Praises of a Wife and Mommy

Oh boy, what a day! This was the last time as a high school cross country runner that I’ll see my girl race on that tough, hilly course. What a mix of emotions — joy, pride, nostalgia, and awe. Earlier this season, I was still being wheeled around in a wheelchair. But this time, victory! I was able to use my knee scooter and make it from spot to spot, cheering Selah and her teammates on. That freedom felt amazing, another reminder of how far God has brought me in my healing. And the victories didn’t stop there. Selah and her team crushed the competition and are heading to State next week! 🙌 Selah met her individual goal of qualifying, and I could see her determination in every stride. She’s focused, grounded, and surrounded by such an incredible group of teammates. As they prepare for this next big race, my heart is full of prayer: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not...

  “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” — 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV) Navigating daily activities has been more challenging than I imagined. Simple things that I once took for granted now require planning, help, or creativity. But one of the hardest emotional challenges came when I realized it was the start of cross country season —my daughter’s senior year. If you’ve never been to a cross country meet, you may not know that it’s not just the runners getting a workout. The spectators do too! Parents and fans often jog or run from one viewing point to another just to catch those precious few seconds of encouragement as their runner passes by. Realizing that I wouldn’t be able to run from spot to spot this year broke me. I even cried about it in the doctor’s office—it felt so crushing. That morning also brought a taste of fall’s arrival. It was in the low 50s, and my toes were freezing. I couldn’t find a sock or slipper that would fit over my cast to keep me warm. After ...