Liz Flies!

I have written several times about my admiration for two of my close friends, Victoria, and her daughter, Liz. The story and testimony of Liz is truly amazing and continues to be more so with every achievement she makes in her journey since suffering a stroke at the age of 22 eleven years ago. She has gone through so many stages and as she has progressed, she has done things that I would probably have given up on long before. At the time of her stroke, she was very overweight, but as she went through her rehabilitation, she saw the effect her weight was having on those who helped her ... especially her parents. So she went on a weight loss plan and through her self-discipline lost weight with no exercise at all since she was unable to move in any way.

She has matured in her Christian walk by leaps and bounds. Not being able to move on her own or speak has not stopped her from listening and learning from what God has to say through His Word or the pastors and teachers at church. She is perfectly able to communicate with the Lord because He knows her every thought and desire.

Speaking of desires, it has been her desire to walk someday and this past year her mother and her discovered a physical trainer who works with people who have special needs. She has been working faithfully all year and now is able to lift not only her legs, but her legs with 15 pounds on them. She is truly working out and though it hurts, you know what they say! No pain, no gain! She is gaining strength and has more courage than anyone I know (that is, excepting her Mama!)

Recently, Liz had an adventure at a place here in town called iFly. It is a simulated skydiving experience and one we gave as Christmas gifts to our grandsons a couple of years ago. Well, I guess she had so much fun at iFly, she made the decision to actually sky-dive from a plane at 14,000 feet!! Say what?? Are you crazy, Liz? She. Absolutely. Loved. It!

I truly believe one day Liz will get out of that special chair and walk!

Just so you can see the difference ...

from a few years ago with her Mama

More recently on our annual outing to the Arboretum

And now! More exciting things than a walk around the park!

Strapped in and ready to go! 

Look at that beautiful smile!

She is strapped to this gentleman.

The video of this took my breath away!

Liz, you are truly one of my heroes for what I

think is called intestinal fortitude, or better than that ...

YOUR FAITH!

Her testimony is tattooed on her wrist.

"This is my comfort in my affliction,
For Your word has given me life."

And I bet she would be the first to tell you that her mother is the wind beneath her wings!