Last night I spent an hour writing out my feelings about my face. It was long winded and emotional and I felt better after I wrote it but realized no one else needs to read it, ever. Long story short, the bell's palsy is much better but there was some serious damage done to my facial nerve. I'm seeing a physical therapist who specializes in facial treatment and she is confident she can help me get my face back. It's a long process requiring more patience than I think I posses, but it's really the only option I have at this point. I can't give up now. I have a good year or more of therapy ahead of me but I'm trying my hardest to stay positive and optimistic. It is the best thing for my face after all. I've been doing lots of yoga, meditation, and relaxation techniques even though my crazy life really doesn't allow for it. Over the last couple years, I've been striving to be a more mindful, conscious, present person and this therapy requires all of those things. I guess I should be careful what I wish for. Let me share a few pictures that demonstrate things that are good for my facial recovery. Mind you, this isn't a complete list, just pictures I have taken recently. I have so many loved ones that do wonders for my mental and physical state, you know who you are!
Sam is going through the funniest stage right now. He is sitting up on his own and really trying to master the sitting to crawling maneuver.
Meal time is his favorite and he will eat anything.
He's also started standing up to everything.
He moves all over in his crib now but always has multiple binkies around him just in case. Watching a baby sleep is definitely good for my face.
Sam said goodbye to his infant tub this week and hello to the big boy tub with Max. So cute!
How could these little faces not aid in my recovery? If only they always looked so sweet and angelic.
Let's not forget the most adorable 7 year old around. Hank came home from school with some digits yesterday. He pulled out a paper from his pocket with Emily's phone number on it. He told me today he is in love with her. I'm not sure that bit of information is good for my face but the fact he will confide in me like that is awesome! Let's just hope he doesn't read this post until he is older.
The annual Snow Springs Walk-a-Thon took place on Friday and Hank was pumped. He woke up at the crack of dawn excited and ready. He wanted to beat his record from last year, 12 laps, and he did just that. Hank gives it his all no matter what he is doing. It's one of his best traits. He had every excuse to stop and rest but he pushed through. He is my hero.
So, I'm really trying to embrace the current state of my face. I get a little panicked when someone pulls out a camera and wants to take a picture of me. Randy took the following picture last weekend while we were out on the town with my dear cousin Riley. Part of my therapy is embracing the good things about my face and not dwelling on the things that aren't so great. So here it is, my current facial state...
I am able to overlook my less than perfect smile and focus on how much fun it was to hang with my cuz. Riley and I were inseparable as kids, and here we are, all these years later, still kicking it and having a great time. As I look through these pictures I realize just how wonderful my life is. No matter what my daily struggles are, Bell's Palsy and all, I am a very blessed girl.
3 comments:
Annie, you are beautiful! Those 3 little boys and 1 big boy are so lucky to have you in their lives. As are the rest of us. Love you!
Sister...you have always been...and still are beautiful in every way.
You've dealt with the palsy with amazing patience, grace, and toughness. Now- let's kick it in the ass once and for all!
I love you.
Truthfully, and honestly, you look beautiful. It must be a very difficult thing to go through, but you're strong and if anyone can do it it's you. xoxo
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