Let me just mention before I get on to Sarah and Gage, that Steve has been in Wisconsin for the past six days.
For many decades, he has wanted to attend the famous Oshkosh Airshow, the biggest non-military airshow in the world. Finally, this year, the time was right. (I didn’t go because I didn’t want to take off so many days from work so soon after being hired.) He had a marvelous time and Debbie and Randy spoiled him royally. I’ll post more pictures later.
The rest of this post features our beloved Long couple and also includes an update about Sarah’s health.
Last Thursday night, Sarah invited me to their apartment for dinner. Gage was there for just a few minutes before he had to leave for the evening to visit some friends.
They had made a few changes to their apartment which they wanted me to see. I especially loved the change they made with their desk. It had been in the bedroom but they got creative and made a space for it in the living room.
Posting a picture of Gage is a good time to brag about him a bit. Semi-annual reviews were just done at his job and Gage was in the 10% of all the employees who got a higher level raise. His review mentioned his hard work and great personality and said that there had been many customer compliments about him. He’s also been selected to be on the art team so divides his time between that and his regular job. We’re proud of him!
Here are a few views of life with the Longs.
The flowers and the hat are from the wedding and the camera belonged to Sarah’s great, great grandparents.
I love that their second-floor balcony overlooks grass and trees. A much quieter and prettier view than they were expecting when they were apartment shopping.
Here is a utensil holder that Sarah’s mom-in-law, Casey, helped her make.
Casey is an instructor at her local community college’s pottery class. (The young woman beside Sarah is Gage’s cousin.)
The pattern on this tray was made by pressing a doily to the clay. Isn’t that a great idea?
Sarah made me a meal of red potatoes, green beans, onion, and kielbasa sausage. So simple and so delicious. Here’s the recipe link.
was the time she and I had to just sit on the sofa and catch up on life. Along with just fun stuff, we also talked about some physical challenges that Sarah has been facing.
Hi everyone, Sarah here!
Although my physical challenges/medical issues have become more noticeable in recent years, I now realize I’ve been dealing with them, in various ways, for a long time; they have just gotten progressively more pronounced in the years following my cancer treatment. As I’ve come to learn, late effects from intensive treatment are not at all unusual.
There are many complexities involved, but the short story is that I have started physical therapy for core-strength work and pelvic issues caused by 20-year-old surgery scar tissue from two major surgeries on a neuroblastoma tumor in my right adrenal gland; I also had chemo and radiation treatment there.
After hearing my whole medical history, my physical therapist agreed wholeheartedly that mine is a unique case: the multiple issues all throughout my torso have been making it difficult for me to be active and strong at even a basic level for most of my life. When I went to school after my cancer treatment at age 8, I brought a doctor’s note to my gym class that excused me from doing sit-ups because my abdomen was still recovering from surgery. Once I had fully recovered, I still never learned how to do one. As a teenager, I would occasionally try to do a sit-up or push-up and found them very difficult, but it never occurred to me that that was a problem. I have never had an interest in athletics, so I was able to ignore or circumvent a lot of my physical limitations for many years; I could still live my life quite happily overall.
Though the surgeries were performed on the side of my belly, as the PT explained, the scar tissue has acted like a spiderweb, deeply impacting and weakening my entire torso in subtle ways. I’ve gradually realized that my core and pelvic floor are holding extreme tension, as they’ve had to overcompensate for 20 years, while some parts are also very weak; this not only affects my ability to do basic exercise, but it can also make breathing deeply and relaxing difficult at times, which has led to issues with anxiety.
Throughout the last couple of years, I began to sense that there was something deeper going on; Gage noticed it, too. I’ve tried strengthening my core on my own, but it has felt impossible. My PT told me I can start working on core strength building in maybe two months, but right now, it would actually be detrimental since everything in my core and pelvis are still much too tight and tense. I had no idea of this until last Tuesday, but it made so much sense.
My only option for a physical therapist on the Outer Banks moved away soon after I first saw her in 2021; she had given me a few stretches to do at home, but without in-office therapy, I couldn’t make much progress. I’m thankful to be in a bigger city now with so many options nearby so I can finally get started on this journey, especially before I hit my thirties when it might be even harder on my body.
I’ve had a suspicion that the PT confirmed for me: pregnancy would be extremely difficult on my body, as it is now. So one of the biggest benefits of this therapy is that it will enable me to, one day, safely carry a baby, recover more easily from giving birth, and actually be able to lift Gage’s and my future children without throwing out my back. Parenthood has always been a dream and life goal for both of us, but it’s going to require some extra work to get there. My physical therapist has already helped Gage and me understand many longstanding mysteries after only two sessions, which has been a great relief to us and an answer to so many prayers.
Sarah has overcome so much in her 27 years of life. It has been an honor for me to be her mom through almost three decades and walk down those difficult paths with her.
And now, at her side is a loyal, loving, godly, supportive husband who would walk through fire for her. He supported her in the weeks before their wedding when she became seriously ill with an unknown prognosis.
And he is supporting her now through this most recent challenge.
Sarah has a long journey ahead with this, as her condition is longstanding and won’t repair itself overnight. But she and Gage have found a wonderful and understanding therapist with thirty years of experience, and they are thankful to be starting on this healing journey.
I want to briefly mention that the costs of the twice-weekly therapy sessions are going to add up quickly even with insurance. Although Sarah has been looking for a job that suits her needs, she has not found anything, apart from her freelance video editing. If you would like to help take some of the financial load off of Sarah and Gage during this season of her recovering strength and health, please email me at smithellaneous@yahoo.com and I will give you the info you need.
What about you?
Have you had a season in your life when you have benefited from physical therapy of one kind or another? We would love to hear your story!
Has anyone ever been to the airshow in Oshkosh, or something similar?
I would love to help out, let me know how I can.
Thanks so much, Cindy. Your support and friendship over the years is so appreciated. I’ll email you 🙂
-Sarah
You are one very special lady!
Cindy,
That she is!
So sorry Sarah is having physical challenges. Glad she has found a physical therapist that can help her. She has done a great job decorating their apartment.
I’ve had PT a few times – twice after issues with my shoulders and once after breaking my kneecap after slipping on ice. So much of your experience with PT depends on your therapist. Sounds like the one she has will knows exactly what Sarah needs.
They have an air show in Louisville usually two weeks before the Kentucky Derby. I watched out our office windows one year – we were on the 12th floor so a good viewing spot. I imagine seeing in person is a lot different.
Thank, Phyllis! I was definitely a little nervous walking into the office the first time, but, as you say, the right PT does make all the difference! She understands my needs well. So glad that you’ve been helped by PT, too!
-Sarah
When I was a kid my grandparents had a house at the Jersey shore and would take us every year to this spectacular air show at McGuire Air Force base at Ft. Dix. The best part of the show was always when the Blue Angels flew overhead.
My daughter just recently developed 3 blood clots on her lungs and lost a lot of feeling in her hands, feets, arms, legs, etc., she started PT yesterday and was really encouraged by the therapist. Good luck to Sarah. It really can be so helpful, I did it after knee and hip surgery as well as I think Steve did too.
Dale,
So sorry your daughter is facing these health challenges; glad the PT is giving her some hope.
Keeping all of you close in my heart during this difficult season you shared with me by email. So glad to see your name pop up here today.
Sarah, finding the highly skilled therapist who understands your complex medical history is a prayer answered. And the fact that y’all are comfortable with her is answered prayer as well. And of course your entry was well written. I love you and I’m proud of you!
Thanks so much, Dad! Gage and I felt incredible peace after the first consultation with the PT; I feel like I can finally make progress in my health. Not only is she compassionate and highly experienced, but her office is only 5 minutes away from us, which, as you know, is a huge blessing for me especially. Love you, too!
-Sarah
May the Lord lead the steps of Gage and Sarah in His path and timing with her health needs.
Thankful some answers are coming to them.
Ruth
Ruth,
Thank you for that–His timing for her needs.
Thank you, Aunt Ruth! I am regularly reminded that Jesus’ grace is sufficient in every stage of health. Gage and I have already seen God’s hand in all this as he cares for us!
-Sarah
If Sarah us able to get PT through hospital outpatient program she will most likely qualify for a large discount or 0% patient responsibility even with insurance.
Thanks for the tip, Melinda! I will look into this in the future of needed. I’ll probably stick with my current PT for now because she’s only 5 minutes away from me and I find driving on the Charlotte highways a bit overwhelming, so having to pay a bit out of pocket is worth a non-stressful drive for me. But I’m definitely glad that there are options out there!
-Sarah
I’ve never been to an air show or used a PT. But I’m so glad Sarah (and Gage) are gaining understanding of her health issues and have found a good PT. I pray she is able to make much progress. Congrats to Gage for a great review; and that tray with the doily “stamp” is gorgeous!! I hope Steve enjoyed the airshow (that’s probably a given) and I hope you all have a wonderful week!!
Thanks, SueEllen! I think one of the best parts of this new health journey will be the learning. Knowledge really is empowering!
-Sarah
I’ve had PT several times over the years from running injuries. And my husband had over a year of PT due to a neurological condition. They really are experts in their field. So glad that Sarah is being proactive about her health. Praying that the PT is successful and helps her strengthen her core.
Thanks, Heather! So glad you and your husband have been helped by PT, too. I’ve seen a lot of doctors in my life, but PT’s are definitely some of the most practical health care providers!
-Sarah
Dear Sarah, I have been following your story since you were first diagnosed still keep you and your extended family in my daily prayers. I’m so glad to hear that you are receiving help from your plysical therapist. I know how much help PT has been to my niece (she has cerebral palsy) over the years. I know you will work hard and will achieve great results!
God bless! My prayers are with you.
Linda in Pittsburgh
Linda, thanks so much for following our story all these years. I’m so glad your niece has been helped by a PT, too!
-Sarah
Sarah, you are such a warrior! I’m excited that you found a great P.T., but am also excited by the positive, hope-filled timber of your voice. It really comes through.
Thanks, friend! The hope and positivity has definitely waxed and waned at times, but God is faithful!
-Sarah
How good that Sarah has been proactive about her strength and well-being! May the Healer be at work through her PT. Also I’ll share this position at St. Stephens Lutheran Church Missouri Synod in Hickory. There may be some wiggle room in pay scale. https://www.sslcms.org/broadcast-production-technician
Thanks, Kristy! I’ve definitely learned the importance of being proactive when it comes to health. And thanks for passing the job along! I think it’s a bit outside the scope of my skills and experience, but I still appreciate the tip.
-Sarah
I have had many Physical Therapy sessions for injuries and arthritis issues. PT is a lot of work and commitment. If you go and do the exercises, the benefits are great and have helped me so much. If you just go to PT and don’t follow thru with the exercises you won’t progress as far. I am sure Sarah will do it all, prayers as she and Gage go thru this challenge.
I have never been to any airshow and always wanted to see one. Glad Steve was able to attend.
Patti, good advice! My therapist emphasized the importance of the at-home work and I’ve been doing my stretches twice daily. I’m already feeling myself getting stronger!
-Sarah
I’m so glad that Sarah is working with a physical therapist! My daughter is a pelvic floor therapist in San Diego, and if Sarah ever has any questions, I can hook her up.
Thank you, Jackietex! It’s very exciting. That’s wonderful that your daughter is helping people in my similar situation! Tell her thank you on my behalf for her healing work 🙂
-Sarah
I am SO happy to hear Sarah is going to physical therapy and is already seeing progress! I have had some issues with my joints since I was a young child which have caused pain throughout my life. I saw a physical therapist some when I was a child, but it wasn’t very helpful and I felt very discouraged. When I was in college, I saw a physical therapist a few times, but I didn’t continue due to cost. I finally found a good physical therapist about 2 years ago and have been going ever since. My pain and strength have improved immensely, and I am now a huge fan of physical therapy. We are moving in a few months, and the thought of going through the process of finding a good physical therapist in a new city is daunting, but the benefits definitely are motivation enough to keep going. Sarah, I wish you all the best in your journey to a healthier body; you can do it!
Robin, thank you for the well-wishing and for sharing your story! It’s so easy to get discouraged with health stuff, isn’t it? It takes a lot of perseverance and positive thinking, which don’t always come easily. So glad you found a great therapist and I hope you find someone just as wonderful when you move!
-Sarah
Gage and Sarah have made their little home so beautiful and cozy. And we’re so proud of Gage too for his hard work and success at his job! He’s an amazing young man.
Thank you, Sarah, for your update on your health. That’s a lot to deal with–wow. But we’re so thankful with you that you’ve found knowledgeable medical people who are getting to the root of the problem and can help you get to a place of strength and wholeness. So proud of you both for facing it all head on and doing the work. We will be praying for great rewards as you go through this journey. Sending much love!
It’s been such a treat to have Steve here! Sure missed you, Beck, but we’ll look forward to the time when you can come again.
Love, Deb
Thanks so much, Aunt Debbie! Through all my medical stuff, Mom has helped me find most of my medical professionals, or I’ve had referrals from one doctor to another. This has been my first time finding a care provider all on my own, so I’m relieved that it worked out so well! Thank the Lord for talented, compassionate doctors! “Strength and wholeness” are beautiful words 🙂
Deb,
Steve was just saying what a great time he’d had with you and how nice it was to get away from the normal routine. He said you promised not to cook breakfast every morning and did it anyway. What am I going to do with you? -) Thanks for the hospitality–and the cheese!
Oh! I’m so glad Sarah is working with a physical therapist. Those professionals are truly life-changers! Here’s to a successful outcome for her!
What great news about Gage and his work!
The Long apartment is lovely! That view out the window is perfect – and I’m thrilled they have a balcony. Balconies in apartments are such a bonus. 🙂
I’ve never been to the Oshkosh show, but I grew up on/near an Air Force base, so I’ve spent my fair share of time at air shows. 🙂
Stefanie, I totally agree about physical therapists being life-changers! I have already seen the incredible work of PT in my feet when, as a little girl, I had a severe tip-toe-walking habit that cancer treatment made even worse; PT saved my legs from so much potential damage back then.
-Sarah
Stefanie,
I know; I love their balcony and their view. So many apartments in Charlotte just overlook streets or parking lots so I’m glad they found a little corner of paradise.
Air Force air shows are a whole category unto themselves. Those pilots (and planes) are amazing!