365 of 2014: 2 years later

What a long couple of years it has been, but at the same time where did that time go? Two years ago our lives were turned upside down, as well as those of our family and friends. Here we are today, still going through appointment after appointment, struggling at times with the immobility and constant pain - but that's just it. We are HERE. I can't lie and say I'm positive all of the time about our situation, because it honestly sucks sometimes... but Luke and I choose to try our very best to make the most of what we do have, not what we don't. If we have found one good thing that has come from the events of September 19th, 2013, it is the wonderful people we have met through our experiences, as well as the people who have stuck by us and shown us so much love support. Thank you to our families, who we know have felt so powerless but have helped us more than words can describe. Thank you to our friends, both those who have stuck with us as well as the people who we have since met whose friendships will last a lifetime. Thank you to the nurses and staff at the various hospitals we have visited, but particularly those at Hampstead Rehabilitation Centre who were there for us in the middle of the night, who gave us tough love when we needed it, and who showed us that it's okay to cry because they're only human too. I could go on forever but there is not enough words to describe how grateful I am for the people who have had an impact in our lives, no matter how big or small.

I will keep this short and sweet (just like me!) and quickly update you on our last few months!

Luke has continued with the relentless medical appointments, juggling follow-ups from the three surgeries earlier in the year as well as having another two, with one more still to go. In August Luke had the metal plate removed from his right foot. The bone has been fused and healed however he had a major nerve sitting on top of the plate which caused incredible nerve pain which has slightly settled since the removal. Luke also had a second round of radiofrequency denervation for the major nerve supplying sensation in his left thigh, which slightly reduced the constant background nerve pain but unfortunately aggravated the sharp, intermittent pain. He is booked in for surgery on his shoulder in October as it was fractured in the crash and tendons were damaged but with all of the other injuries had not been picked up.
I have been travelling along steadily with regular physio and will hopefully have a bit of a change-up and get some gym equipment to work on my strength for a few months before returning to physio to revisit learning to self-transfer.
I have started attending markets with both my art as well as bath, body and hair products. I have been learning about aromatherapy, working with natural products and essential oils to make a range of shower gels, hair care, moisturisers and more! Luke has been kept busy, being my handyman and muscles! Visit my website or Facebook pages for UnLimited Function Art ( www.unlimitedfunctionart.com / www.facebook.com/UnLimitedFunction ) and New Life Essentials ( www.facebook.com/NewLifeAus ) to see where I will be over the next few months. Over the next few weeks I am excited to go home to be at the Parilla Seasonal Market (September 27th, 9am-2pm, Parilla), Market to Market in Morphett Vale (October 3rd, 3pm-8pm, Morphett Vale Basketball Stadium) and join the North Haven Football Club Spring Carnival (October 11th, 10am-3pm, Largs North Reserve).

I hope you are well and, although it can be so hard to do, make the most of what we do have - you never know what is around the corner.

Much love xx