Lisa M. Buske's Blog, page 72

Parenting: The Toughest and Most Rewarding Job

If you're a parent and have experienced "one of those mornings" with your child, can I hear a "Oh yeah!"? Today is my day. I have a friend who reminds me often teenagers aren't themselves during these years, this offers me encouragement yet in the depths of emotions, tears, fears, anxiety, and teen stress...sometimes this brings no comfort.

To be a mom is a constant, 24/7 job, and the most important thing I can do. When we care about something, we are invested and determined. The cost of failure is life changing and impacts our children's lives long beyond our time on earth.

I see a lot if myself in my daughter and a lot of my father in me as I parent. This morning, after a gut wrenching and difficult start to our day, I recognize the mirror. I need to put myself in Mags shoes and remember how I felt on days like this.

We left forty-five minutes later than planned, not late, but well beyond the goal time. Rather than a relaxing morning of quiet time and coffee, it was a miserable morning induced by a lack of sleep and nerves. "Pray first." Was not a success today. Instead of encouraging our daughter in the few minutes we had together, it was more of an emotional release. The stress thrust on her because of the importance of the SAT in order to get into college, comparing herself to her peers, and the lack of sleep produced this draining morning.

This is where my poor parenting comes in to play. Instead of saying "no" to her doing something with friends after school and going to the lacrosse game, I agreed on the condition she went to bed as soon as we were home. But due to my schedule and things to do, this wasn't possible.

As my husband drives, I feel like a failure! Not a good mother or person kind of day. I'm supposed to speak in a few hours to encourage, uplift, and inspire a room full of women yet after the morning I had, I question why God would call such a mess to have such a blessing, to speak for Him. Then again, isn't that so much like God, to use the broken and imperfect to share about His power and working in our lives? It is! I'm thankful for this and look forward to the blessings before us today.

Why do I share my embarrassing and disappointing morning as a parent with all of you? At first, it was a "let it go" kind of moment but after praying, asking a friend to join us in prayer, and typing...His peace overcomes me. And a reminder...

The Holy Spirit spoke to my heart to say "Lisa, fear is not of God. Remember, when God has plans, satan will attempt to steal our joy and focus. You are a child of God, fear not." God is with Mags as she takes her SAT, and He is with us as we travel. God is with the moms and women preparing to attend today's event in Lockport. God is the same today and tomorrow, trusting Him and letting His peace flood my heart.

Speaking for Him, to share hope and show it is possible to get through the challenges when we keep our eyes focused on Him. Thanks for praying...

When you experience a morning like this, what helps you get refocused? Before leaving, I hugged my daughter and told her I love her. She is amazing and so much like me, watch out world. Another determined young lady is setting goals and striving to reach them.

Until next time...keep the faith and learn from the challenging moments.

Why do I share my embarrassing and disappointing morning as a parent with all of you? At first, it was a "let it go" kind of moment but after praying, asking a friend to join us in prayer, and typing...His peace overcomes me. And a reminder...

The Holy Spirit spoke to my heart to say "Lisa, fear is not of God. Remember, when God has plans, satan will attempt to steal our joy and focus. You are a child of God, fear not." God is with Mags as she takes her SAT, and He is with us as we travel. God is with the moms and women preparing to attend today's event in Lockport. God is the same today and tomorrow, trusting Him and letting His peace flood my heart.

Speaking for Him, to share hope and show it is possible to get through the challenges when we keep our eyes focused on Him. Thanks for praying...

When you experience a morning like this, what helps you get refocused? Before leaving, I hugged my daughter and told her I love her. She is amazing and so much like me, watch out world. Another determined young lady is setting goals and striving to reach them.

Until next time...keep the faith and learn from the challenging moments.

Why do I share my embarrassing and disappointing morning as a parent with all of you? At first, it was a "let it go" kind of moment but after praying, asking a friend to join us in prayer, and typing...His peace overcomes me. And a reminder...

The Holy Spirit spoke to my heart to say "Lisa, fear is not of God. Remember, when God has plans, satan will attempt to steal our joy and focus. You are a child of God, fear not." God is with Mags as she takes her SAT, and he is with us as we travel. God is with the moms and

How do you measure growth?

Sometimes...
growth isn't in the numbers! If you have children in school, then you most likely received their report card in the past week. This is an exciting time and I remember waiting to see my report card too. As we looked at my daughter's grades, comments, and average...tears of joy attempted to escape. It isn't the  first time to have such wonderful comments about her character and work ethic. 

It isn't the first time she's made the honor roll BUT it is the first report card in a few years to show the exciting growth we witnessed on a daily basis. Sometimes, our kids are making gains and moving mountains in ways a school and the state are unable to measure. It's important to remember, not everything about your child is reflected at the ten week marking period. Some of the most exciting growth is often not listed due to the report card template yet these are the successes, teachers and parents, MUST celebrate often. I witnessed this necessity first as an educator. There are students who make such extraordinary growth from week to week yet when the teachers complete the report card, there isn't a spot or way to reflect our amazement, excitement, and joy for the mountains a child might have climbed during the ten week marking period. Think about it, not everything can be tested, graphed, measured, or displayed in a colorful chart with an average at the end. Some you can only see. As a parent, our daughter faced health obstacles in sixth grade. Some resolved within a couple years, while others were left undiagnosed until the end of tenth grade. If you are a parent, the hardest thing you will do in life is watch your child suffer, experience constant illness, and in some cases, you may need to say "until we meet again". This is why it's so important to celebrate all growth, not just the ones documented in your child's report card. I like a beautiful, color-coded, and organized chart as much as the next person, if not more BUT when it comes to our children...I find ways to celebrate growth in each and every child, especially my own.

For instance, while our daughter is a healthy and vibrant junior in high school, she has worked hard to reach this point. If you only view her high school report cards, it appears she only attended school about 50% of the time in ninth and tenth grade. Her grades were average. This is what a report card shows you yet our child is more than these numbers and facts on paper. It doesn't reflect the weekly doctor appointments, the magnitude of testing, and failed attempts to walk out the door in order to attend school. A report card doesn't reflect hours spent with tutors, her parents, or a friend trying to understand all the curriculum she missed. What if we only focused on the numbers for two years?

Thankfully, we don't know the answer to this question. We prayed she passed her regents, which she did, but the other numbers are just that...numbers. We celebrated each time she made it another hour into the school day before having to come home. We recognized a new concept learned without the assistance of the tutor or the school. We encouraged her to look to the future rather than dwelling in the illness and inabilities she was living. Once God brought the right doctor into our daughter's life, measurable growth started to be recorded but for a few years...her success and growth was measured by the little things. In our case, the journey produced a report card reflecting her strength, determination, and ability to overcome adversity. These are life skills not measured or reported on. In twelve years as an educator, sixteen plus years as a parent, and a lifetime of living with educators (aka parents)...true growth is measured more by our responses, actions, and abilities than a chart. Don't misunderstand me, we need guidelines and goals. To monitor academic growth is important yet it's looking beyond the report card at your child as a whole that is vital. 

Some of your child's greatest accomplishments will be the things God uses to grow them into the man or woman He designed them to be. Our challenges often strengthen us and we don't realize the impact until years, if not decades later.  Celebrate each day for the unmeasurable. Don't throw out the report cards, they are valuable and one way colleges, military, and even employers use to determine how we fit with their needs. My hope is that when you look at your child's report card, if their trend lines are low or they aren't quite making the "aim line"...please stop before speaking because some of the greatest growth isn't measured by this moving target. We must still encourage our students to strive for the goal but when we know a goal might be near impossible for our child, find the positives. Celebrate the growth your child made and one day, you may see the product of years of encouragement, support, hard work, determination, and desire. 

To some, writing their name and forming letters for the first time is a huge success yet one you won't see as a success at thirty weeks. Another child's success might be making it to school almost daily while battling illness. The next child might have no home support, so their success is they arrive to school with a smile on their face ready to learn. As you read your child or grandchild's report card, don't start with the negatives or lack of growth. First, find a positive and celebrate this. A little encouragement will go a long way, our kids need to know we see their growth, especially when it's the hardest to find or recognize. 

So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world."
1 Peter 1:6-7 NLT

How do you measure growth when you see your child's report card?

T.O.P.'s Tuesday: NCMEC Rides For Our Children

While the Ride for Missing and Exploited Children isn't new, each year's energy and passion is new and renewed. Riders, volunteers, and sponsors gear up and finalize preparations for the 2015 ride with commitment rides, school visits, and interviews. Each of these raise awareness for this mission and educate the public and especially, our children. Last month, Dick Jordan and John Hemmel Jr. joined Joe Kelly for an interview on the "Joe Kelly Show". 

Each photo below is a link to the three part video interview. A special thanks to Otto Isenberg for sharing the links on the ride page for those of us who live out of town to be able to view it. 

Dick and John explain how the ride started, the mission of the ride, and discuss a little about "The Ride of Hope" that will start the morning after this year's annual ride in the Mohawk Valley.  If you'd like to learn more about this ride and mission, click on the photos, they are labeled. 

These are photos I took last summer during one of their summer rides. Men, women, and teens dedicated to educating our children and bringing the missing and exploited home. During the interview, Joe Kelly, who was one of the initial seven to participate in The Ride of Hope, asks how people can donate to help support the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and their Ride for Missing Children. As part of this online form you can make your gift in honor or memory of someone, like our sweet Heidi Allen. You can also designate it for The Ride for Missing Children or The Ride of Hope in memory of someone. 

Thank you in advance if you click on the link to give a gift to the center. My sister, Heidi Allen, hoped to work with children one day, especially those who needed a little extra love and support. 

To support this organization and these two events in memory of Heidi, is one way her name and desire is carried forward. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children is, and will always, be a blessing we count. 

To volunteer, share, and give back to them is one way we are able to show appreciation. Thank you NCMEC and all involved in the rides, you make a difference each and every day...may your mission to "Make our children safer, one child at a time." continue to be a reality! Thank you NCMEC, Ride for Missing & Exploited Children, 
and The Ride of Hope...You are changing lives!

If Monday Sets the Tone for the Week...Let's Get Creative

This weekend was busy, yet relaxed. While there wasn't a lot of idle time, there was a lot of creative time. My husband worked the weekend, our daughter worked and had a performance, and my list got shorter. You see, this weekend I travel to Lockport, New York for the day. I have the opportunity to share a little hope, encouragement, and inspiration with the ladies at Lockport Alliance Church. Their theme is "Tell Me a Story", so I can't wait. I plan on telling them a story, sharing a story, and hopefully encourage them to start writing their story. 

May is a busy month. In addition to this event, I have the pleasure to travel to the Cato-Meridian direction to be the key note speaker at their annual, National Day of Prayer service, on Thursday, May 7th for 7 p.m. I'm honored and excited, I've blogged about the significance of this day and attended events but this will be the first time I'm the people are listening too. It's a community event so there are others participating and sharing in this hour long service, as we join together to pray in Meridian, thousands are doing the same across the country. Click here to learn more, National Day of Prayer. 

A week from this coming Saturday, on May 9th, I was invited to have my books at the New Haven Congregational Church's Craft Show and Chicken Barbecue from 10 - 4.  Some authors don't enjoy craft shows because they are often slower and books are items most aren't looking to purchase. BUT, I enjoy sitting at the craft shows with a book table because of the people I meet. I might not sell a book in six hours yet the conversations, fellowship, and relationships are benefits one can't measure. 

Then later in the month we'll join our Ride for Missing Children Family in the Mohawk Valley for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children 's Annual Ride for Missing Children.  In addition to this tradition, The Ride of Hope, will also leave New Hartford for Washington that Saturday. A total of over 600 miles in a week, on bicycle. Each cycle of the pedals and tires are to raise awareness and hope for our missing and exploited children  and their families across the country. I'm humbled to have five minutes to share a few words of thanks and encouragement with the teams of cyclist before they begin this physical, mental, and emotional journey on behalf of children...such a blessing.

I also scheduled a Sunday morning for a church in the fall, to be their guest speaker. I remember the first time a church invited me to do this. My nerves were on high alert so that I wouldn't disappoint God or let Him down as I stood at the pulpit. Then a friend reminded me, each time I speak, regardless of the venue, is an opportunity to share and just as important as a Sunday morning. This alleviated the pressure and put it in perspective. I still think Sunday morning is different yet each opportunity to share my testimony or gift to speak with others, I pray for God's message to be given and received. 

As if this isn't exciting enough, I also accepted an invitation to be the keynote speaker at a women's retreat in June of 2016. It is penciled in for them and me, until the school calendar arrives later this summer, just in case there is a "Senior" event we need to be at. 

If someone would of told me in 2011 after I shared my testimony and spoke that first time of how God would use me when I'm faithful, I would not have believed them. Actually, there a couple friends who will probably say "I told you so" if they read this blog. My hope and desire is to write, speak, and live for God and be the best wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, and relative I can be. I look forward to the people I'll meet at each of these events and the memories we'll make as a family in the process.

My Gram said, "So goes Monday, so goes the week."...set the tone for a creative week.  What are you inspired to create this week? Will you share this with others?

Good Habits Build Us Up and Help Us Through the Day

“Good habits are worth being fanatical about.” 
― John Irving
I need to get my A-game on. Does anyone reading this blog relate? 
Is there something you want to write, build, organize, 
re-purpose, or just want changed?
Maybe I'm alone in this feeling or slump, but I don't think so.  TRUE CONFESSION of the Christian author and speaker. I've fallen into some bad habits. Habits that effect the rest of my day and life. Instead of getting up at 4:45 a.m. to spend time in the Word, journaling, and in prayer...I'm starting the coffee and "doing". Some days, the doing tires me out. A friend once told me, just because the Bible says, "Listen to my voice in the morning, LORD. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly." Psalm 5:3 NLT,  doesn't mean we can only have quiet time with God first thing in the morning. 

It's important to lift our gratitude for each new day, something I try to do before I put my feet on the floor or start the coffee pot. Without much success, I've attempted quiet times during the day, later in the afternoon, or in the evening if the house was quiet yet my head and heart aren't there. It's just a ritual of something I'm "supposed" to do. It's this revelation that reminds me, God doesn't want to me a "to-do-item" on the list. For all He does for us, He deserves more. Some might be able to spend this quiet time at various times of the day, to fit their schedule. But sadly, this girl, is such a creature of habit, I enjoy the time in the morning. 

One thing I've learned, when I pray before closing my eyes, "God, will you wake me in the morning so I can spend time with you?" He is always faithful to wake me, usually well before the alarm, and I don't hit the snooze because I wake feeling rested. It might just be the way I'm wired. I'm a morning person, so to start my day reading my Bible, talking with God (aka - praying), listening to God, and even journaling a few of the things I'm thankful for, the things I praise God for, and then a few prayer requests...sets the tone for the remainder of my day. 

Why do I share this honest and embarrassing fact? To show how very human, imperfect, and weak I can be in my own strength. Another reason to share this with you all, because I know my nature. While I've confessed this weakness to God and asked for forgiveness, I think to share with all of you is like have accountability partners. Think about it. When we attempt to start eating healthy, exercising, or lose weight...we ALWAYS do better when someone comes along side us and joins us. You can pray for, encourage, and gently remind (in love)...to keep moving forward with the end reward in sight.

While the reward of spending time with God can't be measured on a scale or with our fitness app, it will be visible through the actions, words, and thoughts we exhibit to those we interact with. Isn't it worth it, time with God will not give you a trophy for your shelf but IT WILL prepare your heart for the day and your soul for eternity. So why am I not getting up in the morning? Why can't I get over the uncomfortableness of quiet time in the afternoon? I don't know the answer to these questions but I do know as the availability to sit on the deck increases, my desire to spend time with Him increases.

So am I alone in this struggle? When is your favorite quiet time?
Are you a creature of habit like me?
Will you share below?

Oswego Children's Theater Presents "Our Town"

The Oswego Children's Theater's Teen Ensemble will
present a performance of their award winning production of 
Thornton Wilder's classic play "Our Town" 7 P.M. 
on Saturday April 25th 
at the New Haven Congregational Church

The Show was recently performed at the The Michael J. Harms Theater Festival 
at Campus of Cayuga Community College, where it won a participation award as well as.
Honorable Mention Acting Awards for cast members Abby Fields and Caitlyn McAfee.
The Cast includes:
Ryan Smith as George Gibbs
Abby Field, as Emily Webb
Mary Buske as Mr. Gibbs
Megan Shafer as Mrs. Gibbs
Jessica Johnston, as Mrs. Webb
Caroline Gray, as Mrs. Soames
Caitlyn McAfee, as Rebecca
Ethan Cliff as Wally
Megan Shafer and Mary Buske, as the Stage Managers.

Our Town, explores the lives of people living in a small, quintessentially American town. 
It was first produced in 1938 and received the Pulitzer Prize for Literature.

Lyndsie Lee Jones will direct this production assisted by Wayne and Kelly Mosher.
The show will presented in the shortened form that it was performed in at the festival. 
Tickets are ONLY $5.00
 For more information call 315 342 5265 or 315 529 1009


Thornton Wilder's 
classic play 
"Our Town" 
7 P.M.
Saturday April 25th, 2015 
At the New Haven 
Congregational Church
4270 State Route 104 
(across from Town Offices)
See you TONIGHT 

"Our Town" 
is your town...


Only 1 performance...
You don't want to miss it!

Spring Must Trigger My Creative Bug...

About this time last year I started to outline, plan, and organize thoughts, notes, and ideas for the sequel to  Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey . The idea of spending the summer on the deck writing motivated me yet something in the pit of my stomach kept me from getting my groove on.  I don't know what my issue was but as July transitioned into summer, to write just overwhelmed me. I found myself questioning every word and doubting God's call on my life to write. More or less to write for Him. I'd like to say school started in the fall and the inspiration returned, but it didn't.

As Spring slowly returns and speaking engagements return to the calendar, I find myself more inspired and motivated to seek quiet time with God. One thing I like to do is pray for an event, those who will attend, and for God's message to be shared through me. A friend mentored me a few years ago when I started this journey and she said, "You want people to leave talking about God and how He worked through Heidi's kidnapping and your life, not about you." This is a lesson I treasure and keep close to my heart as I pray and prepare. I hope to achieve this each time, whether it's a faith-filled event or one outside the church setting. 

Similar to last year, the ideas to write and create are starting to overtake my thoughts. I love this aspect of the creative brain. As I strive to incorporate and develop better habits for my spiritual health, I hope this will show through all I say, think, and do. I try to keep a "Pollyanna" attitude but sometimes I just feel like poor Pollyanna at the end of the movie, in need of some encouragement or a reminder to get moving forward and "Get over it". We don't get over some things but it's possible to move forward and embrace life's challenges as they mold us into the person we are today and tomorrow. I don't know what the summer has in store but I know one thing, I hope to do more and make my parents, husband, daughter, friends, family, and God proud.

Will the sequel to Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey be announced on Heidi's birthday in September?

 Will another book release at the end of the school year? 

Will I take a break from "writing the next book" to just write, reflect, and seek His direction? 

Only God knows yet I'm trusting His lead and will prayerfully follow. Here's to the exciting time ahead...each day is a gift, a gift I choose to embrace and thank God for. I hope you will do the same. What does the warmer weather and change of season inspire you to do?
What is the story God is calling you to create?

What do you see in this picture?

What we see depends  mainly 
on what we look for.
John Lubbock

The first time I saw this I noticed something spectacular about the birds in the center. Do you see it? Or did you see a smiley face first and then realize the two eyes and mouth were birds soaring into the sunset? I think this is beautiful for a couple reasons. 

First, I enjoy  sunrises and sunsets. Second, the photographer captured three birds flying with God's painting as a background. Did he/she realize the three birds looked like a smiley face when they clicked the picture or was it a revelation upon developing or downloading the photo? It's a mystery. Have you ever taken a photo of one thing 
and then after seeing the photograph,
you captured something far more 
beautiful or amazing than your original vision?
Will you share with us now?

A Diagnosis..."Small Heel/Bone Spur"

My goodness, it has been an exciting couple days. I don't typically share aches, pains, or health related ailments on the blog but this recent foot pain knocked me off my feet, literally. The discomfort started last summer as the season transitioned into Fall. It still bothered into the winter yet when winter cold shifted so warmer weather could arrive, so did the discomforted. The shift for my right foot was from discomfort, to an annoyance pain, and now...constant and sometimes piercing pain.

After this weekend, it became apparent it was time to call the doctor. My parents were so concerned, they called and made the appointment to make sure I went. I guess I can be stubborn. Since sharing about my foot and heel pain, many suggested it could be plantar fasciitis or a bone spur. My friend, Lisa, suggested this last year and offered exercises I could do to alleviate the discomfort. I mentioned it to my doctor last year and again this year when I had my physical. He suggested I continue the exercises.

I've rolled tennis balls and frozen water bottles under my foot. I graciously allowed my sweet husband and daughter the pleasure of massaging my foot, and even my calve this past week. In truth, I am SO GRATEFUL for Ed and Mags willingness to help, I'm sure it was their help that helped my fasciitis keep in check.

The suggestion from Facebook friends included many things I've tried:
*rolling frozen water bottle under my foot
*rolling a tennis ball under my foot
*soaking my foot with Epson Salt (I added peppermint and lavender) - only did lavender at night because I would fall asleep
*calve stretches
*new walking/running sneaks with additional support

Monday night, Dad and I spent almost two hours searching YouTube for videos on strategies to counter plantar fasciitis and bone spurs. A few mentioned using a rolling pin. We laughed and Dad said he wasn't eating my baking if I start rolling my foot on the rolling pin. I planned to pick up a cheap rolling pin at the dollar store but instead, Dad disappeared to his wood shop. He returned with this nifty cut branch, no rolling pin needed now.
The doctor sent me to the hospital for X-rays. They called this morning and confirmed I have a small heel/spur. YIKES, if this is small. The podiatrist is able to see me next Monday. I'm very grateful. The doctor yesterday said I have no restrictions and can walk as tolerated. I hope to at least walk a mile or so today. 

Thanks for the suggestions, strategies, and prayers. My plan is to follow the doctor's orders and pray the podiatrist will offer more suggestions. If our research is true, orthotics will help and the "right" sneak. A visit to Fleet Feet is in the near future I think. While grateful for a place with the ability to fit me to just the right sneaker, I am nervous about the price tag. I hear it's at least a $100-$200 visit. BUT if this means I can walk and function pain free, it is an investment in my health.
I wonder if there is a manufacturer that makes a sandal or flip flop for the woman with plantar fasciitis and bone spurs. Warning sneaks just don't compliment a cute dress or capris, especially with my size ten boats. If you've found a shoe for "dress", let me know.

If looking cute is a thing of the past but the pain is relieved with exercise and a change of sneaks, then I'll be the geeky mom wearing sneaks with her dresses. I'll look like Mama, from Mama's Family. Teehee...won't Mags be proud.
I've heard some great strategies, home remedies, and medical treatments.
I look forward to seeing the doctor on Monday and a healthy foot once again.
"It didn't get this bad overnight, it won't heal overnight." As my primary doctor told me.

Have you experienced a heel/bone spur before?
What provided the most relief or was no help at all?

To Walk or Not to Walk...

“Do not be anxious 
about anything, 
but in everything by prayer & supplication 
with thanksgiving 
let your requests 
be made known 
to God.”  
Philippians 4:6

For the past few weeks, since the snow stopped and the weather warmed above freezing, I've been getting out for a daily walk. When Fall transitioned to Winter, I was walking a few days a week at a similar length. I stopped walking daily because my one foot/heel/ankle would get sore after walking. During the winter, this discomfort has become painful at times, while annoying at others. BUT, this past week, the discomfort has crossed the line to pain. 

Yesterday was spent finishing up items needed for my daughter's junior prom. This involved walking, traveling, and more walking. Once home, my foot and ankle were throbbing. At one point, while at the mall, something happened and the pain stopped me. I hid it from my family (or so I thought) and continued our fun day. We stopped at my parents on our way home, to show them the great deals to compliment the dress. Somehow, my dear husband let it slip to my parents about my foot pain. He even mentioned the incident at the mall, guess I wasn't as sly as I thought.

With a promise to visit the doctor this week, my parents released me into the care of their son-in-law. Once a parent, always a parent. I felt like  a high schooler again, "Lisa, you need to call the doctor, blah blah, blah..." and more loving encouragement and guidance. All kidding aside, I'm glad my husband and parents love me enough to nag and make sure I do what's right for me. I haven't wanted to miss school and was hoping it would subside and I could have it checked in July after school was out.

BUT...this is not the case. If the doctor was open on Sunday, I'd be there today, but since it's not, I'll wait and call in the morning. Dr. Dad, Dr. Mom, and Dr. Ed, gave their probably diagnosis. Their thoughts are the same as my friend, Dr. Lisa, who I entrusted this information to a few weeks ago. I looked it up and I'm happy there are many steps before they tell me "stop walking" or toss me on crutches or something. Part of this foot annoyance makes me laugh. I've nagged a certain loved one for months about getting to the doctor and doing what the doctor told her yet never mentioned my foot to my doctor and now it's much worse. Hmm...genetics...or as some would say, "If you plant corn, you get corn."

I'll admit, I haven't had the foot checked because I'm afraid of what the doctor might say or worse yet, that he would dare take me out of work. But the time has come for medical direction and diagnosis so nothing worse happens and if my family and friend diagnosis are correct, there are many steps I can do from home that require no surgery or missed work time. Praying it's a healing course of specific foot exercises and rest after I get home from work. I don't want to miss my daily 5k walk, and the visiting with my aunt, but it's time to deal with this. Annoyance has upped it's game to pain, so hi ho, hi ho, it's off to the doctor I go. 

I'll keep you posted on the foot - for today, as much as I really want to walk at least one mile, it's not happening. If you think of it, keep my foot/ankle in prayer for complete healing and wisdom for the doctor. Ed might want you to pray I listen and obey but he's not writing the blog so he can't ask.  Thanks for following the blog. I don't normally share the bumps and bruises here but just in case you needed a chuckle (because I'm too stubborn and haven't made it to the doctor), or you want to shake your finger at me to "take care of yourself girl" (as some loved ones have in the past couple days). Either way, here I am...sore foot and all.  Hope you had a wonderful and relaxing weekend, with some time outdoors to enjoy the sunshine and warm weather before the rain moves through.
Have you ever let fear keep you from going to the doctors?
Once at the doctors, did you laugh because the diagnosis had an easy solution?