Misplaced Gratitude

A couple of weeks ago, Philip checked the mail and found a not-so-suspicious letter in our mailbox.

After opening the letter, he found it was a thank you note. Again, nothing suspicious there - especially given the fact we live in Mississippi and Philip jokes that we send thank you notes for our thank you notes.

This is where it gets interesting...I'll let you read the contents.

Just in case you have trouble reading it, the first line in the body reads, "Thank you for helping me move into my new house."

Now, if you are reading our blog, am I going to assume that you know that my husband, Philip, is in a wheelchair. That little fact would exclude him from being able to participate the action for which he was thanked. We found this hilarious and strange all at the same time. We have concocted ways that this person found Philip's name and mailing address and believed him to be the one to thank.

Philip is neither embarrased nor hindered by his condition. I would conjecture the Lord has even used his situation to make him a wiser-than-normal 30 year old. Don't get me wrong, it's not the handicap in and of itself. In the brief time I have known Philip, I have been more aware of people who are handicapped and interested in their stories. Whatever the circumstances that caused the crippling, it is the attitude and fortitude of the person, not the handicap itself, that is the lynch pin in their lives.

All of that to say that Philip is able to get a good belly laugh out of this misplaced gratitude and we hope you are too. :)

Strength in Weakness

Earlier this week I visited a friend who had been in a car accident in Honduras in November. She has 10 fractured vertebrae and has to be in a plastic splint that covers her entire mid-section – chest to hips. Her trunk rotation/mobility is highly limited and she is not supposed lift anything, making most general activities difficult or impossible..

This gal had been a very self-sufficient woman, living on her own, working for Blue Cross and teaching Zumba. Now she has not been able to work or teach Zumba since November and has had to have help with activities we take for granted. She was telling me how much help she has had to receive over these months and how humbling that has been for her.

It struck me that she has to be a very strong person to actually even accept that help. Regardless of whether it was financial or with general hygiene, she has had to decide if she wanted to submit to others assisting her. And it is indeed a decision. In reality, she has had to exercise more strength since being weaker than before the accident when she was physically stronger.

This epiphany reminded me of my husband. Philip has had to exercise said strength for years now. As a result, his character is to be admired. Philip recently quoted a professor’s definition of patience as the combination of self-control, humility and generosity. My husband exhibits mastery of patience.

I often tell people what a strong man Philip is. The temporary example of the friend I mentioned is the constant example of my husband. This strength has crafted him into a most excellent man. Every one should be as fortunate as me.

So, do you walk?

Philip was outside with Anastasia today when she spotted some kids picking up pecans. It was a family with 5 children. She darted over and instantly was one of them. While they were busy with their activity, one of the children asked Philip, "So, do you walk?"

Philip didn't tell me what he responded, but I imagine it was some form of what he tells most kids when the question is asked, "God made me this way." This answer usually doesn't satisfy the child, but hopefully it will communicate the truth that God controls his creation.