Mood:
specialNow Playing: Day 2811-Next GP Chapter... Turning Lemons Into Lemonade :)
I debated whether or not to share this story. The reason being due to such a rare, yet amazing thing that happened to me while at the hospital yesterday morning.
Some may believe in angels. While others may not.
Yesterday morning there was an angel that must had been following me. In that quiet hospital corridor as the angel made its presence know behind me.
I had anticipated telling Eric about what had transpired while my assigned nurse helped me to the restroom. I was honestly very nervous and anxious for what was ahead of me while they prepped me in the room. I didn't just ask to use the restroom once, prior to beginning the final test and then a very long surgical procedure. But even a mere second before the big silver tray was brought in with far too many scary needles and other medical instruments to mention. Maybe it was the sheer nervousness from watching another patient go under distress as a frantic mother yelled out for assistance for her daughter. Maybe it was watching those who were very ill, yet still holding on to a mere glimmer of hope while smiling. It was all very overwhelming. But somehow I still was able to find my peaceful place...within.
After already saying my prayers before leaving the house. While on the way to the hospital. Upon waiting to be brought back by the surgical staff. Even during the first trip to the bathroom before the scary stuff began. I once again asked my nurse if it was okay to once again use the restroom. She did chuckle a bit, but completely understood that maybe I was getting a bit nervous. Although, honestly I just wanted to make sure that my bladder was empty. Funny, but true! HA!
It was during that time when my nurse helped guide me through the quiet hallway that another nurse sitting at the main surgical station desk pulled my nurse to the side. As I continued my way to the restroom door. I overheard the nurse sitting behind the desk ask my nurse, "Did you just see that?" As I had my hand on the bathroom door handle. I then heard her whisper, "It looked like an angel behind your patient. Following right behind her." I was completely coherent and had yet to receive any medication. I knew exactly what I heard which would be later verified once again by a kind gesture by those same nurses before we were released from the hospital. Once I came out of the restroom. My nurse and the other nurse behind the desk asked if I was ready as both smiled from ear to ear. I played it off as if I didn't overhear them. But trust me by saying, I overheard everything.
That overwhelming sense of peace remained with me during the entire time while at the hospital. I remained calm during even the most stressful moments. When even the nurse and surgical staff weren't so sure what to expect as far as reactions. Will my body reject everything? Will I go under cardiac distress? Will my body be able to handle everything?
It seemed as if the angels were with me. One particular angel that made her presence known. While keeping a close watch behind me.
Once I could finally open my eyes long enough to talk to Eric. I decided to wait until later to explain what had happened. But instead the story unfolded on it's own. Before being released from the hospital. The nurse came up to myself and Eric. Looked at me and placed this into my hand. "You have been through so much. Please keep this close to your side. You have an angel with you at all times." We both were in complete awe, especially Eric. After I began to explain the story. Eric stopped me and said, "You don't need to say anymore. Just look at the angel on the stone you are holding."
The Serene Angel.
The same angel which is actually an angel urn that stands in my closet at home. A most beautiful glimmering angel. An angel that watches over me. This...I now know
chillin'
I would be lying if I didn't say that we both were a bit nervous. Eric was more like...a LOT nervous! HA! As for this gal. I did a lot of out loud talking from the moment we stepped into our car. To the time we had to separate while the nurse walked me back through the hospital corridors. What seemed like a very long walk through a very quiet hallway since being the first scheduled patient of the day. It was a long morning. It was a longer afternoon. And of course...it was an even longer 48-hours before the fogginess in my brain slowly began to become a bit more tolerable.
What we have learned during this long awaited morning. Was the peace of mind that comes with using HIPAA to it's fullest potential. Choosing to keep my personal information and status, while at the hospital...private. What we both don't need is any type of interference nor any sort of stress. Mentally, physically, emotionally. What I can tell you is how peaceful it felt knowing that we didn't have to face any sort of stress with those forcing their way into the hospital. Or forcing their inquiring minds into a very personal battle that I faced today. Some things...still need to remain private. I have boundaries that now remain in place and will continue being respected. 
bright
lovelies! 
Today was all about taking it easy. Clearing my mind for the fifth and final attempt at surgery. The very last test is right in front of me. A far too early morning drive back across state lines lies ahead of me...Ohio here we come again this week! 
vegas lucky
I anticipate to have the new home for this blog up and ready within the next few months. Once it is finally up and running. The new blog link and information will be available on this current web page and at the top of the Gastroparesis Awareness Campaign website. 
YYY!
This means lots of big, super comfy clothes, colorful fall leaves, everything pumpkin and even a change in how we eat. Super colorful and very healthy fall comfort foods!
These are two new recipes that are super colorful and very healthy during the cool, crisp days of autumn. Both are really easy to make and most definitely leave the house smelling OH-SO-GOOD! I love veggies and what better way than to incorporate some pumpkin and sunflower seeds! Baked kale salad bowl with sweet potatoes, broccoli and rice for lunch. 
And...
hug me
celebratory
Our very first signs of fall!
It's not only in the air with super cool temperatures. But as well through out our yard. They might not have turned out to be the typical mammoth sunflowers. But since planting them late this season, at least they were able to bloom. A most b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l yellow sunflower bloom!
It just wouldn't be fall without the very first sign of viruses in the air too! So looks like this homemade bean recipe will have to wait until tomorrow for Eric. Down for the count with a stomach virus means he is on my liquid diet for a change. I plan on doing what it takes to dodge this one! Masks and lots of Lysol for the taking! 
not sure
Another low body temperature reading at home that once again followed us to the hospital. Another very uncomfortable surgical team that led to another surgery...canceled. Where is the video that should easily go with such a crazy theme? Going on the fifth attempt come next week. Crazy isn't the word for it! But soon to come will be videos to go along with this blog. 
1 in 5 million deal with the same failed production of vital chemicals and hormones controlled by the kidneys and brain. This is what happens when radiation therapy and chemotherapy fail. When tumors are left to grow back and spread uncontrollably. If there were such a thing as the medical lottery. I would be a billionaire a million times over. But instead I have become a pro at my own demise. Who gets tired of being sick? This gal does and rightfully so! I have yet to encounter such a race against the clock within my own body. I have also yet to encounter such a fine tuned testing and surgery that relies on my very own body. A 97.5 or better body temperature. A much more normal blood pressure. All because my body can no longer regulate itself. When you surpass life expectancy of progressive medical issues. You can expect to deal with the unexpected. What isn't very normal. Not even to your own surgical team. 
Our veterinarian here in town is very happy with his post-surgical recovery. We were told that Big LOVE might always have a bit of an issue with his tail due to the rope that was tightly tied around it. Over the past week we have come across another unfortunate new finding that has slowly come to light due to the abuse he suffered. Mr. Big LOVE has a hard time getting to sleep with the twitching that he experiences due to focal seizures. Our local veterinarian with a heart of gold for all rescued fur children believes that the neurological issues, along with many broken teeth could be from head trauma that he most likely suffered by the hands of the abuser. 
It honestly just breaks my heart. It makes Eric livid as hell to imagine a person or persons that were so violent and abusive towards another living, breathing life. I firmly believe that we crossed paths with this little guy with a HUGE HEART for a reason. I also believe that the good Lord places those within our path for a reason. A very good reason! To be rescued and saved. To be cared for and loved for unconditionally by our entire little family. Even kitty sitter Snoreo that instantly bonded and keeps him company in front of his temporary giant crate when we have to step out of the house for a bit during the day.
