Memories of the past several months swirl around me in an absolute fog.
The year from Hell best describes most of the time I’ve had. So much heartache and sorrow. I cannot express how heavy my heart is while I put this in writing. The following event needs to recorded if for nothing more than to try to process it in my mind.
Almost six months ago, I witnessed a very close friend of mine suffer a debilitating head injury. I watched in horror as she fell into a rocky landscape. This injury has forced her into months of therapy and countless setbacks. Every day is so uncertain about her health; it’s entirely in God’s hands where her recovery lies. She is one of the strongest women I’ve ever met and seen her tested time and time again, and now this. Her entire life changed in an instant.
The traumatic brain injury she sustained and the trauma of seeing her fall have brought us even closer together as friends. For months I could see nothing but her falling every time I closed my eyes. I have also experienced panic attacks when confronted with similar terrain — my first real conscious moments of PTSD. I’ve never had such a loss of control as I felt with dealing with her accident. That day changed us both. That moment changed us forever, and not one person can step in and take that away from us.
Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
Ephesians 6:10
Even consumed with doctor appointments and excruciating pain, she still is putting people and their needs first. That’s the person she is.
I’ve dealt with a lot this year, and she’s been a constant reminder of faith. When I complain about something, I’ll then feel guilty. She’s quick to correct me and let me know that our storms are our own. Although her storm may difficult, it cannot overshadow the storms that others may have to pass through.
To call her an inspiration seems very Hallmark card but, I don’t know what else to say. I’ve watched her through the years deal with so much and then this. She’s undergone countless therapy sessions, cognitive, vestibular, and chiropractic; Occipital injections and deep tissue massages. She is suffering from short term memory loss, dizziness, and pain.What could God’s purpose be for her? With everything life throws at her, she continues to receive blow after blow, still stands tall. Where does that resilience come? No one can teach it. The armor she wears is dented and tarnished, yet it keeps her safe.
God is with her, She will not fall.
Psalm 46:5
I don’t know what the future holds for her. No one does. I guarantee whatever it holds, she will overcome it with the grace that is within her. I am a better person knowing her. She’s infectious with her thoughtfulness and caring. Much more than a work teammate, she’s a beloved friend. All I can do is pray that once again, she overcomes the storm that life has put her in.
Like the Sunflower reaches for the sun. She continues to shine.
Lady Bootlegger 