tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47321924189718289262024-03-17T16:01:38.087-04:00Embracing GraceOffering words of hope and encouragement for those walking in challenging health journeys. I share my story of chronic migraine to let others know they are not alone. Embracing Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01065171534375991840noreply@blogger.comBlogger115125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732192418971828926.post-55077762390323358742024-03-17T16:01:00.000-04:002024-03-17T16:01:06.637-04:00Creating space for a new story to emerge<p><br /></p><p>Speaking from experience, I know firsthand what it is like to "make room" for a new story to unfold. It has been fourteen long years of living with the after effects of meningitis and shingles and ten of those years living with chronic migraine. Every year at this time my body remembers the physical and emotional pain of hospitalization along with its debilitating journey of daily struggling. It is my form of PTSD. This can be related to any kind of trauma our body holds tightly which can wax and wane over many years. It is nothing of which to be ashamed. It is what it is. </p><p>The first six years of my illness I didn't really know how I was going to survive living with so many scary symptoms all the while trying multitudes of treatments and medications never knowing if any of them would really help. It was a very hard and dark season not only me but for my family. I thank the good Lord who provided MUCH support from family and friends and a headache specialist who cared about helping me get to a better place of management of migraine disease.</p><p>Here it is 13 years later, and I am excited to write a new chapter to my story. I do not wish to remain stuck in the difficult past dwelling on what was. It is not healthy physically or mentally. Making the physical move from CT to PA has been a positive start. I embrace the newness(yet familiar) because it offers a fresh start so to speak. It is a chance to turn in a new direction and walk into healing.</p><p>God has also provided me with another fantastic and kind headache specialist close to my home, and we are working together on a good treatment plan that keeps me functioning and enjoying much more than ever before. I am learning to "let go" of patterns of trigger fear so that I can fully embrace the joy of the moment. Do I still take a variety of medications? Yes, for now. Am I tolerating the many side effects? Yes, for the most part. Do I still have to sometimes not participate in an event due to feeling too unwell? Yes, unfortunately so. This is acceptable. I am managing. </p><p>The lesson I am learning is to allow myself to create space in my mind, body, and spirit to embrace my new story of healing. Little by little I am willing to be flexible and open to new opportunities by trying different treatments as well as trying new experiences and adventures that are placed in my path. Even though I experience flare ups and setbacks, I am now better able to respond in a more positive way instead of reinforcing old habits of doom and gloom. As I wrote in my book, Climbing My Matterhorn, healing is not linear. There will be steps forward as well as backwards which is completely normal in any healing process no matter what the situation. More self awareness and self care directly influence my path forward instead of remaining stuck. Feeling stuck does not offer a full life. It offers a small, tenuous one. Decisions to grow do not happen all at once, but each day is a new opportunity to begin again.</p><p>May grace fall softly upon you today.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjv48Z1iARqYhIyy4NnF-bjXepdRtuLVbfEZUFtw4nDu1IEy-jG_XIAD_GlsSJo-EgNFEkta4jpmJfzjzVadNemaNNWEzUmtb_ihm085-scVkwdIpWyr8hJvIFe7g6egLtk3bfaJK9Ym_QFbnYaOj67907xPftyRNO_gyoXrgxgM_LBWL8DQ4CbP3SWpM/s1290/IMG_0357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1187" data-original-width="1290" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjv48Z1iARqYhIyy4NnF-bjXepdRtuLVbfEZUFtw4nDu1IEy-jG_XIAD_GlsSJo-EgNFEkta4jpmJfzjzVadNemaNNWEzUmtb_ihm085-scVkwdIpWyr8hJvIFe7g6egLtk3bfaJK9Ym_QFbnYaOj67907xPftyRNO_gyoXrgxgM_LBWL8DQ4CbP3SWpM/s320/IMG_0357.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ_WlDbtT3nDHLY1V6JoJhhiGI-SyOQsTonCuRdcW2Yn3qNt7cgOuRnkbeoV7Q4tKOCLmhnaxAK-qdROzGQLJ9boBxixBmBTiIaf_zAmK8irHcRciRTb-PFVXmwl2FDo1fA1gG0ZtQvY1lyW2VKxhyngda6NF9YMF-gCAvpld63lr7UfnN-7paEIWkIaE/s1148/IMG_9498.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1148" data-original-width="1131" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ_WlDbtT3nDHLY1V6JoJhhiGI-SyOQsTonCuRdcW2Yn3qNt7cgOuRnkbeoV7Q4tKOCLmhnaxAK-qdROzGQLJ9boBxixBmBTiIaf_zAmK8irHcRciRTb-PFVXmwl2FDo1fA1gG0ZtQvY1lyW2VKxhyngda6NF9YMF-gCAvpld63lr7UfnN-7paEIWkIaE/s320/IMG_9498.jpg" width="315" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg03c5H-0XfOfL9hk_2diLhvXzd9bRnoNLtcuF4X1hgO1-TsQ94PS5KU3Zq0znbQc9mRgUmTnUo9VMGS1DV2sjPMTMrwekwojM7mtEMaU4M8RQpGSp2UMLWCIuNniz_0Ll1aEv-LE4iuUTWJ9Ir0tF-pVkpdSskK67nagbg-eBfZYKe73AQOuqjvCwkM7c/s4032/IMG_5848.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg03c5H-0XfOfL9hk_2diLhvXzd9bRnoNLtcuF4X1hgO1-TsQ94PS5KU3Zq0znbQc9mRgUmTnUo9VMGS1DV2sjPMTMrwekwojM7mtEMaU4M8RQpGSp2UMLWCIuNniz_0Ll1aEv-LE4iuUTWJ9Ir0tF-pVkpdSskK67nagbg-eBfZYKe73AQOuqjvCwkM7c/s320/IMG_5848.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><br /><p></p>Embracing Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01065171534375991840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732192418971828926.post-83852627632191406072024-01-17T08:47:00.000-05:002024-01-17T08:47:48.821-05:00Wintering<p>In the Bleak Midwinter is a lovely poem written by the English poet Christina Rossetti and commonly performed as a Christmas Carol sung by many musical artists. I grew up in church singing this every year and came to love it. I encourage you to find it on YouTube and listen to it in its entirety. </p><p> "In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan,</p><p> Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone;</p><p> Snow had fallen, snow on snow,</p><p> Snow on snow,</p><p> In the bleak midwinter, long ago..."</p><p>I am wintering. My body, mind, and soul are preparing for the longer days ahead with gradual increases in light. I am tapping into quiet energy that will sustain me for the rest of January, February, and March before Spring arrives in 2024. </p><p>After the hubbub of the holiday festivities and slowly recovering from the cooking, eating, and entertaining, my body is in need of REST. This year was so special hosting family and friends in our new home, and we all remained well and unscathed from the lurking viruses that are ever present around us. </p><p>Currently I am choosing quiet activities of reading, writing, crocheting, and snuggling under my favorite blanket in order to reset my "slightly overstimulated" central nervous system. Winter evenings are sometimes spent with dear friends and neighbors sharing meaningful conversation and joy to lift our spirits which can easily find us in an occasional post holiday funk. These choices leave me feeling renewed and peaceful. Even when my head becomes cranky due to any number of triggers, I am tending to it carefully, and my body thanks me graciously for doing so.</p><p>I have experienced all four seasons here in PA which have seamlessly floated from one to the other. WOW. It is hard to comprehend. It has been a very busy and exciting year of transition so slowing down my pace for the rest of winter is a needed intention. </p><p>I offer you, my friends, to possibly take a look at how you might wish to "winter". Do you think your pace and activities might need another perspective for a few weeks or months? Can you observe the small, subtle lengthening of the days with the placement of light and shadows? How about the magnificent moonlight against the clear January sky? </p><p>May you embrace grace in this new year no matter what journey (difficult or easy) lies ahead. God is with you always.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYczx9zRQdnctHhhyphenhyphen1fr_XQJu8Yd1dZXUq4OMiYez_5scjUnSI43RLE2SDa71h5pU4S6N4BXUxaAG8zK48XS60IfAA-joYvTnFlw9WpQGTgVREoGZfOCrDuQGJuoPKx0gy6YrzvNhkWScolSkFhayMgzpjLOoirMuI3ymQVW5JV7KYiPERM8Dsm_SKbOo/s4032/IMG_1825.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYczx9zRQdnctHhhyphenhyphen1fr_XQJu8Yd1dZXUq4OMiYez_5scjUnSI43RLE2SDa71h5pU4S6N4BXUxaAG8zK48XS60IfAA-joYvTnFlw9WpQGTgVREoGZfOCrDuQGJuoPKx0gy6YrzvNhkWScolSkFhayMgzpjLOoirMuI3ymQVW5JV7KYiPERM8Dsm_SKbOo/s320/IMG_1825.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhobejKLsN0XEF9gq-eHXm-1u3tdMFjFolC7iwlIHOyhuJ0Ks0n5Cy2L6KW0HH7AZP2R58k7qlbWBbPPr995n_A3-r2hMvUYCwA-ILbUzK_h0gYnEEQMzBQTPna0B6u3zGvia97lsqVXe3aIl6o1kOVUryTqiqWLuTU-0qubr9fFeLIfLAEVVhDOcPXMgk/s4032/IMG_0118.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhobejKLsN0XEF9gq-eHXm-1u3tdMFjFolC7iwlIHOyhuJ0Ks0n5Cy2L6KW0HH7AZP2R58k7qlbWBbPPr995n_A3-r2hMvUYCwA-ILbUzK_h0gYnEEQMzBQTPna0B6u3zGvia97lsqVXe3aIl6o1kOVUryTqiqWLuTU-0qubr9fFeLIfLAEVVhDOcPXMgk/s320/IMG_0118.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzqzTTZmhhSUPbigYi3Ea-RQjtdCtg3oiSKIJH0gEYke60yZdSgKLrXpddEw8bg5nyIBFns2PHs7Y8TKtXJGhbgL03mw7Ulr3ZRwpjpyPV14_7MS81KEZgvdsf-Ye8sav6XmPsVphqSTDAH9t_ZnH63agNVWOIpNivoMZ3f71La-BctERMQG2SwbvewPc/s4032/IMG_0053.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzqzTTZmhhSUPbigYi3Ea-RQjtdCtg3oiSKIJH0gEYke60yZdSgKLrXpddEw8bg5nyIBFns2PHs7Y8TKtXJGhbgL03mw7Ulr3ZRwpjpyPV14_7MS81KEZgvdsf-Ye8sav6XmPsVphqSTDAH9t_ZnH63agNVWOIpNivoMZ3f71La-BctERMQG2SwbvewPc/s320/IMG_0053.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /></div><br />Embracing Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01065171534375991840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732192418971828926.post-60768377690442242992023-07-24T13:37:00.000-04:002023-07-24T13:37:36.159-04:00Countryside Calmness<p> A year has passed since we left the Connecticut seaside and planted new roots in the countryside of central PA. What a year it has been! Five months Michael and I shared living space with my mom who was most generous while our house was under construction. Not every moment was easy and without conflict, but we learned, with much grace, that love and flexibility were the keys for a smooth transition. </p><p>Winter, spring, and now summer have presented a new, calm rhythm and flow as we center ourselves in the green, lush farmlands, mountains, and open space of Boiling Springs, PA. The not so long ago hustle and bustle of the CT shoreline is now being replaced with a more laid back pace. Lovely impromptu visits with friends and neighbors are easily welcomed, and Michael and I realize the timing of our move seems "perfect" for this next season of our lives. However, the friendships we grew and nurtured in CT remain ever close in our hearts.</p><p>Our new community in which we reside is full of friendly neighbors who are eager to chat and gather at a moment's notice. Mike and I are learning the ins and outs of grilling homemade pizzas with our outside pizza grill so that we can offer some fun yummy treats with everyone (that is when we don't burn them)! Sharing time with life long friends is extra special in every possible way. Living much closer to family (almost everyone) bestows a great blessing upon our lives. </p><p>Unfortunately, adapting to the unpredictable weather and storm patterns as well as the central PA heat and humidity has not been easy on my migraine body. People are kindly inquiring if I "feel better" living here, but this is not the case. I am grateful for my new headache specialist who is wonderful, but we have work to do yet. More climbing my Matterhorn for sure!</p><p>I will remain an active migraine advocate while living here offering HOPE to others through education and my own personal experience. I am honored to do so as my own healing journey continues. </p><p>"Harvesting healing is always a continuing journey because it springs up from deep within a soul. We must set an intention of moving forward no matter what and accepting the day for what it brings. It means accepting the good with the bad and the indifferent. It means looking at our precious chronic illness through the lens of a strong warrior because we can do hard things."</p><p> Lisa Aleo</p><p><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span></span>Climbing My Matterhorn, My story of <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span> meningitis, migraine, and miracles</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDP3CYnIKCLbTSUb6yRHvfZKY1GSZGKt0zpN18bOumjJnmqQpaM4-BkiImTtEv9HwZVZgXU4OjfzAhYJmmzDuwl95ixIygCAdOPJjj64yjq35ibeZfmSArM9YVAmmEg7W-_tFVJ7eT5WKqGF-i5c32rmjmneBtcBcm6uYdvnkQdJZy_vk7THqj417Vilg/s4032/IMG_9160.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDP3CYnIKCLbTSUb6yRHvfZKY1GSZGKt0zpN18bOumjJnmqQpaM4-BkiImTtEv9HwZVZgXU4OjfzAhYJmmzDuwl95ixIygCAdOPJjj64yjq35ibeZfmSArM9YVAmmEg7W-_tFVJ7eT5WKqGF-i5c32rmjmneBtcBcm6uYdvnkQdJZy_vk7THqj417Vilg/s320/IMG_9160.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibWy_fC91ppXY0SAXyziMbct2Mp-TCadT60epRE5rC43M37aSqrpgoQmHKNGb6RNzwFL9KkW3dV89l3bSmnx3eO0UOsnK0_-FtIW8OuNAWxFdv8IUIbtJQ3U1OO1oGaNDn7Ty_-0kftgO2cT_KI7ACatEckyp0nayCKUsxxBnF21QEke6LRO9PEvbtEm0/s1800/7485CE8F-D9EB-49DA-B862-50DAC1F1F98D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibWy_fC91ppXY0SAXyziMbct2Mp-TCadT60epRE5rC43M37aSqrpgoQmHKNGb6RNzwFL9KkW3dV89l3bSmnx3eO0UOsnK0_-FtIW8OuNAWxFdv8IUIbtJQ3U1OO1oGaNDn7Ty_-0kftgO2cT_KI7ACatEckyp0nayCKUsxxBnF21QEke6LRO9PEvbtEm0/s320/7485CE8F-D9EB-49DA-B862-50DAC1F1F98D.JPG" width="256" /></a></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKY7b0TEU5oJwj7xGX5CtZAG_ti95_R2PxkNORZrv1SrzUTpI0pxaBL-o5Dl_cneLjQqAm-peC1mMxxk-p8d6FCF9rPzIEQvV6zQOUwtWxq2tlxehCqAh5UjZ3Bu_aj1yVByoxBJxLnO0YJz0oo8COkdXEDdCx9SCHaoRlBGdwI11GAV9F6TCxAIGqVBM/s1549/IMG_9003.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1549" data-original-width="1108" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKY7b0TEU5oJwj7xGX5CtZAG_ti95_R2PxkNORZrv1SrzUTpI0pxaBL-o5Dl_cneLjQqAm-peC1mMxxk-p8d6FCF9rPzIEQvV6zQOUwtWxq2tlxehCqAh5UjZ3Bu_aj1yVByoxBJxLnO0YJz0oo8COkdXEDdCx9SCHaoRlBGdwI11GAV9F6TCxAIGqVBM/s320/IMG_9003.jpg" width="229" /></a></div></div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Embracing Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01065171534375991840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732192418971828926.post-32248963152309040332023-03-27T11:46:00.000-04:002023-03-27T11:46:37.582-04:00Spring Awakening<p>Since we have recently entered the anticipated season of spring, I found a lovely poem by my favorite author, John O'Donohue, from his book "To Bless the Space Between Us:A Book of Blessings."</p><p>"Within the grip of winter, it is almost impossible to imagine the spring. The gray perished landscape is shorn of color. Only bleakness meets the eye; everything seems severe and edged. Winter is the oldest season; it has some quality of the absolute. Yet beneath the surface of winter, the miracle of spring is already in preparation; the cold is relenting; seeds are wakening up. Colors are beginning to imagine how they will return. Then, imperceptibly, somewhere one bud opens and the symphony of renewal is no longer reversible. From the black heart of winter a miraculous, breathing plentitude of color emerges.</p><p>The beauty of nature insists on taking its time. Everything is prepared. Nothing is rushed. The rhythm of emergence is a gradual slow beat always inching its way forward; change remains faithful to itself until the new unfolds in the full confidence of true arrival. Because nothing is abrupt, the beginning of spring nearly always catches us unaware. It is there before we see it; and then we can look nowhere without seeing it."</p><p>For me, the longer days of light, warmer temperatures, the assurance of blossoms and new growth, and the varied songs of the birds, give me joy and confidence that the rhythm of nature becomes awake inside my soul. </p><p>What is your favorite sign of spring?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2HO09I7wC125nCXR7QY31rNaqEyXYPNWG8FgzGknUI-RZITy3QeVcqIBoklMj_mtX8nv4HUXMWl0EyN215E2mIXOvmtjhuMZmaFwaT0t3j--2eBw83qZLICkCcAwBspwKIsP1zi_B0CRzlXzXVjAt3uvEHIc12K5o8s3HPCcI5rSae4RULpUwvI78/s4032/IMG_3864.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2HO09I7wC125nCXR7QY31rNaqEyXYPNWG8FgzGknUI-RZITy3QeVcqIBoklMj_mtX8nv4HUXMWl0EyN215E2mIXOvmtjhuMZmaFwaT0t3j--2eBw83qZLICkCcAwBspwKIsP1zi_B0CRzlXzXVjAt3uvEHIc12K5o8s3HPCcI5rSae4RULpUwvI78/s320/IMG_3864.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZm86o3-bla6HxV_j8tRtEQrMXLol8OBiHtBrgRmiLMFoB1TbQdFjjzr2FMOQL26tgh9XkLjfDD5AkW0WP0sqLrMU7N_3nhUvne0GzcCeDk-XLmxJQ7WRuFKMrcGWD4GbS4hjaTY8aS9LunqPNbGP7fPZ29cDHRAjW0aVnA_r-EyMu8HcEQHRr1M09/s4032/IMG_5383.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZm86o3-bla6HxV_j8tRtEQrMXLol8OBiHtBrgRmiLMFoB1TbQdFjjzr2FMOQL26tgh9XkLjfDD5AkW0WP0sqLrMU7N_3nhUvne0GzcCeDk-XLmxJQ7WRuFKMrcGWD4GbS4hjaTY8aS9LunqPNbGP7fPZ29cDHRAjW0aVnA_r-EyMu8HcEQHRr1M09/s320/IMG_5383.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>My pretty tulips and pansies from our garden in East Lyme, CT. They make me smile.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT6ws85H2eqzJ9comxAak7RAHGExqYeWgJGtKhM3Nx0XmauX9F8jsy6M4pVODt3bsWGqBB1MeWFxYUp-9iWcoeIDf-0RmReyRORh8wHzxIclPHzqXhC3NPfIGuyU0Vpl3gIXfodMY8EqJxuApJBE-hw_VG8Y2YpS6VIYMTHprfqwolr8ihFzOTHu5D/s4032/IMG_8920.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT6ws85H2eqzJ9comxAak7RAHGExqYeWgJGtKhM3Nx0XmauX9F8jsy6M4pVODt3bsWGqBB1MeWFxYUp-9iWcoeIDf-0RmReyRORh8wHzxIclPHzqXhC3NPfIGuyU0Vpl3gIXfodMY8EqJxuApJBE-hw_VG8Y2YpS6VIYMTHprfqwolr8ihFzOTHu5D/s320/IMG_8920.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ4HTdXRn7U8KCIJ7WJoT8iYu8uag7XF026nS3SoNsknf42mORw63Umt1EetaEMzP_EQEkAk0ZN_xUuFQO0_T852DryivkNPKrcLm8-5ooiPeJG5JauD85JKdvC1uL90FA6Qe4Kn8QqY6kJgZOnEsaz_JCjukyfDcoVP99_gxbfj8MyKU-7K2hiNFY/s4032/IMG_8921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ4HTdXRn7U8KCIJ7WJoT8iYu8uag7XF026nS3SoNsknf42mORw63Umt1EetaEMzP_EQEkAk0ZN_xUuFQO0_T852DryivkNPKrcLm8-5ooiPeJG5JauD85JKdvC1uL90FA6Qe4Kn8QqY6kJgZOnEsaz_JCjukyfDcoVP99_gxbfj8MyKU-7K2hiNFY/s320/IMG_8921.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Some beauty from Boiling Springs, Pa.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">May we remember to be good stewards of the generous bounty of God's creation.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Embracing Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01065171534375991840noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732192418971828926.post-18649291465737107442023-03-08T12:29:00.000-05:002023-03-08T12:29:08.998-05:00Lenten nuggets<p>As Henri Nouwen once wrote, "O Lord, make this Lenten season different from the other ones. Let me find you again. Amen." Upon reflection----</p><p>L---eaning into fully knowing God's deep Love for me</p><p>E---xamining my own brokenness and exploring ways to heal that brokenness</p><p>N---ever forgetting the power of patience and purposeful waiting to see God's will in my life</p><p>T---hanking God for His everlasting mercy and forgiveness which is never failing</p><p>I have decided to share little nuggets of my faith journey this Lenten season. They will be brief and simple compared to some of my previous ones when it seemed like I remained in one big loooooong and complicated Good Friday. Many of those deep struggles I share in my book. </p><p>This Lenten season may I have the courage and strength to help others walk their unique path of difficulty and questioning by offering my presence in whatever small way I am capable. </p><p>If you would like to share your thoughts, please do so either on my blog directly or as a private message on FB or IG. Joining with you would be my honor. Let me know how I can pray for you.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIN0r7wP1xSZhXwupwOPqGz2cELljleWuOu7UgdkWuejTxLKLDb-ba9YbdRvMqWCrNGUsUenFzGbCCRgdZMVK-zDML5s3FcqObpLbFzZE8MaBemxjE_y0_N0nnXE1WqXDF902Lq-A_kAaTNz8I2gAbaeazEWY3cVx_Jb-cKbYdjcWB3XwaE_Pt_ceO/s1334/F8DDCE1A-F651-41E2-BFE5-44FEFF3C2C0D.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIN0r7wP1xSZhXwupwOPqGz2cELljleWuOu7UgdkWuejTxLKLDb-ba9YbdRvMqWCrNGUsUenFzGbCCRgdZMVK-zDML5s3FcqObpLbFzZE8MaBemxjE_y0_N0nnXE1WqXDF902Lq-A_kAaTNz8I2gAbaeazEWY3cVx_Jb-cKbYdjcWB3XwaE_Pt_ceO/s320/F8DDCE1A-F651-41E2-BFE5-44FEFF3C2C0D.PNG" width="180" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNas38vhyDcC__MMJYShojFcHkR2WuyZcqeOuSmPOphpmx7dDJk2o2fJwOo7w20uYWNcpztNMhBZxQr3EwyIbDOSnMO1n8GNfNwrmCG20LhtZEnK3OTd_UyImQJN2hMMODZ0l3pP_VbzvA2eSuhTBZvPqxlCIMy9hjKA5fcUybRY55jUKPGVEBO8Pz/s4032/IMG_5233%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNas38vhyDcC__MMJYShojFcHkR2WuyZcqeOuSmPOphpmx7dDJk2o2fJwOo7w20uYWNcpztNMhBZxQr3EwyIbDOSnMO1n8GNfNwrmCG20LhtZEnK3OTd_UyImQJN2hMMODZ0l3pP_VbzvA2eSuhTBZvPqxlCIMy9hjKA5fcUybRY55jUKPGVEBO8Pz/s320/IMG_5233%202.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p>May we continue to reach for the light just like these pretty crocuses. </p>Embracing Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01065171534375991840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732192418971828926.post-36251648848116859022023-02-20T08:05:00.000-05:002023-02-20T08:05:37.260-05:00New year. New home. New beginnings.<p> Hello my friends! I have not forgotten my faithful followers! As you may know, the past few months have been delightfully chaotic. Michael and I moved from CT to PA in July, and it is crazy to realize we are in February of a new year. Part of the building process seemed long and drawn out, but overall, we crossed the finish line! Hooray!</p><p>I thought about blogging many times, but when I tried to sit down and collect my thoughts, I could not stay on task. I did not posses the bandwith to focus. While I write everyday in my journal, those thoughts have remained private for now. My yearning to reach out once again has been tugging at me for some time, so I knew I had to jump back in the saddle soon.</p><p>Michael and I are settling into our new lovely place and making it a home. It is our hope it will convey an atmosphere of peace, comfort, and welcome. We invite friends to stop and say hello, and we would be happy to show you this beautiful area of mountains and farmlands. </p><p>Moving has not been complete without the nuisance of meddling Mr. Migraine. In my fantasy dreams I hoped I could lose him in CT, but of course, my daily reality proves differently. I cannot seem to escape his tenacity of finding me wherever I go. Ugh. I am managing his unwanted presence with the help of medications, rest, yoga and another good headache specialist for which I am grateful. </p><p>I am excited to have my very own professional office space in which to write and continue my migraine advocacy work. My memoir was written mostly from my bed or the couch in CT, but my "next" book shall come to life in a more proper setting, I hope. </p><p>"New" can feel scary and uncomfortable at times, and I have certainly experienced those feelings over the years to some degree. However, my perspective of new is currently uplifting, fresh, and rewarding. I am settling in quite easily as the familiarity of my surroundings brings joy. </p><p>Sending warm wishes from central PA.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOR0ahbXQJn4i1ck8iIZs7BZbe0oSzbWuMr2jQaDS6m4Zd6YGpgLl6uS2m5r4xjQd03C9kIC-tpDsySfrUS-4_cr7JveFZrSk2XZU_AzcXyIq2pCw6afDJnoe8Ye5VzOqnLVtLm1l9LC8eEb7UGdl3JU42pFA2N25n_94StdBKPuGSMXKB5fjFdGAK/s4032/IMG_7733.heic" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2899" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOR0ahbXQJn4i1ck8iIZs7BZbe0oSzbWuMr2jQaDS6m4Zd6YGpgLl6uS2m5r4xjQd03C9kIC-tpDsySfrUS-4_cr7JveFZrSk2XZU_AzcXyIq2pCw6afDJnoe8Ye5VzOqnLVtLm1l9LC8eEb7UGdl3JU42pFA2N25n_94StdBKPuGSMXKB5fjFdGAK/s320/IMG_7733.heic" width="230" /></a><br /></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyE3vOnuzRpYl0YmIbo1U0q8f6raFARXURRVJ0YlhmMKmGDZDljB4K77mZ2Ma2CgqabC3iijShXpnvuzC0R4q0LL9WK18cqe47bA-J-HIuFlJLYmDK_0eBMDB-9sbJh_gnlLdPWvs2XrE9CwzNPpevfJJ_USffwJ224laksrO8pdjY4CHcLRxdZvX4/s4032/IMG_5399.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyE3vOnuzRpYl0YmIbo1U0q8f6raFARXURRVJ0YlhmMKmGDZDljB4K77mZ2Ma2CgqabC3iijShXpnvuzC0R4q0LL9WK18cqe47bA-J-HIuFlJLYmDK_0eBMDB-9sbJh_gnlLdPWvs2XrE9CwzNPpevfJJ_USffwJ224laksrO8pdjY4CHcLRxdZvX4/s320/IMG_5399.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div>Little did I know when I was in high school this Allenberry sign would be a foreshadowing of my future many years to come. It is truly funny how life turns out. The 1980 picture was taken from my high school yearbook when I was a sophomore. Yes, I am dating myself...<p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAR-oiLmIMNwPLMIR5NG3MBGXsEhoU5vr1wPfNcOwES1EGVlJ5kCy1N-bMonDF2gYrjGfkxX6ZEa7YMgvb4OtgFyE8ZG2YWvfhReXpL_C6w8YYytJaBjFQLwDtHlfdc5Vc4h55f5f2JTyojCGzmLWI-N8GfNW-jsHE0MQ-OJtLYJa44s52iAPtq-ls/s4032/IMG_8805.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAR-oiLmIMNwPLMIR5NG3MBGXsEhoU5vr1wPfNcOwES1EGVlJ5kCy1N-bMonDF2gYrjGfkxX6ZEa7YMgvb4OtgFyE8ZG2YWvfhReXpL_C6w8YYytJaBjFQLwDtHlfdc5Vc4h55f5f2JTyojCGzmLWI-N8GfNW-jsHE0MQ-OJtLYJa44s52iAPtq-ls/s320/IMG_8805.HEIC" width="240" /></a> </div>Our Appalachian style home welcomes you. <br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Embracing Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01065171534375991840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732192418971828926.post-62145048166546777492022-10-17T10:20:00.000-04:002022-10-17T10:20:17.836-04:00My intentional pause<p>Here it is mid-October, and I find myself taking an intentional pause. Life has been on a crazy roll since we sold our home and moved to Boiling Springs, PA. My body and mind desperately need REST. I cannot go on without renewal and restoration. </p><p>I remain excited about my book publication and the positive reviews from migraine sufferers as well as from my dear friends and family who have been so encouraging along the way. I know I need to be on top of marketing to a greater degree, but my energy has drained right out of me at a most in opportune time. I humbly ask my wonderful readers to help by spreading awareness of my book to friends and family. Thank you.</p><p>September 3 was such a joyous day from beginning to end. Our celebration in Illinois was marked by Patrick and Emily's wedding, and I believe there was no greater witness of love. There was a small scare of a Covid situation right up until the special day, but all turned out well and nothing had to be cancelled. We all breathed a sigh of relief.</p><p>Now true to my usual medical drama, the Saturday before we were to fly out on Tuesday, my lower back decided to go into horrible spams, and I could NOT walk. I couldn't even turn in bed. So, long story short, I had to take a little trip to our local ER by ambulance! I felt ridiculous but nothing was giving me relief and I knew I needed intervention or I wouldn't be able to fly. Talk about an emotional freak out----yep---I had one. Tests were ordered and thankfully I wasn't brewing anything weird. I was basically diagnosed with bad muscle spasms. I gave my sob story of needing "drugs" to anyone who would listen because my son was getting married and I had to fly!! I got my way, and I went loaded with a pharmacy of pain meds in addition to my pharmacy of migraine meds. I sometimes wonder why traveling can't be EASY. I look in awe of the people who jump out of bed, pack a suitcase, and then just go! We laugh at our precarious scenario now, but we were not laughing then. </p><p>The greatest gift was being able to enjoy a long day of celebration without having a M attack. Not even the hint of one. Of course, my body was happy on steroids which helped a great deal. Praise God. </p><p>The other medical annoyance I have been dealing with for months has been a very unhappy gallbladder. I certainly did not want that to act up during our week of celebration, but God kept me strong. I knew time was ticking before it had to be dealt with, but I tried to ignore it. I should know by now that approach never works for me. So, two weeks ago I had another little trip to our local ER to have it removed. It wasn't waiting for me to decide. I was so tired from the past few months that I just did not want to deal with another thing. Oh well...</p><p>I am healing, but as I wrote in my Climbing My Matterhorn book, healing is not linear. It is up and down with what I can eat or not. As far as post op pain, I really do not have any now. I had excellent hospital care both stays. I could not have been more pleased. </p><p>Currently, Mike and I are enjoying watching our house come together with colors, some lighting, and some structural details that make customizing a pleasure. Now Mike and I feel like our structure certainly looks more like a home.</p><p>Here are a few pictures from the wedding as well as our house. I will continue to update as it continues to make progress. We still think it may be early December before move in. I imagine Christmas will be a bit chaotic unpacking boxes and not knowing which end is up. Just moving into our home will be the greatest gift we could have this year with family around our table. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbxl5iLNrwzsE28ccyMC2WW4Grx0WXcCA52lwWLVfWGqc43uiDmJFRU3uRn_rctcgk8qHWKP8JpP4qQBVgm_jU68pgnwlMNfmBa_JTlN6a4ZGZqvcm9D_yPPs_KpuN8wxxaPv_71eF6ZSnPPpmdBtXTH50wuW_VsaXM23R23sYc-cmLOQAIxOMNG_x/s1799/9D74185D-3792-4722-B189-2F7046E794FD%202.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1799" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbxl5iLNrwzsE28ccyMC2WW4Grx0WXcCA52lwWLVfWGqc43uiDmJFRU3uRn_rctcgk8qHWKP8JpP4qQBVgm_jU68pgnwlMNfmBa_JTlN6a4ZGZqvcm9D_yPPs_KpuN8wxxaPv_71eF6ZSnPPpmdBtXTH50wuW_VsaXM23R23sYc-cmLOQAIxOMNG_x/s320/9D74185D-3792-4722-B189-2F7046E794FD%202.JPG" width="256" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYji977UXq-26TKtqh30a3QUs0WIlfABnISJfS0rhHd23IUpjvobfcM7j0npvnAIc1vik8rDN684XmE-MafdACS7TO10Nbwyzs6fWvRujEqxpHVnSPvSA8RF9VZXqjcFEILYAiAtJwqCjC58pRd3-bdLM_sS-2qxeCjmCjE8meyiLSlJFPclhcwrFi/s1653/IMG_8188%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1653" data-original-width="1125" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYji977UXq-26TKtqh30a3QUs0WIlfABnISJfS0rhHd23IUpjvobfcM7j0npvnAIc1vik8rDN684XmE-MafdACS7TO10Nbwyzs6fWvRujEqxpHVnSPvSA8RF9VZXqjcFEILYAiAtJwqCjC58pRd3-bdLM_sS-2qxeCjmCjE8meyiLSlJFPclhcwrFi/s320/IMG_8188%202.jpg" width="218" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj90L96Mx4UXO072FKv9r3CERDddjCmVEupcXT6fXWRUpkMUwTjqAzV1-Q8GhmQFE_wUIFzoLO9Ivv2eY_WZPGzVElCgtuZNwthX4lFNIlYo08mp0qjzpbw_lQO-ESrrbIQPZDFrGC2Ul8bn_yvXZiGv7quqXwQATkRe5a01BxHxwQAYxGxn_EE-Ly/s4032/IMG_6555.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj90L96Mx4UXO072FKv9r3CERDddjCmVEupcXT6fXWRUpkMUwTjqAzV1-Q8GhmQFE_wUIFzoLO9Ivv2eY_WZPGzVElCgtuZNwthX4lFNIlYo08mp0qjzpbw_lQO-ESrrbIQPZDFrGC2Ul8bn_yvXZiGv7quqXwQATkRe5a01BxHxwQAYxGxn_EE-Ly/s320/IMG_6555.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRR9CgRLbktX5vpDRjfgbXtlG7WLmW0zN1gHV0VvXVqr9yzqg4MQn6HwogGEj7uWzGsM2nEFB8sSBW5MdNSlCCOIlgSPS_LHGQGrdJh--pgMoksvV4gJbXT34CWaTt0edDEoYZmkx1LsMgJ8UVJSHLXxijy8OQiffYPIh6jE17-Qgv-KM37EJATDr9/s4032/IMG_6556.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRR9CgRLbktX5vpDRjfgbXtlG7WLmW0zN1gHV0VvXVqr9yzqg4MQn6HwogGEj7uWzGsM2nEFB8sSBW5MdNSlCCOIlgSPS_LHGQGrdJh--pgMoksvV4gJbXT34CWaTt0edDEoYZmkx1LsMgJ8UVJSHLXxijy8OQiffYPIh6jE17-Qgv-KM37EJATDr9/s320/IMG_6556.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSscCLr-FqVKPdxZB5HCnHKNcHnloIF1C2uirMzRuMXDxIAyEDpbPHGyROIZ_hLknECdZyZct9a_KTBVVP3M0xB5udL3j30mNeKPxY1am8Nj08dK0vWzIIH-SjvttudG6VimWHQayo_nOERNHvzgop3CQfbw2Uzvycq3sRajMuooiSoYBqEeEPDmzI/s4032/IMG_6538.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSscCLr-FqVKPdxZB5HCnHKNcHnloIF1C2uirMzRuMXDxIAyEDpbPHGyROIZ_hLknECdZyZct9a_KTBVVP3M0xB5udL3j30mNeKPxY1am8Nj08dK0vWzIIH-SjvttudG6VimWHQayo_nOERNHvzgop3CQfbw2Uzvycq3sRajMuooiSoYBqEeEPDmzI/s320/IMG_6538.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br />Embracing Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01065171534375991840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732192418971828926.post-6247883490904063432022-08-10T10:38:00.004-04:002022-08-10T12:37:45.330-04:00A Book, A Move, A Wedding, Oh My!<p>Three exciting and wonderful events are happening in the Aleo household over the course of weeks and months. I am in disbelief in a way. So many "big feels" that it is difficult to process. </p><p>The release of my first book, Climbing My Matterhorn, is a memoir about living with chronic migraine. I collected content from my journals over the past decade. This project took me several years to write, and my main purpose for writing it is to give encouragement and hope for those who suffer not only from migraine disease but any kind of chronic illness while still finding finding joy and fulfillment in one's life. </p><p>The other adventure is our move back to PA after having lived on the beautiful shoreline of CT. Saying goodbye to dear friends is emotional, but saying hello to familiar faces and comfort places is heart-warming. This is our first time building a home, and we are a "tad" bit overwhelmed with the process. It is exciting to visit the house daily and literally watch every board, nail, and wire, carefully put into place. There definitely have been glitches along the way but that is to be expected. Fortunately, we are grateful to be living with my mother who is close to five minutes away from our new community. This gives us the ability to check on the home easily.</p><p>The sale of our lovely CT home went smoothly, and a new young family has chosen to reside there. We are pleased that the process was not complicated which many sellers have to deal with. They will now put their mark on it and make it their own.</p><p>Our third anticipated event is our youngest son's wedding in early September, and we could not be more pleased with his beautiful fiancee' and her very lovely family. We had the pleasure of flying to Illinois recently to spend time with the happy couple and meet her family. What a blessing! We had a fun time, and were able to share in their lives for a few days. Their wedding date will be our 34th wedding anniversary as well as Patrick's 27th birthday. Triple celebration for us!</p><p>This is by far one of the busiest season of our lives. Thanking God for His good gifts and blessings! </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSAP1AH5C0nOWTHY_3NPV25mr2airI71tkydNCs7KcrtzqZl02tGhbRWevgx4k7U1oZk11dlHvo56A2GTfEycbhGWeXy-2E_NgL5S3CoyUla1wqaTVijjS4l0hiIh2rhqHSjvbcdw-UpIeO9iYvmO141lgc0-jwDUU7n6UlKzVAFEqgZ-g1UvaUc45/s4032/IMG_7722.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSAP1AH5C0nOWTHY_3NPV25mr2airI71tkydNCs7KcrtzqZl02tGhbRWevgx4k7U1oZk11dlHvo56A2GTfEycbhGWeXy-2E_NgL5S3CoyUla1wqaTVijjS4l0hiIh2rhqHSjvbcdw-UpIeO9iYvmO141lgc0-jwDUU7n6UlKzVAFEqgZ-g1UvaUc45/s320/IMG_7722.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://a.co/d/7gwSMmA" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;">https://a.co/d/7gwSMmA</a><br style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">link for book on Amazon</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioHcgqd-6Lha40v5QFlIUJ7i63OZA46SXa62QC2rKTvShJOoNIqgOJmbbJSBKvXPbtCaNfcHvssia2-N7AJA34w6y6ivQeUUcJNgifxkV7xid5snrKjMdsoMg20-hti-P2EgX5TyyeJIiwNsaiSmQgz53qAKE_J64jbXMwfxVVdpmOHXu8GiWmGqRV/s4032/IMG_5786.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioHcgqd-6Lha40v5QFlIUJ7i63OZA46SXa62QC2rKTvShJOoNIqgOJmbbJSBKvXPbtCaNfcHvssia2-N7AJA34w6y6ivQeUUcJNgifxkV7xid5snrKjMdsoMg20-hti-P2EgX5TyyeJIiwNsaiSmQgz53qAKE_J64jbXMwfxVVdpmOHXu8GiWmGqRV/s320/IMG_5786.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO9XMxVYDtnr1yXWqBoBfBFXIKTlAVtBMJOzNE3R335PkP_ztWxpW-2w5SyOo12NjY2tl2WMx8htedgpbCUb6KJzW8KEOY-bzT7HIWwBoxel2UycUwlWm6G1c8WHV85awV3CcWGaQ7dAe0epjj6QNInADV8uLN0TEccGxZ9P_8FioAT5Dxv_jvKtyT/s4032/IMG_5778.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO9XMxVYDtnr1yXWqBoBfBFXIKTlAVtBMJOzNE3R335PkP_ztWxpW-2w5SyOo12NjY2tl2WMx8htedgpbCUb6KJzW8KEOY-bzT7HIWwBoxel2UycUwlWm6G1c8WHV85awV3CcWGaQ7dAe0epjj6QNInADV8uLN0TEccGxZ9P_8FioAT5Dxv_jvKtyT/w322-h242/IMG_5778.HEIC" width="322" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqezSTJ-kpqUaH5t4UCgNYBLz_4bkTsvOmtRS7QrOuS8S0shOVFgB2P37uZuJtQPy915eSqSP8_SmAsqgtelPUIzERhC2xeiKUK6vRbiH9LR_YjFatqZj5S3L-gKZjVjGjQdwkrvm33VHGDAXsJ_YmoijfKBeROkh18ulLd_p8Q183OgmA3ihygwdO/s4032/IMG_6159.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqezSTJ-kpqUaH5t4UCgNYBLz_4bkTsvOmtRS7QrOuS8S0shOVFgB2P37uZuJtQPy915eSqSP8_SmAsqgtelPUIzERhC2xeiKUK6vRbiH9LR_YjFatqZj5S3L-gKZjVjGjQdwkrvm33VHGDAXsJ_YmoijfKBeROkh18ulLd_p8Q183OgmA3ihygwdO/s320/IMG_6159.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you would like to order my book for yourself or for someone you know who might need hope and encouragement for their particular chronic illness journey, you can find it on Amazon. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I would like to offer a special thank you for all my wonderful people who have climbed this mountain with me and who never let me fall for one minute. The climb has been grueling at times, but I am stronger for it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><br /></p><div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><div><br /></div></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Embracing Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01065171534375991840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732192418971828926.post-92097395006021817602022-04-11T10:28:00.000-04:002022-04-11T10:28:18.901-04:00From Digs to Dreams<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifltjQRLzAGg8tRupnDbrbPDiWzdoI-oPcReh5zpZ-xKaXQGKRJR__WqnX2X6kG0G_lpSIGhV3IJ2FSch-opF9Ov818yMUHacNv3EneW2o6WFVWbQbR7nzusd2z-XnhNtOct8kHz8-qSvLREGHdTGLLf6jF99yi167sSuE4SyUF-iE-9VED7Hanvai/s4032/IMG_2047.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifltjQRLzAGg8tRupnDbrbPDiWzdoI-oPcReh5zpZ-xKaXQGKRJR__WqnX2X6kG0G_lpSIGhV3IJ2FSch-opF9Ov818yMUHacNv3EneW2o6WFVWbQbR7nzusd2z-XnhNtOct8kHz8-qSvLREGHdTGLLf6jF99yi167sSuE4SyUF-iE-9VED7Hanvai/s320/IMG_2047.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Last year around this time we purchased new property in central PA to build our retirement dream home. It has been an exciting year to plan and design a future dwelling place. It has not been easy to wait for the actual start of the ground breaking because of so many delays and sorting out details, but the slow, unfolding reality has given us more energy for reflection every step of the way. This is good. In a world where everything and everyone are in a hurry, our personal building process has its own rhythm and flow which is just right for us. When we set our minds to it, the <i>waiting </i>is doable.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpvzZ7ethLsvLLbdIm7YVCi3qdQ93dcN0CAIKuH-DTLVx3pZZwufk32odggO5YcHGBnQASJtHouDW4VXt9GE2QyaPoIJK3960nKA31TgSrGou7RveJuBxIwUSA31GXn85SA8ycrQRkbGpF2_XOTaYXbrgGEmQIEz1uxnZ5TJUm41k9uopnz81A6BoX/s1800/14A739F3-E178-493C-9E84-8B293710A513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpvzZ7ethLsvLLbdIm7YVCi3qdQ93dcN0CAIKuH-DTLVx3pZZwufk32odggO5YcHGBnQASJtHouDW4VXt9GE2QyaPoIJK3960nKA31TgSrGou7RveJuBxIwUSA31GXn85SA8ycrQRkbGpF2_XOTaYXbrgGEmQIEz1uxnZ5TJUm41k9uopnz81A6BoX/s320/14A739F3-E178-493C-9E84-8B293710A513.JPG" width="256" /></a></div><br /> We <i>wait </i>for the long, dark days of winter to finally move into the lighter days of spring where we can be transformed by nature's beautiful display of rebirth and renewal. It is always a miracle to witness. May we never take life of any kind for granted. Ever. <p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeitoGMLO7u-iA6NXkpSzKnVJW_QfqpVSnJhBt0uTxH4bG2xQDDavX6Hqc25-5Vo_uS8t5Lo33abTUbs-elMZ2NPtgvpjDEsUwwOs5L9gAmJyAgBgGJgIddi0vCesTxJYXQIsrN6cvLf9dBrC6cnZsxbPoST21D9vzNK6tb7qXze6LwpVB2sZpKYYe/s3264/385A25CB-CEBE-4551-A76F-EED5D2074985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeitoGMLO7u-iA6NXkpSzKnVJW_QfqpVSnJhBt0uTxH4bG2xQDDavX6Hqc25-5Vo_uS8t5Lo33abTUbs-elMZ2NPtgvpjDEsUwwOs5L9gAmJyAgBgGJgIddi0vCesTxJYXQIsrN6cvLf9dBrC6cnZsxbPoST21D9vzNK6tb7qXze6LwpVB2sZpKYYe/s320/385A25CB-CEBE-4551-A76F-EED5D2074985.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>We, Christians, <i>wait </i>forty long days of Lent while fasting and praying for the Easter Season to begin. We are preparing our hearts in different ways to celebrate Jesus' way to the cross and His Rising from the dead so that we may have eternal life. May we never take this for granted. Ever. </p><p><i>Waiting</i> can be a season of darkness and sometimes loneliness, but the gift on the other end of that <i>waiting</i> is full of beauty. </p><p>What dreams are you <i>waiting</i> to come to fulfillment? More importantly, when have you last allowed yourself to dream? If so, have you shared those dreams with anyone? </p><p>Take a few moments to dream today...</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Embracing Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01065171534375991840noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732192418971828926.post-19861037867102291802022-02-23T10:46:00.000-05:002022-02-23T10:46:13.307-05:00Hurry and Wait<p> I have taken quite the hiatus from blogging and can't believe it has been almost three full months since my last post. Life happens... Excuse number one---The busyness of the holiday activities keeps my mind and body overstimulated, and I don't have the energy to write. Excuse number two---I walk into the beginning of the new year exhausted from the holidays, so I end up not having much of a mind to blog. Excuse number three---chronic migraine generally rules the day. Excuse number four---my husband and I are completing house projects to prep it for sale which is still targeted for the spring. Excuse number five---I am close to finishing a major project that has been in the making for years, and I plan on seeing it come to fruition in the spring as well.</p><p>First, I will relay our house building progress which has been, let's say, STALLED. For various reasons, everything is delayed. We are not in a hurry, but our excitement and momentum of planning and building has waned a "tad." We are waiting for the permit, but our property has been staked out. Yay! This is at least positive. Our exciting designs are pretty much completed, but they remain on paper at the present. My husband and I feel like we are the race horses running out of the gate and made to come to a complete stop after half way around the race track. This has been challenging to say the least. We are trying our best to keep a good perspective while practicing a lot of patience!!</p><p>When people kindly ask about "how the house is coming along," they look at us as if we have six eyes because we give them our update and they aren't quite sure what to comment after that. It is both amusing and awkward. </p><p>My big project is a surprise for some but not for others. This big baby has been growing for many years, and I soon want to birth it into the world. The timing is crazy with what we have going on in our personal lives, but God's Hands are upon this, and His timing is perfect. It has taken determination and a lot of grace to get this far. </p><p>More updates to come with time...</p><p>Happy Valentine's month to all.</p><p>LOVE </p><p>"There is a lovely idea in the Celtic tradition that if you send out goodness from yourself, or if you share that which is happy or good within you, it will all come back to you multiplied ten thousand times. In the kingdom of love there is no competition, there is no possessiveness or control. The more love you give away, the more love you will have." John O'Donohue---excerpt from the book Anam Cara. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg808rHZQJauYKy3rTsoZojPkeRIGGTq4UrVRKzmioDp4zJN5odZFVjnzRUh3d7nVg1h5NY3t3US8OFzV1RCN3iOFZ_FmDzLN0Lccv8J-3DF6fGX3B3E5HwCB3SjKp-B5V73LEd5uwOtMCQoc3VfMCk2advnX2BHCZ2zTdutcOUqIfwRpKkRIpBiwKK=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg808rHZQJauYKy3rTsoZojPkeRIGGTq4UrVRKzmioDp4zJN5odZFVjnzRUh3d7nVg1h5NY3t3US8OFzV1RCN3iOFZ_FmDzLN0Lccv8J-3DF6fGX3B3E5HwCB3SjKp-B5V73LEd5uwOtMCQoc3VfMCk2advnX2BHCZ2zTdutcOUqIfwRpKkRIpBiwKK=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Embracing Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01065171534375991840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732192418971828926.post-29353767670616062572021-11-23T17:04:00.000-05:002021-11-23T17:04:22.711-05:00Giving praise before the breakthrough<p>Friends, I don't have to rehash the obvious. This ongoing pandemic has been a huge burden to each and everyone of us in some shape or form. Last year's Thanksgiving gathering was full of fear and unpredictability, and it meant many were alone and sad. It was a situation that was impossible to really "fix." Finding gratitude in those anxious-filled moments with few loved ones side by side was not easy. It was more likely a prayer coming from the depths of our souls that might have felt hollow. </p><p>The uncertainty of this virus and how it affects our lives has remained so even a year later. We live a new normal which still feels strange, and behind our masks, there is a disconnect which can be uncomfortable. Thankfully, we have vaccinations and good medical research to help us live better and take care of one another.</p><p>This year, hopefully, our Thanksgiving gathering of family and friends will carry less of a burden, and instead, more joy and laughter. A positive focus is good, but many people are still grieving the loss of loved ones which has happened over the course of the unbelievably difficult year. Hearts have been broken, and mending them will take <i>time.</i></p><p>This year, as we join together, will we be able to give heartfelt praise before the long awaited breakthrough happens? A season of suffering may be weeks that turned into months that turned into years. In the middle of the fragile waiting, can we praise God for all of His precious gifts that He promises in His perfect timing? More importantly, can we give ourselves grace while we try"? </p><p>It doesn't matter if our table is "pinterest perfect" with all of the delicious traditions or the fancy dishes---no, it can look like a Charlie Brown spread with all sorts of mix-matched yummies and mix-matched guests. The most important dish is LOVE.</p><p>Wishing you a blessed and peaceful Thanksgiving.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQLatQIJFmBnTY_ZSL22mVkrp1RidvLtYhKKBJVLExpQSYp60bRNBU3hhd374ABZLtP5ehRBqTa_g_pmxNmlohl4E_Fmuqt1pLVHSavJoVBUhPFj0U88g5Jac5lPe4SH2m_5xndp4YSmg/s1125/IMG_6560.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1125" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQLatQIJFmBnTY_ZSL22mVkrp1RidvLtYhKKBJVLExpQSYp60bRNBU3hhd374ABZLtP5ehRBqTa_g_pmxNmlohl4E_Fmuqt1pLVHSavJoVBUhPFj0U88g5Jac5lPe4SH2m_5xndp4YSmg/s320/IMG_6560.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0JFJXnjsxHdL0ud36xLo1KnVxfq48q4EqEDAGCwZLOZKfEdgqonmSiUZBMKGcHpNMBUltr9kSk1lDd6oSRHvQmbmXWQLvirbtbbpQjbw_7eOF4Vt2k6HEyMoQHwawot9l7io_sk7yO-M/s1125/IMG_6562.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1125" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0JFJXnjsxHdL0ud36xLo1KnVxfq48q4EqEDAGCwZLOZKfEdgqonmSiUZBMKGcHpNMBUltr9kSk1lDd6oSRHvQmbmXWQLvirbtbbpQjbw_7eOF4Vt2k6HEyMoQHwawot9l7io_sk7yO-M/s320/IMG_6562.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Embracing Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01065171534375991840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732192418971828926.post-57253637008609162112021-08-26T09:07:00.000-04:002021-08-26T09:07:10.551-04:00Blowing in. Blowing out.<p> Thirty years ago my husband and I packed our belongings in Athens, GA and headed to the delightful and beautiful shoreline of Niantic, CT. Our first son, Stefan, was barely a year old so we were exhausted new parents moving to a rental home with a baby. Within a month or so hurricane Bob hit the East Coast with a vengeance, and we were totally unprepared for its wild and scary force of madness. For a few days straight the storm raged with its gale force winds and torrents of rain which caused flooding in many areas of the state. Power was interrupted for days, and I remember crying to my husband that I didn't like our new residence and wished we were back in GA. What a crazy beginning to a new chapter of our lives that felt awkward and difficult at best. </p><p>We survived the move and the mayhem of the hurricane and eventually settled into our new rental home. I stayed home with our son, and my husband started his new job with Pfizer. We found our new pace and rhythm (as much as one can with a toddler) and started making friends. I took our son to community classes for moms and their toddlers which became a vehicle for finding my circle of support that became a lifeline. I will be forever grateful for those kind and generous friends. </p><p>We stayed in our rental for close to a year and then found our current home in which we have lived for thirty years. When we moved, I was pregnant and about to give birth to our second son. Life soon became VERY busy as we had four boys within five and a half years. I look back on those days now, and it all seems to be a blur. Birthday parties were the best because we not only had the happy voices of our kiddos but also many other young ones of our friends. Michael and I somehow possessed the energy needed to keep afloat which is still a mystery to us!</p><p>This home has been well lived in, and it has seen much joy and sorrow, sickness and health, and make-overs both inside and out. It has been a blessing we could have never imagined. Our family has formed lasting and meaningful friendships through the community, school, and church. </p><p>Fast forward to a few days ago and our shoreline area was in the eye of hurricane Henri. Meteorologists stated that we hadn't seen this bad of a storm since hurricane Bob thirty years ago. We suddenly realized that was the exact storm which blew us in to CT! Good heavens---was this a sign showing us we are to blow out of this state and head to PA? Maybe so.</p><p>Happy and grateful to report that the storm turned and weakened from what was originally predicted for this particular region of the state so we were spared any real damage. No flooding or high winds destroyed property or put anyone in harm's way. Praise God. It did not feel like the experience of Bob, but emotionally it was a tad bit unsettling. </p><p>We are months away from leaving this home in CT, but the planning of building another home while packing and preparing to sell this one is all consuming. The days are full of busy agendas, but having a new focus is exciting. Thirty years ago we were busy raising children and building our lives as a young family. Today we are writing a new chapter which will be in PA where we began our married journey. Our hearts are happy as we will be arriving full circle in less than a year. </p><p>Well, we have not "blown out" yet, so while we remain here in our lovely home we plan to make the most of our time visiting with friends and exploring different areas of the state we have never been. My feet will continue to remain in the sand until someone whisks me away to the mountains and farms of PA. For now, my heart is honoring the special space of <i>not yet.</i> </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNXbiBygu_qhh0yM1OnlE-Hjn6saMr90OVZJ0PXhWwDQExG5_xENMVP1a-X79b-xpzrBIZAtnaFGPjgtl97tlXG_sFmaKHmptZ2tvGw_J2GH4JizDFwWT9Gx64TXzZu5C82MOSoOLyDTw/s2048/B54628C3-27FC-48CF-9FA4-A0929D83BB8E_L0_001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNXbiBygu_qhh0yM1OnlE-Hjn6saMr90OVZJ0PXhWwDQExG5_xENMVP1a-X79b-xpzrBIZAtnaFGPjgtl97tlXG_sFmaKHmptZ2tvGw_J2GH4JizDFwWT9Gx64TXzZu5C82MOSoOLyDTw/s320/B54628C3-27FC-48CF-9FA4-A0929D83BB8E_L0_001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2xFP8pb1Nfeg8axfTVfpozw5Ob_siQeQlpRznPfkFFTbOnlZIoYD8PCzwyftlXJ4CyhbYeywe27yWVFI9TMcbDQUrLoc2Xqi3QL-a-csGgUsKL9z2wcLaDlxbO5kd4dbBZEkw7pL1ILg/s2048/3C88AFFC-EB3C-44E9-B9C0-6218FC6965EB.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2xFP8pb1Nfeg8axfTVfpozw5Ob_siQeQlpRznPfkFFTbOnlZIoYD8PCzwyftlXJ4CyhbYeywe27yWVFI9TMcbDQUrLoc2Xqi3QL-a-csGgUsKL9z2wcLaDlxbO5kd4dbBZEkw7pL1ILg/s320/3C88AFFC-EB3C-44E9-B9C0-6218FC6965EB.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Embracing Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01065171534375991840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732192418971828926.post-15021236698726760952021-07-19T09:58:00.000-04:002021-07-19T09:58:56.714-04:00We did a thing. A big thing.<p>Let's just say it is time for a change. My hard-working husband has been retired for over two years, and he is basking in the goodness of retirement life. Our daily pace has slowed down, and we are allowing the days to unfold with more flexibility and purposeful rest. It is wonderful. Of course, there is always a "honey to do" list that never quite ends, but the urgency of total completion is at a low simmer.</p><p>Michael enjoys his part-time consulting work because it keeps his mind in science without all the hassles and stress of full-time employment. He can be more in control of his schedule and pace. All in all, it is a win-win.</p><p>Surviving the rough Covid year and a half was a challenge, but our family was fortunate not to get sick except for our one son, but he had a short duration of symptoms and recovered well. We kept ourselves occupied with some home projects that seemed to linger endlessly while discussing what the next opportunities might look like as we transition into a new season of our lives. </p><p>We have been discerning the next right steps to take moving forward in future chapters of our life story. The time seems right to say good-bye to one place and hello to another. While this process will be bittersweet, we are choosing to move ahead with courage and deep gratitude. </p><p>Opening our arms and hearts allows us to embrace a posture of creating space for new hopes and dreams. Exciting new adventures await us on our horizon...</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFkea-VPjhR1boDHOSRqBzdbrlyhOqR9tvm0LsHEohmvVaSf0cZPBCNqg6WuRAXS_tOwQY6_YBRBOrARqSn2NAKyHoPPB7AyU2ZWPeqb9jtdk6vS65vtHFrLkELHPbstDYzurab005HjY/s2048/IMG_5808.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFkea-VPjhR1boDHOSRqBzdbrlyhOqR9tvm0LsHEohmvVaSf0cZPBCNqg6WuRAXS_tOwQY6_YBRBOrARqSn2NAKyHoPPB7AyU2ZWPeqb9jtdk6vS65vtHFrLkELHPbstDYzurab005HjY/s320/IMG_5808.HEIC" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg_c7XzYFK1figno0r7pKa4ychZDZ_ULiYg-XP713MZQiMEcq9GC040hfGiAcfSE7HqWZdqjiJUnub628rU0EjScQXPw8GaolTVf41JFuGZSpdjjCdd57Z84WVckQOdg16ftPDjlZvyrw/s2048/IMG_5807.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg_c7XzYFK1figno0r7pKa4ychZDZ_ULiYg-XP713MZQiMEcq9GC040hfGiAcfSE7HqWZdqjiJUnub628rU0EjScQXPw8GaolTVf41JFuGZSpdjjCdd57Z84WVckQOdg16ftPDjlZvyrw/s320/IMG_5807.HEIC" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Forget what I wrote about our "slow pace." We are rapidly packing up our home of thirty years in East Lyme, CT and moving back to my hometown of Boiling Springs, PA! I will post more about our moving journey as it unfolds. For now, this new reality seems surreal. However, with each important decision of building a new home and all the time and energy this requires----"wow" is about all I can say for now.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Embracing Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01065171534375991840noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732192418971828926.post-66862875929970206152021-06-08T10:59:00.000-04:002021-06-08T10:59:10.416-04:00My Purple Garden<p> </p><div class="fl-module fl-module-heading fl-node-5ad964cd0a3d8" data-node="5ad964cd0a3d8" style="box-sizing: border-box; zoom: 1;"><div class="fl-module-content fl-node-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 20px 20px 0px; zoom: 1;"><h1 class="fl-heading" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #2b8bd1; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 50px; letter-spacing: 0px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="fl-heading-text" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Lisa Advocates by Wearing Purple and Communicating</span></h1></div></div><div class="fl-module fl-module-fl-post-content fl-node-5ad964cd0a3d6" data-node="5ad964cd0a3d6" style="box-sizing: border-box; zoom: 1;"><div class="fl-module-content fl-node-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 20px; zoom: 1;"><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: grey; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px;">Lisa advocates by wearing purple and communicating. This story is written and told by Lisa and edited by Miles for Migraine team. <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeP6W08UfYg0Ugjl5DdBj0QcB6zPEZgrEQEXVSVDeaeaXtLUg/viewform" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #7bc24d; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Miles for Migraine’s Advocacy Stories</a> highlights the many different ways that health advocacy shows up as individuals advocate for themselves and others. This project is not limited to migraine and other headache disorders, nor is it limited to individuals that personally experience a health condition.</p><h2 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 30px; line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 0.5rem; margin-top: 0px;">Lisa Wears Purple</h2><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: grey; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 400;">I consider myself a walking advocacy story and almost always visible with some sort of purple color on me. I wear purple clothing, sport purple accessories, and often have my hair streaked with a fun purple pop. Thank goodness purple just happens to be my favorite color! This was true even before I knew it was the color that represents headache and migraine awareness.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: grey; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 400;">In public, no matter where I might be, such as stores or doctor offices or walking on our local boardwalk, people will stop to compliment me on my purple attire and especially my purple-streaked hair. This opens up the opportunity to explain why I wear purple in regards to migraine awareness. Invariably people are genuinely interested and curious for more information because they usually know someone who suffers from migraine disease, or sometimes they themselves do. It’s amazing how many random situations come alive with opportunities to advocate! </span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: grey; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 400;">For instance, when I learned that purple was the color of headache and migraine awareness, I asked my hairstylist to put a streak of purple in my hair. She was quite inquisitive about the subject of chronic migraine, so I enlightened her. It turned out that she, too, was suffering and thought she just had very bad headaches once a month. I shared my knowledge and experience which, in turn, led her to call my headache specialist for treatment! Now we both wear our hair streaked with purple to spread migraine awareness.</span></p><h2 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 30px; line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 0.5rem; margin-top: 0px;">Lisa Advocates at her Doctor’s Office</h2><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: grey; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 400;">Another practical opportunity for advocacy is every time I see a new doctor and need to fill out medical forms. I have to list my current condition of chronic migraine and all the medications I take to manage it. The medical assistant and the doctor get an earful as to the significant burden managing chronic migraine is for me, and I explain how my treatment going forward with any new medications must be viewed in light of migraine disease. Many health care workers do not realize the seriousness of disability that comes with coping with migraine disease. A patient has to first and foremost be his or her own best advocate before they can be a good advocate for the rest of society.</span></p><h2 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 30px; line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 0.5rem; margin-top: 0px;">Lisa Advocates by Telling her Story</h2><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: grey; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 400;">My best migraine advocacy stems from my ordinary, everyday experiences where I find myself in the right place, at the right time, and talking to the right people.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: grey; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 400;">I felt inspired to create a migraine advocacy video that shares a little peek into my day that I might experience while dealing with a migraine attack. It not only highlights my thoughts and feelings but demonstrates how my husband is affected as well. My one son “plays the annoying part” of Mr. Migraine. The short film is entitled, The Unwanted Guest. It is found on YouTube under AleoMedia production. </span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: grey; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px;">I wanted to share my first publication of my migraine advocacy journey to which I have been committed for several years now. If any of you follow me on social media, you are well aware that June is headache and migraine awareness month and the color associated with this cause is purple. I like to spread my pops of purple anywhere and everywhere. Thank you for always supporting and encouraging me with kindness and compassion. </p></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div class="fl-module fl-module-fl-post-content fl-node-5ad964cd0a3d6" data-node="5ad964cd0a3d6" style="box-sizing: border-box; zoom: 1;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8p3yiVZtfj17qleE2rd-F_kHXg8uV7tVLd2mWLV8etoSJXZM4Ixil0QAM6kajCHRJ0ICKiCdCPs3337PuW3y9a4mh8KaHsYFylWtJrXdgIcHJwmlRTbrr8NQN31LuGph8Bt9Ww-4hLSw/s2048/42B537EB-7EBE-404A-9EC1-1FF6FB8FAD32+2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8p3yiVZtfj17qleE2rd-F_kHXg8uV7tVLd2mWLV8etoSJXZM4Ixil0QAM6kajCHRJ0ICKiCdCPs3337PuW3y9a4mh8KaHsYFylWtJrXdgIcHJwmlRTbrr8NQN31LuGph8Bt9Ww-4hLSw/s320/42B537EB-7EBE-404A-9EC1-1FF6FB8FAD32+2.JPG" /></a></div></div></blockquote><div class="fl-module fl-module-fl-post-content fl-node-5ad964cd0a3d6" data-node="5ad964cd0a3d6" style="box-sizing: border-box; zoom: 1;"><br /></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" dir="rtl" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZjPfEkLpnIgvdDaL7KCww3FwXzsWgn9pxKYj0sIUnIST2OxJkzh6lb8L4ro9hIlrW4ixoPBXCflCDldjz-2PyOx63Z9PayDnq-kVIPIBzfQJ_iORPDLgxjitMtrnwI1ssw28QIQeluMA/s2048/A3FB1525-BC9A-4EF6-8B91-94EFA5E9674B.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZjPfEkLpnIgvdDaL7KCww3FwXzsWgn9pxKYj0sIUnIST2OxJkzh6lb8L4ro9hIlrW4ixoPBXCflCDldjz-2PyOx63Z9PayDnq-kVIPIBzfQJ_iORPDLgxjitMtrnwI1ssw28QIQeluMA/s320/A3FB1525-BC9A-4EF6-8B91-94EFA5E9674B.JPG" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjecnMrRRkdvzasZW-lPRZyhb5mT8MlObPE5n22keFZ-obt27E1yYk6BR-ruhFO_x4xvpcBmbobXUFqIf348gcgwExsf6Ay1-Je8yitEDCZnyE3VT9CYDEr7Mtt8tEokSwYuskghTsrsoA/s1440/C9CCAA42-7AE3-42A0-8505-A9EB71F3A41A.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1439" data-original-width="1440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjecnMrRRkdvzasZW-lPRZyhb5mT8MlObPE5n22keFZ-obt27E1yYk6BR-ruhFO_x4xvpcBmbobXUFqIf348gcgwExsf6Ay1-Je8yitEDCZnyE3VT9CYDEr7Mtt8tEokSwYuskghTsrsoA/s320/C9CCAA42-7AE3-42A0-8505-A9EB71F3A41A.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghK0BLRIeO7NfpFULIGhz4CHtKkSZGofY3cZlt9ss6d5xyrQFmYmaVOZtVg3vpdqfiN2dvEA_jQiSUp0jGlGdko3HyU7NBCE_ASWjFYP8t0nC41oezLu5MDkJsl5uwwjYOgqV9dG3J-oA/s1334/B2724047-E9CF-4529-88A1-2CC7F3ACB2CA.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghK0BLRIeO7NfpFULIGhz4CHtKkSZGofY3cZlt9ss6d5xyrQFmYmaVOZtVg3vpdqfiN2dvEA_jQiSUp0jGlGdko3HyU7NBCE_ASWjFYP8t0nC41oezLu5MDkJsl5uwwjYOgqV9dG3J-oA/s320/B2724047-E9CF-4529-88A1-2CC7F3ACB2CA.PNG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Unfortunately, the reality of migraine disability looks and feels like this</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPBQ_bFQVf94wn8-CHPmXJ6UBqDa_xXO5IrFIvTB70mO2sH7uociMF0qwNf1D77LSVYx0E02BiVahPOyTkOgJmpsyOyzpAX4Rb6C4xnpI0vLH-tOVnevbq8Qcf5arISUeB2RSZtgXxH20/s1665/IMG_4189.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1665" data-original-width="1104" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPBQ_bFQVf94wn8-CHPmXJ6UBqDa_xXO5IrFIvTB70mO2sH7uociMF0qwNf1D77LSVYx0E02BiVahPOyTkOgJmpsyOyzpAX4Rb6C4xnpI0vLH-tOVnevbq8Qcf5arISUeB2RSZtgXxH20/s320/IMG_4189.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>and this. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGC6q-oeuFWF7YjkQr2CE2-bB02Q3AX9wpiy6GlKSCMY8K0102UqlXieoybGb6LdFMsRe66P9mSJZRA3R8_MJuA3-deO17xY_TElsj3SLdYG5EfC_lnnPehrnf9p0VcKmVVaeA66Ajn0M/s2048/739F3890-6207-475C-99D5-47BB63C48B28.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGC6q-oeuFWF7YjkQr2CE2-bB02Q3AX9wpiy6GlKSCMY8K0102UqlXieoybGb6LdFMsRe66P9mSJZRA3R8_MJuA3-deO17xY_TElsj3SLdYG5EfC_lnnPehrnf9p0VcKmVVaeA66Ajn0M/s320/739F3890-6207-475C-99D5-47BB63C48B28.JPG" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVxA1u-VsV18rn8XGJTkR74YXRtxscnpMxjR7gHZfRKdyGZ8PNkcNq4w0E9nI_FoiIZweOxbtXGB7VuqvplX_l4hs4lNARM6a8cOvev-Uj-tcGWvhmwcd_3W1-oDJkWhqtT7VgYtGgUFk/s2048/IMG_5118+2.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVxA1u-VsV18rn8XGJTkR74YXRtxscnpMxjR7gHZfRKdyGZ8PNkcNq4w0E9nI_FoiIZweOxbtXGB7VuqvplX_l4hs4lNARM6a8cOvev-Uj-tcGWvhmwcd_3W1-oDJkWhqtT7VgYtGgUFk/s320/IMG_5118+2.HEIC" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>If I have to cancel plans, please do not take it personally. It is not because I want to. It is because I need to. I am slow. I am tired, but I am doing my best. </div><div><br /></div><div>I continue my advocacy work to educate and help others by trying to erase the stigma of migraine disease. It is so much more than "just a headache." </div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Embracing Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01065171534375991840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732192418971828926.post-63217194259775295392021-05-06T08:08:00.000-04:002021-05-06T08:08:19.679-04:00Movement for an important cause<p> Recently I participated in Miles for Migraine walk/run event for the purpose of raising awareness for migraine disease and the importance of funding research in this critical field. This was my first time walking with this awesome group of migraine warriors. Last year the events around the US were only held virtually due to the pandemic, of course. </p><p>The morning was windy and chilly, so my husband and I bundled up in layers and soaked in the beauty of the Bushnell Park in Hartford, CT, where we joined our fellow comrades. It was uplifting meeting others and hearing their stories of why they wanted to participate and where they are in their journey living with this disease. Some of the MD headache fellows from my headache clinic gave their time to support our group by walking or running to raise money for research. </p><p>I was not feeling particularly well that morning because I have been in a rough patch lately that has been lingering; the migraine monster has been VERY annoying. However, showing up, walking with others, and feeling everyone's enthusiasm was encouraging and empowering. It reminds me we are all on this path together, and when one person is down, hopefully, another one is up to balance the proverbial see-saw of this crazy existence.</p><p>I thank all of you who donated to Miles for Migraine this year. I am hoping by raising awareness of this disabling disease more people will learn to participate in open and honest conversations with whom they know and love in order to better understand the real facts about living with this invisible, chronic illness. </p><p>I will get you started. These are facts from the American Migraine Foundation:</p><p>1) Migraine is not just a headache---a migraine attack includes a headache, but symptoms also include sensitivity to light and/or sound, nausea, depression, temporary loss of sight, visual disturbances, and more.</p><p>2) Migraine is a disabling neurological disease. It is an inherited disease. The genes that cause migraine makes the brain react more strongly to certain changes such as reduced sleep, changes in diet, or being dehydrated. According to the WHO, it is in the top 7 most disabling diseases.</p><p>3) Together, we can reduce the stigma of migraine. Migraine might be invisible, but the men, women, and children living with this disease every day are not. It is time we all stand up and stand together to bring migraine out of the DARKNESS and into the LIGHT.</p><p>Since June is the official migraine and headache awareness month, I will post more about how myself and others navigate this wild and crazy roller coaster ride day in and day out. It is truly by God's grace alone that I can move forward with hope and joy.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguhVWNEJJ1pU1vMN6aAkY6DTnH6JGUtUfqxxwRPovbsHDPtqTwg8aU0m_Bpch0_LtoN4CbJzKd-lp8bg_cSc1Wv7Ps6odVKyP3JFA4o1UxzrI0FaeKmqjCbMOv7ef6h6ykKfHG9cyDcsI/s1102/IMG_5351+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="845" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguhVWNEJJ1pU1vMN6aAkY6DTnH6JGUtUfqxxwRPovbsHDPtqTwg8aU0m_Bpch0_LtoN4CbJzKd-lp8bg_cSc1Wv7Ps6odVKyP3JFA4o1UxzrI0FaeKmqjCbMOv7ef6h6ykKfHG9cyDcsI/s320/IMG_5351+2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaOH1bDw64oXJwl-Y3p6b9eT2Xnc_Xg87h1C1HqA9-Gun7o-b0p-pWjWdkigSt8tfsKCBS8DFAhjlkBMu58MdyX-ePkRnNAIcpBZTJOh_OylFVPbQhGkkb6DnpLZjj45O7quYXAzMOKdA/s2048/IMG_5419.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaOH1bDw64oXJwl-Y3p6b9eT2Xnc_Xg87h1C1HqA9-Gun7o-b0p-pWjWdkigSt8tfsKCBS8DFAhjlkBMu58MdyX-ePkRnNAIcpBZTJOh_OylFVPbQhGkkb6DnpLZjj45O7quYXAzMOKdA/s320/IMG_5419.HEIC" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVFSxzjbet9dCYzW_kECcsa42IK88JfUW6qXBLpX5wETAtkJ2HU7z9yGWdkKpxRkzIoDdlhPCyJb9ujDlzwLZkZpEgD8-Hr_ymuvnXrxDaGqnrunsW0h9YFznD5vOxa0J9NeToKx_9IK8/s1120/IMG_5388.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1120" data-original-width="1120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVFSxzjbet9dCYzW_kECcsa42IK88JfUW6qXBLpX5wETAtkJ2HU7z9yGWdkKpxRkzIoDdlhPCyJb9ujDlzwLZkZpEgD8-Hr_ymuvnXrxDaGqnrunsW0h9YFznD5vOxa0J9NeToKx_9IK8/s320/IMG_5388.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Embracing Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01065171534375991840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732192418971828926.post-16013835759064245022021-03-31T11:42:00.000-04:002021-03-31T11:42:48.335-04:00I Can See Clearly Now<p> "I can see clearly now the rain has gone. I can see all obstacles in my way..." are the familiar lyrics from the popular song by Johnny Nash. For a few weeks, I have been singing this song quite a bit in my house. Even my husband is starting to get annoyed. You may have guessed, I recently had cataract surgery on both eyes at my ripe old age of soon to be 57. I thought people in their 70's and beyond had this surgery. Well, I never fall into the norm of things anyway. </p><p>I knew my vision was worsening for a few years, but these past six months have proven to show a steady decline. In our house when my husband and I watch TV shows on our rather "large" TV, he puts on the closed caption because he has annoying tinnitus which leaves him hard of hearing, and I couldn't even read the darn words because everything was blurry. I was squinting and asking him to read the dialogue, and he was turning up the volume which became way toooo loud on commercials. What fun. If this doesn't sound like the old folks home, I don't know what does. </p><p>After another trip to my eye doctor, I basically couldn't read the first line below the big E clearly. Ok, time for cataract surgery. I must report that both procedures went smoothly, and the result is nothing short of a miracle. My world is beautiful and bright, and now I only need "readers" to see up close. After a trip to the local pharmacy, I am the proud owner of at least 5 different styles of readers and 2 sunglasses that actually look nice instead of the geeky huge "fit over" the glasses! That shopping trip was the most fun I have had this entire pandemic! Well, maybe that is a slight exaggeration. I can even wear my clip on anti-migraine glare lenses over one of my readers for computer work. Win win for sure! Moral of this long story---do not hesitate to have cataract surgery done if you need it. You won't be disappointed. </p><p>My March Madness has not been one of watching basketball. Instead I have had one procedure after another and lots of appointments and much coming to terms with my aging body on several different levels. Mostly all the medical "stuff" has been worked out for which I am very grateful. It has really left me extra tired on top of already being tired from chronic M. As I said to my friend recently, I feel like my body and mind are constantly in a weird game of "whack-a-mole" that never really ends. At one season or another in our lives, we are all bound to feel this way, I guess. </p><p>This brings me to the end of March and ready to bunny hop into April as now I can see all of God's creation even more brightly than before. I love the rebirth of Spring as I watch the the buds burst forth, hear the birds tweeting sweetly, and feel the warm sunshine on my face. </p><p>This is Holy Week for those who celebrate the Easter Season. We are slowly returning to church to partake of the sacraments and worship together. What a feeling of fulfillment after a long, hard year to say the very least. </p><p>Wishing all of you a glorious Easter celebration along with the beauty of Spring which always holds hope for better days ahead. My husband and I are fully vaccinated now which feels pretty good, I must say. I am exhaling now with greater ease...</p><p>Remember to take good care of yourself so you can offer your love and kindness to this hurting world. Be well and safe, my friends.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYwDUCZFmmVQRoDaN9vzfzJP4hjzR1V4xxVmtckz1TBHfTKRMNRrfUabXLFc0-sT3PtH7y96BWSBdBzEiYFWaMJqIxDAkm5UUDMGYvAm1iZqZuoN1NTzOIN2dJlmXrEFiLgpCOnSxkEkQ/s4032/IMG_5233.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYwDUCZFmmVQRoDaN9vzfzJP4hjzR1V4xxVmtckz1TBHfTKRMNRrfUabXLFc0-sT3PtH7y96BWSBdBzEiYFWaMJqIxDAkm5UUDMGYvAm1iZqZuoN1NTzOIN2dJlmXrEFiLgpCOnSxkEkQ/s320/IMG_5233.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbQW_ae59CwsTbgQS0gBZ_3t9DE-3bamJnZxNNFvNiJnlCKbRmwVhPlzF2XiORoBHJTZ6myxBeVfVMO4wzgGf9l_AVdbDQNQYZrhG9Cl2wcgJnRyFpiQ_L6KjDmgSPyAvoAYMQXDYRem0/s2048/IMG_3797.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbQW_ae59CwsTbgQS0gBZ_3t9DE-3bamJnZxNNFvNiJnlCKbRmwVhPlzF2XiORoBHJTZ6myxBeVfVMO4wzgGf9l_AVdbDQNQYZrhG9Cl2wcgJnRyFpiQ_L6KjDmgSPyAvoAYMQXDYRem0/s320/IMG_3797.HEIC" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbrc6D4jb7fQP8O-tB8i4RMLl-ExTSsbbmnHTWM74tcIuZDrjO5-gJU_9BvEyRA-rRUgPBS2IQYNcHq3WKar5B-WsKA1V3EmOrjjHKnT_x5CHAhjz4c5yywc-0f3upzkRe6QLp11na6ss/s1112/IMG_3985.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1112" data-original-width="998" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbrc6D4jb7fQP8O-tB8i4RMLl-ExTSsbbmnHTWM74tcIuZDrjO5-gJU_9BvEyRA-rRUgPBS2IQYNcHq3WKar5B-WsKA1V3EmOrjjHKnT_x5CHAhjz4c5yywc-0f3upzkRe6QLp11na6ss/s320/IMG_3985.jpg" /></a></div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Embracing Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01065171534375991840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732192418971828926.post-31927688045802370252021-02-22T09:20:00.000-05:002021-02-22T09:20:42.587-05:00Into my desert with joy and hope <p>It happened again. I go about my usual business after the holidays with finding new routines and embarking upon fresh goals----even in this crazy pandemic year-----and then before I turn around right, here is Ash Wednesday! </p><p> Last year I did not attend church to receive ashes because of the pandemic scare. My entire rhythm and flow of Lent were completely "off." I did eventually get settled into my habits of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, but to tell the truth, the looming fear of Covid took center stage in my heart and mind. </p><p>Since this past year felt SO heavy in many ways, I have decided to enter this holy season with real Christ-like joy and hope. I am not talking about the world's superficial offerings; they are short-lived. Rather, I am easing into my desert by asking God to grace me with the courage to strip myself of any false narrative that may be hindering me from fully embracing His love. </p><p>The other day I was filling up ALL of my pill boxes with a plethora of meds as well as supplements for chronic migraine. As much as I feel discouraged at times and frustrated at the amount of prescriptions I need to take just to "manage" my condition, I realize I am fortunate to be able to have them available as well as to afford them. </p><p>If I take these necessary pills and shots and do so with a grateful attitude then I am joyful in my heart and spirit. It erases the negativity that is so easy to fall into such as the feeling of being "old" and sick. (My days feeling young and healthy are pretty much gone.) Letting go of "what if I get worse and the meds will stop working someday" is a fear I must release so I can remain hopeful. Experiencing certain flare ups with a very grouchy head and body requires a strong mindset that allows me time and time again to stay strong and ride the waves until I reach the calm seashore of which I eventually do. My attitude and perspective regarding all aspects of living with chronic migraine must be respected and honored as I walk forward day by day. </p><p>Making my spiritual journey into Lent sometimes seems like a dark unknown, but I have forty days to walk towards the Light of the Resurrection. Each year is a new experience filled with a holy expectation of God's love and mercy. It is joyful. It is hopeful. It is peaceful. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgilLkJa45kCq15Kxf6-9Q5L4hvbyiaS40KJJvDns6pG5uPBXtBaP_EOgm_k4MXKePow7u17unEfRIEWJVRjz-tcqV3PRi0q8HULRADP03gQ_sKzGQrSJAkjr1yiA2MijWhvI_xfUvG_0Y/s1629/IMG_5071.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1629" data-original-width="868" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgilLkJa45kCq15Kxf6-9Q5L4hvbyiaS40KJJvDns6pG5uPBXtBaP_EOgm_k4MXKePow7u17unEfRIEWJVRjz-tcqV3PRi0q8HULRADP03gQ_sKzGQrSJAkjr1yiA2MijWhvI_xfUvG_0Y/s320/IMG_5071.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqrtU61GFelPdWlSyBK3fV_6ADzHnpK_c4ydtOnHQuSt-9KmIoqpSKhyphenhyphen1jNK7PhS5-XS_F4xr388xgkKNUutjut1kodc3OQjCbZN2zFgdaRGcOH-NJcQm86kl7OE5eyJ-42Rn8wHOyZdY/s2048/IMG_5118.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqrtU61GFelPdWlSyBK3fV_6ADzHnpK_c4ydtOnHQuSt-9KmIoqpSKhyphenhyphen1jNK7PhS5-XS_F4xr388xgkKNUutjut1kodc3OQjCbZN2zFgdaRGcOH-NJcQm86kl7OE5eyJ-42Rn8wHOyZdY/s320/IMG_5118.HEIC" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>May your special time in the desert lead you to a place of renewed faith, joy, and hope especially knowing God will give you rest and calm for your weary souls. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyGc2U3aHe85v3zjjuhiS-GW97f66556JaXVvUo3dZpdJ-1DUJZjJypMcnorv8WUwvdrmuNnkKqHDcczvsEckPxp0Paqes7SrbjZhcvvdyGV4-CPebIhmRmoiYMfl_al7K-aY76GPx9zQ/s762/IMG_4719.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="646" data-original-width="762" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyGc2U3aHe85v3zjjuhiS-GW97f66556JaXVvUo3dZpdJ-1DUJZjJypMcnorv8WUwvdrmuNnkKqHDcczvsEckPxp0Paqes7SrbjZhcvvdyGV4-CPebIhmRmoiYMfl_al7K-aY76GPx9zQ/s320/IMG_4719.PNG" width="320" /></a> @thegracealliance</div><br />Embracing Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01065171534375991840noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732192418971828926.post-47534667097064033062021-02-03T09:29:00.000-05:002021-02-03T09:29:15.961-05:00Rising AgainOur much anticipated new year is upon us, and I venture to guess we are excited to jump in and experience the exciting new possibilities that await us. However, I believe it is safe to say that maybe we came crawling into this new year with depleted energy on so many levels. I certainly have. <div><br /></div><div>For me, surprisingly so, January slipped by in a blur and here it is February. It has been nearly one year since we have been stuck in this heart wrenching pandemic mode--- a living nightmare with our deep political divide and much social unrest. While vaccinations are available now and treatment plans are in place, fresh hope is surrounding our sorrowful souls. Yet there is SO much work to be done. I ask myself how may I best be part of the healing story?</div><div><br /></div><div>Living with chronic migraine continually prepares me when life gets extra confusing and spicy. I can honestly say that my adaptability and flexibility are easier to tap into because I rely on these two important traits to maneuver through many crazy, painful, and exhausting days. </div><div><br /></div><div>I stretch and open up my body physically, mentally, and spiritually knowing:</div><div><br /></div><div>1---I cannot control my environment most of the time, but I can control how I respond to it.</div><div>2---I feel "all the feelings" even when they are uncomfortable.</div><div>3---I remind myself that I cannot predict how others will respond to my thoughts or actions.</div><div>4---I adjust my boundaries according to what my body feels it can handle day by day and even hour by hour. My chronic migraine is extremely unpredictable and unreliable but "I" am not. It is the disease that is. </div><div>5---It is very important to create daily time for spiritual rituals like silence, meditation, and prayer to help me stay grounded. Moving my body gently is so helpful such as in a yoga practice and or walking outside in the fresh air. Living near the beach is a win win in my book!</div><div>6---I trust my tribe and confide my true feelings about how I am feeling day to day.</div><div>7---I enjoy reaching out to others in the community, especially online at the present, so I can continue my advocacy work which gives me purpose for my outreach mission.</div><div>8---Accept that some days I need to rest ALL day just to reset my tired body and feel refueled once again. This important resting IS productive. </div><div>9---It is perfectly acceptable to grieve when situations do not turn out the way I had hoped for them to. Life moves on. </div><div>10----Most importantly, I do my best to live with joyful gratitude for all of my blessings.</div><div><br /></div><div>These tidbits not only help me to cope day to day but they also help me gain a perspective in coping with some of the larger life issues we still face at the present. Maybe some of these insights might resonate with you. I hope so.</div><div><br /></div><div>I try and offer others heartfelt grace and then give myself some too. New year, new opportunities to help one another in the healing process as our reality with separated physical contact continues. In the words of author, Glennon Doyle, "we can do hard things." Yes, we can!!</div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1k9_OCLW1AhzhyXrrm2VSNCYa6vjWTlWQ8-OvEg3OD9IvzNOgkXjNIl_1yUrgnEYU847mlvmEXzegeeYMGuDSPwei8NInRJ_UOhq4ckQm-cZj_368toUwAEKXIamYV88NRNA9HCEhyVc/s888/IMG_4939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="888" data-original-width="862" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1k9_OCLW1AhzhyXrrm2VSNCYa6vjWTlWQ8-OvEg3OD9IvzNOgkXjNIl_1yUrgnEYU847mlvmEXzegeeYMGuDSPwei8NInRJ_UOhq4ckQm-cZj_368toUwAEKXIamYV88NRNA9HCEhyVc/s320/IMG_4939.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAjGP6vrfDME7O52mGKbhOZJJN9MAhyphenhyphenGpf4ZfTvqad3ezs99cw7AMGP_KNuqVU2XaAjGQbgpYeRKaeFrHCnbJ9TgLrJxFq2GGXkb1BGRHe6_jwFiKi72oRbgfcBC-nHqmRJ5NW6FWTiMw/s1778/IMG_5027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1778" data-original-width="874" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAjGP6vrfDME7O52mGKbhOZJJN9MAhyphenhyphenGpf4ZfTvqad3ezs99cw7AMGP_KNuqVU2XaAjGQbgpYeRKaeFrHCnbJ9TgLrJxFq2GGXkb1BGRHe6_jwFiKi72oRbgfcBC-nHqmRJ5NW6FWTiMw/s320/IMG_5027.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div>Embracing Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01065171534375991840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732192418971828926.post-34627035555419458622020-12-20T10:34:00.000-05:002020-12-20T10:34:20.235-05:00Waiting is so hard sometimes<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;">Several years ago I wrote a blog post on waiting which happens to be the theme of the Advent season. I thought it might be worthy of a second read but with some updated versions of my waiting.</h3><div><br /></div><div>One of the most obvious waiting practices this year for all of us has been that of trying daily to keep our patience with this prolonged pandemic. As the number of cases of sickness and death grow, we wait for relief and healing. Thankfully some good vaccines are now approved and people will hopefully wait in lines to get vaccinated. This is a good waiting, I believe.</div><div><br /></div><div>My heart waits to physically be united with my loved ones to fully embrace once again and not worry. This social distancing is getting really old, but it must be followed if we are to keep others safe as well as ourselves. </div><div><br /></div><div>My migraine journey has transformed over the few years, and I am most grateful for being able to live my life enjoying the present moment instead of constantly waiting for my body to cooperate. That particular waiting feels small and frustrating. However, God sees my waiting, and He is alongside me in this process.</div><div><br /></div><div>My active waiting has continued to teach me patience with myself as well as with circumstances beyond my control. Less expecting. More accepting. </div><div><br /></div><div>I believe we are all waiting to cross over into the new year with hope of some better times ahead. We are exhausted from doing hard things. But we keep going day after day with all the strength we can muster. Maybe taking deep breaths while we wait is the most we can do for ourselves and our loved ones. Let that be enough.</div><div><br /></div><div>From my heart to yours, I wish you sincere joy and peace this Christmas season has to offer. May you continue to stay safe and well as you await the beautiful Incarnation of our Savior, Jesus Christ. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLX3ouLfeO6Scs33ZshOLfeoune17xYU5lErkLd2x1fPmNa4use8ogN204TJ7rCiUX99T8MFBl0_JDboBpCbAxvzZO-caKSOmgZpQRmGtQpcTQcEJDW6RC0QYZZ9DIiQ7jnEpno54Deb4/s2048/IMG_4877.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLX3ouLfeO6Scs33ZshOLfeoune17xYU5lErkLd2x1fPmNa4use8ogN204TJ7rCiUX99T8MFBl0_JDboBpCbAxvzZO-caKSOmgZpQRmGtQpcTQcEJDW6RC0QYZZ9DIiQ7jnEpno54Deb4/s320/IMG_4877.HEIC" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>My reality several years ago looked like this:</div><div><br /></div><div class="post-header" style="background-color: white; color: #999999; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5px; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-165459500340257930" itemprop="description articleBody" style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 578px;">Here we find ourselves in the beginning of the Advent Season. For Christians, it is a special, liturgical season when we prepare our hearts for the Incarnation. It is a most sacred time of interior reflection as well as practicing "waiting".<br /><br />I don't know about you, but I am not especially gifted with patience and waiting under certain circumstances. That being said, the more I pray for the opportunity to increase in virtue, the more the good Lord sees fit to answer my requests! Ouch! As "they" say, be careful what you pray for. LOL.<br /><br />My first week of Advent was mostly spent tethered to my couch or the bed trying to cope with yet another migraine marathon of epic proportion which unleashed its reign of terror on my body for days and nights on end. Waiting was the only thing (besides begging and praying ) that I could actually do. I sure had other plans for that first week---like decorating just a bit, looking up some fun cookie recipes, getting some organization to my Christmas lists, and preparing for an upcoming trip for the holidays to visit family, to name just a few. But, no, my body and its illness had other plans.<br /><br />So, my waiting began...<br />wait for the meds to work<br />wait for the time to take the next dose<br />wait to be able to open my eyes enough to see where I am going<br />wait for the passing of the many awful neurological symptoms to abate enough to even move<br />wait for my husband to come home from work to help me in my fragile state<br /><br />and on and on the waiting went... minutes seemed like hours and days were lost.<br /><br />All the while I waited, I definitely prayed and prayed hard. I actually did reflect a lot about Advent and how Mary must have felt as she waited those months and days before giving birth to our Savior and then waiting for a place to even labor and bring Jesus into this world.<br /><br />My struggles are teaching me valuable lessons on waiting. Waiting can be productive and redemptive if I allow it. Waiting slows me down and teaches me to live with a more purposeful and intentional mindset. While I do still pray for healing and certainly much better management of my current chronic condition, I am always amazed at my ongoing transformation in the journey.<br /><br />Even if you are not celebrating Christmas due to your own background and tradition, can you still find value in waiting through your own struggles? Is waiting easy or hard for you? Maybe helping someone else who might be having a hard time waiting for one reason or another right now would be a great gift to offer this time of year. Any easing of suffering in the waiting, I can assure you, would be a most generous gift of the heart.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV9LLkKn-tgE5c9nvLIb7korSlUiMWVpTV9RUVDw6ZGiEXspSQ7Cfmjr8AZ4E3hVgeWT492tA5ur_yUK2m2o29HdW56BAf6eQ2FPSpVCY6Odq2r6BpiL7Q5d1pGehPOhVlLc_stSAoVL8/s640/blogger-image--286656738.jpg" style="color: #9966cc; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV9LLkKn-tgE5c9nvLIb7korSlUiMWVpTV9RUVDw6ZGiEXspSQ7Cfmjr8AZ4E3hVgeWT492tA5ur_yUK2m2o29HdW56BAf6eQ2FPSpVCY6Odq2r6BpiL7Q5d1pGehPOhVlLc_stSAoVL8/s640/blogger-image--286656738.jpg" style="border: none; position: relative;" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /> I decided to call my new orchid "Advent Orchid" as it started to <div> bloom while I waited. It bloomed patiently and silently.</div></div><p><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-size: 14.85px;"> I love learning from Mother Nature as well.</span> </p>Embracing Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01065171534375991840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732192418971828926.post-48268052483815017032020-11-13T09:40:00.000-05:002020-11-13T09:40:24.708-05:00Living well with our woundedness<p><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> "Nobody escapes being wounded. We are all wounded </span></p><p><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> people. The main question is not how can we hide our</span></p><p><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> wounds, but how can we put our woundedness in service</span></p><p><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> of others? When our wounds cease to be a source of shame,</span></p><p><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> and become a source of healing, we become wounded</span><br /></p><p><span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> healers." H. Nouwen</span><br /></span></p><p><span><span>Personally, my heart has experienced a fair amount of sadness, confusion, and loss these past several months. My mind has been triggered into various degrees of "unsettledness" largely due to all the constant drama of the horrific pandemic and the even more horrific political arena. Nonstop news noise screaming at me from many different directions has brought me to my knees seeking respite from my weariness. Fervent continued prayer doesn't even seem enough. </span></span></p><p><span><span>In addition to the obvious challenges of how our lives have changed, my heart has suffered loss of long time dear friends which pierces the core of my being. Also, my heart is aching for a friend who just loss her young son in an accident. Loss on top of loss this year does not seem to be slowing down one bit. Making space for my grieving is necessary, and I am slowly and intentionally doing so. The most healing my soul has experienced was attending an All Soul's church service where I could remember and honor my loved ones who have now gone before me while lighting a candle and saying goodbye. </span></span></p><p>Not physically connecting with our loved ones in the manner of which we are accustomed feels "not right" on so many levels. It is one thing to deal with that most uncomfortable situation for a few weeks or maybe a few months, but this virus is not diminishing, and our exhaustion from it continues. I wonder how much longer we will have to travel this winding road with its many rocky pebbles and stones even after the vaccine gets distributed to people? </p><p>I would venture to guess that most of us are carrying deep sorrow and woundedness which have possibly been wreaking havoc on our body, mind, and spirit since the beginning of 2020. Our struggling is real and difficult to even put into words at times. Validating our feelings on a day to day basis is super important in order to cope when everything feels like a heavy burden. Since we are all navigating the tumultuous seas but doing so in different boats, it would be good to learn to help one another as best we can. On a positive note, I believe this year has taught us new ways of coping while realizing we are much stronger than we ever believed possible. </p><p>Helping one another is what H. Nouwen meant when he said we can "put our woundedness in service to others." Now more than ever, this should be practiced. Join hands across the internet and give big air hugs with supportive texts and emails that encourage one another to keep the faith. Admit that life is really hard and confusing, but realize we are not alone in our suffering. We are in good company for sure. </p><p>My special woundedness that has been with me for years now is chronic migraine. I know for me once I stopped being fearful, anxious, or ashamed of it, I learned how to become a wounded healer by listening and trying to help those who need guidance, courage, and direction with this debilitating disease. Letting others know they do not have to travel their journey alone offers solace and hope. God has clearly laid this path before me for which I am grateful and humbled. </p><p>The holidays are upon us and, boy, will they look and feel very foreign to us. How might you reach out in your woundedness to help someone else feel encouraged and loved? How can your creativity spread love and laughter to those in need? How might the practice of your faith lead others to do the same?</p><p>May you all have a Thanksgiving filled with gratitude, joy, and love as you count your blessings even in this incredibly challenging year of 2020. </p><p>This is my wish for you, my friends.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Arsns9w5Hi-d5Cx-8ObYoIzr9QsGaEzq8A4WEoHY7ORIaxG7nwWYEltksfxrVhpDkD1PuYJX7IdGtx0qBONnp5DFweeYEzaoAciyaXbkWrLyW-tPD1MBhZIBYkminzqxcB69Qrb4Qto/s376/38E87C29-E812-43C8-9CA8-DE7D02C2753D_4_5005_c.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="376" data-original-width="295" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Arsns9w5Hi-d5Cx-8ObYoIzr9QsGaEzq8A4WEoHY7ORIaxG7nwWYEltksfxrVhpDkD1PuYJX7IdGtx0qBONnp5DFweeYEzaoAciyaXbkWrLyW-tPD1MBhZIBYkminzqxcB69Qrb4Qto/w335-h427/38E87C29-E812-43C8-9CA8-DE7D02C2753D_4_5005_c.jpeg" width="335" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Embracing Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01065171534375991840noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732192418971828926.post-20628065382880729442020-09-09T12:19:00.000-04:002020-09-09T12:19:59.105-04:00Creating a new mindset<p> Early September ushers in the newness of Fall with crisp delightful air, soft breezes, and high puffy white clouds that could be pulled apart as if they were cotton candy. In New England, leaves are drying early from the extreme heat from the Summer, so they are starting to fall from the trees. I am not sure how much color the foliage will display this year. It will be a wait and see game. The slant of the sunlight is certainly noticeable. By late afternoon, the shadows cast down in a different direction than those in the summer and even photos have an interesting light characteristic about them.</p><p>The brilliant, colorful sunsets are magnificent, but if one blinks twice while gazing, just like that, the color palette fades. Evening walks are shortened if trying to catch the last bit of daylight. It becomes necessary to change the time of our beach activities. As I reluctantly say goodbye to Summer----so long flip flops and hello boots--- I adopt a new mindset to accept the beauty of Fall and all it has to offer.</p><p>Transitioning to a new season is upon us. I love the freshness of tackling new projects and creating new goals, but I always allow for leeway in my case since I never know if my migraine body will become unruly or not. I try to not become too frustrated if I lose days here or there, but in all honesty, I still get annoyed. While I see others going all "gung ho" about their daily business and goals, I know this is an important time to adapt a new mindset of not comparing myself to those on social media feeds who are clearly not walking in my footsteps.</p><p>Change requires opening up to a new mindset no matter how small. Sometimes just becoming more aware of others' life stories and listening to their perspectives can be a real opportunity for connecting, bonding, and understanding life from their point of view. </p><p>At this present time of so many unknowns, divisions, pandemic fears, and social unrest in our nation, life is extra challenging now. What seemed comfortable before, no longer is. Perhaps adopting a healthy perspective of respect for one other is becoming more aware of our own interior landscape and taking a truthful look at how we respond to what is going on around us. Easier said than done on some days.</p><p>Traveling with daily chronic migraine constantly teaches me to be open and flexible about my limitations and boundaries. My slow pace for everything becomes pure tedious many days. For me, creating a new mindset to accept my new normal has taken me years, and I still need to keep that in check so I don't go down the dark bunny hole of frustration from pain and exhaustion. </p><p>How are you looking forward to ushering in the new season of Autumn? Will you be creating a new mindset of some sort or another? Is there room for exploring a new perspective on an issue especially in light of our current state of events? Will you give voice to something that might give courage for someone else to do the same?</p><p>And of course, on a lighter note, Fall would not be the same without picking apples, baking apple pies, drinking lots of pumpkin spiced lattes, and decorating with pumpkins. Enjoy the goodness of this season and share your joy with others. </p><p>Happy September!</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrvjmDDBpkJcbQNjGDBQ3JPRTxLlQpYQxqJACl2IOAqpVwA1O1qJ7YCdCmJLfU5nUSpc9x29k02u9ehYdgMdwlK_X2mBIxBk1ZywPxJ6TCaWETMS-CweqFVlR_NIgHIPnbzP3GLlAysTg/s640/9D2232E5-4B5C-472D-A8F7-A0F6E6BF0E3D.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="618" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrvjmDDBpkJcbQNjGDBQ3JPRTxLlQpYQxqJACl2IOAqpVwA1O1qJ7YCdCmJLfU5nUSpc9x29k02u9ehYdgMdwlK_X2mBIxBk1ZywPxJ6TCaWETMS-CweqFVlR_NIgHIPnbzP3GLlAysTg/s320/9D2232E5-4B5C-472D-A8F7-A0F6E6BF0E3D.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU10g1g11HMX5s-vDeofvIXLFZ2gKUs6FFNFg-xgkuZFJmalTBTzwjpyQC5bzFg5ezgQGJAGz71Da6TGOXFvQlQYPcl4vQTeAHJiYj9fEUkIPrLxtxrvB8n-udlznycvgdeTCuhgparx4/s476/47635BDE-C395-41F0-AD70-1AD80A7BF376_4_5005_c.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="476" data-original-width="361" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU10g1g11HMX5s-vDeofvIXLFZ2gKUs6FFNFg-xgkuZFJmalTBTzwjpyQC5bzFg5ezgQGJAGz71Da6TGOXFvQlQYPcl4vQTeAHJiYj9fEUkIPrLxtxrvB8n-udlznycvgdeTCuhgparx4/s320/47635BDE-C395-41F0-AD70-1AD80A7BF376_4_5005_c.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>Embracing Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01065171534375991840noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732192418971828926.post-75994874468451400462020-07-30T12:44:00.000-04:002020-07-30T12:44:00.856-04:00Everything seems upside down and inside out<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>We have been enduring this COVID epidemic since March, and we are now almost to the end of July, but who is counting? Right? As things stand now, our endurance is certainly calling for more patience. However, patience is running thin in most of us. Truth be told, simple kindness and respect are running thin as well. <br />
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For me, the world seems to be upside down and inside out on so many levels. I find reality hard to grasp. There is heavy tension and unrest which feed negative energy throughout the air we breathe. People are becoming completely unhinged at their seams. It is frightening. <br />
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Certain social justice issues must be addressed and conversations WITH one another must be brought to the table. We all need to learn to step into each other's shoes for a bit and see things from their perspective. Let us challenge ourselves to step out of our comfort zone and really listen to one another more intently and without judgement. Talk less and listen more.<br />
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The isolation from our loved ones is wearing thin and emotionally draining. Our hearts are breaking, and it is taking a toll on all of us. May we keep reaching out to our dear ones in special ways by offering love and support the best we know how. We will all be better for it.<br />
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Poem for a pandemic by John Mark Green<br />
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"Our carefully crafted illusion of predictable security<br />
destroyed by a simple virus.<br />
We watch as the well-oiled gear of our elaborate world machine<br />
grinds to a shuddering-halt.<br />
An invisible enemy illuminates hidden lines of out interdependence.<br />
Eerie silence prowls empty streets.<br />
Enforced isolation teaching us just how much we need each other."<div><br /></div><div><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><br /></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRoIbV4QOeTHYtsqScVu2nwpJgn2yl9R62QZAPG2rNV2m8cuGFRqbt5AEqJjcENwzz3TKsz4JcVZDeMp-C9sqTzWri3fkt90m6XJMzIoQLpvvbSFh-3yl5vWw_8wZUTLI2mI_PPavCrVs/s392/711A176B-5ECE-4C0D-B88F-3F5F5D810595_4_5005_c.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="392" data-original-width="294" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRoIbV4QOeTHYtsqScVu2nwpJgn2yl9R62QZAPG2rNV2m8cuGFRqbt5AEqJjcENwzz3TKsz4JcVZDeMp-C9sqTzWri3fkt90m6XJMzIoQLpvvbSFh-3yl5vWw_8wZUTLI2mI_PPavCrVs/s320/711A176B-5ECE-4C0D-B88F-3F5F5D810595_4_5005_c.jpeg" /></a></div></div><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></blockquote></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br />
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<br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Embracing Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01065171534375991840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732192418971828926.post-44611002506842203142020-06-19T08:45:00.001-04:002020-06-19T08:45:54.165-04:00Walking forward with HOPEWhat do "fashionable" dark shades, the color purple, baseball cap, and loads of medicines and devices have in common, you ask? The answer is easy----they all fit the description of a chronic migraineur. These special tools for our toolkit help us manage on a day to day basis to keep afloat in the perilous waters of chronic migraine.<br />
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Since June is Migraine Awareness month, my hope is to shed more light on this disease not just for June but all year around. For me, it is important to be a committed advocate in helping other migraine warriors so they don't feel alone walking their journeys. I know first hand that belonging to several migraine communities provides me a sense of support and comfort. We all share a common disease but our treatments vary from one person to the next, so it is helpful to share our stories with one another and voice our frustrations, disappointments, and successes.<br />
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Fortunately, in the past few years, researchers have been able to produce and market new drugs especially targeted for migraine which are now in use by<br />
patients. This is especially exciting news because many of the standard medications already approved for years are not exactly targeted for migraine. They are really needed for other conditions. We, migraineurs, get the left-over-hope-it-works medications. This is so frustrating.<br />
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A few examples of the class of new medication is called the CGRP inhibitors which are used to prevent and treat migraine pain. This medication blocks a protein which may cause inflammation and pain in the nervous system of chronic migraineurs. Currently, there are four medications which are now in use, and they are: Ajovy, Ubrelvy, Aimovig, and Emgality.<br />
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I personally take Aimovig and have been on it nearly two years. It is a self injection once a month. I can happily report that it dials down my pain and other symptoms while reducing the overall number of serious attacks a month. Bottom line---I function better.<br />
The injection is easy. I do experience significant side effects along with my conglomeration of other side effects from my other medications, but I am getting used to managing those symptoms as best I can. There is always a sacrifice and a trade off somewhere.<br />
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In addition to traditional medications, there are also a few noninvasive neuromodulation devices that are now approved for use that are safe with no side effects really.<br />
These devices are advanced medical tools that can enhance the activity of the nervous system which, as research has discovered, may be effective in reducing migraine attacks as well as cluster headaches. There are four currently in use which patients can decide with their doctor which ones to try.<br />
The devices are:gammaCore/electrocore, sTMSMini/eNeura,Cefaly, and Nerivio Migra/Theranica.<br />
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I personally tried the Cefaly several years ago and did not find it effective for me. That device I wore on my forehead nightly as to prevent attacks. I felt like a space alien. The things we do for relief! I currently am giving the Nerivio device a try but am not too impressed thus far. The jury is still out for me.<br />
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My special toolkit involves: daily preventive medications taken all throughout the day to reduce the frequency and severity of attacks; rescue meds that I take at the onset of an attack to try and abort it from taking me to the point of no return;<br />
vitamins and supplements like Vitamin B2, magnesium, calcium, and Vitamin D. I have tried other natural supplements over the years and those alone were not helpful one bit. <br />
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I go nowhere without lots of water, snacks, sunglasses, Vicks for blocking annoying smells and rubbing it on my temples to ease pain. Peppermint oil is soothing, and I put it on my wrists to squash smells. It is so refreshing. Peppermint is my new perfume. LOL. Earplugs come in handy in the most unexpected places. Baseball caps with good brims are a must all year around. My big sunglasses are a must, and I freak out if I can't find them or forget them accidentally. Last but not least, I wear lots of purple since it is the color of migraine awareness. It wouldn't be June if I did not streak my hair purple. It is a great conversation starter for awareness. Glad it happens to be my favorite color!<br />
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I share these details with you, friends, to be transparent about the complicated nature of this disease. It is so much more than a headache. It affects so many parts of the nervous system. Vertigo, slurred speech, foggy brain, auras, extreme exhaustion, mood changes, photophobia, nausea, vomiting, and so much more.<br />
Unfortunately, children are prone to migraine and headache disorders as well as adults and often do not get a proper diagnosis for years.<br />
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According to the American Migraine Foundation, "Out of the 37 million Americans living with migraine, no two patients are exactly alike." This is why standard treatment does not work. Each individual needs a tailored treatment plan just for them. This is not an easy task. This is why it is so important to advocate for ourselves as well as others who may be unable to do so because they are too disabled and lost in a sea of confusion and crashing waves. I know because I was there years ago. I barely thought I was going to survive the many harsh days of dreadful pain and depression. It was dark season for me. This is why I desire to help anyone I can by providing information and direction. There is HOPE. Always.<br />
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If you have stuck with me reading my rather long blog, I thank you. I am fully aware there are pressing issues in the spotlight today with COVID 19 and raising awareness for social justice. I respect these issues immensely. However, they do not diminish our struggles for figuring out a better way to lead a healthier life with chronic migraine.<br />
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If you or someone you know suffers with a headache or migraine disorder, please reach out to them and offer help. Maybe even a ride to the doctor office or dropping off a meal or just lending a listening ear could do wonders. The biggest thing NOT to do is offer some crazy "cure all" that Aunt Susie Q tried and she is now cured. UGH. There is no cure. Only management for now. Much more funding for research is needed. According to the American Migraine Foundation, "Fewer than 5% of those living with chronic migraine have been seen by a healthcare provider, received an accurate diagnosis and obtained appropriate care. Migraine is under-recognized, under-diagnosed, and under-treated."<br />
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On June 21, the Summer solstice, the migraine community is asking everyone to wear their dark shades in solidarity with the migraine world. This is to promote awareness of this disease that affects over 1 billion people worldwide. Please show the world that you care and support our campaign by posting a photo to social media with the #ShadesForMigraine. This means a lot. Thank you!<br />
May you experience a safe and joyful Summer.<br />
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<br />Embracing Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01065171534375991840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732192418971828926.post-14738959389422282052020-05-31T12:00:00.000-04:002020-05-31T12:00:06.090-04:00It's been awhileWe are still in the midst of this crazy long and scary pandemic which is forcing us to still stay within relatively safe boundaries for the sake of everyone's health.<br />
This is not easy and because we feel out of control as to pinpoint when this will be over, the waiting game continues.<br />
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I wrote about this pandemic right from the start when most of life was beginning to feel like everything was being turned upside down and inside out. The weeks that have followed I have chosen to be quiet on my blog. I have been processing all of this in my own way, and most of my writing I am keeping private for now. Maybe at a later date after my heart and mind have come to terms with some issues, I will share.<br />
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The quiet days are not a burden for me as I have other projects which are beckoning my attention. It has been cathartic to dig into some of them because they has given me an additional focus. And yes, I am hooked into some Netflix series just like the rest of you!! Do not judge. LOL.<br />
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I am so grateful for steady health at the moment as well as that of my family. Praise God. Like most families, we are learning to adapt to new ways of communicating and connecting. The ordinary becomes extraordinary even through FaceTime and zoom! Another thing for which to be thankful.<br />
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Slowly but surely some stricter limitations and boundaries are being lifted, and life is starting to get back on track in the tiniest of ways. All good signs of hope and strength. Someday we will soon touch and hug our loved ones without fear and experience profound joy once again.<br />
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Recently on my beach walks I discovered some precious message rocks filled with a simple direction, wisdom, and hope. I always feel so uplifted when these treasures appear out of nowhere. So many gifts and little miracles appear around us if we only take time to see them.<br />
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Friends, may our God of Hope bless you on your healing journey through this time of trial. Also, may we all hold each other tighter in our minds and hearts and prayers while we reach out to those who may be extra vulnerable and lonely due to their own personal circumstances at this time.<br />
<br />Embracing Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01065171534375991840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732192418971828926.post-77619439931047862562020-04-15T11:33:00.000-04:002020-04-15T11:33:51.435-04:00A New Normal for Now<br />
A few years ago when I was diagnosed with chronic M, I was introduced to these important and life giving words----A New Normal for Now. My kind and compassionate cranial sacral therapist, Cheryl, whispered them gently to my weary and anxious face. She continued to explain to me that life with a chronic illness would be more easily managed and lived well IF I accepted my existence with a different perspective. At first I did not fully comprehend the positive meaning of those words. I was so hurt and angry and frustrated that anything positive was not really on my radar screen. "Accept a new normal?" Well, that did take awhile to say the least. Believe me, it did not happen overnight.<br />
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Over months and years, I have done so. The energy I put into wishing and hoping that my old existence and fun life would return to the way it was, had to be refocused into something else. A transformed life of hope, purpose, and happiness slowly started to take root. My anxiety and anger which wore me down day in and day out were carefully placed into their proper places. I did not put those feelings aside totally because that would have been to deny myself they weren't really there in the first place. Denial is not healthy for healing. Eventually, blossoms with beautiful fruit gradually stomped out the prickly thorns of despair and darkness, which for me, was embracing a new normal.<br />
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Fast forward to 2020, and we, as a nation, are facing a deep and grave traumatic new way of living due to this COVID--19 virus. These times are unprecedented, and we are all stumbling our way day to day and moment to moment. The reality of the situation is this-----life the way we knew it is no longer. It can't be. Even if the virus is eradicated and wonderful miracles help heal us all, too much grief and trauma have settled into our souls and bodies. I dare say we feel vulnerable beyond belief now. The fragility of life is always a given, but now it seems to be felt more desperately than ever before. How sad it is that we can't reach out and touch people whom we love. No hugs or holding hands at a time we especially need one another's touch. Thankfully, technology is keeping us connected via social media and internet support, but technology is no replacement for real life connection. That is a no brainer. <br />
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Since I have learned and put into practice living a "new normal, " I invite you to think about doing the same in some manner. The world changed its practices and habits after 9/11, and this current pandemic will cause us to do the same. It is amazing how resilient our minds, bodies, and souls can be especially in times of great stress. Shifting our focus off of ourselves and onto others' needs gives us a purpose to get out of bed in the morning and try to lift someone else up during these difficult times. The news frequently posts inspiring stories of how people are bringing joy to others in the midst of total chaos. It is worthy to be aware of those stories and events while backing off of the grim news in order to give our souls a bit of a breather.<br />
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I am grateful over the past few years that chronic M has taught me a great deal on how "to be" in addition on how to be flexible and adaptable when choosing my "to do " activities. Stay home and stay safe is not really too difficult for me. I am not stressed as others are because I have had lots of practice. LOTS. (lol.) Carrying the same philosophy going forward, I know it is the best not only for me but for ALL of us, so this is good. Listening and following sound medical advice plus using our own common sense are practical and necessary right now. Keeping our social distance is awkward and downright contrary to how humans like to live and communicate, but certain habits must be embraced for awhile. In time, we will all be moving to another song and dance, and we will find our flow and rhythm once again.<br />
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In what areas might you rethink some of your old habits and possibly adapt to new ones? Are you willing to become more flexible in one area of your thinking? Would responding positively instead of reacting negatively in some areas and or situations help you slowly accept this new normal for now?<br />
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It is always best to live with great gratitude in our hearts because we are not ultimately in control of life's circumstances. We are only in control of how we respond to those circumstances. This is not a new philosophy, and it might seem a bit overused, but truth is truth. I thank God everyday I can choose to live in gratitude. I pray you can do the same.<br />
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Many heartfelt prayers to all of you, my friends, for safety and health during this pandemic, and may the grace of this Easter Season comfort your souls.<br />
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<br />Embracing Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01065171534375991840noreply@blogger.com1