My dear friend Francine wrote the following. It is so special that it demanded to be shared with you. Thank you Francine, we love you!
Word pictures help me to gain understanding. I have considered how I could draw a word picture of my view of CRPS as displayed in Kathryn’s life.
As I look out my window at the snow covered ground I see the trees laden, bent with the weight of the snow. This is a picture of Kathryn as she carries the weight of CRPS bent in silent pain. To the onlooker the trees are beautiful and only at the breaking point do we see its stress. Kathryn displays confidence and a rare beauty forged by her drive to move pass the restraints of CRPS. She bends to right herself yet fears the snap will come and she will slide into a season of severe pain. We see her beauty but not the downward pull of CRPS on her body.The recent snow came with blinding force, almost a white out at times. This too is descriptive of the pain level Kathryn experiences; it is as if nothing but pain is in the visual field yet she strains to move forward. A fog like mist enters her brain slowing the natural processing with an invading sense of confusion. Look for the familiar, find a point of reference to lead you out of the blind. She needs the routine of her school day, the normalcy of being a teenager, yet much is experienced in a blizzard. Storms pass but more are forecasted thus she hopes for a successful treatment. The treatment comes with great emotional pain that leaves a lasting foot print, but it a footprint in the snow that offers a way out.
In the midst of the recent storm my husband was outside shaking our Magnolia tree hoping to spare it the weight of the snow; assuring us fragrant blossoms this spring. Unlike our tree we cannot shake off the grip CRPS has on Kathryn. We can offer the sweet fragrance of prayer for her and seek wisdom in how we may be able to come along side. This is not the work of one but for many as we help to clear a path for her to find sure footing.
It is too cold and I am too old to make a snow angel but if I did it would be a reminder that God is ever present and I can see the imprint of his love in Kathryn’s life. 2 Chronicles 20:12 comes to mind, “…For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.” From my perspective this is the testimony of the MacDonald family as they experience the destructive power of CRPS. They keep their focus on God’s unfailing love.
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