July 7,2008... What a day this WAS

Yes, my first year has gone past and I live life the best way I can. Certain things still hurt, but I wake up breathing on my own, so it must be a GREAT day. Most of the people at work did not realize what date I fell but once I told them, they were all happy I am still around. They knew it was around this day somewhere, but most did not know the date like I do. We had a great time yesterday. I cook some meat on the smoker and had some friends over from around the neighborhood. We also had some close friends over too because these people helped us out with things while I was down. Some of them mowed my yard and others helped with Matt. It really amazes me how much some people would do for you when you are down like this. Several months ago, one of my neighbors saw me digging in my front yard to find a plumbing leak and came to help. He knew I did not need to be doing this by myself and was just one of those people that wanted to help me out. We found the leak and he had all of the stuff to fix it. My PVC glue was dried up, but Bill had some. This is one of those people that God has brought in to my life and I am glad He did.
I notice that my right shoulder and right elbow are still quite painful. I still can not reach very well with my right arm and it still hurts to try. My elbow really gets painful if I put weight on it wrong. It is not at the pointed tip of the elbow, but about a 1/2" towards my shoulder. I can feel an area there that needs to be seen by a doctor, just not sure I am ready for surgery on it, yet. I know somehow I will have to go through this, but not real sure I can handle it, yet. I also notice that my pelvic area hurts if I walk too much. This pain is uncomfortable, but I have learned to tolerate it. Hilly areas really get to me because of the way your ankle is turned up, but I go slow and through it. Sitting on a hard chair still bothers me. They tell me that a broken tailbone will be there for a long, long time, if not forever. I have learned how to sit in most locations where it doesn't make the pain too much, but after some time, it still gets to me.
Yes, one year down and many left to go. You learn to do some things different and to not do other things. Live life and move forward. All is good, but live with the uncomfortable things. Love to all of you. Thanks so much for helping me still be here. Prayers and a common goal by all of you made this possible for me and my family.
Mark 7/7/08