Fiercely Independent Pam

Tag: asension press

  • The Hard Work Begins Today: A First Day of Inpatient Rehab!

    So it begins.. I arrived at inpatient rehab yesterday after a few delays mostly because of the weather (crazy snow storm!) I ended up paying for transportation and it was a good decision since I am still having problems standing up and transferring.

    I was beyond welcomed by the staff here for rehab and they have been wonderful! I am confident that I forgot a few things, but hopefully I can have some help from my family. I am super excited to start working hard- I will receive at least 3 hours of pt/ot each day, which is exactly what I need. Right now I am finishing my Bible in a Year Podcast, which is nice to be able to stay up on.

    I am looking forward to unpacking my stuff and setting up for rehab, as I packed up pretty decently including lots of pants and t-shirts, but missing catheters and a watch charger! All in good time! For my first night I am wearing my special Buckee’s pjs that I picked up when I was there for my interview. It was a fun nod to what I have accomplished already.

    I think I have said this before, but wanted to update people about the progress of the service dog. In addition to the service dog, I am continuing with rehab. The next steps is to have a site visit here at my apartment and they will also be bringing a dog to help me demonstrate some skills, hopefully at the grocery store. This should be taking place after the committee meets- around late March/ Early April. I am thankful that they are willing to come here. From there, the next steps would be to be accepted as a formal client and begin fundraising for team training and similar. Then begins the “Fun” part!- Something special PAALS calls “Speed Dating” where we make sure the right connection is made between a dog and the “handler.” Eventually, team training will take place, but this is a far way off. All of this is super exciting!

    In the meantime, I will be working hard at standing and completing rehab goals. I am not sure exactly what it means to finish my antibiotics and future doctor’s appointments, but I moved as many appointments as possible. Time to track down what I am missing!

  • Rosary In A Year: Finding My Way!

    On January 1, 2025, I started something new. I thought it was just going to be something different, but I never expected it change me the way that it has. I decided to “jump on the train” and complete the “Rosary in A Year with Ascension Press.” This podcast/prayer plan was going to be my way to bring forward my Catholic faith more this calendar year.

    I have written about being a “Cradle Catholic” before and love my faith. I have always loved the prayers of the Most Holy Rosary and my favorite devotion is that of “Mary Undoer of Knots. Like most Catholics, the Rosary is something that is picked up in fervor during tough times and unfortunately forgotten about when needing to make prayers of Thanksgiving.

    So, when I found out about the “Rosary in a Year” program, I was in! I quickly downloaded the prayer guide, subscribed the podcast, and I was “In.” The plan was well thought of, gentle and totally doable. I love the devotion of Fr, Mark-Mary Ames. Through story telling, scripture readings, works or art, saint reflections and more, I have learned so much about the Holy Rosary, Mary, and Jesus. I have grown closer to my faith, the ability to say yes to God, and how to rally my life’s challenges.

    Each morning, I wake up and put the podcast on. I love that I finally have a morning prayer ritual. The timings have always felt just right while working up prayer muscles to a full Rosary. Having led countless Rosaries at school, I never have felt so connected to the prayers, devotions, and meanings behind both. All of this was accomplished “Little By Little” as Fr. Mark-Mary says. It hasn’t been perfect, but I keep coming back to it!

    I also learned how to complete something. So often. we are challenged to try something long term and it just doesn’t work out.We give up and it’s one more unfinished business item. The power of this podcast is that, even when I missed a day or even a week, I could still pick it back up and catch up. I was successful!

    So, if you are new or old to the Rosary, looking for a prayer routine, or just don’t know where to turn, try this out. I promise it’s time well spent.