Saturday, February 15, 2014

. . . and in Conclusion

After receiving numerous requests to update my condition, I'm going to add this last one as the conclusion of my adventure in what one of my friends called my "motorcycle induced vacation" though it was hardly a vacation.

As stated before, I had my last surgery on my upper right leg to remove an ossified muscle (turned to bone due to "over-calcification" as my brain tried to tell my pelvis bones to make more bone.) Once that procedure was done in November, a whole new world of comfort and ability opened up for me.  I finished up with home health and my physical therapist, Mike, by the end of December.  I still have an assignment from Mike to do a series of stretches everyday until the anniversary of my accident.  There is a lot of scar tissue that needs to be broken down to regain as much of my full flexibility as possible.

The miracle of healing continues.  Six months earlier than the disability administrators planned, my lead trauma surgeon cleared me to go back to work on January 6.  My schedule has been modified a little out of concern about how my stamina would be.  I teach two classes of World Religions on Monday and Wednesday and two classes of Acts to Revelation on Tuesday and Thursday.  Full schedule would add three more classes a week.  I'm back to producing the video announcements for the institute, too.  I have also returned to being an advisor to the LDSSA Interfaith Committee.

I can walk almost perfectly and unassisted.  When I get a little tired some notice a slight limp, but increasingly that is diminishing, too.  The big news, to me at least, is that I rode my bicycle around the block yesterday and my physical therapist cleared me to ride on our local bike path today to see how I do.  Someone will be with me to spot me, but once I'm on the bike I do fine.  It's getting my leg over the bike that I am working on.  More stretching to be sure.

My return to bicycling includes a plan to ride in the Salt Lake Century in May and be a part of a relay in what is called the "Salt to Saint" (Salt Lake City to St. George) ride in September.

My stamina has exceeded the expectations of my supervisors.  I feel great.  Everyday is a new and fresh day.  I love things that I used to dread. .  . like taking out the garbage, cleaning the garage, feeding the dogs, running errands.  I get excited because instead of complaining the thought comes into my mind, "at least you can do it".  After laying for months in a bed not being able to walk, I loving doing anything.  I have a great anticipation for Spring.  It can't get here soon enough for me.  Today will be a record high for February of around 60 degrees but colder weather will be back again later this week.  I'll take these hints of the coming spring weather, though.

I have been asked by close friends if I had an "experience" while I lay near death.  My response has been that I may have but I don't remember it.  I was in a medically induced coma for almost four weeks.  But as I have thought about it, I do know that I feel much differently about things and my heart feels softer.  My perspective of life and relationships has changed dramatically.  One associate said I'm still a little sarcastic, but it doesn't have the edge it sometimes has.  He said I'm different in a nice way.  I'll take it.

The more I reflect on this experience, the more amazed I am at the power of prayer.  As people have shared with me their experiences in praying and fasting for me I am humbled by their love and by the love of God for me.  I know many don't experience the outcomes I'm experiencing, but I'm convinced that in my case I'm here because a ton of faith was sent heavenward in my behalf.  I can not express in words how I feel about my friends, students, and family that prayed for me and continue to do so since I'm still in recovery mode.  Gratitude is on my mind and heart continually.

As I sat in my office a couple of weeks ago and noticing the small scars on my hands and thinking of the bigger scars on my hip, leg, back and forehead, I thought about how guys usually like to tell the stories of the scars they've received in their lives.  Then a powerful impression came into my mind that one day a group of people will ask One, "what are those marks in your hands and feet?"  Then He will have a story to tell.  Now I know why Jesus, even though resurrected, still has the scars.  It's because they tell the story, His witness and ours, of who He is and how He gives us God's love.

The seminary and institute teachers and their wives have been rehearsing in a choir in preparation for the broadcast of "Evening with a General Authority".  We are singing "Jesus Once of Humble Birth". The choir director was explaining the dynamics of the music and was showing us how the music is low and ominous but crescendos as it is declared that Jesus is victorious over death.  He asked us to imagine the darkness, then the two angels rolling back the stone, the light bursting forth and how all the pain, sadness, and misery Jesus had experienced was now in the past.  It was a new day, death was conquered and Light would prevail.  I was overcome with realizing that in my own little way I had experienced something similar.  My darkness, pain and misery are past.  It is a new day.  Hope is now Eternal.  The victory of Christ is my victory, too.  None of this would be possible if not for the gift of love from Jesus Christ.

As I still process the events surrounding my accident, I'm certain there will be more God has to teach me.  I am grateful that such as thing has happened because of what I know now.  It was a painful way to learn it, but the lesson is wonderful.

I probably won't add to this blog anymore.  It's time to move on and dwell on the celebrations of life. I'm loving the marriages that have and will take place.  Our twin granddaughters bring us incredible joy.  Please feel free to talk and share by phone, Facebook messaging or e-mail (keithearllongmore@gmail.com).  I love hearing from you.  Your faith builds mine.

I love you.  Jesus loves you.  And Heavenly Father loves you.  Never forget!


1 comment:

  1. Daddy, you're an inspiration to everyone who knows you, and everyone you meet. Especially me. You make me want to be a better person, and an example to everyone I meet. I'm so grateful to have the experiences with you that I wouldn't have had if we weren't so blessed to keep you. I truly value every moment we have together, and I hope I can carry on your legacy of being one who spreads the gospel wherever I go, not only by words, but by example as well. I love you so much, pops!

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