Monday, November 7, 2011

Meet Jazzy, my new ride

This here is Jazzy. 


I know she isn't very sexy but she helps me get around when my legs decide to turn into Bambi or Ariel, the Little Mermaid.  Those characters look much cuter when their legs give out, I just look like a klutz.


She is on loan from some very wonderful friends of ours who recently lost their mom to ALS.


She's been great for the whole family.  I am so happy my kids are not at that awkward age where they are embarrassed about their mom riding in one of these.  Instead they are proud, excited and always wanting a ride on my lap.  They know that with this,  I can go places now.

I on the other hand am grateful to have it but I HATE that I need it.  There is a certain stigma associated with people in wheel chairs.  It means you are sick or not able.  At least that is what healthy, able people think.  That is what I used to think.  I would see someone in a wheel chair and know that something was wrong.  I can easily hide that something is wrong with me because on the outside I look very healthy.  But now I can't hide it.  It doesn't really fit my style.  I was a mom that would run around with her kids and had such an active lifestyle.  I need that back.  When I'm in it, I feel great but if I catch a glimpse of myself in a reflection I get so emotional.  I want so badly for this to be temporary but am really fearful that it won't.

Planning for our future has really changed.  It used to involve sailing the world (my husbands dream not mine) traveling the states (my dream) playing with grandchildren, enjoying an active life.  Now are plans for the future consist of who will be able to help with the children, who will be able to help with me, will the kids end up having this same disease?  What does the next 6 months hold?  The next year?  The next 5, 10 years?

Our future is unknown, but everyones future is unknown.  We have no idea what the next moment holds, so we live.  We live with love, we live with joy.  I will ride Jazzy around with pride knowing that she saves my energy.  I will ignore the looks of pity and shine through, showing that it is ok for us to not all be the same.  We are all different.
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30 comments:

  1. Katie @ minivan divaNovember 7, 2011 at 6:50 AM

    I am telling you, Karen, we should have a bedazzling the Jazzy party! : ) Love you, girl. I know this is not easy.

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  2. Nikki @ Saving For A Rainy DayNovember 7, 2011 at 7:27 AM

    Prayers,hugs and good thoughts to you. May Jazzy only be a temporary guest for you!

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  3. The Olive Tree BlogNovember 7, 2011 at 8:35 AM

    I love the idea of bedazzling it :)! Praying for you friend...I am sure this is hard...but a blessing about the chair.

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  4. loriNovember 7, 2011 at 8:42 AM

    i agree with katie about the bedazzling the jazzy party ;) i do hope that jazzy is only temporary for you... and i am happy that it will allow you to do more! i know it is hard to embrace, but take it easy on yourself and keep your faith!

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  5. AnonymousNovember 7, 2011 at 8:47 AM

    Jazzy is wayyyy sexier than a Rascal. :o) At least you got the right model! ;o) Looks like the whole family, even the puppy, enjoys her. :o) Don't give a second thought to the people who look on you with pity or whatever. They don't know what that chair is doing for you and your family. (Although, hopefully she won't take up permanent residence just yet!)

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  6. laurenNovember 7, 2011 at 9:02 AM

    i bet you are stunning in that jazzy. wheelchair or not you are still a fabulous mother... because a mother parents with her heart, loves with her words and shows her babies that God is good and true and perfect even when it's hard. you are the best kind of mother. :)

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  7. ashley marie wilsonNovember 7, 2011 at 9:24 AM

    i love that you named it, you are so strong and beautitful, i just want to hug you!

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  8. Rebecca November 7, 2011 at 9:27 AM

    i agree with Katie & Lauren ~ wise women!
    love & prayers my friend! LOVE & PRAYERS! :)

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  9. HolliNovember 7, 2011 at 9:46 AM

    Karen, you are have such an innate strength and you are truly an inspiration to me. I am overwhelmed with feelings after reading this post and I wish for you love and peace and joy. I truly do.

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  10. AnonymousNovember 7, 2011 at 10:41 AM

    I'm adding you to my prayer list! Strength, peace, health, and joy to your family! :0) Thanks for being real on your blog, it means a lot.

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  11. {cuppakim}November 7, 2011 at 11:15 AM

    what an incredible jazzy blessing.
    praying for you, for the original family owners of the jazzy, and that God might be glorified in all of this :)

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  12. AnonymousNovember 7, 2011 at 11:19 AM

    i hope its only temporary. prayers for you and your family. :)

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  13. VivianNovember 7, 2011 at 12:03 PM

    You have been in my prayer and will continue so. Life is mysterious but I'm sure along the way you'll find out the reason why all this happened and it all will make sense. Most of the days I wish I could be riding Jazzy :)

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  14. littlemissmkNovember 7, 2011 at 12:07 PM

    Oh Karen, I love ya. I'm so sorry you are going through all of this. You are in our prayers for a cure to be found!!! We NEED to get together soon- really. Really. Let's make that happen!!!

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  15. sarahNovember 7, 2011 at 1:19 PM

    love to you friend, Im so inspired by your strength. seriously, God has gifted you, even though Im sure you prob dont always feel that way. you stay on my heart and in my prayers...Blessings today girl!

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  16. RoxyNovember 7, 2011 at 1:34 PM

    I bet you could take that on some pretty sweet jumps. (Ok, ok I KNOW Napolean D references have been beaten to death and back but I just had to. Sorry :P)

    None of us may know what the future holds but I'll tell you one thing: your kids and hubby are blessed to have such a beautfiul, strong and faithful matriarch. :)

    Roxy
    This South Korean's Got Seoul

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  17. henning loveNovember 7, 2011 at 1:39 PM

    hoping it is only temporary too karen! in the meantime, definitely grateful someone was able to provide that to you and support you and your family!

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  18. Charlotte in IDNovember 7, 2011 at 4:03 PM

    1) I love that you neamed your new ride. Awesome. 2)I like the idea of bedazzling it. 3) This morning when woke up I prayed that God would give you the grace to get through today. That you would have the strength to get what you needed to get done done today. And 4) I remember when I was one of the only ones that commented (and that was only a few short weeks ago).

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  19. StephNovember 7, 2011 at 9:36 PM

    You are probably the coolest mom on the block with that sweet ride! Stay positive and nothing can slow you down. You have such a beautiful spirit, that no matter the circumstances, will always shine through. You're in my thoughts and prayers that this is just a small bump in the road.

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  20. BeckNovember 7, 2011 at 10:33 PM

    Tons of hugs and prayers headed your way!!

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  21. PidgNovember 8, 2011 at 7:08 AM

    Oh please, YOU make Jazzy look cool not the other way around. Now everyone is going to want one! :D

    I'm so impressed with your positive nature and your ability to keep things in perspective. Our entire "earthly" existence is temporary so this is just a hurdle on your Eternal road. But still I'm sending prayers your way because those always help. Loves!

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  22. Laurie JNovember 8, 2011 at 1:07 PM

    <3

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  23. A Little Piece of MeNovember 9, 2011 at 1:09 AM

    I am so happy that you have a way to get around safely. What a blessing that you had someone to loan you Jazzy. :)

    I know that underneath it all it's only natural to have those concerns you have about what people think. All that matters is you are safe and able to move around, especially when out with your kids. Safe travels. :)

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  24. Geezees Custom Canvas ArtNovember 9, 2011 at 10:38 AM

    love that you named it, hope it helps you out on the days when you need it...xoxo

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  25. AshleyNovember 9, 2011 at 6:50 PM

    I love the name and the idea of bedazzling it. :) I will continue to keep you in my prayers and hope that this is only temporary.

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  26. DeidreNovember 9, 2011 at 7:42 PM

    It could totally use a little bit of sparkle! :)

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  27. Marissa@ Momma RakeNovember 9, 2011 at 8:22 PM

    I LOVE that you have such an amazing sense of humor through such a tough time! So glad that Jazzy can get you where you need to go and praying for you girl!! XOXO!!

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  28. KellyNovember 10, 2011 at 11:06 AM

    GIRL that ride is awesome!!! i'm with Katie you should bedazzle Jazzy.
    have i told you lately you have got to be the strongest person i "know." you outlook is so beautiful.
    LOVE YOU!

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  29. AbbeyNovember 19, 2011 at 9:35 PM

    You show a great deal of strength, with such a positive outlook during this trying time.

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  30. Theresa TurdiciNovember 21, 2011 at 4:07 PM

    Just taking some time to catch up on your blog. I love your new ride! I'm sure the kids love it even more. Use whatever tools you need to make your life easier.

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