Wednesday, September 15, 2010

"If you're up for it.."

A phrase we hear a lot. Quite a lot.
It makes me feel like people think that we spend our time sitting around feeling sorry for ourselves, 
and hosting pity parties... (although I do like a good party)
Despite the things that have happened, we're usually pretty upbeat.
And that's a choice we've made, a conscious choice we make daily.
Some days are good, some not so good and some bad.
That's how life goes.

However there are somethings I am not "up for"
baby showers, still no. 
I did survive my sister's,
but that's more because she is not a party person,
and it was short,
and I came in my own car and could leave.
There may be some other things I am not "up for" but it's not a long list.

We like to be productive.
We work hard.
Joseph has learned braille and has to practice to keep it up.
He helps loads with Laundry and Dishes (loads lol.)
He does some yard work.
Joseph has computer classes.
He is constantly practicing his new skills.
I work @ KeHS as a accompanist again (a couple mornings a week)
And I now have 19 piano students at the Studio.
(booya!) Once I break 20 we'll go out for ice cream.
To be filled I would have 35 students and work M-F 3:30pm- 7:00pm
It's possible and it's a goal!
We volunteer for things, help our neighbors.
We "do"  lots of things.

If we're not "up" for something, it may be because we are sick or over tired. 
But not because we're feeling sorry for ourselves.
Yes, we had a bad week, and a horrible Christmas following Joseph's diagnosis,
 but we moved quickly and had messages to agencies and government programs,
 before the holidays were done. 
Things were put into motion because we refuse to sit still, and sulk.
We are still fighting,
we still fill out mountains of paperwork.
(4th application to DSHS!!!!)

We are coming up on the year mark.
We've made progress,
Joseph has learned so much.
We've filled out enough paper work to last a lifetime.
We have clear goals in mind.
It's hard.
It is not fun.
We do it anyway.
We have to.
Whether or not we're "up for it" we do it.
It makes us stretch and forces us to grow.





3 comments:

Briana said...

i totally feel you on the "we do it anyway. we have to" sentiment. haha... people always say to us, "oh, i could never deal with what you're dealing with!" well, yes you could. it's not like we wanted this to happen or thought we could deal with it. it just happens. and then you deal with it. because you have no other choice. onward and upward, right!

i can't believe its almost been a year - wow! i loved reading about all the things you guys do - it is so great that you are positive and trying to live life to the fullest. you guys are awesome!

Wendy said...

Sometimes I wonder if I'm up for it. :)

You've been doing great things.

The Reil Family said...

im with you too, like briana, on the "we have to." i remember when seth was deployed people would always remark (especially at the store when buying the random items that could only be for a care package) that they wouldn't be able to handle it. most of the time i tried to bite my tongue and make small talk back, but on a few occasions i snapped and asked them, "what would you do then, divorce your husband? my husband didn't have a choice in his deployment- why should i?" - etc.

you two are doing an incredible job of remaining upbeat despite the obstacles, and im always amazed when i read the latest way you two are learning to cope (braile, walking stick, vibrams...)! now to get you and me a pair of those :)