“Faith often leads us through both joy and sorrow, but God’s love carries us through.”
I could write a post about how bad 2025 was for me. However, I'm an optimist, "little Miss Sunshine" and "find the silver lining" type of a person. Anyway, no one likes depressing posts.
So, thanks for the lessons 2025:
January - don't "jump to conclusions" (not ALS but IBM)
February - be "aggressive" when it comes to yourself. I can when it comes to my family. So, my family pushed me to not wait for answers - call Mayo.
March - Focus on the day ahead, not too far in the future.
April - I CAN do HARD things!
May - Rugs are not my friend (I forgot about that in Oct.) Come to terms with your limitations.
June - Enjoy each day outside during the summer. I can do what I love even if on a small scale.
July - I can still manage to stay working with help from friends.
August - Asking for help, isn't a sign of weakness. "Jacky, you have always helped others when they need it, now let them help you."
September - Enjoyed a family vacation working with my mobility issues - it was still fun! Don't just sit home - go out and enjoy.
October - Thankfully (with help) another successful Ringle Harvest Day. Even in most painful, drug induced, foggy, I still don't remember some days of my hospital stay - Jesus was with me, in my room every day.
November - Reminder that my community appreciates me. They made me a permanent sign at the own hall. I was told "this is not a memorial - but a recognition for all your years of service. We still expect you to stick around." (Lord willing)
December - my family (church, 4H, friends, children, grands) builds me up, holds me up and are vital to my health and healing.
As the year progressed, I just seemed to roll with the punches.
Al and I did another year of hiding God's word in our hearts. Studying, reading and praying His word - is about the only thing that helped me through it.
So, here's to you 2025 - the worst year of my life, but I fooled you and accepted it ALL for my good.
Blessings from Ringle Wisconsin.
wow...i really enjoyed this, i wonder if it was hard to relive or if it felt good to write it down and to see what you have overcome. i do not know what IBM is, but in reading, i think maybe you thought you had ALS. i was checked for ALS many years ago and was dx with MS which i have had my entire adult life. i really connected with much of what you wrote!! wishing you strength and happiness in 2026!!
ReplyDeleteI was checked for MS too. IBM is a muscle wasting disease mimics ALS but not as fast progression. I'm glad you shared this with me. Wishing you strength and happiness in 2026 as well.
Deletei'm glad i shared too!! MS...the big bump in my road!! wishing you the very best in 2026!!!
DeleteYou had a rough year indeed...So glad you came out of it still shining your light.
ReplyDeleteThanks Robin. It was hard to do at times.
DeleteThe image with the eagle and Scripture verse is inspirational. I wish you good health and happiness, joy and peace, now and always. God bless you. Thank you so much for sharing, and Happy New Year to you.
ReplyDeleteThanks! You share so much more optimism!
DeleteYou are a wonderful example of strength and perseverance.
ReplyDeleteA very Happy New Year
Cathy
Thanks! I appreciate that! I do try...and try again...and again...ahaha
DeleteHoping 2026 is a much better year for you. You sure had a tough 2025. Janice
ReplyDeleteThanks, me too! But, if not, I can live through more than I even thought possible.
DeleteMay God bless you in 2026. I will remember you up in my prayers. You have a good attitude...keep that going. Happy New Year with best wishes.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I appreciate all the prayers. My healing will be - just maybe not on this side of glory. So, I can rejoyce in my healing now, using whatever this journey brings my way to His Glory.
DeleteI can relate to so many of the things you listed. Especially true for me is asking for help, as I am fiercely independent. I'm learning...
ReplyDeleteI agree with your readers, just look how much you have overcome! And you're still standin'! Blessings that 2026 treats you well.
Thanks! It came to me and this may help you too - by my rejecting their help, I'm robbing them of the joy of helping. I still struggle with letting them, but it's getting easier.
DeleteThat's exactly how I look at it now. Who am I do keep others from fulfilling their purpose? It makes it easier.
DeleteThese are excellent lessons and so many of them resonate! Let's hope we remember them in 2026! Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteThank you! Yes, I will need to re read this one.
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