Twenty-eighteen hasn’t been the happiest of years for my family (so far), though we have still managed to have some pockets of fun in the midst of struggle. Both the lovely Mrs. Newton and I have battled illnesses — acute and chronic — and racked up a few thousand dollars in physicians bills and prescription medicine. We have both had a constant battle with fatigue this year. Life can wear on a soul, you know?
Most recently, we had our annual summer vacation interrupted — twice — by medical issues, keeping us from reaching all of our travel destinations and throwing our plans into that infamous “What do we do now?” travel plan blender.
But as I reflect upon the afterglow of a most remarkable July 4th fireworks display in Siloam Springs last night I see that we are not so much as accursed with hardship as we are blessed with neverending adventure! Life is an adventure, you know? Even that annoying sharp back pain I suffer every day is part of a bigger picture, an epic saga… a struggle of the faithful to overcome the deeds of darkness and doubt.
First of all, I’m sorry for the blog silence. I haven’t written much this year because of my ongoing physical struggles. For six years now I have been permanently disabled by an inner ear disease (maybe two) that affects my ability to look at a computer screen. Even typing is now difficult because of my long-engrained habits of repeatedly looking down at the keys to choose letters and then back at the screen to view the byproduct of my work. By the time I get to, say, this paragraph, I’m dizzy!
The inner ear problem is a bit better lately thanks to a regimen of supplements, including B vitamins and caffeine. We were supposed to go to Nashville tomorrow and see another specialist but canceled that trip. There isn’t much that can be done for my vestibular system. But I’m not getting any worse, and that’s a great thing.
My back, however, has been very troublesome, much like a teenager with a grudge against authority. This year I have had steroid shots and a nerve-burning procedure in my neck and I’m working with a clinic here in Fayetteville to help manage the pain. I have also started a new spine rehabilitation program to strengthen muscles. I cannot lift heavy weights or do many physical things outside, which is driving me crazy. But Shannon and I have been blessed to have new, amazing friends and neighbors and they are all eager to help us with physical work.
How blessed is the soul that has friends!
A Vacation Gone Awry
Shan is also battling some serious physical problems this year — many details I’ll keep private. However, last month she was diagnosed with another dangerous ovarian cyst. In February of 2017 she had one that put her in the hospital and threatened her life.
The most recent diagnosis came on the second day of the second part of our summer vacation. (Confused? Me, too!)
Originally we were planning on an amazing two-week trip to southern Colorado and northern New Mexico. It was our chance to escape the heat of the South and see some fascinating history and geology. Plus, we own a small slice of paradise in the fir- and pine-treed highlands of South-Central New Mexico (7,800-feet of cool, clean air, y’all) and we want to visit it regularly.
But we changed our travel plans the first time in order to have an ultrasound on her ovary. We went to Branson for the beginning of our vacation and then came home for the medical test. We were traveling with the RV out to our mountain property in New Mexico when we got the results of the ultrasound: a large cyst. Anxiety hit. Not again! We did a 180-degree travel turn to come home to the comfort of friends and family. After getting the OK from her doctor, we went to see some of her family in eastern Kansas for a few days.
Shannon’s problems have been a constant source of anxiety but also a routine call to prayer. We’re a bit worried. But we serve a God who not only sees our trials but who also cares deeply for both of us. His love for us is even greater than our love for each other OR our love for ourselves!
You know, as a single man I never comprehended how much I could hurt for another human being. But as a husband it is really hard to see my wife suffer. You could say it even hurts. I’d rather be the one struggling! Somehow it is much easier to bear my own pain than see someone I love suffer.
To summarize… it feels like our lives this year have been lived between doctor’s visits and pharmacy refills. Not very cool, right?
Silver lining time…
Yet, still, we have managed to fill our free time with the usual fun activities. We play mini golf regularly, have really enjoyed getting more involved in our church and making friends there, we go on day trips to area destinations and we have resumed our unusual and amazing RV lifestyle (I’m 41. She’s…err… much younger. We always get funny looks from the retired crowd taking up residence at RV parks. We’re not their usual demographic!)
Last month we took a three-part vacation during which we revisited a few favorite places and discovered some new ones. We both love museums and have especially sought out air and space institutions.
- Silver Dollar City, Branson, MO
- Stafford Air & Space Museum, Weatherford, OK
- Blackwater Draw National Landmark Museum, Portales, NM
- Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, Lawton, OK
- Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum & Santa Fe Depot, Atchison, KS
- Constitution Hall, Lecompton, KS
- Steamboat Arabia Museum, Kansas City, MO
Travel is one of our family’s core values and we enjoy seeing new places and learning about the local history.
Over the past week, we have enjoyed four local fireworks shows. Each night we picked a close town and drove there. The bed of my truck made a nice viewing platform and we relaxed in our zero-gravity recliners and enjoyed each show. Last night’s big display in Siloam Springs wowed us with its intensity and splendor. Perhaps the best fireworks show we had ever seen!
In other news…
The formation of Restless Heart Ministries continues to progress. Work is slow these days because of my health issues but I just filed our first annual report with the state of Arkansas, we have our initial board of directors in place and our bylaws are close to being complete. I have recently compiled a list of physical needs our retreat center has and will share that with friends, family and our board. We have been blessed with an amazing piece of land in the mountains south of Fayetteville, Arkansas. A few cabins, some gardens and a lot of grace will soon be awaiting the broken down, burned out, emotionally exhausted and spiritually stressed (whom I call, “restless hearts”).
Finally, as the summer heats up to its zenith (you know, that most uncomfortable solar position of extreme heat that melts cars, planes, rubber and galvanized steel every summer?), I do hope to spend more time indoors writing. It is a slow process these days but my heart really needs to write. I have two books going and a lot of previously-written material to edit into compilation works.
That’s the latest life update! Look for more blogs and some ministry announcements to come as the summer progresses.
Be God’s!
— John
J.C. Newton 