(This is the rest of the post that was prematurely posted below.)

Well 3 years ago Oct 2, I (Julie) was discharged from the hospital to go home after 4 months of recovery. I could lay in bed, and pivot into a powered wheelchair. That was the extent of my mobility. My wonderful Phil, transferred me from bed to chair and helped me take my first steps. Fast forward to today, (oh how I wish we could just fast forward…that was such a dark time.)
Today, we continue to break our own barriers in this life of recovery.  After 2 and 1/2 hours of intense, timed battery of tests, my ability to drive a car safely was evaluated (sensory-motor, mazes, dot-dot, and my ability to be distracted yet still perform).  I passed with flying colors and can now drive a car.

I can now make a box of mac and cheese, fry an egg, chop and saute veggies and make simple meals with little help from Phil. 

Phil took my cane away this past spring and I have been walking without, albeit carefully at times on uneven terrain. 

I can shower and mostly dress myself with Phil nearby, in case I need to call for help. 
I can drive myself to my appointments and stop at the store to pick up a few items. 
We have had lots of summer visitors and it has helped both Phil and I expand what we are capable of.
We have floated multiple rivers in our valley, and walked a few steep hills. 
We hosted a wedding with 130 people in our backyard!
We adopted a 9 month old dog 3 weeks ago.  Shadow is a wonderful dog who thrives on praise and affection rather than food or play. 
Phil continues to be busy and promises me he will start to stretch and exercise his back and ankle once we develop a routine. hmmmmm

 A dear friend explained the pain and suffering she felt after her husband died.  While I would never equate my injury with the loss one feels after a loved one's death, I do understand the loss felt multiple times a day when I remember I can't just walk without willing my body to take each step.  I can't button shirts or pants. I can't open any bottle, jar or package because that requires 2 hands and only my right hand partially works.  I'm typing this with one finger because my left hand doesn't work.

So every day, Phil and I are challenged to navigate this new life with what abilities we have, and I won't say this is easy.  But we will continue to persevere.  We feel blessed.  God has carried both of us through this very difficult time and we are grateful.  Our many prayers have been answered, and we are coming through this very difficult time.    

From Phil now -  We are extremely grateful for all of the support of our friends and family. Prayer works and our journey has brought us closer to each other and to our heavenly Father.  I am so proud of Julie, her determination, grit, attitude, and faith.  I smile daily at the things she accomplishes and my heart sinks a bit to watch her struggle with other things.  But that is part of the process for us.  Learning to "suffer well" has been one of the many life lessons for us.