“We’re Gonna Make It”
This is what Lindsey and I say back and forth to each other
every day – sometimes multiple times a day. It’s our way of holding on to hope
for one another. The truth is we ARE gonna make and we are MAKING it – by the
Grace of God. Today is Lindsey’s Birthday. It’s time to give Glory to God for my
wife’s incredible life! With all my heart I want her to feel celebrated. I want
her to feel the respect and admiration we (her friends and family) have for
her.
Most folks have no idea how TOUGH she truly is. Though she
may not look sick, you need to know she is…big time. There are days that just
getting out of bed is major triumph. Lindsey is such a trooper. In short,
Lindsey Erin Wheeler is brave. Lyme disease is a wicked concoction. Exhaustion
and pain are such weak words to describe her symptoms. Imagine never ever feeling
rested. Imagine walking through each day as if you’d just pulled a week of
all-nighters. Imagine aching all over as if you have the burn of arthritis in
every joint. Imagine your skin crawling with tingling sensations that are un-itch-able.
I literally don’t know how she does it. I don’t know how she keeps pushing
forward.
Lately she’s been enduring some incredibly intense detox
sessions to counteract her Lyme disease. Just the descriptions of these detox
routines would make your toes curl. She endures potions, salves, soaks, supplements,
hyperbaric chambers, oxygen treatments, nutritional i.v.s, saunas, and so much
more. While undergoing these procedures
she’s actively listening to those around her at the facility looking for ways
to encourage and share hope with them! Are you kidding me? She’s ministering to
those around her while gagging down medicine! What!
On top of battling Lyme every day – Lindsey is one amazing
Momma. She pushes through the pain and exhaustion in order to invest in our
girl. Most folks in her position would end up hiring full time help just in order
to rest. Instead, Lindsey has made the heroic choice to stay home with Eliana
in order to continue to create felt safety and security in our little girls’
soul. Lindsey plays endless silly games of dress up, tea parties, store,
cooking and art projects with Eliana. When I come home each day I marvel at the
hilarious conversations they’ve had throughout day. Lindsey is so good with
Eliana. Lindsey is unbelievably patient.
Lately Lindsey has been deeply stirred that despite all of
this we need to be grateful. She read “One Thousand Gifts” by Ann Voskamp and
took it to heart. Lindsey has continually been pointing out all that God has
done and is doing for us in the midst of the pain, stress and strain. If I felt
what she felt I’d be the biggest whiner on the planet - you’d never hear the
end of it.
Lindsey is a model to us all of forgiveness, endurance,
long-suffering, patience and sufficient grace.
Lindsey is a powerhouse.
I’m so incredibly proud of her.
If you see her out and about be sure to tell her how brave
you think she is!
I love you with all my heart Lindsey,
- Chris
