Well, I picked up the violin and tried to play it one week ago but it wasn't really possible. The next day I went to my first physical therapy session. They gave me exercises to do, and I have done them faithfully for a week.
I went for my second session today and with the exercises, I am now able to open my elbow up 12 more degrees than I could last week. I get static splints on Monday, and with the combination of that and the exercises, I am hoping to be able to play by my first date out on June 11th.
I am excited about the progress I have made so far!! Without your prayers and encouragement, I think I might have just given up and quit. It's been a long 5 1/2 years of pain, but it was worth it to have the 2 children we have now and all the experiences I have had on the road. I pray that I have done some things right and that the kingdom was increased in some way! Thank you all for your continued prayers.
Melodee
Comments
This is good news. I am praying for you. Praying June 11 is a great day of celebration for you. (It is my oldest girls birthday).
Glad you're doing better.....my prayers go to you as you continue to heal....praise God for your progress! :)
Awesome! I will continue to pray for you.
Great news. Praying for continued improvements. Can't wait to see you all in concert again and it wouldn't be the same without you.
Keep up the good work. God has you in His hands and plans.
Awesome! Hope to see you playing in Olathe Co. and Arizona in Sept! Casting Crowns rocks....praise God!
I sure pray you can play on the 11th, I'm going to be there!! It would not be a Crowns night of worship without you playing!! Blessings!
I will be standing in the audience tonight and praying for your comfort and joy. Bless you M!
Great to see you and the entire band in concert at Riverbend this evening!!! Thankful for your healing to date and praying for further healing and less pain in the future.
WONDERFUL news!!!
Saw you @ Busch Gardens in Williamsburg VA. Show was assume and loved your violin!
I hope you get better.
I love your band and will pray for your health.
God Bless you.
Thanks for your music.
In Jesus Name.
Ivanilson Ribeiro
Brasil
Melodee - Pastor Tim shared your story with me a few weeks ago. I hope you remember...I was the keyboard player when we all played together at ELFBC. It was fun! I'd heard of psoriatic arthritis and how painful it is for musicians. I have been praying for you, nevermind the physician stuff, but the emotional impact of the situation. I was diagnosed last year with aggressive rheumatoid arthritis and began treatment, including some chemotherapy-type agents. The docs said if I didn't hit it hard, I'd lose use of my hands in 2-3 years. As a pianist, not having my hands isn't something I'd ever really thought about. Your story and blog have greatly encouraged me. I've not had to have surgery - but I did have to get a pacemaker because the RA pulled down my BP and pulse rate. To follow your treatment plan has been inspiring, and to know how much you love God and to play with CC - a very encouraging thing when I fall into the woe-is-me mindset. God is gracious, and He will equip us to do his work. Thank you for sharing. Tell Mark, Meghan and the others "hi" for us. And let John Michael know Nick and Jake said "hi," too. All our kids are growing up! In Him, The Comer's (Chris, Elisa, Carley, Nick and Jake)
I was at the Casting Crowns concert at the Wisconsin State Fair last night and you did amazing! I have rheumatoid arthritis, so I understand how difficult joint pain can be. Truthfully I assumed you wouldn't be playing at all. Thank you for being there. It was a real encouragement to me. Often I just want to stop, not go on with the day, avoid situations that I know might bring me more pain; I'm sure you know what that feels like too. To see you playing last night through the pain, worshipping God and pushing through the tough circumstances that he allows... it was really inspiring, thank you. I will be praying that the physical therapy and other treatments help!
Great to talk with you and meet you today at therapy! Good luck with the rehab, Becky is awesome. God Bless!
Steven
I was at the Casting Crowns concert at the Iowa State Fair this week. This was my second time at one of your concerts. Your violin playing is about my favorite part of Casting Crowns - after the first concert I listen for it in all your music. Thank you for keeping sight of your over all purpose in Casting Crowns. Your willingness to be used in spite of the pain is a testimony to all. Thank you! Praying for daily strength and healing.
Fantastic goods from you, man. Ive study your stuff ahead of and you're just as well amazing. I enjoy what you've got right here, adore what you're stating and the way you say it. High Heels You make it entertaining and you even now manage to help keep it wise. I cant wait to go through additional from you.
I am sure to pray for you and will be waiting to see you at the concert with out fail. Dont worry God would never let you down
My daughter is just starting the violin! She is 9 yrs old and just desperately wanting to play! We got her the violin online and wow! she is super happy! We just need you to teach us! lol. Love you guys and thanks
I started playing the violin when I was 7. When I was 32 I shattered my left elbow. After months of intensive daily PT, I was able to regain the use of my left arm, but have been unable to play without pain since the accident as I can't rotate my arm in the manner one needs to in order to hold the violin and place your fingers on the neck. I wish you well in your recovery.
wow,
I cant imagine not being able to play violin.
I've played sense I was 8 and I plan on teaching it when I'm older.
I love your violin playing!
I hope you can get better soon
I hope to teach violin when I'm older
Wishing good recovery
Praying for you.. I busted my Arm right at the Ball joint in my should once. Therapy people are evil hahaha At least mine was, maybe the Black hood and French accent should have been a dead give away. Just Kidding.. lol Praying for your recovery ;-)
We're SO excited to see you guys this Sunday! My youth group is rather small, but we are seriously starting to burn for the Lord. I await to see what He has in store for us. We appreciate you and all that you do. God Bless!
So glad to see that you were able to play in Lutz last night. You guys really blessed us. The band's best instrument is the one you play. Glad you're able to play it again. paradigmofgrace@gmail.com
"heaven hear me" spirits from heaven give us direction dripping tears of love as i search inside my soul clouds come blocking the sun i look inside to find my sunshine seeds of spirits grow in time i love that we can be kind.
Hang in there....
I would like to ask the band to release a higher quality CD: DVDAudio, Blue Ray, ect. The dynamic range is so much wider and a lot of people listen to music not based on the popularity or artist, but on the quality of the recording. Mercy Me released Undone in 2007 and is a great example of having a CD on one side and a DVD audio on the other. The guys play great sounding instruments, why release a CD that doesn’t allow myself and others to more fully enjoy the dynamic range of the music. After all this is the greatest message ever told.
Blessings,
Gerald
You are in our prayers and get well soon.
And by the way you all rock and we love your music, and you rock at the violin keep it up.
I have been listening to Casting Crowns since I began following Jesus, Oct. 2009. Praise God for the talent that He has given you, Praise Him for the comfort, hope and inspiration you give to others with the same ailment that you suffer with, Praise Him for all He gives and takes away...for God's glory and Love.
God is pure and true. I pray every day of my life . Satan has not won. I put all my Love in God and my two wonderful children. I love all of the music that is an out reach to God. God wore a crown and died for our sins. love you all
Melodee
We met back in 2010 when you visited Ottawa, Canada and I won a meet & greet visit with "Y'all".
We were told at the time to take it easy when greeting you (no firm hand shakes, etc.) but I never realised the extent of your infirmity.
I am so glad to hear that the treatment/operation seems to have been a success. I look forward to your next visit to Canada and hope that I will be able to 'firmly' give you a handshake (OK, and yes, give you a great big Canuck hug, as long as Juan approves!!).
Blessings to "Y'all"
Bert Ashdown
Melodee, you've been through an awful lot, and I'm sure it has worn you down, but you need to know that you are loved and appreciated more than you will ever know! Your calling to a music ministry has changed more lives and touched more hearts than you can possibly ever imagine. Stay strong and trust in the only one who you can completely rely on. Wait for the Lord to complete your physical healing and lead you onward. Isaiah 64:4 confirms for us that He will work on behalf of those who wait for Him. He will guide your next steps.
Remember that there can be no victory without a battle! Praise God that you have been thus far victorious, and remain in constant prayer for His strength as you continue.
We will continue to pray for you and your family as you recover and prepare for what's ahead. You guys are the absolute best! - and an inspiration to so many of us. The impact you have had on youth and youth ministries is phenomenal! God Bless You!
My prayers are with you & this awesome group casting crowns
My prayers are with you & this awesome group casting crowns
My prayers are with you & this awesome group casting crowns
You played great last night at Lifest! I'm glad that you continue to honor God with your talent. God bless.
Praying for you Melodee!! God Bless!!