So, This Is How It Is Going To Be?

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.   

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. 

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. 

Royal Wedding

There are 40 countries around the world that have some form of monarchy (Kay, 2011).  This was shocking to me.  I was unaware that so many monarchies continued to exist.  We have close ties to England, for obvious reasons, so that may be the reason we are so familiar with that monarchy.  Did you know so many others existed?

I was only 3 years old when Prince Charles and Princess Diana were married.  Although I have seen footage, I did not get to experience the feelings of hope, joy, and happiness (just to name a few) along with the rest of the world.  I was determined not to miss out this time.  So I, like many others, woke before dawn today to tune into the wedding of William and Kate.  I chose to watch the coverage on E!.  I am so happy that I did.  It really was a great start to the day. 

It was refreshing to finally see something so beautiful on the television.  I am sure that they were a ball of nerves, but that did not show through.  What did is the love that William and Kate share.  I truly get the feeling that this marriage has a good foundation and will be one that lasts.  Kate looked absolutely beautiful - a true Princess.

I have seen, in the days leading up to the ceremony, people question the fascination with this event.  I can't speak for everyone, so I will tell you why I am so fascinated.  I am interested in both history and culture.  The Windsor's are a historical family, that have continued to exist when so many other monarchies have crumbled.  Their culture, although similarities do exist, is different than the culture here in the United States.  I spent days (ok, it all started when they got engaged) leading up to the event researching the Royal family and watching NUMEROUS programs about the Royal family and William and Kate's relationship. 

Nearly every Disney movie has a princess, who by the end, gets her prince.  Bedtime stories often have the same theme.  Most women dream for years exactly how they want their wedding to be (often even before they ever had their first boyfriend), and hope they will find their "prince charming".  That is exactly what we were able to witness today.  A "common" girl walked down the aisle to her Prince and walked out of the church a Princess.  While you may have found your prince charming, it is likely you are not an official princess.  What is better than watching a real life fairytale and a dream come true? 

Cheers to you William and Kate. 

References
Kay, K. (Narrator). (2011, March 29). Modern monarchy. Do's and Dont's. Cleveland: BBCA.

Happy Easter

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you a Happy Easter.  Easter is celebrated by everyone in many different ways.  Generally, Easter is a religious holiday where families attend church services to "celebrate" and remember Jesus's sacrifice. 

For my family, Easter is a commercial holiday.  I grew up in the Church of Christ, which does not celebrate Easter as a religious holiday.  The belief is that since The Bible does not give a specific date of death, we are to "celebrate" and remember the event every day of the year.  The Church of Christ does not celebrate Christmas as a religious holiday either. 

Regardless of whether or not you celebrate today as a religious or commercial holiday, most families are celebrating the day together.  When I was younger, we awoke to see what the Easter Bunny had left during his visit.  I always had a new Easter dress (and sometimes Easter hat), and attended church services with my family (like I did every Sunday).  What made Easter so special was that everyone went to my Grandma and Grandpap Morgan's after church for dinner. 

It is days like today that I miss my family the most and wish that I lived closer to "home".  As you get older, the Easter dresses, hats, and candy baskets from the Easter Bunny become less important.  What never becomes less important is what family means to you.  I cherish the memories of my childhood and all the great times my family spent at Grandma and Grandpap Morgan's house. 

However you choose to celebrate the day, be sure to make some great memories.  They will be there to light up even the grayest of days. 

Victims

Have you ever known someone who says that they hate drama but is usually the first one to create it?  Have you ever known someone, that while standing with their hand out, complains about people having things handed to them?  Lastly, have you ever known someone who says they have worked hard and having nothing to show for it, yet they are an adult living with their parents without a job?

I am concerned for the future.  More often than I would like to admit, I have met or come across someone who fits into one or all of the "categories" above.  We are living in a culture of victims.  No one wants to take responsibility for themselves and they spend their lives focused on the fortunes, or misfortunes, of others.  People act as if they have no choices and sit around while life happens.  They may want bigger or better things in their life, but have no plan and no desire to really work for it.

I am sure everyone has their "days". Days when you feel buried and wonder if you will ever be able to dig yourself out.  It may even be more than a day, but understanding that with patience and perseverance, anything can be achieved.  It is the people who keep digging, no matter what, that truly inspire me. We are not victims of our circumstances and as human beings and citizens of the United States, we do, in fact, have free will.

Unfortunately, those who read this that fit into the "categories" will likely not gain anything.  My hope is that this can wake up just one person.  One person who will be the future. 

Dear Mother Nature

Dear Mother Nature,

I am not sure which address to send this to, so I figured you might get it here.  I apologize, I could not find an address on "Google".  I am writing in regards to the drastic weather change we are experiencing in North Ridgeville, Ohio today.   I would appreciate your prompt attention to this matter as I am hosting a 40th Anniversary party this weekend.

It is spring and according to weather data the average current high is expected to be in the 60 degree range.  I am not so greedy to request no rain, as I know it brings May flowers, but I would really appreciate seasonal temperatures.  Having high temperatures in the 40's or low 50's with winds so high it could blow me over, is not acceptable. 

I do appreciate the wonderful temperatures we experienced over the weekend.  I had assumed that the 80 degree Sunday was an apology for for the previous weeks of unseasonable temperatures and the snowy winter.  I did not expect for it to be a joke, that would be quickly taken away.

I am sure that you are busy, receiving many complaints.  I will be waiting for your response.

Regards,
Melissa