On Sunday, I went to the park with my kids. I watched as they sprinted from the car directly to the sand. Before I could get out of the car, Nicole was building a sand castle and Dani was swinging on the rings. It was absolutely incredible to inhale the cool air and watch them play like they had no cares at all.

I couldn't help but see myself swinging on those bars and playing in the sand with them. I wanted to get up and move Dani aside and have her old man teach her a thing or two. A year and a half ago, I could have done it with ease. The problem was I was too busy with work and my own life and didn't want to take time out of my "busy" schedule to just play with my kids. I would give almost anything to be able to play freely with my kids today...but I can't. I am physically unable to play anymore. Everything I do has to be carefully planned so I don't lose my balance and fall. My energy is trapped in this disabled body. It's my right to ask "why?" or "what?". I look up at God and ask....."what?".

I know asking what is a lot harder than asking why. If I ask why, I conveniently say to myself that I am being punished for something I did. I'm not being punished. The best way to convince you of that is to ask you to think of someone young that you really love...I mean really...really love. Now, even on their worst day would you ever wish anything bad on them? Could you imagine me saying "Nicole was bad today, I hope she breaks her neck"? That would be absurd. Well, that is how I know God was not the one who was punishing me. Translation of God/Christ is Abba...which means Father...which means Daddy. That's the personal relationship I have with God...He is my Daddy. There is absolutely no way he intended for me to hurt. Sin did that all by itself a long time ago in the Garden of Eden.

The other option I have is to ask "what?". That is a lot tougher because I don't always get the answer right away. Right now the "what" for me is to spend more time with those I love and get a Foundation together where people with disabilities can go to a camp that belongs to them. I'm sure the "what" will grow as I go forward. Remember, in the word disability is the word ability. That's what God is interested in...I'm sure of it. (check out the pic below of dad coaching Nicole's softball team)

My left side continues to be tight so there does not seem to be a positive effect from the recent operation. However, we remain hopeful. If by the middle of April we do not see a change, the doctor will begin treating the problem with a different type of medication. Regardless of the outcome, I have so much to be thankful for. I feel like the most blessed man alive.

Thank you for the kind notes and continued interest. You will never know how much they mean to me and my family.

Happy Easter!

Dan