THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2010 — We are safely home in Nashville with my family and friends, and I thank God that we have been reunited! We arrived home April 12 after a very long and difficult journey including one unplanned bus ride, four flights logging in at about 20 hours total, three China plane changes lacking handicap accessibility during boarding and disembarking on the runway, shuttling, rechecking baggage, etc. (ugh!), one 8-hour layover, one 6-hour layover, one overnight layover, and one scary fall by Mom in the last China airport. Thankfully, besides a terrible shiner, a sore sternum and some bruising, Mom is fine. There is no way to express our joy of landing on American soil at LAX. Ironically, neither of us had the ability to get on our knees and kiss the ground, but we would have! Even more sweet was touching down in our beloved Nashville, knowing Doug and Phillip were within steps (or rolls in our case) of us! If I have the energy, at some point I would love to elaborate on this journey back — it’s worth many laughs … NOW, that is!
I was able to get some thoughts down before leaving Huaihua, which I will now share:
It’s my last day in Huaihau, and I’m trying to put down some thoughts before I lay my head down here for the last time. I’ve been overwhelmed with emotions during the past week — unbelievable happiness and joy at the thought of returning home, anticipation for the long and difficult trip ahead of me and Mom, and deep heartache over the goodbyes to people who have become such an important part of my life.
It’s been three months since Mom and I left our lives in Nashville for a hope awaiting us in Huaihua, China — the distant unknown dot on a map. I don’t regret the decision. I believe every day has been a blessing in unexpected ways. I have met people who I know God has placed in my path throughout this journey. From the very first flight from Nashville to LA (thank you, Elaine) to the very last flight back from LA to Nashville (thank you, Kristie), I have been placed in the midst of angels. Not only that, but I have been humbled by emails I’ve received from all over the world from people affected by ALS that have touched me deeply. I don’t pretend to understand the whys of this life, but I do know God is in control — and I am thankful He is.
In one of my very first blogs, I wrote, “I don’t know if my purpose here is for healing or not, but it is my prayer that I can fulfill my purpose and receive healing.”
I don’t know if my purpose was fulfilled, or even what it was, but I believe we often don’t know these things for a very long time — and that’s OK. I wish I could say I have had great improvement physically. The first two weeks of treatment proved promising with some subtle improvement in my speech. From what I understand, the early stages of treatment generally show the most response, and I am grateful for even this improvement. Unfortunately, strength in my lower extremities, and thus my walking, has worsened. In spite of this, I find great hope in the connections I have made while being here, not only with doctors from around the globe who are searching for answers, but also with my new family of support and strength who walk the same path with me daily. We will all continue to share any answers we can find in our continued journey to alleviate ALS.
Thank you to everyone who has followed along on this journey with me. You have each blessed my life in ways you will never know. To my friends and family: I love you. My life is a blessed one because our Father above placed you in my life, and I am so thankful.
Always,
Christy 🙂
Christy,
I’m so happy you are home safely. I cannot imagine the journey you’ve been on, but I thank you for sharing each step along the way with us. I am positive that I am not the first or the last to say what a blessing YOU are. I love you and miss you deeply.
Your friend,
Liz Allen
I am sooooo glad you are both safely home! I praise you for the unbelievable effort and sacrifices it took to make such a journey and know in my heart that all you have done and all you have been through, you will be rewarded! I can’t imagine the joy on Doug and Phillip’s faces to see you and your mom, let alone the relief.
I hope that you continue your wonderful blog and keep us all updated on the next leg on your journey.
Christy, you are a beautiful and wonderful person and wish you only the very best. We will continue to pray for you!
Love YOU!
Well thank goodness you both are home with all your body parts still entact!!! I knew it was going to be an extremely tough journey home. Even harder then the first because you were going with alot of anticipation and hope of healing. But coming home I know proved to be extremely challanging even though I know you both couldn’t wait to be home with Doug and Phillip and all the options on paper products and food you could ever hope for.
I can’t wait to see you even though I know it will be a while. I’m sure you are still adjusting to the time change and that it will take some time to recover from the jet lag and trip in general. Then the condo and going to see Dr. Foley and so on….
I bet Destiny peed all over the floor when she saw Sherrilyn.
I have missed you and just know that you are always in my thoughts and prayers.
Kisses
W
You and Sherrilyn are the angels…..thank God for the two of you. The strength and courage you have exhibited during these past three months has overwhelmed me. My prayers for your recovery will continue. We all know who the Great Physician is, and we should never stop praying and hoping. So happy you are home. I feel quite sure Doug and Phillip were as happy to have you home.
Much love, Kay
Christy,
So many prayers have gone up and I know you know this! I’m so thankful that you and your mom are home safe. Please know the prayers will not stop. They will go up daily!!
I have enjoyed your story and think this is an occupation your should look into. Erma Bombeck didn’t have anything on you. I understand where you got your humor! I could see your mom in all the stories.
Your strong faith has been a lesson for me. I know you are in God’s hands and He is watching over you! Thank you for sharing this adventure with us! I has made me look at my faith and hopefully become stronger.
Tell your mom hello for me and I’ll be looking for more reports on your health.
Praying,
Diann
Christy,
So glad you and your Mom are home. Your journey to China has been very interesting. My daughter-in-law, Amy, who has ALS, made your blog available to me. What a Mom you have! My constant prayer for you and Amy and all others with ALS is healing and most of all a cure. You are both fighters and that says a lot. God bless you in the days ahead and stay focused on Him and His word.
Christy,
I was so happy to see your posting! I have been looking forward to hearing of your safe return. I know it must have been so difficult and taxing on both of you! I miss you so much and think of you so often! I’m so happy that you are back home with Doug!! I understand you will need time to recover and reconnect, but I look forward to seeing you again!! For now, please relax, recover, and revel in the joy of being home with your beloved family! You are such a joy to know and a blessing to everyone. God must be truly pleased with you.
Love you, Flower! and miss you too!
Christy,
I am so glad you are back in TN! You are proof that with God’s help ,anything is possible! What a journey to get back here! You are an encouragement to me because of your faith and courage. Thank you for sharing your incredible story. I wish for you and your wonderful Mom lots of well deserved rest! I know Doug is so happy you are home! Love to you all and God’s continued blessings.
We are so glad you are back here–and we know Doug is extra glad! We know you were part of a great plan and purpose- thank you for being brave enough to follow that plan. We love you- all the Kirbys
Hi Christy,
As you know I’m going through a very tough time in my life. Since November, I have been on a journey of my own. Granted, mine has kept me local, physically, but my heart has traveled to places I’d never dreamed of. I just wanted you to know, that YOU have truly been an inspiration to me. Your faith and trust in our wonderful Lord has been truly encouraging. Thank you, Christy, for always being…well, you. I’m so very grateful to have you in my life and in my family. I pray that peace will continue to hold steadfast in your heart.