2011- Going South - Backstory continued...

          The Fourth Quarter -  Going South

Being a Border Patrol Agent is the best job ever.  It remains my dream job.  Patroling is where I am most content, but I enjoy virtually all aspects of my work. Having long been certified as both a Firearms and ATV instructor, I soon realized this was going to be a long, busy summer. I threw myself back into work, despite the new challenges I now faced.  Everyday was a proving ground. 

Shelby station had acquired several new agents during my extended absence.  Being the stations only ATV instructor, I was tasked with catching up the training backlog.  It was brutal. By necessity,  I managed to run several classes through "back to back", but it took a hard toll.  By September, the ATV program was back on track.  I was looking forward to returning to routine patrol work.  What is that old saying about "the best-laid plans of mice and men"? 

Gears immediately changed.  The following week I headed out for Harper's Ferry, West Virginia.  Every five years firearms instructors must recertify, so for me to maintain my certification it was time.  I was more than a bit anxious knowing that it would be another long week requiring all my physical and mental energy. The grueling weeks of ATV training had really worn me down, but FIRTP recert is only offered at certain times. So, basically it was now or never, if I wanted to keep my instructor certification.  Toni felt a strong last minute urge to buy a plane ticket and accompany me and for that I was very grateful.  She still monitored me closely, and had greater understanding of what adjustments would be needed to compensate for the effects of; the sudden shift change; combined with the time zone change; plus, the 32 hour loss of sleep the required work/travel marathon just getting there would have on my mind and body.  The week passed in a blur, but it passed successfully.  I returned to Montana dog-tired, but challenged and enthusiastic about upcoming changes to the firearms training program and qualification process.  This week would soon prove to be worth the daunting effort it had required.


One day, soon after my return from Harper's Ferry, I was at Sector participating in an ATV policy planning forum.  A random conversation with an agent I had met in Harper's Ferry opened doors for a great opportunity.   I was offered the opportunity to return to the Border Patrol Academy as a firearms instructor for a six month winter detail.  I longed to go "down south" again having enjoyed it immensely when instructing there in '06-'07. So jumping at the chance, I applied immediately, all the while praying for clarity and guidance.  Instructing for the Border Patrol Academy at the prestigious Federal Law Enforcement Training Center would be another way to prove to myself that I was truly "back". 
 
One last trek to Missouri in 2011 for medical evaluation also gave opportunity for a new treatment option.  Research had been done and requests approved to try radio-frequency rhizotomy to burn the nerves in my lower back and sacroiliac joint in an attempt to decrease my pain.  While this is not the typical treatment for a toxic neuropathy diagnosis, my pain specialist was willing to try it.  My primary agreed that it was a viable option too, as the facet injections were becoming much less effective in reducing pain due to the grueling nature of my work. He too hoped that I would be accepted at the Academy knowing that the bitter cold of Montana's winter months caused my already crushing pain to increase.  I longed to go to New Mexico even more.
 
On September 24th, I underwent rhizotomy procedures on several nerves in my low back.  Gaining enough relief from the procedure for it to be considered moderately successful, I was able to again decrease the amount of medications used to managed my pain.  A week later, we were driving back to Montana. This time to pack for our move south to Artesia, New Mexico. We were given less than ten days to take care of business, pack, find lodging and move the 1500 miles south. Whew! Thank God!  It had been approved!  Hallelujah!  Let the race begin!
 
Prayers are often answered with unexpected and sometime dramatic results.  During the course of 2011, I went from being 100% totally disabled to being restored to warrior status.  In 6 months, I went from hesitantly returning to work- to being selected for a coveted training position instructing at the United States Border Patrol Academy.  In the 8 weeks from August through October, I had successfully traveled over 8000 miles...and this from a guy who began the year unable to stay on his feet when the lights flickered.  God is amazing!

New Years Day 2012, was a Sunday. It just seemed fitting to spend the day walking and talking with God.  Toni and I headed to the desert, marveling at the beauty of the snow painted across the sands.  Rejoicing in the miracles that God had granted throughout the past year, we spent the day praising and thanking God for all His grace and mercy. 
 
I stand before you tested and tried; pained and persecuted; humbled, yet happy-
testifying that none of these things would be possible except for the power of a loving God who hears and answers prayers. I owe my life to the Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.

When faced with trials in life, I urge you to keep your faith.
Seek God.  Write His words and promises on your heart and never give up-
Always knowing and believing that the greatest of  God's assurances is this:

 "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me." Philippians 4:13.


                                   denton.moberly@live.com