I Think I Can

By mold recovery 10/28/2009 , , , 4 comments
Here's what I've noticed about the recovery process. I will be singing one day and sobbing the next. Two steps forward and one giant step backward.

It's a roller coaster. It's a climb. It's the harsh reality of a toxic mold exposure.

It's been 10 months of solid recovery work. We went into this with a head start. We saw an orthospinologist (chiropractic specialist) for 4 months prior to leaving our home. I'm still grateful for that initial message to our bodies that it's time to unload the "junk" we had accumulated over the years through the mold exposure in our home, the foods, and our life in a toxic world.

We headed to Arizona and I soon realized that no doctor and no protocol will make us well. Our genetics combined with our high and prolonged exposure meant that dedication and determination would be essential if we were to unload enough to lead a "recovered" life.

So here we are 10 months later. With some new strategies and some old ones. We're still taking numerous supplements but nothing synthetic. No more cholestyramine. We seem to plateau at times. As if our bodies need a good kick to remind us what health looks like. Acupuncture, Chinese herbs, and the dietary changes have helped.

I've been thinking lately about the "Little Engine that Could." Such a simple story: A willing engine with a daunting task. Pulling another engine over a mountain to save the hearts of some children. I feel like that engine sometimes. Still climbing. Trying to believe I can get to the other side. Wondering what the other side looks like.

The engine makes it, unloads, and the children receive their gifts. And so the story ends,

And they learned one important lesson from the Little Engine. There are many things we can accomplish if only we would try. If only we would say, "I think I can."

Chug Chug. Puff Puff.

I think I can. I think I can. I think I can.

4 comments :

  1. KristinaOctober 29, 2009 at 7:25 AM

    We're in your corner Andrea, crying with you, laughing with you, praying for you, believing God for you and knowing that God has a plan for your family that includes bringing good out of all that has happened to each of you. We're committed to traveling this journey with you and "think you can" as well! More than that, we KNOW you can and will, despite the one step forward and two steps back at times. Please know our love is with you and your family. Cindy ad Steve (Tucson)

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  2. Ruth AOctober 29, 2009 at 7:50 AM

    I think WE can, Andrea, all of us
    who are going through this journey with you. I need to remind myself each day to say "Thank you Lord, for the healing of this day!" and so it is. One day at a time. Remember that old commercial that said: "You've come a long way baby!"? Well, we can say that, too.
    I say it more some days than others, just like you. I am so grateful today that I have Him and
    not "things" like I used to have.
    Praise the Lord!!!
    Big hugs for you all!

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  3. ErikaOctober 29, 2009 at 8:37 AM

    Thanks for sharing your heart and your story. If it at all helps - who knows how many lives God is using you to save from mold and all its dangers. By the grace of God - you can and you will. We are praying for you all.

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  4. SueOctober 30, 2009 at 10:14 AM

    The Little Engine That Could was one of Ben's favorite stories when he was little. By the age of 3 he could "read" it since he had each and every page of the book memorized. It speaks to all of us, no matter the struggles we go through, because God does not promise us a "rose garden." Some of us struggle more it seems, but the verse about God never giving us more than we can bear is always on my heart. You have taken your struggles and instead of wallowing in them have turned them to good purpose, you have helped so many, even here in Hingham. And yes, you can, Andrea, yes you can! Prayers. sue

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