My Favorite Things

For over 50 years people of all ages have enjoyed the work of Rogers & Hammerstine in their production of The Sound of Music. If you were to ask what song from the musical a favorite, individual answers would vary because the musical connects with people in many ways. "My Favorite Things" is a classic and I am one individual that connects with the thoughts, meaning and attitude of the song. Listing my favorite things is an ever changing collection of moments, things, and people. There are some items that have remained consistent on my list over the years while some other favorites have slipped over the course of time. Over the past 8 months of my life, I have been in a battle for life. Medical conditions change quickly and what is routine can become deadly in an instant of time. In 1984 my body began to experience some aches and pains that at first were dismissed as nothing. The spring of 1985 that all changed when those symptoms introduced me to a medical diagnosed of one of the crippling form of arthritis. At 21 years of age one of the changes in life I was not exactly prepared for was a wheelchair. With aggressive medical treatment and experimental drug trails two years passed and to God be the glory, I walked again. When you find yourself flat on your back and unable to move your list of 'favorite things' has a way of changing. The past 30 years of my life I have attempted to be a smiling, happy person. My faith in Jesus Christ and my relationship has grown each year from 1985 through 2015. I cannot describe in a single newspaper column all I have learned from Him and about Jesus, but I've attempted to share my story each week 'Until then'. Until then is not only the name of this column but it is a part of my Christian practice, belief and faith, that until my life on earth has run its course, I am to keep pressing forward. "My Favorite Things" includes singing a song, drinking an Royal Crown Cola or a Squirt! Bluegrass Music, and a hot pretzel to list some constant items that have remained on my list over the years. A goal in my life that I set back in 1985 in one of my growing moments with Jesus was from an arrangement He and I worked out together. I would accept whatever came my way as long as He helped me with opportunities to use my life experiences to help others. It is an agreement that I am still following through with today. My list of changing favorite things includes moving from a wheelchair to a walker and from a walker to a walking cane. Favorite things include being able to stand and balance myself. It may seem strange but I'm thankful for having conversations and being able to remember that we've talked! Of all the favorite things in life I am most thankful for God's plan, even when I don't know what the plan is, and I'm most thankful for blessings. In my relationship with Jesus He owes me nothing, I actually owe Him. A part of my favorite blessings in life are my parents who have been by my side for the past 8 months non-stop. My siblings, Jim, Jr., Bridget & Alicia Bernadine. Extended family and friends who have touched my life by their actions and who continue to be of service and encouragement. My favorite things include my progress and the improvements I've experienced. Being able to write this column each week is a favorite thing. My most favorite thing is knowing that Jesus Christ loves me and that He knows me by name, personally. His love gave me peace when facing death. His love gave me encouragement when I dreamed and His love gives me purpose as I look to the future whatever it presents along my journey here on earth. I have shared with you my personal thoughts and If reflecting on "My Favorite Things" does for you what it does for me, you will be glad you took the time to write them down. Until then