Thanksgiving brings to mind many things in life for which I am thankful. Although I try to remember to be thankful every day, it’s good to have a day to focus on it.
I am very thankful for God and His Love for me. Ever since I became a Christian many years ago, I have seen God’s Work in my life in every situation even at times when I wouldn’t think He would do so. I am thankful that His Gift of Salvation that guarantees me, and everyone else who believes, eternal life in heaven.
I am thankful for my wife of twenty-six years. She has been an awesome help with my Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) battles and a wonderful companion to spend life with. Only God could prepare a woman like her to be the right companion for me.
I am thankful for my dog, Abby, and my cat, Samson. Abby is a young black labrador retriever who keeps me going. As I will share more details in another post, having a dog to care for every day has helped me to be successful in staying a step ahead of CMT. My cat has had his role too. Many evenings when I head to bed, my cat will curl up on my shoulder and purr. Somehow, he seems to know when I need some extra purrings and goes into an amazing-sounding purr mode. It usually helps me to relax.
Today, at 59-1/2 years old, I am thankful to be alive, walking, and enjoying life. The original diagnosis of CMT, lead me to believe that things could be very different at this age. In some ways, it is, but God has blessed me to keep going forward in life. For that I am thankful.
However you are celebrating today, remember to be thankful for the many blessings in your life. Take the time to enjoy family and friends too. They are the most important aspects of your life.
Every morning I set out to walk my dog, Abby, almost always without fail, I open the front door to step out onto the porch and the first words out of my mouth are “Thank You Jesus!” repeated more than a few times. My dog usually looks at me like “what Dad?” as we head out.
As I walk Abby, I cannot help but be in awe of God’s Creation and how beautifully it all comes together. The mountains several miles from me stand majestic and beautiful. Today, I can clearly see them in a blue hue since the summer’s humidity has settled with no clouds in the skies.
We live on a gravel road now with no sidewalks just houses and treed lawns that are spread out far apart. The gravel road is different from the asphalt pavement we have walked many times before. Somehow, the gravel adds to the awesomeness of nature as it abounds around me. I know that sounds odd, but maybe its beauty is brought out after spending 58 years walking, driving, and living in the asphalt jungle known as suburbia.
While walking, I see the beauty of the trees, many different species with leaves of intricate design. It is just incredibly amazing to see the leaf’s detail as it all weaves together on branches to the trunk of the trees. Across from my house’s front door and along the gravel road, the trees line the roadway with so much beauty. Many of them look to have been here back to the day God planted them on this earth.
Of course, living out here where I can enjoy the beauty of nature includes wildlife. We have encountered deer who immediately gallop off into the woods as soon as they see us coming. The occasional squirrel is a bit odd since they were often found in the city. As we walk, we pass through some natural areas which look as though they haven’t been touched by man at all. The beauty in this area causes me to pause to look for more than a few minutes. Abby gives a look, more than a few sniffs, and her attention directed to what could possibly be in this forested area. My guess is probably the bears I’ve heard about from the neighbors, maybe a few opossums, skunks, raccoons, snakes, and the list could go on.
As I enjoy this beautiful area I now call home, I can’t help but be overwhelmingly thankful that I know the Creator who made all of this. In my youth, I learned the many theories which teach how our universe came together. I couldn’t fathom that something so magnificent, so glorious, so intrinsically detailed, so interwoven together creating the beauty of nature, could happen from an explosion or by any other means. No, it was created by God. He created it all. I have to admit I wonder how He did it. Was it created from a thought that brought it all together? Or, did He handmake all of creation? Did He swipe His Hand across the earth causing it all to come together? That’s something I will ask Him when I get to heaven.
When walking Abby down the gravel road, I talk with God about life while enjoying the beautiful scenery. He is like a best friend and we talk often. As a child, I became a Christian and have believed in Jesus, God, and the Bible ever since. I have had some questions along the way, but God answers them in the way that He does. For me, I wouldn’t trade this walk with God all these years nor all the coming years for absolutely anything this world could ever offer me.
The next time you see a tree or a beautiful place in nature, ask yourself, “do I truly know the Creator of all this?” If you do, excellent- see you in heaven one of these days. If not, here’s how to learn more, Peace With God.
“The Gravel Road in Nature’s Beauty” (C) 2022, Isaiah Jacobs
Up until a few weeks ago, I hadn’t heard of National Disability Pride Month. It caught my attention as I was reading something else so I read further about it.
What is National Disability Pride Month? It is a month designated to celebrate the uniqueness of people with disabilities and their contributions to society. The disabled community makes up about 15% of the population. This makes sense since many disabled people are overlooked or ignored because of something they cannot do. I have had that happen more than a few times in my life- sad to say. Also, It was created to bring awareness to the needs of making our community more accessible for the disabled.
Anyway, I am not one for letting Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) be what people think about when they meet and get to know me. It doesn’t define me. God defines me and directs my life. As a matter of fact, I rarely mention my diagnosis to anyone except on a need-to-know basis. If they ask questions, depending on who it is and why they are asking, I may or may not answer their questions.
As a disabled man, “disabled” being a term I rarely ever use to describe myself, I have contributed to my community or society by working a full-time job, paying taxes, volunteering with a few charities, attending and supporting my church, helping my neighbor when needed, and taking care of myself without depending on the community, or government, to do so. When I was job searching, I paid attention to the physical requirements making sure that I could meet them. I wasn’t going to end up having government funds paying my way. I know the pros and cons being crippled and it’s limitations so I can serve others as best as I can without causing problems.
As I go through life, as difficult as it might be, I celebrate everything God made me to be. Yes, sometimes having CMT is hard to celebrate but I believe God made me this way for a reason. It might be when I get to heaven that I learn why but it is what I believe.
For me, I don’t believe in the idea of taking pride in myself. As a Christian, I know God considers “pride” a sin, a wrong thing to do. I’m not one to ever deliberately do something which God abhors. Therefore, I am not into the pride part of this month. For me, celebrating the uniqueness that God made me is the best way to go.
What makes you unique and special, different from others, because you have CMT and/or other health issues? Please share in the comments.
Do you know God? I mean more than simply crying out “GOD!” or “GOD HELP ME!”? Have you had the opportunity to meet Him in a real way? Are you a born-again Christian?
These days, the dark forces of this world make God out to be unnecessary or outdated or there is no need to worry about God. As a matter of fact, the things of this world which aren’t that important seem to glimmer and glitzy appearing to be the greatest to obtain or have, grabbing our attention.
I have been blessed to have grown up in a Christian home. My father was a Minister of Music for many years and my mother served as a church organist and in various volunteer roles in the church for many years. We were at church every time the doors were open. Yeah, as a kid, I did find that annoying. And, I often wondered why the other kids, later teenagers, weren’t required to be in church every Sunday too. Although, I remember never really asking that question to my parents.
I became a Christian at a very young age. I remember knowing that I wanted to know the God that the preacher that Sunday was talking about. So I prayed the prayer and become a Christian that day. It’s funny, at nearly 60 years old, I can’t remember what I did a few minutes ago or why I came downstairs to my studio for something. However, I still remember that day of becoming a Christian. In my early years in college, I heard remarks about young children becoming a Christian as such a young age probably wasn’t authentic or real as they were not likely to understand what they were doing. Also, a professor said, “You can’t get to heaven on your parent’s coattails, you have to make the decision yourself.” So, just to be sure, as I like to say, I rededicated my life to Christ- making sure I was a Christian.
As life has gone forth, in all its events, challenges, and tragedies, I learned that being in church all that time as a kid and into my youth, and continuing it in my adult life, is a very good thing. As Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) gave me challenges that I didn’t understand, nor did the doctors, I look back now and realize it was God taking care of me. No doubt in my mind it was His Hand helping me.
Though recently I have been diagnosed with a severe case of CMT, and am not sure what the future holds, I have a peace that passes understanding because I know Jesus.
I am thrilled to share with you that I hiked Clingman’s Dome at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on Tuesday, May 31, 2022, and made it to the top of the tower. Are you surprised? I am, but then again, I’m not.
Clingmans Dome is located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the North Carolina/Tennessee border. You hike a steep paved incline trail up the hillside to a concrete trail that leads to the dome area. Once there, you have a view of seven states. On a clear day, you can see 100 miles or so. For someone with Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT), this can be a serious challenge to hike. Visit Clingmans Dome to learn more. As they state, “It is not wheelchair accessible.”
In late May, my wife and I took off for our annual Memorial Day weekend vacation. We enjoy attending the Bill Gaither Homecoming Family Fest in the Smokies at the Gatlinburg Convention Center for a few days of Southern Gospel music. After the concerts, we stay a few days longer so I can enjoy the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains.
This year, since it seems that Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) may be getting worse for me, I decided I wanted to attempt hiking up Clingman’s Dome in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Many years ago when I tried it, I hiked up only a few feet, thereabouts, and determined it was too much. However, since that day, so much has changed healthwise, for the better, I thought I would give it one more try.
A little backstory: Before I attempt hikes anywhere or do any physical workouts which are out of the ordinary, or that could stress my body physically, I prepare for it. Since I walk my dog, Abby, every day in our neighborhood, up and down gravel roads with challenging hills, it has helped me to be prepared for hikes like this one. Fortunately, I have been walking my dogs for many years which has really aided in my ability to do other activities. Also, it doesn’t hurt that I used to take nature hikes through local parks either. I frequent a chiropractor and massage therapist who provides tips on staying healthy and exercising. Though Clingmans Dome was definitely a challenge for me to hike, the preparation helped considerably.
We arrived at Clingmans Dome to find the parking places were full so I began thinking that I’d given it a shot- maybe we’ll just go elsewhere. However, God provided us with a parking spot at a perfect location. Not too far from the trail, restrooms, and gift shop. We were headed to the trail. Needless to say, I was excited to attempt the hike.
While I wish that I was able to select a hike and go for it, with CMT, I am limited and must take that into consideration. For one, I can walk around a half-mile without my braces wearing Crocs or walking shoes. Much further, I should wear my Arizona Braces with hiking boots. However, the Arizona Braces are designed to prevent me from turning my ankles, therefore, they are fairly stiff with little wiggle room. If I wear them walking down a slope or hill, they push a bit forward. If I am not paying attention, it is very easy for me to lose my balance gaining speed as I walk downhill. My wife saved me from what could have been a disastrous fall while walking down a hill in Baltimore not realizing ahead of time what could happen. I decided to wear my Hoka One One (no affiliation) walking shoes for this hike. They would offer comfort and stability.
I started my hike using a pair of ski poles my chiropractor suggested I use. I quickly learned they were excellent for helping me with stability. I wish that I could say that I made the hike since it is only a half-mile without stopping or sitting down on any benches. However, I found the benches the National Park Service placed along the trail to be quite a blessing and most definitely took advantage of them. I hiked until I needed to sit down, then started again. I tried not to use every single bench just so I could at least say I didn’t use every single bench. The view was incredible and made the hike so worth the effort. And, the amazing part is I completed the hike with no pain in my feet at all.
Along the way, I had the blessing of meeting several nice people while enjoying beautiful views of nature. I met a nice family from Pennsylvania who spent time at Cades Cove where they saw sixteen bears. I have to admit, I was slightly jealous because I’ve only seen one or two, maybe three, when I’ve been there. Their young boy was so happy to share his photos of the bears he saw with me it made my day. Also, when I reached the top of the tower, the father shared some very kind words of encouragement. He is a Christian and shared his faith. That warmed my heart. Also, he said he knows most people in my situation wouldn’t have even attempted this hike. He was happy to see me do it. His comments helped make my struggles up the hill more of a blessing.
Why am I not surprised that I was successful in the hike? I believe in a powerful God who made promises to me when I was in my twenties that He would be my strength and ability throughout my living with Charcot-Marie-Tooth. He has fulfilled that promise for 30+ years, He’s not stopping anytime soon. I will say, if the hike was something that I should not be attempting, God would have made me realize that too.
Charcot-Marie-Tooth affects all of us differently. Though I have been recently diagnosed with one of the more severe cases that my doctor has seen, I know my own abilities and have talked with a medical professional about exercising and workouts. Be sure to talk to your doctor before attempting any hikes or new exercise routines.
Happy Father’s Day to all the father’s in this awesome universe. Whether you are the father of your own children, a step-father, or a man who steps into that role for a child or two. Since I am a dog and cat lover at heart, always like to wish the animal father’s a “Happy Father’s Day” too.
My father passed away seven years ago now. I miss him and think of him often so I find myself glad that I spent time enjoying his company throughout our lives together. As society seems to make fathers to be less important than they really are, I like to think of the many teachings and gifts my father gave me as a child.
A teaching I will always cherish and be forever grateful for is my father taught me about God, Christianity, and the Bible. He made sure we knew about God, and took us to church every Sunday, Wednesday night, and revival services. He made sure my brother and I knew about heaven and the choice we had to make before we died. And, that we don’t know when death will come so we shouldn’t put it off. The choice? Where we want to spend eternity. It’s our choice. God will not force His Will on us so we decide. What would it be, heaven or hell? As a Christian, I am thankful for God’s Love for me and grateful my father showed me the way.
An indirect gift from my father was his love for music. He liked to joke that I was born during the playing of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture but I never figured out how he had music playing while I was being born. Anyway, he played a lot of classical music, church music, and Southern Gospel, especially Bill Gaither, around the house. Over the years, I have gotten to where I love my classical music playing whenever I am working or reading. I enjoy church music and Southern Gospel music and usually play it when doing my gardening, household chores, or cleaning my studio. Also, for me, music is a good retreat from the chaos of life. I have found that when I stress if I turn on some classical music, my body will often relax.
There are many memories of my father that I could write about for many pages of text. I hope you have an awesome day with your father. If you aren’t able to get together with your father, be sure to give him a call to him know you love him. If you aren’t speaking to your father for whatever reason, whoever’s fault it is, get over it and give him a call. Life is too short not to share the love with your father. For those, like me, whose father has gone to heaven with Jesus, reflect on the good memories of your father as the day goes on. Maybe you know someone whose children live across the country and cannot get together with them. Why not take them to lunch?
If you would have told me thirty or so years ago that I would be celebrating my wedding anniversary, much less my 25th, I would have laughed in your face! Why? As a young man with Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT), it was challenging enough to find a girlfriend much less one who would love me for me and looks past the deformed feet, lack of strength and ability, to love the real me.
As a young man, there were only two things on my mind. Women and sex. What else was there? Okay, so three. I wanted an education that would further me along in life. At this point in my life, I was a Christian and held to the virtues of being a Christian man, especially when dating. Why especially when dating? I was taught to respect the women I date, always treat the lady with my best manners, and have no sex before marriage. When I learned the value and responsibilities in all of that, I held onto them as I didn’t want to be disrespectful of women, nor did I want to be a very young father.
If you have Charcot-Marie-Tooth, you know your physical body is not like others. You know your physical challenges most likely will progressively worsen. And, I knew it. My feet had high arches and my muscular system doesn’t develop like other guys. I was scrawny and weighed around ninety-eight pounds. I was definitely not the hunk of athletes or even close. However, it wasn’t as important as I thought at the time.
The important thing I had to learn before I would find a wife and get married is to love myself. High arches and scrawny physical-self all of it. Also, I had to learn to be myself. I have a funny personality but if I am always thinking about CMT and its ramifications, it won’t shine through. It took more time to do all this than I had hoped but it worked.
Several years later, I met the most wonderful woman. She fell in love with me, what’s not to love, and I fell in love with her, what’s not to love? We recently celebrated our 25th Wedding Anniversary. We have been through life’s ups and downs together. She has been an awesome encourager when it comes to CMT and my challenges.
These days, there are a bazillion ways to get help with what ails you! From medications to meditations, exercises to yoga, man-made devices to holistic therapies to psychological. The list could go on and on and on but I think you get my point. These days, Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) patients have plenty of choices.
While I have had to use some medications over the years to keep me from having too much pain, needle-nerve pain is the worst, it is not usually my first choice. Needle-nerve pain feels like a thousand needles prickling me. However, I have not had to take any medication for muscle pain which thrills me to no end.
My first resource when dealing with the pain, new or old, is to call on the name of “Jesus!” Yes, “Jesus!” Sometimes I repeat “Jesus” several times. And, not at all in a profane way, as some might do. I pray that He helps me to get through the challenges of the pain. He does but in many different ways -that’s for another post. Sometimes the pain returns but He is there with me to help me with it too.
Many people will ask, “well, if Jesus can help with the pain, why doesn’t He stop it?” I have to say, “I do not know the answer to that question. When I ask Him He doesn’t always answer that question. One time, I learned it was because a friend needed to see His Power. However, I trust Him and have seen His Mighty Power help me so many times it’s an incredibly awesome experience. Also, many years ago, the serious pain I was suffering led a girlfriend to become a Christian. To me, that is worth it all. While I cannot explain everything in the Bible or how God works, I would say to be careful around someone who tells you they have all the answers to your questions. If someone claims to have all the answers, RUN!
I have a simple strong faith. My faith isn’t ground in having all the answers. It is ground in the Promise that Jesus says He will never leave or forsake me. I trusted Him with my life many years ago and He has NEVER EVER let me down. And, He never will!
If you would like to learn more about the Christian Faith, Jesus, God, and the Bible, please visit Peace With God.
A friend of mine shared this Scripture with me a few weeks ago. I have several favorites and may have to add this one to mine.
As a man with Charcot-Marie-Tooth which seems to almost change daily, and not for the better, trusting in God and placing ALL of my cares on Him has been the greatest part of my life.
If you would like to learn more about being a Christian, please visit “Peace With God!”
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16
Today I celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus. He died on a cruel cross on Good Friday and rose from the dead on Easter Sunday for our sins so that we may have eternal life with Him in Heaven.
My Christian faith, the Bible, Jesus Christ, God are the foundations of my life and helps me incredibly with Charcot-Marie-Tooth. I could not handle with the pain, frustrations and aggravations without God’s help all th way.
If you would like to learn more about God’s Plan of Salvation for man, please visit Peace With God.
