Wednesday, June 10, 2009

When it's time to change, then it's time to change!

Remember the Brady Bunch episode where the Brady kids are in the recording studio singing "When it's time to change, then it's time to change. Don't fight the tide, come along for the ride. Can't you see? When it's time to change you've got to rearrange who you are into what you're gonna be. Sha na na na na na...."

Well, life has certainly changed. Whew! Hold on a minute while I catch my breath! Life doesn't stay the same for long these days, does it? I thought I'd just share some of the changes in my life in the recent months with you...

The first drastic change I experienced wasn't quite as light-hearted as the Brady Bunch episode...It was heartbreaking for me. My family and I left the church we loved dearly and began the painful, dreaded search for a new church home. We had been part of this church for many years and our children never knew anyplace else. Many tears were shed in this decision, but looking back now I know it was the right decision for all of us. Difficult, but right for everyone involved including the loved ones we left behind.

In addition to leaving our family, I was also leaving my job. A job that I was passionate about for countless reasons. This was a huge financial blow to my little family and one we are still recovering from.

Shortly after leaving my job, my three kids and I were in a terrible car accident. All four of us walked away by the grace of God, but I was very slow to recover and still deal with a few issues. Thankfully though my kids were all okay after a couple months of physical therapy.

I started a new job (shortly after the accident) which I'm enjoying. I'm the Quality Control Manager for a rental management company here in our coastal city. I handle vacation rentals of all kinds and am learning way more than my little brain can handle. Great co-workers and one amazing boss and I still get off in time to pick up my kids from school (most days!)! Who could ask for more?

We have found a new church home and are starting to let our guard down. I've been a spectator for awhile now while I've healed and restored my mind and heart. Still not quite ready to get in the game, but creeping ever closer to the scrimmage line.

Through all of this my CIDP has flared more than you can imagine. No feeling in my back, weakness in my neck, tremendous joint pain. My body's had such a hard time getting used to working and for awhile there I didn't think I was going to be physically able to do it. At night I'm so tired I could just cry, but I seem to be less and less tired at the end of the day as time goes on. This gives me hope that my body will eventually adjust. For now, I just keep rolling along! Still having monthly IVIG infusions and praying for a cure.

And you? I know I'm not the only one who's life has changed lately. What's going on in your little corner of the world? I'd love to hear about it. And Robin, thanks for the gentle nudge, my sweet friend!
Remember, when it's time to change...you've got to rearrange who you are into what you're gonna be!

With hope,
Kristen

3 comments:

Robin said...

Wow! That is a lot of change in a short period of time. I now understand why you have been so heavy on my heart. Know that I prayed for during those times. I had know I idea what was going on but I was asking the Lord for peace and protect over you and your family. You've been through some very tramatic changes in you life recently. I will continue to carry you to the Throne of Grace. He can redeem all things, Kirsten. Even hurtful relationships with friends, children that needed therapy, finances that a struggling. He is a God of redemption.

Love you my sister in Christ. I shall nudge you again when I sense I lull in the post. I know we don't know each other well but I feel little by little we are learning more and more. I was dead serious when I said I would love to meet you sometime. I would love to sit and just chat over coffee...okay I don't do coffee but I'm all about ice sweet tea. It's so refreshing to know you have someone you can go to that has this disease and had been where I am headed. I too and facing big changings in my life. Big decisions have to be made soon about what direction my treatment will take. I am terrified. People hold my hand and I tell them they don't understand what this disease is like....how bad it hurts, how tired it makes me. I feel as if I'm going out of my mind. I spend so much of my time face down on the floor at the feet of my Lord Jesus because I know He is all I have that is constant. My nudge wasn't selfless. I would love to tell you it was my sweet friend. I need you to speak. I need to hear you. Any and every thing you are willing to share about this disease and how it weaves itself into out everyday lives. I'm so afraid of making the wrong choice. I have a husband and 2 precious daughters to consider. I am bond by my Lord to do my best...to consider my best...and yet I am terrified. Do you think we maybe could talk on the phone sometime...maybe schedule a time that we could set aside as if we were meeting to talk. I know you work, so it could be at night after you have dinner or put children to bed. Whatever times works best for you. Is this too much to ask? Have I become this crazy stalker lady you think you need to block. Sorry if it seems this way. I still feel like you were sent to me from the Lord. When my friend Mary found you blog it was an answered prayer.

I'm so glad you updated and will give you sometime before I nudge you again. Praying for you!

Kristen Reyna said...

Hi Robin!

You are such a blessing to me! I sent you a facebook message and I look forward to chatting with you soon. Thanks for your encouragement.

With hope,
Kristen

Unknown said...

Even after all that turmoil, you are still so optimistic. Good to hear from you and I'm so happy things are starting to improve for you.

P.S. I may visit often but I do think and pray for you often.