One of the most difficult tasks adult children contend with concerning elderly parents is taking away their car keys. Imagine having to be the bad guy and “muscle in” on their independence. I’m the baby in the family so I definitely didn’t want to be the one to do it. That job would clearly fall …
Our family meeting was held the afternoon of December 25, 2020. We’d never had a family meeting before. It was the day that forever changed our lives. Once my dad shared with us he needed extra help, he allowed full access to everything—no reservations. I can sum it up in six words: HE-MADE-IT-EASY-FOR-US. For clarity, …
Just turn off the noise. Social media outlets and America’s (so-called) news media outlets are especially toxic these days. Just turn it all off. This alone reduces stress levels dramatically. Ah yes! The sweet sound of silence is definitely good for the soul.
When creating my personal blog a few years ago, I never contemplated how, or when it might end. Naming my blog wasn’t difficult. For me, it was a no-brainer. My Alternate Universe was the best way to describe my ridiculous ordeal. From the summer of 2016 to mid-2018, I was living a real-life nightmare. Rheumatoid …
I know it’s been a while since I’ve written for my personal blog. Many people have asked when this particular post would be published. I appreciate your interest in my story. *** God intricately designed our bodies with sleep being a necessity. Sleep not only solidifies memories and stores vital information, it also miraculously aids …
During my short visit with family in Arizona before Christmas, a sense of calm and mental clarity surrounded me like I hadn’t felt in many months. The starter medications my rheumatologist prescribed in November did exactly what he expected, so the daily chronic pain was not as intense...thank God! It was refreshing to feel somewhat …
It was difficult living so far from our daughter and son-in-law. Tiffany and Bill lived in Sierra Vista, Arizona with their three girls, two of whom are adopted. We visited regularly the entire two years they lived there. Whether we drove or flew, it was worth every penny, every mile, every time. Sierra Vista is situated …
The gravity of my alternate universe manically yanked me from the secure and comfortable life I was effortlessly living. I was not at all prepared for the level of misery and pain it had to offer. Fixed between two worlds, my mind constantly battled the “fight or flight” mentality. In the daylight hours, I wanted …
My family experienced the most amazing road trip in the summer of 2016. We headed west on Interstate 20, our goal being Sierra Vista, Arizona. A special package needed to be picked up, one which could only be attained in person. In order to make it a full-out road trip, we planned a few spectacular …
“Lord, it’s me again. Please send something—anything! I desperately need help, but You know that already. In Jesus name, Amen.” My tearful prayer lacked length and eloquence, but made up for it in fervor and sincerity. God’s immediate answer smacked me right in the face. His timing is always impeccable. Unbeknownst to me, a …
As a coping mechanism, I began honing my skill in the art of invisibility. I began shutting out the people I love and trust the most. Seclusion was becoming more and more attractive. I hated living in my own little world, but at the same time, I also loved living in my own little world. My … Continue reading A Light at the End of the Tunnel (Part II)
I will be posting the conclusion of “A Light at the End of the Tunnel” very soon. As I was writing, it suddenly took on a personality of its own. Editing and piecing Part II together has taken much longer than I originally expected. I feel this was for a very good reason. The …
Continue reading "Just So You Know…That Light? It Wasn’t the Train!"
I JUST HOPE IT’S NOT THE TRAIN! The MRI of my cervical and thoracic spine revealed minor arthritic changes on one spinal disc. My family doctor and I were now at an impasse. He said there was no way this minor issue was causing such intense pain in my entire body. I was …
When I was young, I had a new friend at school. I often wondered why she wanted to be my friend because I thought she was the prettiest and most popular girl in the entire 4th grade. I guess this whole “popularity” thing started young here in the USA. She would eventually invite me to …
Gerry and I are what many may call an “old fashioned” couple. I truly wouldn’t have it any other way because that’s what totally works for us! I am more than pleased with our thirty-one year marriage. We are both blessed with full time jobs. We graciously split responsibilities of owning our home. When I …
“I doubt that very seriously Honey, but thanks for calling to let me know...” So there I was...laying on my daughter’s living room floor nearly 2000 miles from home. My phone was “silent” on the floor beside me. My Apple Watch alerted me of the incoming call. It was my doctor’s office in South Carolina. …
It was September 8, 2016, and excitement started building in my very being. It had been quite some time since I was excited about anything, so it felt strangely foreign to me. With a very important flight planned to Arizona USA just ten days away, it was difficult not to be excited. You see? My …
Since I was typically a healthy person, I had never googled anything as far as my health was concerned. Before June of 2016, there was no need to do this. I always imagined if I did, I would certainly be six feet under in a matter of days. I would eventually toss that thought aside. Curiosity …
It’s so funny how I plan to write about one thing, and it suddenly turns into a story about MANY things. Some may call it chasing rabbits, I say, “SQUIRREL!” Bear with me! It was August 19, 2016 and I didn’t say a word to my periodontist about the horrendous joint pain I had …
Who doesn’t love surprises? I did, but at this point, living in an alternate little universe, I’d have to say I really hated them! I get it! Hate is a strong word, and yes, my sweet mama taught me better than to use such harsh language, but I had incredibly strong pain to match exactly …
My Alternate Universe 