The Shifting Current

Trey Smith

Since October, the main focus for Della and Trey Smith has been AmeriCorps. First, there was Della's placement in White Salmon. Second, we have been working to line up a new assignment for the 2013-14 term. I have scores of links to all sorts of services and what not based solely on this AmeriCorps focus. And now, after consulting with the doctors today, this focus evaporated in the blink of an eye. It may return next year or it may be gone forever. Such is life.

It feels weird to be so focused on one goal and then to see the current of our life flow in a completely different direction. It will take us a while to get our bearings, but get our bearings we must do.

As I mentioned earlier this morning, Della is now temporarily and, possibly, permanently disabled. She has what is called respiratory failure. Her lungs are not functioning as they should. If she is able to shed her excessive weight plus get her diabetes under control, much -- though not all -- of the condition is reversible. But it will take concentrated effort on her part and a good deal of time to improve her health.

And so, according to the doctors, she may not be able to work much or at all over the next 12 months or more. As I stated previously, since she is our breadwinner, this means our economic fortunes are going to change dramatically for the worse. We both wish this was not the case, but it is. We simply must deal with the situation as best we can.

We understand we aren't in a unique situation. Every couple or family and every individual must deal with their own shifting currents. Life isn't static and few of us can see into the future. Change always is inevitable. You either come to understand the new direction the current is flowing or you bog down trying your damnedest to swim against it.