Blessings always come when I look for them

Last Monday started out as a dreadful day with an early morning voice therapy and then 3 hour wait until my voice coaching appointment. Both of these appointments were downtown at the UofU and were about an hour drive each way. After my first appointment my mom, Zoe and I got in the car trying to figure out what to do for the next 3 hours when all of the sudden my brilliant niece, Brooklyn, pulled up next to us on her way to work at Hogle Zoo. Thankfully, the suns gotta shine on a donkey's butt sometime and boy did it shine on us. So, we jumped on the opportunity to go to the zoo.

It could not have been a better day. The weather was overcast and the perfect temperature. The animals were out walking around. At the bird show I was chosen to have the crow land on my arm and give me free carousal ride tickets. Zoe was chosen to have a bird eat out of her hand and we got to feed giraffes. It was a great day to be alive, even if I was peed on by a tortus.

I started voice therapy and voice coaching. After the zoo I attended my first of many weekly voice coaching appointments. I really wanted to give up singing and focus on new hobbies and talents because I through it wasn't worth the effort, but Levi, my mom, my sister and even my dad encouraged me to keep singing. Levi scheduled appointments for me to meet with specialist at the voice disorder clinic. Isn't he the greatest? At my first voice coaching I learned that there is some hope for enjoying singing again. As I started working with my voice coach I shared with him a few songs I had recorded before my transplant. Without knowing he said he wanted me to sing the version of "Come Thou Fount" I sang at my dad's funeral, because it fit my voice perfectly and it was be ideal for me to continue working on strengthening my voice. I had to hold back tears and thank my dad for still supporting me, even from the other side. It's good to know others are always watching over me, whether it's here on earth or in heaven.

I have reflected over this past year and recognized all the progress I've made. Exactly one year ago today I returned home from California and was trying to adjust back to life back in Utah.

Now I'm working on a few new skills. Remember how I said I wanted to try running? Well, one day while walking at the gym I decided to start jogging. I made it around the track. I was so proud. Then my friend Ali told me to jog around again so I could have a picture to document it. Guess what? The second time around the track was easier than the first. Don't be fooled to think everything was perfect. The next 3 days my legs were really sore. I can thank the stroke for that. I will continue to run and hopefully become stronger and faster. 

The first picture was shortly before we came home from California and the second picture is a year later. It's amazing what can happen in a year with patiences and a great amount of work.

I am so blessed. There is always good things happening. Even when hard times happen, blessing always come when I look for them.