If you are reading this, then you probably know me, personally. If so, then you know I have had some issues with my health in recent years. While I don't think it is appropriate to discuss all the gory details (in my opinion, for me personally), chances are you have seen some Facebook or Twitter updates documenting my nondescript struggles.
I recently resigned my position at The Cleveland Clinic so that I could focus on my health. I am one of those people who always puts others before themselves. Also, because of some things from my childhood, I don't want to be perceived as a baby that can't take it. I had five rather unsuccessful surgeries over the last four years all the while working full time and going to school full time to finish my Bachelor's degree. My philosophy - keep marching on, suck it up and shake it off. Of course, being the person that I am, this is NEVER the advice that I give to other people. I finally decided to take my own advice.
Just when my issues with Crohn's were starting to get a bit better, I hurt my back. I was sitting on the floor, organizing some things from my closet, stood up and couldn't straighten out my back. I think that this was from years of being a nurse and bending and lifting. I think of my back as a rope that kept fraying and it took nearly no stress at all to finally "break". So, I have been dealing with this issue as well. I know, lucky me, right? I keep telling myself it could be worse.
Well, I had an MRI of my abdomen a few weeks ago. When the Dr. gave me the results, it was discovered that I have additional issues, in another area, that I was completely unaware of. Just keep piling it on. I haven't seen a doctor yet for the other issues, but I am scheduled to see one in two weeks.
So, this is how it is going to be? Life is a learning process and apparently, it is more difficult for some to learn life lessons than others. I am obviously one of the "slow learners", but I think that the light bulb is almost completely lit. You would think that after all of my experiences as an ER, Hospice, and Oncology nurse, and combined with my own health struggles, I would have learned to stop and smell the roses a lot sooner. You would also think that I would have realized how important it is to take care of yourself. I am getting there.
There are a few important things I have learned through this entire ordeal. Most importantly, if you think something is wrong (you just don't feel right - you know your own body), be persistent. If you are not getting the answers you want or believe to be true, seek another opinion (or 4). Secondly, if you want to take care of others, the best thing that you can do is take care of yourself. Lastly, take time to enjoy life and don't get so wrapped up in petty behaviors or people. In the grand scheme of things, life is a blink of an eye and you don't want to have wasted it all on things that weren't that important anyway.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Grandma Stewart - Happy Mother's Day
Today is Mother's Day. To all the Mother's out there, thank you for all you do. I posted previously, "What Makes a Man a Father". The same applies to women and what makes them a Mother. Simply having a child does not make you a Mom. Taking care of your child, making personal sacrifices, and ensuring the best for the future of your children is what really makes you a Mom.
As I think of all the women who influenced my life, I am reminded of one who is no longer here with us. Nora Stewart, is my Great Grandmother. That makes her my Mom's (Katherine Payne), Mother's (Janet Morgan) Mom. Try saying that five times fast!
Grandma Stewart was born in 1915 and grew up in rural West Virginia. Not only did she grow up in a different time, West Virginia definitely has a different culture than the suburban culture in which I live now. She didn't graduate high school, never had a job, and didn't drive a car. However, she always knew just what to say and raised the family that I am happy to be part of.
When I was really young, I was always very excited to get to visit Grandma Stewart. She would begin feeding us as soon as we got to her house. We had saltine crackers with cheese, "special meat" (kielbasa cut into slices to fit on the crackers), Reese Cups, Coke, popsicles with vanilla ice cream in the middle, and banana milkshakes. She would fill us then flick our bellies and say, "Yep, full as a tick". She was also known in the family for being and EXCELLENT cook.
As I got older, and after Grandpap Stewart passed away in 1993, I had the wonderful opportunity of living with Grandma Stewart. We didn't always see eye to eye, being from two different generations, but I cherish the memories of the time that I spent with her. My friends also spent a lot of time with her. It was definitely a privilege for all.
Other than being known as a great cook, Grandma was also know for her superstitions and old wives tales. One that sticks out the most - "if two women make a bed together, one will be pregnant within the year". Another, "if you wash your clothes on New Year's Day, you will wash your life away". I could go on and on. Even though I know that these are old wives tales, I don't want to test and see if they come true!
There is one story that she told me about her childhood that I will never forget. She said when she was a child her family was going into town. She had a dime wrapped up in a "hanky" so that she could buy some candy. By the time she got to town, she had lost her dime. At her funeral, before closing the casket, I placed a handkerchief with a dime inside in her hand. I wanted to be sure she got her candy, wherever she was going.
I encourage each of you to spend some time with all the women who have influenced your life. Be sure to thank them for all that they do.
As I think of all the women who influenced my life, I am reminded of one who is no longer here with us. Nora Stewart, is my Great Grandmother. That makes her my Mom's (Katherine Payne), Mother's (Janet Morgan) Mom. Try saying that five times fast!
Grandma Stewart was born in 1915 and grew up in rural West Virginia. Not only did she grow up in a different time, West Virginia definitely has a different culture than the suburban culture in which I live now. She didn't graduate high school, never had a job, and didn't drive a car. However, she always knew just what to say and raised the family that I am happy to be part of.
When I was really young, I was always very excited to get to visit Grandma Stewart. She would begin feeding us as soon as we got to her house. We had saltine crackers with cheese, "special meat" (kielbasa cut into slices to fit on the crackers), Reese Cups, Coke, popsicles with vanilla ice cream in the middle, and banana milkshakes. She would fill us then flick our bellies and say, "Yep, full as a tick". She was also known in the family for being and EXCELLENT cook.
As I got older, and after Grandpap Stewart passed away in 1993, I had the wonderful opportunity of living with Grandma Stewart. We didn't always see eye to eye, being from two different generations, but I cherish the memories of the time that I spent with her. My friends also spent a lot of time with her. It was definitely a privilege for all.
Other than being known as a great cook, Grandma was also know for her superstitions and old wives tales. One that sticks out the most - "if two women make a bed together, one will be pregnant within the year". Another, "if you wash your clothes on New Year's Day, you will wash your life away". I could go on and on. Even though I know that these are old wives tales, I don't want to test and see if they come true!
There is one story that she told me about her childhood that I will never forget. She said when she was a child her family was going into town. She had a dime wrapped up in a "hanky" so that she could buy some candy. By the time she got to town, she had lost her dime. At her funeral, before closing the casket, I placed a handkerchief with a dime inside in her hand. I wanted to be sure she got her candy, wherever she was going.
I encourage each of you to spend some time with all the women who have influenced your life. Be sure to thank them for all that they do.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Knoxville Inn
I am addicted to social media. I am constantly checking my Facebook and Twitter accounts throughout the day. Hey, I don't want to miss out on anything.
One person that I follow on Twitter is Kenny Wallace. He is a NASCAR driver in the Nationwide Series (second series from the top). His tweets are very amusing and he does give a bit of NASCAR news. What he tweets a lot are song lyrics. I have come to realize that his taste in music is as eclectic as mine. The other day he tweeted lyrics to "Gin and Juice" by Snoop Dogg and today he tweeted lyrics to "Boot Scoot Boogie" by Brooks and Dunn. Of course, I know all the words to both songs.
"Boot Scoot Boogie" is not my favorite Brooks and Dunn song. They were around for, I believe, 20 years. Their best music, in my opinion, was definitely their earlier stuff. My all time favorite Brooks and Dunn song, and one of my top 10 overall favorite country songs is "Neon Moon". If you haven't ever heard this song, I suggest you go to youtube and take a listen. I haven't listened to Brooks and Dunn in a couple of months and since it was on my mind, I decided to listen to "Neon Moon". Listening to this song brings back memories of the Knoxville Inn.
The Knoxville Inn is 9 miles out in the country (Middle Grave Creek Road) in Moundsville, West Virginia. The Knoxville Inn was 4 miles past my house. The first time I was ever inside, I was probably 10 years old. My childhood friend, Amber Hoge, lived almost next door (remember this is the country), and we went there to get chips, pop, and Geno's pizzas. I thought I was really cool getting to walk inside a bar at the age of 10.
I spent a lot of time there when I was 20 years old. Since it was so far out in the country, the police were never there, and we could drink before we were 21. It also helped that my friend's Mother owned the bar at the time. Every time that I was there, which was at least twice a week, we played "Neon Moon" on the jukebox. Everyone would sing at the top of their lungs. It really was a good time.
It is amazing the power that music has. When I hear a song, especially if I haven't heard it in a while, the memories come rushing back. It is almost like time travel. Today I encourage you to go and listen to some songs from your past. You won't be disappointed in your trip down memory lane.
One person that I follow on Twitter is Kenny Wallace. He is a NASCAR driver in the Nationwide Series (second series from the top). His tweets are very amusing and he does give a bit of NASCAR news. What he tweets a lot are song lyrics. I have come to realize that his taste in music is as eclectic as mine. The other day he tweeted lyrics to "Gin and Juice" by Snoop Dogg and today he tweeted lyrics to "Boot Scoot Boogie" by Brooks and Dunn. Of course, I know all the words to both songs.
"Boot Scoot Boogie" is not my favorite Brooks and Dunn song. They were around for, I believe, 20 years. Their best music, in my opinion, was definitely their earlier stuff. My all time favorite Brooks and Dunn song, and one of my top 10 overall favorite country songs is "Neon Moon". If you haven't ever heard this song, I suggest you go to youtube and take a listen. I haven't listened to Brooks and Dunn in a couple of months and since it was on my mind, I decided to listen to "Neon Moon". Listening to this song brings back memories of the Knoxville Inn.
The Knoxville Inn is 9 miles out in the country (Middle Grave Creek Road) in Moundsville, West Virginia. The Knoxville Inn was 4 miles past my house. The first time I was ever inside, I was probably 10 years old. My childhood friend, Amber Hoge, lived almost next door (remember this is the country), and we went there to get chips, pop, and Geno's pizzas. I thought I was really cool getting to walk inside a bar at the age of 10.
I spent a lot of time there when I was 20 years old. Since it was so far out in the country, the police were never there, and we could drink before we were 21. It also helped that my friend's Mother owned the bar at the time. Every time that I was there, which was at least twice a week, we played "Neon Moon" on the jukebox. Everyone would sing at the top of their lungs. It really was a good time.
It is amazing the power that music has. When I hear a song, especially if I haven't heard it in a while, the memories come rushing back. It is almost like time travel. Today I encourage you to go and listen to some songs from your past. You won't be disappointed in your trip down memory lane.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)