May we all be “Pioneers”

Jan. 17, 2010

5:30 a.m. came way too early this past week. There’s no way we’d miss an intensive-therapy day, but still it was a real labor of love to get out from under the covers. We had the routine down pretty well, and we’ve almost gotten into a groove, but still being up and hitting the road an hour before the sun comes out is a feeling I’m out of practice.

Once out of Columbus, the interstate doesn’t have many lights along the freeway. It’s just two lanes as far as the eye can see, and with the fog the end of the week, that wasn’t very far either. Wednesday morning I won’t say that I was drowsy, but I just wasn’t as mentally sharp. As the miles rolled on one-after-the-next, I found myself counting the mile markers working down to 17, the problem was I was still on 78.

It was then that a guide was sent to lead my path. I couldn’t have asked for a truer sign. Of all those who read my postings, I think that only one person will understand how unique this vehicle was and how I could have such confidence that it was sent just for me.

The beacon was sent in the form of a Pioneer Trails charter bus. Like I said, I’m sure almost none of you have heard that name before. It’s a charter line with a fleet of 4 buses. Why is it special to me? I built their website over 5 years ago. By seeing that bus I knew I had someone to lead the way to make their “8:30 Cincinnati stop, exit 46 off of I-275.” Just seeing that bus jumpstarted my mental focus and prepared me for what was to be a good day.

For those of you who are reading the daily updates of our intensive therapy page, you know Wednesday was also very good day for Nathan. He went to town on the weights, worked hard in the suit, and the three hours seemed to fly by almost too fast.

Travelling back, we made our stop to the outlet mall in Jeffersonville. Of course, my first stop was to the Nike store. I browsed a little bit, knowing I had to at least find a t-shirt to head home, after all, that was almost a tradition. I passed many of the Just Do It shirts, and the traditional logos, which unfortunately are now considered retro (I guess I’m older than I think,) but then I found what I was looking for. It truly captures what our intentions are of intensive therapy are about and the attitude that Nathan seems to bring on a daily basis. The shirt simply says “Rise Above.” (Scarlet letters on a white shirt.)

I don’t think this Nike will replace Just Do It, but I think this fits us better than anything else I could ask. To think of all the obstacles we’ve overcome, and for all those which currently stand in front of us. It’s a statement that we’re a constant work-in-progress. We’re grateful to how far we’ve come, but we’re working to be one step closer to where we think we can be.

The roads we travel can be covered in snow/ice, blinded by fog, pelted by rain, or blazed with sun. May we all be pioneers of our own adventures, blazing trails and letting the world know of our victories big and small. With God’s love and his grace we can all Rise Above.

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