Life is an ever moving river. It changes constantly. And living in a construction zone at work for the last year, I would laugh and say, “If you don’t like something, wait a while, and it will change.” We say something similar about the weather in Ohio. Change can be positive….like a change of scenery or a change of pace or a change in attitude or a change in health. Change can be negative…. like a change in of scenery or a change of pace or a change in attitude or a change in health. Yes, those two lists are identical. Because changes affects us in the way WE allow it. In the last 9 months, we have learned, with Arla as our example, to use change to our good. Life as we knew it before August 29, 2012 will NEVER be the same. But will any of our lives ever be the same tomorrow as they are today? No, not really.

When tragedy strikes, it is important to remember that we ALWAYS have choices. It is human nature to feel overburdened by negative events, but we do have choices. No, Arla does not have the choice to speak or get up and walk across the room. But, even Arla, who must rely completely on others for her basic needs, has choices. And she chooses to smile and be happy. She chooses to inspire people and be a blessing to others. Do not feel sorry for her. She does not feel sorry for herself. It amazes me how people, including me, can have so much more to look forward to and live for than Arla, and yet they are wallowing in their pain or life situations.

But one force in our lives NEVER changes. GOD!!!!! God is always there, always the same, always able to lift us up and meet our needs. He never leaves us or forsakes us.

Since we have been silent on this blog for quite a while, I guess we should give you a quick update about Arla. She is still in room F3 in the Rehab area of Vancrest. While she is no longer doing intensive therapy, she does do restorative therapy a few times a week to maintain what she was able to gain back… balance, core body strength, left arm strength. We will do a more extensive update soon.

Please visit Arla. We know so many of you have, but many of you feel unable to do so. Visiting someone in a medical facility or long-term care facility is never easy. We pray that you will feel able to visit Arla and feel her warm love for you. Yes, she knows everyone who comes to see her. And she is waiting to see you.

More updates soon. Harold and Arla’s oldest grandchild Kelsey is graduating from high school today. Harold is in Akron for that event. God is good, all the time.