Mood:  special

I know...  I know... I might catch a few opinions from a few opinionated folks or two. I might also catch a few WHAT-WHAT-WHAT or two.. What happened one unexpected evening this week is not only still amazing to us and a few connected others, but it's even more amazing when you have visuals and videos to go along with it!

I might have to back the story up a bit. Actually, a little over a year ago. When a very odd turn of events and changes within the air started occurring at random times of the day. I still consider what I am able to do, A gift. A gift that started at a very young age. I can remember back then not knowing what the heck was going on as I laid in my bed and would literally not only feel, but see those present whom only wanted to relay a message. Sometimes, what I experienced wasn't very pleasant. As a young child, the gift not only was frightening, but made going to sleep virtually impossible!

There were times that I literally would pull the sheets and blanket over my head in hopes that whomever was visiting me that evening, would see me covered up and leave me the heck alone! YEA RIGHT! It never happened, but instead it only made those even more persistent in visiting me with various messages. For decades, I hid my gift in fear that others might not believe me, but also due to the messages that were being relayed were so vivid. Some even, down right frightening! No worries for those who decide to continue reading. I am not crazy, I am not delusional and I have not lost my marbles. HAHAHAHAHA! Over the decades of trying to make sense of my gift. Those who I have not only reached out to internationally, but those who I have literally sat down with to make sense of things regarding my gift. I have met with pastors, priests and even a few who also started at a young age with their own gift. I was told, "You have a very special gift that you were given. Never be afraid to connect." Recently, just over the past year, my gift has not only gotten stronger, but I have helped assist in a few unsolved cases. This of course, not by my decision, but solely by those who have lost their life in such a senseless way.

Over the course of my life. I have seen things that even sometimes scare me to the very core.

As a young child, I would hear a parent come home from work as a very dark shadow would quickly follow behind, up the stairs and slowly into my room. There were times that the darkness would fill up the entire room and paralyze me in fear. Some might call it, "Sleep paralysis." The problem with that theory, is that I was always awake for the same not so pleasant visits from many whom later in life I had come to realize. They only wanted an apology for dying so tragically. I always wanted to let the person know what I was not only feeling, but seeing for many years, but once again... Fear of not being believed, stopped me. Over the past decade, I have not only embraced my gift of connecting with those who have a message to relay from Heaven, but I have also made sense of those dark shadow messages that kept me frozen in fear. This is very hard to say, but I understand why those who served in the Vietnam war remain in absolute silence about their experience. Having not just one, but many souls that lost their lives, all at once, visit me as a young child is something that I will never forget. It can't be easy for either side. Those in front of the enemy line and those behind the enemy line. All I could do was listen and help them make peace of something so tragic that made no sense to these lost souls.

During my teenage years, I began dating a guy named, Steve. I actually dated him for many years. He didn't go to my high school, but instead we met where I worked at a shoe store part-time after school and during summer break. We clicked instantly and so did my bond with his entire family. I had a very close bond with his Mother that lasted for years, until God called her back home to Heaven. Back then, I had also experienced loss within my own family. I not only was able to connect with Grandparents after their passing, but some even told me their exact location of where they were being buried. I remember telling my parents during the ride to the cemetery my Grandfathers exact location where he was being buried. Mind you, I should had not known this information, but only knew after my Grandfather had relayed the information to me. A few days after his passing. I can still remember my parents facial expressions of pure disbelief. I honestly could never make sense of why my Grandfather would share the information of his exact burial site with me, but only later would I make sense of everything. I wasn't sure if my family would understand my gift, or even accept it, but my boyfriend back in high school sure did! His beloved Mother had been bravely battling cancer for years, even before we had met. I watched her go from a super bubbly, quite happy, yet still fighting with everything she had left inside her. To a very quiet woman, yet still an amazing parent, wife and blessing to everyone who got to know her through the years. I was blessed after her passing to not only be visited by her, but to know she was once again happy, energetic and at peace in Heaven. I still visit with her during the Christmas season and place flowers on her grave. My boyfriend was very aware of my gift back then, even now decades later, as we still remain in touch.

Some may not believe in my gift. I wasn't even sure what to make of things as a young child. As an adult, I now embrace my gift as the unexpected visits and connections with loved ones, even those that I may not know or know very well continue to visit. Always with a message.

Jumping forward to over this past year. I started getting visits from a smiling gentleman, standing there next to the couch where I sleep. His eyes twinkling with a closed smile and arms folded in front of him. There were many times that I would be making coffee and POOF! The energy in the kitchen would get so strong, that I just knew it was him paying me another visit. His name is Joe. To those closest to him, Papa Joe to be exact and he always makes sure that I call him by that name! Heeheeheehee! To those in his family that might be reading this blog. I know you are smiling. During the course of a year, the visits not only got more frequent, but the messages got a lot stronger. So strong, that I had reached a point in time, almost towards the end of that year, when I had to relay his messages. It took a lot to get me to reach out to those whom needed to know what I was being shown and told over a course of a year. It's like a movie being shown on a big screen, but it's real life playing before my eyes. Each visit brought with it. Another piece of the puzzle. I wasn't close to Papa Joe, but he made it adamant that in time. I would have to come forward with what he was showing me, telling me and even visiting me at the oddest times. Eric would be driving and out of nowhere, I would start saying out loud what Papa Joe would be telling me. Some times, what was being said, was spot on to a point that I had a hard time believing what I was being shown by a very determined soul who needed closure. Closure not only for himself, but for his family.

Almost a year later. After my very first visit from Joe, Papa Joe, I reached out to the first person that he directed me to contact. I also reached out after a lot of convincing from a few dear and very close friends in the city. My friends made it very adamant that I reach out to the detectives working on the case. A case that had no leads. A case that had yet to be solved due to missing puzzle pieces that still had yet to be found. I will be honest, very honest in saying that it was SCARY! Calling detectives in a case that wasn't solved, that had no leads and here I am... Telling them everything from the first moment the tragedy occurred, to the point of connecting to Papa Joe's spirit. I knew things that no one knew and that was even more scary! I was not only told that yes, there are those whom even detectives reach out to for assistance with a case, but that there was nothing that I said that they didn't believe. I knew a lot and for good reason. A reason that I can only hope and pray solves a long mystery of such a tragic, senseless death. A death of such an amazing spirit with still to this day. A twinkle in his eye, a warm, friendly closed mouth smile and with this arms folded in front of him. Papa Joe is a character and for someone who never really knew him. The messages that he relays to me, still to this very day, have significant meaning. GREAT significant meaning. Not only to possibly help solve his own case, but to help provide peace to his family.

If you find a dime. That's Papa Joe!

The dime... Ahhhhh....Yes... I found them at the craziest of times. Papa Joe's children still find them as his way of still connecting with his loved ones. Even in Heaven, there is a way of communicating. The day I reached out to his son, was the day before Christmas Eve. A day I will never forget nor his son. It was tough trying to explain everything that had transpired over the course of almost a year, but I would had never changed a thing. Papa Joe's messages had far greater significance than I would had ever known. One connection with the son led to connecting with others within his family. The messages aren't just in connection with missing puzzle pieces to such a tragic, senseless death, but his messages are as well of love. A deep love for his family and friends. A message to let them know that I am never very far as he holds a very special place for everyone in his heart. As the movie that still to this very day, plays out with each visit from Papa Joe. I now relay those messages to his loved ones. Those in turn, get relayed to those involved in possibly helping to solve his case.

There are so many absolutely amazing, remarkable, surprising, exciting and so many other words to describe the messages from those who visit me. I don't have enough words because there are not enough words. Even messages that are not always from a happy time in a loved ones life. I don't consider myself a medium, psychic or any other title that some may call my gift. I just call it, "A Gift." A special gift that has only gotten stronger as I have gotten older.

A month ago during the time when my doctors could not get my body temperature back under control. Only to later find out was due to a now depleted immune system. I laid on the couch with Eric by my side, too tired and weak to make it up to the hospital. I had never as well puked with so much pain that had quickly become unbearable. I made that choice at the time to not seek additional emergency room care, but to instead stay at home surrounded by our fur children. The one person who paid me a visit and woke me up from a deep sleep was my beloved Grandmother. She wasn't like I last remembered her, but instead she was young again with beautiful red hair and a smile from ear to ear. She stood over me and said, "Don't you worry. You will be OK. I am here for you honey." I remember trying to ask if she was now my Guardian Angel, but before I could speak. It was like she already knew what I was about to ask. In that moment, she reached down, smiled and was gone. There was one moment, not too long ago that Eric's Aunt came vividly to me. Mind you, I had no information, whether alone knew anything about his Aunt because I have not met hardly any of his family. His Aunt came through strongly, just like others who visit with a message. Her message? She wanted him to know that she supported him and was very proud of her nephew. There were a few other messages that I would had no idea about that happened later that same day. Messages that came from his Grandmother as she showed me tossing ball with a young boy in the front yard. All Eric could do as I told him what she was showing me, was shake his head in disbelief. He looked at me and said, "The young boy, was me." I don't know why. I don't know how. I am sure there are very real reasons for my gift. I will find my answers one day, in Heaven.

During our last vacation, down south. As we were entering the airport after parking our car, I got a different kind of message. There was a car parked in front of the airport terminal door where you go to pick up passsengers. Outside of the car stood two woman. A woman assisting an elderly lady out of her wheelchair as she gave the woman a huge, loving embrace. I saw everything unfold very quickly and a stern message from a loved one, in which, I was not sure who they were, but the message was loud and clear. "Don't leave her! Please don't leave her!" It still haunts me. The image of this woman that I now know was her Mother that she was helping out of the wheelchair. Visiting her Mom out of state and a last embrace between both. A mother and a child. After the elderly woman's passing. She came to me one night, out of the blue. It completely freaked me out! I had a chance to relay a very important message. "Don't leave her! Please don't leave!" I was so afraid of their reactions to what I would possibly be telling them. I regret not giving that message, but I am thankful to know that she is happy in Heaven. Still with her daughter, just in a different way. Our spirit never dies with our body. Our spirit still lives on. Our spirit still remains.

There isn't enough cyber blog pages for me to type all the amazing experiences I have had over the course of my life with a special gift. That's what I call it. Nothing more, nothing less.  A gift.

Over the years, I have tried using scientific equipment to possibly help enhance my gift. 'Enhance' is the key word because honestly, I don't need equipment to connect. Things just happen spontaneously and when they do. The message is 100% clear. So... I will admit to using some equipment during our adventures visiting some of the most historic landmarks of the great USA. It's always when we least expect or we are not paying a bit of attention, when things happen. The unexplainable. Anymore, I can be outside in our backyard and receive a visit from someone, anyone. The equipment is just a way to sometimes enhance my gift. It is by no means a way that will 100% connect you with your loved ones or anyone. Sometimes it helps and other times it doesn't. I tend to know when things are happening with my gift. One of Papa Joe's family members asked if I can just connect whenever I want and unfortunately... I wish it were that easy, but it isn't. I can't choose when to connect. The random and quite odd times, happen not at my time. It's at their time. Morning, afternoon, evening. There is no rhyme or reason. It just happens. Do I watch the shows on television such as Ghost Adventures, Long Island Medium, etc? I used to watch a few of those shows, but have quickly learned, they are just a part of a big production. Are there legitimate things that take place on those shows? Sure! Even those on the shows have a gift. A special gift that is very unique per each individual. I believe that those who have a gift, all begin to recognize their gift at a very young age. I used to like the Long Island Medium, but exploiting your gift for monetary gain isn't something that I necessarily believe in.

Helping others connect with loved ones or relaying messages from loved ones shouldn't cost a thing.

So... As I continue my life with a special gift. I have finally shared my gift with I am sure, some who will find it either weird, odd, skeptical or whatever you want to call it. I didn't come forward on my blog for all to believe. I don't need vailidation from what I have been gifted with my entire life. I am only hoping to share some of my experiences with others. I most definitely believe not only do our loved ones have the ability to connect with us after death, but so do our fur children. Myself and Eric went to an historic bed and breakfast a little over a year ago with a quite amazing story we shared with the B&B owners. We not only felt the presence of a cat, but we actually were able to document it on video. The playful and quite curious cat made sure his presence was known. A stand high, happy tail and dancing shadows of a cat with a spirit much as alive today. As it was for many years in a place where he still remained. At home with his owners.

I am still working on video format, files for this blog. Hoping to gain additional assistance so I can share my videos to go along with our incredible stories.

Can you believe this?! This is the third time I have tried to close out this blog entry! UNREAL! Now I have to possibly wait a few days, before ending the blog in a way that I was attempting to end the blog. For whatever known reasons. Someone does not want me to end it the way I would like, so I will go with my gut instinct and share what I feel can be shared. The photos on this blog entry have not been altered in any way, shape or form. The images were taken in real time from our equipment while another person was on the other end of my cell phone waiting to find out if this was possibly a shared connection. Someone was definitely making their presence known and I was about to find out who it was as I asked one single question. A very specific question with all the equipment aimed toward the area of the kitchen that felt like ice and with a burst of energy that made every hair on my body stand straight up!

"Is this my Aunt and Uncle connecting with me? Are you standing next to me in the kitchen?"

At that very moment, it was as if every single piece of equipment came alive. The answer to my question was answered in the most direct way possible. On the camera was two images standing next to me, holding hands, together. I firmly believe, this is my Aunt and Uncle. I was not only in a state of complete awe, but so was the other person on the other end of my cell phone. Receiving image upon image, video upon video, as fast as I could send them. The connection? Real. I don't need equipment. My gift never was given to me by equipment, if anything, the equipment is only an option to use by those who have a message to relay. A means to connecting in a way that no one on the face of this earth will ever understand. The answer I believe remains in Heaven. That evening was a very special evening as two departed souls had finally reconnected. Not only was it a magically moment, but the beginning of this blog will finally make sense as the beginning now has a end. A very happy end.

The person on the other end of my phone was Papa Joe's daughter. My cousin. We share the same Aunt and Uncle. Our Uncle had recently passed away just a few days prior to this evenings connection. My Uncle bravely ended his journey while holding his nieces hand. Papa Joe's daughter. My cousin. The person on the other end of the line. Ironically enough, one of a few cousins that Papa Joe helped in reconnecting after losing touch after my Aunt's passing, many years ago.

Undeniably, they are now reunited not only as husband and wife, brother and brother, but as a family. Their messages were very clear in letting not just myself, but wanting everyone to know, that we may leave our body, but our spirit lives on. Love never dies.

XOXOXO 

Posted by GastroparesisAwarenessCampaignOrg. at 12:01 AM EST

Updated: July 5, 2018 9:30 AM EDT

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Mood:  bright

Here we go!

Eric's visit to a new health food market meant coming home with a few new super healthy drinks for me to give a try... bai Antioxidant Infusion-Kula Watermelon and the latest, not sure about tasting the greatest, TSAMMA-Spinach+Kale+Watermelon.

WHEEEEWWW~WEEEEE!

It's no wonder I sit here and type with a major upset stomach. Hahahahaha! I love bai Antioxidant Infusion water, but their newest addition to the line, 'Kula Watermelon' was a bit too much for my liking. There is just something not so right with mixing watermelon, white tea and vegetable juice which equaled a not so pleasant tasting water. Hmmmm.... My favorite bai Antioxidant water is still hands down, Maui Coconut Raspberry! I have no problem drinking my fair share, but I might have to pass on the next round of watermelon meets vegetable juice and white tea.

My next new super healthy drink to try just happens to only 'NOT' sound very good, but the smell alone could make one gag! You know me... Always one still willing to give it an ole try! Spinach+Kale+Watermelon= Hmmmm.....

It might not sound very good by solely reading the bottle. It might not even smell very pleasant, but if you can get past both the smell and the ingredients on the bottle. You have one very super healthy and actually, pretty darn TASTY drink! It isn't something that you want to literally sit there and guzzle down. SAVOR the unique flavor!

Definitely worth a try!

FOODS OF DEATH: BACON, SODA TIED TO US MORTALITY, STUDY SAYS

AP

Posted by GastroparesisAwarenessCampaignOrg. at 12:01 AM EST

Updated: March 11, 2017 3:43 AM EST

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Mood:  rushed

Yesterday's scans=a morning of feeling tired, achy and mighty cranky!

Thank goodness for some much needed sunshine and far drier weather so our flooded garage and basement can receive a final clean-up. Round 2 of necessary duct cleaning, bacterial sanitizer and other remedies to prevent any possible mold growth in the ducts and furnace system. I have to remain super safe with my health as we continue to take all necessary precautions. Sometimes... Even a bit costly precautions.

Once Eric got home from work. The lack of sleep, achy and mighty cranky began! Heeheeheehee! 8am, out the door to pick up our car from the body shop and drop off the super comfy SUV rental. CHECK! Not only did the body shop do an outstanding job repairing the damage done to our car, but as well had it once again looking like NEW with a nice coat of polish! SHINY~ Next it was time to get back home, grab a 2 hour nap, literally, before the duct cleaning company were on their way. This all quickly followed by the construction company to once again, excess damage to our roof and foundation from this past weeks major storms, flooding and 70 mph winds that unfortunately also ripped off sections of our roof. The wind was so strong that it also caused further significant damage to an already unstable, unsafe foundation. I won't bore you with continued detail, but as a team of 2, we are doing everything in our power to find a temporary rental home. A rental by a private owner whom isn't crossing personal information, privacy boundary lines as those we have run across that had us quickly putting a halt to our rental home search. We have learned from our attorney. "Yes, there are boundaries, even as a private rental company or private property owner. No one can access banking or medical information without your knowledge or they can be held liable." We certainly feel a whole lot better now about continuing the process of finding a rental home and a heck of lot more educated on legal boundaries of what private owners and rental companies can demand when it comes to your private information.

Since our home suffered a lot of damage from last weeks storms, flooding and high winds. We have a lot of claims on our home that are being reviewed by our insurance company, yet another one as of with today's damage found on our roof. Yep, it never ends when prior owners sell a home that should never been placed on the open market in the first place. Amen. NO ONE asks for a seller to lie on a disclosure and sell a house that is not safe for anyone to live inside nor even to place a tent outside the property. Saying such a thing to others without having your facts straight, without a folder we would gladly lend with civil and eco engineer facts and information regarding this property, among other contractor receipts and information, is not only silly, rude and distasteful, but is far from any sort of truth.

For saying such a thing stating to others as well, that we get what we deserve, shows the type of individual that once again, I personally strive to never become.

Any home that shows signs of literally crumbling, inside and out, need never to be occupied again.

Posted by GastroparesisAwarenessCampaignOrg. at 12:01 AM EST

Updated: July 5, 2018 9:31 AM EDT

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Mood:  d'oh

This morning marks another 3-month rescan and labs. Another early morning drive back over the state line. Back to Ohio. OH'NO'HIO~Heeheeheehee!

Time for additional knowledge of what I remain determined as ever to continue battling. What unfortunately also continues to remain defiant as ever against me. Eric is very curious to find out from my doctors about why the little magic pill, Marinol is no longer working for me. For some reason, I continue with out of nowhere, making no sense, no rhyme and reason, nausea and painful vomiting. We can be out, just driving in the car and it will hit me. No warning.

My doctors usually have me scheduled first rescan of the day and then it's off for repeat labs. Its extremely important that we arrive on time, regardless of the early morning rush hour traffic. This morning we were actually 10 minutes ahead of schedule. Talking about very happy technicians that were able to take me back within a mere moment after getting registered at the front desk. This new year brings with it, a new change with our health insurance. Eric's insurance plan with the county has completely changed to an entirely different insurance provider. Our out-of-pocket primary care physician office visits are a bit cheaper, but our out-of-pocket for hospital testing and specialist office visits unfortunately went up a bit. Our prescription copays are now a little less expensive. Go figure, after the fact of us paying outrageous out-of-pocket costs over the past several months for my Marinol. Our new insurance had just recently approved coverage for the medication. A mere $15.00 out-of-pocket for a drug, that for some reason, is no longer working for me?.

This rescan is by no means any sort remedy for any type of cure. My 3-month rescans does not change the fact that I am past the point of any further surgical options or medical treatments, as well... Any further experimental oncology treatments. I am given the option, as a patient, to continue the rescans as a means to know what I continue to battle. New symptoms that also arise since my prior rescan can also be handled, even sometimes like today, answered by my specialists. I understand that some folks do better not knowing nor want to know their fate. As for myself, the fighter within me remains determined as ever to continue knowing my battle. I want to know why things have changed as far as new symptoms and other changes since my last rescan.

Knowing... Is only HALF the battle.

Not every scan goes as planned. Today was one of those rescan days when GI dysmotility clearly becomes an issue. Eric grew worried in the waiting area as the technician attempted other means in trying to see past organs fused together. Organs literally twisted and stuck together in one very dangerous mess. My largest tumor was difficult for the technicians to find due to internal factors progressing far worse than just my last rescan. Instead of one test scheduled this morning. I ended up with a rare, but it does happen, two separate tests in order for my specialists to receive the best imaging as possible. This does not make for an easy morning when it comes to pain. Having to endure pressure placed upon angry organs all fused together due to as well intestinal paralysis did not make for things to go very easy. It actually took a little over an hour between two rounds of back-to-back scans in order for radiology to finally get some decent images of the tumors. They weren't exactly the best images, nor what radiology would had liked to had gotten, but at least the tumors were found. Tangled within a mess of strangled bowel, intestines and stuck to surrounding organs.

This is where the scare factor comes into play.

Reality. My reality.

After the final scan, we were then whisked away to find out my results. We weren't surprised to quickly learn that nothing had changed as far as the tumors. Oncology treatments not only continue to show on the big imaging screens that they royally failed, but as well there was no miraculous miracle granted to me this morning. I remain going to my every 3-month rescans expecting nothing, but at least continuing to know my battle. Knowledge is the key to survival. Knowledge is power!

It was extremely difficult for the technicians to not only find the tumors, but even radiology had a very hard time trying to at least get some sort of measurements via side view of the tumors. The problem is just as the many surgeons, clinics and even oncology had told myself and Eric, time and time again... "Your organs are literally stuck together and wrapped tightly around the tumors. The largest tumor was nearly impossible to even target during 3D radiation treatments. It seems like we treated everything, but our main targets." 9 months later, not only are things continuing to progress, but my intestines and surrounding organs are now showing signs of suffering greatly from the radiation. My organs are now more fused together than ever before with far more scar tissue that is only making matters worse. The reason we were told that the Marinol is no longer working is because things have gotten worse over time. The zero warning, out of nowhere nausea and painful vomiting is due to my intestines having very little passage for even fluids to transit in a safe manner. If the reality of being told to avoid all solid food as much as possible wasn't taken seriously before, then clearly I need no further warnings after this mornings scans. I was told how extremely important it now is to stick to a full liquid diet due to the high risks of fatal complications with my intestines having very little passage way for anything to pass. My already watered down full liquid diet must now become even further watered down so it can somehow manage to safely transit through many feet of bowel, intestines and other organs fused together. 

I will never be overweight. That has been obvious for many years now, but the real concern of continuing to drop a rapid amount of weight has everyone concerned. The problem is that with things going past the point of no return with my health, has now placed my specialists in a position of very limited things they can do for me. My immunotherapy treatments have a long way to go in hopes of successfully rebuilding a somewhat of an immune system. Procedures for placing feeding tubes are out of the question due to as we were told, "High risks of fatal infections and other complications." If I wasn't happy and literally bored living a life of nothing, but liquids. I guess I better get my big girl britches on and learn to embrace a lifetime of even further watered down liquids. Time to face what is and what will be here on out for me.

Talking about more changes! Time to start getting creative!

This mornings rescan was another wake up call for myself and Eric. As far as traveling? Once again we were told that only I could answer that question and it really depends on how I am feeling which changes on a daily, even hourly basis. The Journey concert is less than a month away, but even at this point, I can not predict the future. Sometimes you just have to roll with the punches and take life day-by-day.

Posted by GastroparesisAwarenessCampaignOrg. at 12:01 AM EST

Updated: March 9, 2017 5:48 AM EST

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Mood:  surprised

Can't you just SMELL the history!

LOVE IT!

EMPIRE HOUSE HOTEL

We actually ended up staying at this beautiful and quite prestigious hotel a week ago. Talking about a brain-break from the final Duke Energy tree hacking project!. I could not handle one more day hearing several different chain saws all going on at once. NO WAY! At least everyone came to a friendly agreement on giving us a one week, 'heads-up,' instead of a mere two minute warning. It also gave us a chance to secure a room at the historic Empire House hotel. Just a hop, skip and jump! Right down the street, along the river banks of another little, lazy, river town.

What a beautiful and quite mesmerizing historic hotel!

The Empire House was built in 1816 by a well known steamboat captain and owner Daniel Brown. The historic hotel is located along the banks of the Ohio River. The Empire House offers guests a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life by blending historic charm and modern convenience. The hotel actually has 3 floors with a porch that spans the entire length of the second floor. It was a perfect way to end the evening while relaxing on a few old wooden rocking chairs. Eric was so relaxed, that he actually ended up drifting asleep while I took a few photos of the barges going up and down the river.

We learned quite a bit of some very interesting history about the hotel. Back in the day there were rumors that the owner, Captain Daniel Brown counterfeited bank notes. While visiting out of state, in New Orleans, he was arrested and imprisoned. He later died before ever going to trial.

During the periods between 1817-1844. The second floor of the hotel served as the first home of the Masonic Lodge. It was later used for balls, club meetings and by the Tippecanoe Club which was found by President William Henry Harrison.

In the 1820's Colonel S.S. Scott operated the building as the Commodore Perry Inn. Over the course of history the three-story building has been used as a hotel and apartment building. During the 1937 flood, it was noted that the waters reached halfway up the first floor of the Empire House. At that time the building was called, Dower Apartments. The apartments were advertised back then with entirely new furnishings and bedding. The cost for renting a room per day was $1.00-$1.50.

Talking about changes within our economy! History certainly does speak for itself. In more ways than one!

Since we stayed during the week. During the hotel's slow season. The owner, Marsha had our room already cleaned, sanitized and ready by the time we walked through the front door. I have to continue remaining, as far away from germs as possible. Marsha was not only very understanding, but extremely hospitable in accommodated us. We were not only taken back by the size of this gem of a historic beauty, but the inside as well did not disappoint! It wasn't overwhelming, but tastefully done as most of the original furniture still remains through out the hotel. We even got to see actual photos of the prior owner, Captain Daniel Brown and many others who occupied the building from long, long ago. It really was like time stood still! A walk back in the day... How life used to be... The good ole days.

We had our choice of rooms, since with it being the slow season, we chose one of the first floor rooms. One of the first original rooms built back in the early 1800's with lots of antiques, a claw foot tub and even a few modern day conveniences such as a coffee maker, small refrigerator and even a television which never got touched. That was because our bed never got touched either. Talking about the thick feeling of history that surrounds you in an old hotel like the Empire House! Even stepping foot near the bed left a really uneasy feeling that we most definitely were not alone. Not in this hotel. Not in this room. Whomever was present, clearly did not want us in their bed or even near their bed.

As soon as the sun began to set... The old historic building began to come alive. In more ways than one! There was certainly something about the bed. A very uneasy feeling that whomever owned that bed, did not want you near it. Eric didn't feel comfortable. I didn't feel comfortable. Even as we tend to always do when visiting or staying over at old historic sites. Even our equipment began to verify that we were not alone nor were we going to be sleeping in whomevers bed. Thick energy led to the most craziest night! So crazy, that whomever owns that bed, we firmly believe still resides in that bed. Later the next morning, we casually asked Marsha if she knew who owned the bed in the room or if the bed was bought at an estate sale. We were told that the bed and other original contents of the historic property came with it when she bought the building. Minus an old sewing machine and a few other items located through out the hotel. I wasn't sure if the owner believed in such things that we had witnessed, however, we were actually very surprised to find out that we weren't the first ones to experience a very odd feeling of not being alone. We were told that others have had similar experiences, although not in that particular room, but within other areas of the historic hotel.

The Empire House is most definitely one-of-a-kind! Not only is the size of the historic property impressive, but so is the amount of history that still seems to remain active to this very day. An experience not only worth sharing, but worth experiencing on your very own.

A step back in time...  The GOOD ole DAYS!

Posted by GastroparesisAwarenessCampaignOrg. at 12:01 AM EST

Updated: March 6, 2017 3:15 AM EST

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Mood:  surprised

Yep, I just knew this was going to happen! Another year. Another beginning of more dental work. GEESH!

I predicted that no-way would I get out of not having to visit my dentists for another round of dental issues. Not that last years dental work, dental repairs and oral surgeries were enough to tip the ole wallet and checkbook, WAYY OVER! Looks like I got a mere 3 month break, this new year, in order to start back where I left off last year. Anything dental is downright expensive! Even with dental insurance that barely covers anything past the typical once or twice a year cleanings and x-rays. My dental costs go well beyond the point of any dental plan and it appears that this year will be no exception to the dental rule.

Time for new teeth!

On a very happier, brighter note... It took 2 months, but our insurance company finally came back with their review team decision. Regardless of pre-existing conditions, they are going to cover 80% of new dental work. YAYYY! That also includes... Are you ready? FINISHING MY NEW SMILE! YES! My new smile will FINALLY be completed within the next 2 weeks! YAYYYY! There is even a silver lining to be found at the dentists office! Not only was I super surprised and beyond excited, but so was my entire dental team who have been working to help save my smile for almost a year. Good things do come to those who wait! This gal will be SMILING like a crazy SMILING fool soon! Like... Within 2 weeks!

 YAYYYYY!

New hair, new teeth, what's next? How about, a new immune system? Yep, we are slowly working on that too and come early next week. In a mere 3 days... I will be finding out the first lab results of how immunotherapy is coming along in hopes of rebuilding a new immune system. I will also find out my post-oncology treatment status with regards to Tuesday mornings rescan which will show the oncologists what is going on with my tumors. Crossing my fingers and toes for results that show a very slow growth. Nothing new and nothing rapidly increasing in size. S-l-o-w would be ideal with my tumors.

Time to find lots of reasons to SMILE at the end of my dental rainbow!

Posted by GastroparesisAwarenessCampaignOrg. at 12:01 AM EST

Updated: March 6, 2017 3:56 AM EST

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Mood:  vegas lucky

If anyone is to embrace change. It's ME.

Constant change? Well, that can honestly get to be a bit old, but one still has to learn to take the good with the bad. Accept change and even sometimes. Embrace it!

A little not-at-fault accident last week ended up with me driving a really nice new car. I highly suggest that when seeking cancer treatments. Always take someone to drive you, because you never know how you might feel afterwards. One oncology appointment turned into a little not-at-fault accident in the parking lot. It also turned into me now driving a new 2017 Ford SUV. A little silver lining from an unforeseen inconvenience and our insurance company making sure we are well taken care of and so is our car. As far as the other vehicle, passing out behind the wheel after an oncology treatment that left them physically incapable of driving? Thankfully, they are also OK, but an unfortunate lesson for them to learn. Don't drive yourself to and from any type of cancer treatment. Especially, if you are not able to exit the parking lot in a safe manner. No worries though... It's just a car and in time, it will be back in our hands again. Repaired. In the meantime...

I LOVE THIS NEW SUV!

Super comfy, super sleek, lots of room and heated seats! BONUS! My silver lining~

We are looking forward to getting our car back from the body shop sometime next week. Or... Are we?.. Heeheeheehee!

A no-nausea and no-tremors kind of day, means it's time to embrace this evenings change with the super fabulous and talented, Michelle. NO hair? DON'T care. A really super sporty, cute cut with lots of FIERCENESS kind of change! Time to rid the rest of the nasty chemicals from a years worth of various oncology treatments from my hair. A positive change! Healthy hair=Happy hair!

I was born to ROCK short HAIR! LOVE IT!!

No photo updates. Not just yet, but don't be surprised to find me sporting all sorts of various lengths and styles of hair. I have a closet full of secret hair magic and I'm not afraid to use it either! Heeheeheehee! When it comes to going back to a super dark hair color? Well... You can forget that ever happening again. I must admit...

Posted by GastroparesisAwarenessCampaignOrg. at 12:01 AM EST

Updated: March 4, 2017 5:52 AM EST

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Mood:  celebratory

It's been almost 3 weeks, but we are now officially back up and running! Full CYBER SPEED ahead!

What a mess, but as with lessons in life, one only grows stronger. A lot smarter too! If you have never owned a website nor designed every aspect of your website. When all hell hits... Expect it to take the power of many to help resolve very serious domain issues. Also... Legal issues.

A tremendous round of applause for everyone involved in helping to not only get this blog back up and running, but as of this morning... All four domains connected to this blog and the Gastroparesis Awareness Campaign website are now officially back up and running.

YAYYYYYY!!

You can't keep a good gal down nor a good thing, as the Gastroparesis Awareness Campaign is soon to hit a record 11,000,000 server requests. Talking about a huge success raising Gastroparesis Awareness one person, one city, one state and one country at a time!

Thank you for being patient with us, but most importantly... Thank YOU for being YOU~

www.gastroparesisawareness.com

www.gastroparesisawareness.net

www.gastroparesisawareness.org

www.gpawarenessfund.com

Posted by GastroparesisAwarenessCampaignOrg. at 12:01 AM EST

Updated: March 4, 2017 5:46 AM EST

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Mood:  d'oh

I have personally, never experienced a flash flood. I have never experienced what it is like to also be stuck in a tornado. I really would like to not experience either. Not in this lifetime, but of course, if there is something still left to experience in my lifetime. Clearly, it will find me.

The calm before the storm...

Thankfully, my oncologist gave me a medication to help me to sleep last night. The tremors and shakes from the allergy shots are horrible. They not only make me cranky, but they drive me nuts! It's no wonder that I do not drink caffeinated sodas or regular coffee. No caffeine, only decaf for this gal! I don't know how folks drink all of the various energy drinks out on the market? How do they sleep? At least I can say that I finally got some really good, quality sleep last night. As far as this evening? Forget it!

I was able to tag along with Eric, Snoreo and Littleblue this evening for a nice, relaxing walk along the river trails. The calm before the storm. The super scary, high winds, frightening hail, tornado watch, flash flood warning type of storms. A new experience to go through in life, kind of storms. EEEEE~YIKES!! Once we got home and began our normal daily household chores. The dark scary clouds started rolling into our little, lazy, river town. Generally, storms don't really bother me. That was of course, before moving into our not-so-stable home with a scary foundation. Located on the side of a wooded hill, among other houses on our street in the direct path of a very strong storm system that instantly turned me a firm believer... We need to GET THE HELL OUTTA THIS HOUSE! That kind of firm believer.

Today was one of Eric's rotating off days from work, but we already had decided for him to go ahead on doing some overtime. We have more oncology and medical bills to pay, than I would like to say. Overtime is important when it comes to never-ending medical bills. The nasty storms were already beginning to slam us on top of the hill, before Eric even had a chance to head out the door for work. I anticipated for us to eventually lose electric, but that wasn't going to happen. Not until after Eric left for work, in between the many tornado watches and flash flood warnings in our area. Talking about beginning to feel a bit nervous, as Eric was already running late leaving for work due to dodging the hail. It wasn't even, but a few hours after Eric left for work. Then all HELL hit!

I never really understood, flash floods. I assume maybe because I have never personally experienced a flash flood. Not in my lifetime. Maybe I should had said... SO FAR, not in my lifetime. That however, was about to quickly change as I got three warnings, back-to-back on my cell phone.

"FLASH FLOOD WARNING IN EFFECT."

I had yet to ever receive a weather warning on my phone. I only thought you received those if you have some sort of weather app downloaded on your phone. Talking about naive! Talking about getting to experience, first hand, what happens during a flash flood! A mere 3-minute warning before the water sounded like a bathtub quickly draining outside the living room windows. Not only did I begin to hear a very strange running water sound, but at the same time back-to-back, BANG! BANG! BANG! As the house started to once again, make very disturbing noises deep below the foundation. The hail was so loud, that I thought the windows were going to blow. The gusts of wind sounded more like a train coming through the wooded hillside. I can't remember ever being so panicked and scared in a storm. Not in this lifetime, but then again, I have yet to live in such a scary, unsafe home with a shifting and sinking foundation. We thought that the foundation game had finally stopped, but BOY we were wrong! VERY WRONG.

Forget worrying about the house at this very moment, when I firmly believed that either it was a tornado rolling through or something else. I didn't worry about myself. I was more worried about our fur children. As my fight-or-flight mode began kicking into gear! I quickly scrambled placing everyone in either cat carries, guinea pig travel boxes and even leashes on Littleblue and Snoreo. I can't believe in a mere few minutes. I was able to safely get our fur children into the basement. Although, what part of this scary house is really safe in the first place?!? There were so many loud noises around us, that I sent one text message to Eric and then the lights went out. A loud roar shook the entire house and then I could hear another loud sound as if someone let the bath water out of the tub. Right outside of the basement windows. We are lucky that our side of the street is not connected to two separate transformers that instantly blew and sounded like a bomb going off! That also shook the house as I prayed for safety and if I was granted such a wish. I would then sure the hell start looking once again, to get out of this scary, unsafe, unsettling home. AMEN!

Once the lights began to flicker. The electric on our side of the street turned back on, but the other side wasn't so lucky. As I quickly began taking everyone back upstairs. I took one look outside to see complete darkness. Only the homes on our side of the street now had electric. It was a good thing that I quickly brought our fur children back upstairs. The flash flood was not only going on outside of our home, but our basement flooded within only a mere 5 minutes after everyone was back upstairs to safety. A loud rattling sound of the basement door had me quickly grabbing a flashlight and then slowly walking down the basement steps. I wasn't very sure of what I would see next, but then again, this was another first for me. A first as well for Eric, once he got home from work and spent hours doing his best to free up the flash flood waters.

 This evening? It was enough for me. Far enough for us!

Posted by GastroparesisAwarenessCampaignOrg. at 12:01 AM EST

Updated: March 3, 2017 8:35 AM EST

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