh….childbirth…ot was in the summer....I like making snowmen…and goin fer long walks." What?! All these sentences at one time? So he WAS listening earlier when I was talking about my hike and my July snowman! Then…he was silent the rest of the way back. I think I got a grunt when pointing out a hayfield. 

In the meantime, one of the leaders of a serve team called to tell me where they put my scissors. It was the same team that had painted Tana's deck, so I was sorry I missed seeing them again. 

Friday

Heidi was flying home on Friday, and more SERVE kids were coming to finish the weedscreen and rock work, so I decided it was best to set up my laptop and work from home. I also needed to set my tent back up so it could dry out before I repacked it. It is good to have Heidi home!! I did realize though, that I haven’t bought groceries in…weeks! Better grab some tomorrow. She said she opened the fridge and it was "just crickets."

Saturday

I spent Saturday doing chores and taking Rob for a ride. He was very lethargic, withdrawn and nonverbal today. He needed his wheelchair and standing up seemed to exhaust him. I only got a couple of "yeahs" as we watched guys hay. And a yeah when I asked if our drive was too long and if he was tired. He went straight to bed when I brought him back. I tucked him in, then shut the door. Every time I look at his picture outside his door, I am surprised to see how drastically he has changed in just 2 years since he has been there. And I thought he looked bad then! Oh, Rob! Poor guy. I feel so bad for him.

Rob used to say he has no regrets. He lived a good life. And if just ONE, just one person could be saved by watching our story, it would all be worth it. Will you be his "Just One?" I pray you are.

God bless you, and keep you, may He make His face shine upon you, and give you peace. 

#adventuresofacrazywife #lifeasaHager #gratefulthankfulblessed