Darci J. Steiner
Journey Of Faith
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Darci J. Steiner

Full Interview
My Story
When my daughters were born in 1995 and 1998, I was so excited to have kids my heart would not stop racing. My doctor diagnosed me with “post-partum elation.” Every day was an adventure going to the zoo, library, park, aquarium, and sports camps. The girls and I loved to cuddle, make forts, and eat hot dogs in igloos we created in the Colorado snow. My most cherished desire in life with my husband Mark was children. Our dreams had come true.
THE YEAR 2000
“Mommy, are you okay?” five-year-old Jenny asked sweetly, standing above me while I lay stunned on the floor. Two-and-a-half-year-old Nicole came and plopped down beside me. My fall happened so fast. I ran up the stairs to get a CD, but as I turned to run back down, I slipped on a piece of paper, began tumbling, and couldn’t regain my footing. By the time I reached the lower steps, I was upright again, so I hurdled (and almost hurled) over the baby gate set up across the bottom step. I slammed into the wall, which tossed and twisted me in the opposite direction where I face-planted onto the floor. The baby-gate remained fully intact. However, my body did not.
I didn’t know it then, but my back injury from the fall would land me a two-year, full-time job in bed. While confined to bed, I developed a nerve pain disorder called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, or CRPS. Most people who develop CRPS never heal from it—it is complex and excruciatingly painful. The syndrome is uncommon and usually initiated by an injury. The pain from CRPS is out of proportion to the injury. In other words, my injured nerves sent signals to my brain that made me extremely sensitive to pain, unlike what a person without the syndrome would feel. My pain spiraled out of control, rendering me unable to function normally. Depression was my next malady.
THE YEAR 2002
As I lay on my side in bed, I listen to my sweet family eat dinner downstairs. I hear the gentle clanking of forks against porcelain plates while Mark and the girls enjoy a meal together. I gently pull my knees to my chest and lay in the fetal position. Tears flow onto my pillow, dampening the left side of my face. “Where are you, God? I don’t feel you. Do you see me? How did my life get to this place?”
My pain is unbearable even on OxyContin and a myriad of other medications. As I lay there, I stare at the array of orange medicine bottles on the nightstand. I want to die as much as I want to live. I have always been intensely in love with my husband and little girls; I love our life, but I don’t know how to keep enduring this agony day after day, year after year. “If you can do anything, God, why won’t you heal me?” It’s not just the physical torment I feel, but the gut-wrenching heartache. I yearn to hold the girls tight, go to their soccer games, and push them on swings at the park.
I weigh a hundred pounds. Muscles throughout my body are atrophied, including my cheeks and I cannot even smile. However, I can wrap my middle finger and thumb around my lower leg and upper arms. My bone mass is minimal—I have osteopenia. Pain depletes hunger and the thought of food makes me sick, sick, sick.
Mark comes up the stairs to run the bathwater, and the girls hop in the tub with their little plastic sea creatures. Their laughter lightens my spirit, but the burden of not being with them drowns out the positivity. There is nothing I want more than to participate in life with my family.
As the water drains from the tub, my little girls, wrapped in their purple dinosaur towels, run to the side of the bed to kiss me goodnight. Not one kiss is taken for granted. Oh, how I miss holding and embracing them. The girls race back downstairs to watch The Lion King while their daddy carefully combs their long blonde hair. I always wanted little girls so I could comb, braid, and do umpteen things with their hair.
The circle of dampness grows larger and deeper into my pillow. I’m cold, but blankets hurt me. I can’t bear the weight of a sheet, typical for CRPS patients. The sun has set, and the only light in the bedroom reflects in from the hallway. I can’t raise myself to reach for the lamp, so I lay in the darkness until Mark comes to help me after he tucks the girls into bed.
Little feet pitter-patter back up the stairs. They run into their bedroom, and I hear Jenny climb the ladder to the bed’s top bunk and picture Nicole climbing in under her purple Barney comforter on the lower bunk. The bedtime routine of songs begins, and I weep quietly so they don’t hear me. “I love you, you love me, we’re best friends like friends should be, with a great big HUG and a kiss from me to you, won’t you say you love me too.”1 I covet to also give the Barney song hugs and kisses that make them giggle.
“Why am I still here, God? What’s the point? I don’t get to be the wife or mom I want to be or that Mark and the kids need me to be. Why don’t you take me? Please take me, God. I will not take my life, but I’m asking you to. Please take me. I can’t bear this pain another moment.”
But I have dichotomous feelings and also pray, “Don’t let me die, God. Please, please spare me so I can be with Mark and watch our kids grow. Somehow, please heal me. I want to have what we had before.”
My eyes swell from the crying. I squint at my medicine bottles again. I am too in love with my family to give up. I will wake tomorrow morning and endure this nightmare all over again until either God takes me or gives me a miracle.
Mark comes in to check on me and sees my tears. He kneels on the floor beside me and strokes my hair. Looking into my eyes, he says, “I know this is hard, but we will get through this together. God will help us.” We pray again for trust and healing. We have not lost hope.
HOPE
The next day our neighbor came over to help carry me down the stairs so Mark could take me to a warm water therapy pool. We went week after week, and one day, I put one foot in front of the other. My first step in two years! It felt amazing, but I could only do one. My brain had to be retrained how to walk. As I spent time in the water, I became stronger, and endorphins began firing to my brain.
I gained enough strength to sit up for five minutes, then ten, then twenty. As I sat, I read about nutrition to try to heal myself. I had enrolled in a program a few years prior and begun reading for my first class. Now I was motivated to learn nutritional remedies that could help me get better. Mark bought ingredients for a protein shake, which he began making daily for me. The amino acids were good for my brain and muscles, and I wasn’t turning away these shakes like other foods. Drinking calories was easier than eating them. I managed to gain a couple of pounds—and some hope.
A FEW MONTHS LATER
While little four-year-old Nicole and I sat at the kitchen table playing with her barn animals, she said, “Mommy, you’re getting better! Look!” She pointed to the muscle between my thumb and forefinger. Before it was sunken; now there was somewhat of a bulge. How on earth did she notice that little muscle? But she was right, my muscles were growing! At first, my smile was quivery, but after practice, my cheek muscles returned. I smiled back at my little girl as she smiled at me.
EARLY 2003
My favorite nutrition subject became amino acids because it was the protein I noticed making the most significant difference in my healing. I submitted my first test for my master’s program. I was three years behind in a four-year curriculum, but my program was already making a difference in my health. Thanks to pool therapy and healthy foods, I was able to take a few steps on land now.
One morning, I hobbled from the car, over the grass, and to the side of a soccer field. I was finally able to attend a game. The parents cheered for me as if I had scored a hat trick! That night, after the kids’ bath time, I hobbled again from my bed to tuck the girls into theirs. We sang the Barney song, and this time the kids cried. We gave each other “… a great big HUG and a kiss from me to you.” It did matter I was still here. God was graciously giving me back what he had given me before.
THE YEAR 2004
I got into the car, the driver’s seat this time, and drove the girls to soccer practice. It was my first drive in four years. I was doing mom stuff again. Studying in the van while the kids were at soccer practice worked perfectly because it didn’t take time away from “us.”
When we got home, Mark and I walked holding hands down the sidewalk to the end of the block. Eventually, we made love again. It had been years. I held the girls close and cuddled with them in the recliner. My nerve pain was miraculously dissipating. I wrote papers for school about my physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual improvements. Implementing nutritional remedies and pool therapy was healing my body, mood, and spirit. Given the circumstances, my college granted an extension for my program. It took six years, but in 2007, I finally received my Master of Science degree in Holistic Nutrition.
THE YEAR 2005
My family and I moved into a house with a main-floor master bedroom for wheelchair access. I liked that our new neighbors and the parents of our kids’ new friends didn’t know everything about my disabled life. It was a welcomed fresh start. I began running errands, attending school functions, and going on dates with my hubby. Oh yeah, and I opened my nutrition counseling practice in 2008. I guess you could say I was my first client. And you know what? After a couple more years, I had no pain and the CRPS completely disappeared. This is almost unheard of! With my counselor’s help, over time, I also weaned off my medications, including the hazardous opioid OxyContin my body and brain had become addicted to.
THE YEAR 2010
I practiced sports nutrition with my teen and tween daughters, and the area high school hired me to teach sports nutrition to their athletes. My nutritional opus was an all-day event walking in heels again—demonstrating how eating healthy foods can heal the body. I taught the teen athletes how to eat to gain a competitive edge in their sport.
God gave me my miracle. Not only did he physically heal me, but he gave me back the ability to care for my family, as well as an unexpected, exciting new career.
Those years of painful torment I endured were some of the best years of my life. Yes, best. Not at the time, but after the sculpting. Best because without sculpting, I wouldn’t value my current life the way I do. God’s molding of me helped me understand hope comes from his goodness. If we trust in God’s goodness, we can hope for good things during suffering, especially the gift of knowing him in deeper ways. He always gives us reasons to hope because he wants what is best for us. I don’t know what my current life would be like had I not gone through that horrific tragedy, but I don’t believe it would be as enriched. Everything is more exciting, colorful, exhilarating, precious, sensory, and alive.
TWICE
However, just because we go through tragedy once, doesn’t mean we are exempt from experiencing tragedy again. I am learning I can survive my worst fears. Even twice. I have been unable to walk again for three years and counting.
I have not given up hope. I remember being grateful, in hindsight, for the ways God revealed his goodness to me during my first disability. I am learning to sit in fear and not be afraid because I know God’s plans for me are always good. He showed me that before. I believe gifts in suffering are most often given in hindsight so we can grow in trust during its ravages. When I suffer, I am called to a place of discomfort, a place I do not want to be, but a place where God chooses to grow me. It’s a place where I must turn around to face him so he can lead in the direction of his choosing. I am not in control. But that’s a good thing!
I don’t believe we can understand hope without suffering, and that’s why he allows it. “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” (Heb. 11:1). We can be certain of God working on our behalf because he is good. We can’t see how, because he works in ways we don’t understand, but he meets us in our suffering, so we don’t have to fear. “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isa. 41:10).
God is here with me. Not in my imagination, but in presence. He and I are together as I struggle to understand why he would heal me, then allow me to be disabled again. I do not know whether I will ever walk more than a few steps again. Suffering in our lives often doesn’t make sense, but God always has a purpose for it, always for our benefit. Jesus dying on the cross didn’t make sense, but God had an immense purpose for it—the salvation of our souls. He is our ultimate hope. His plans are better than ours, so we have reason to hope even though we don’t understand his allowance of our troubles. Faith is being sure of what we hope for.
The cross I am carrying, and thorns I bear, are paving the way toward receiving a heavenly crown. “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12).
Click on picture below to purchase book.
My Advice
God uses pain to change us. When you are suffering, remember, in hindsight you will see more clearly how God was forming you to become more like him. Pain and suffering contain gifts if we keep holding on to God, letting him guide the way. He knows where he’s taking us. He sees the whole picture, we see only a small puzzle piece—our own.
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Bradenton,
Florida,
34208
Darci, you are truly a woman after God’s heart. Your determination to seek God’s gifts and goodness in the midst of long-suffering and pain is inspiring!
Staci, thank you. Your story inspires me too. I guess that’s how it works. We all learn from each other. Thanks for being such a great support and friend to me.
Darci
This is beautiful! Thank you for sharing your story. I am looking forward to checking out your book!
Hi Desiree,
Thank you for reading and reaching out. I appreciate you taking the time to respond and encourage me. Thanks for looking into the book, I hope it speaks to you.
Darci
Thank you, Darci, for sharing your story. Your faith inspires, encourages, and humbles me
Peggy, thank you for reading my story and for your encouragement! I’m thankful to God if he can use my story to provide hope and healing to others. It makes me feel better about my pain somehow. Maybe because it gives it deeper purpose than solely for the benefit of myself. Thanks for responding!
Darci
Darci, your story is incredibly inspiring! Your words, “God is here with me. Not in my imagination, but in presence,” jumped off the page at me! In all that you have had to endure, these words are so powerful!
Your book sounds amazing and I know it will make a huge difference to those who hold it in their hands!
May God continue to use you and your own unique heart song to teach, shape, and inspire others to keep on, keeping on!
With, or without walking, your message is talking!
Stacey,
Your response moved my heart. I have felt the presence of God more often in my suffering than at any other time in my life. He really is showing himself to me in ways I never knew I could know him. All of us can embrace him in our challenges and know he is walking each step with us.
Every time I sat down to write, I prayed God would tell me what to write for those who would read it. I believe he did that and will put it into the hands of those who could benefit from the stories held in its cover.
“With, or without walking your message is talking.” I love this! Thank you!
Darc
What an inspiring life story — I can’t wait to read your book. YES! We are thankful in ALL things and your testimony of how God blesses (carries, delivers, prepares) us in our hardships moves me deeply. Beautiful irony — your story is about getting up and it lifts us all.
Hi Lisa,
Thank you for reading/listening to this story! Gary is so kind in providing this platform.
I hope you find nuggets in the book that speak to you. It is richly filled with scripture, so there’s no doubt his Word will. Thank you for your interest!
Darci
Thank you Darci, your courage is inspirational.
Your story got me thinking about my own diet and how I’ve let healthy eating slip, and feeling the effects of that!
Looking forward to reading your book Darci and getting back to a healthier lifestyle which was prompted by reading this article!
Hi Val! Thank you so much for reading my story. I’m glad you found something that resonated with you. Yes, good food really helped me. I do have a nutrition chapter in the book I hope you find valuable. Keep in touch!
Darci
Dear Darci, I just listened to your interview with my son Gary…”take 2 interview.” Such a sweet time of good conversation as the tone was set with encouragement. Thank you for sharing your story. I then read your Check Your Game written story. As a mother, I also could have “only imagined” just what you had to go through to get to where you are today. I too could feel your pain with this valley journey
experience. You are an incredible woman of God who chose to persevere and to continue to do what it takes to get well again. Your story is impactful and will be used for many who also have a trial story of their own. You are a precious lady who is a beautiful witness for God’s grace and faithfulness. May God continue to heal you 100%. Jesus be glorified.
Hi Jean,
Wow, what an encourager you are! I felt so warm reading your words to me. I lost my mom tragically in a car crash fourteen years ago. Your words feel so motherly, and I have missed having that. My eyes are actually welling up with tears because the journey has been so difficult and my mom hasn’t been around for most of the hard parts. I didn’t know I needed this motherly encouragement until you just supplied it. Thank you for your gentleness and kindness.
I also read your story and want to comment further about you there. Your son is a giver, and I can see where it comes from. Your family truly loves you as I sit here and watch the video they made for you, and your laughter in response! Pretty special!
Yes, God be Glorified! And God bless you!
Darci
Touching story…I give God praise for your spirit. I’m curious what triggered the 2nd stint of disability. Did the CRPS return? At any rate, I pray God totally heals you and restores the years the locust, canker, and Palmer worms have eaten. Peace & Blessings, Dr. K.
Hi Dr. Esau,
Yes, I do believe the CRPS was triggered again. I’m trying to climb out of the pain again with all the things that worked before. God, good food, pool therapy, exercise, help from friends, my ‘why’, or purpose, etc. Writing my book really helped because it distracted me from the pain. I thank God he gave me back my hand functions enough to do though. Part of my book was transcribed with voice though! Thanks for your encouragement and curiosity! Darci
WOW! I thank God For those words and for you sharing them.
Thank you Terry. And I’m so thankful for your powerful story too! What a remarkable God we have!
Darci, I wanted to sincerely thank-you for all that you’ve done for me and my business. Getting to know you has been great. I’m so glad we even got a chance to do your video 2x! Raise the hands! Thank-you for participating with my vision of this business with sharing, Nominating 2 others (I’ve reached out to both) and contributing not only financially, but also with your time as you’ve encouraged many others on this platform! I still am praying for you and lifting my hands, but my prayers are for a full recovery! Thanks again Darci for all that you’ve done to help!
Gary,
I totally did not see this until just now. You are so kind to say all the nice things you said. You are very gracious with your words. I’m thankful for this platform and the opportunity to share and nominate people to also share their impactful stories. Not only that, but you have built a very powerful community here that support one another. You can’t put a price on that. I love seeing the support on LinkedIn. I’m very grateful for all you do for all of us! Thanks Gary! Darci