Memorial Day weekend is not turning out to be pleasant for everyone. After watching the evening news I was shocked to see that devastating storms are dropping large amounts of rain across the state of Texas. I am sending prayers to my Texas family and friends in hope that you are all safe. I hate to say it, but the weather here has been beautiful with highs in the low 80's and sunny skies. The wind has been picking up this afternoon as the storms are moving north east across the country. We will be getting some rain storms by tomorrow afternoon. It would not be Memorial Day without the rain.
Despite the weather we still honor those who have served this country and died while in the armed services. God bless them all.
I will be remembering our service men who protect our country everyday and celebrate the beginning of the summer season. We will be surrounded by all of our children and my dad as we kick off the season with the annual corn hole tournament. We will be having many a get together with family this summer, and all year we will celebrate life everyday.
It has already been a busy weekend as we were up early yesterday planting flowers in the front beds. Flowers are to me a symbol of the beauty of life. They are beautiful to look at and taking care of them is healthy exercise. I am out everyday taking care of my flowers. The garden was planted two weeks ago and everything is growing. We are feeling very grateful for life, love and happiness.
I hope where ever you are on Memorial Day that you are safe and enjoying life.
For love of country they accepted death....James A. Garfield
Life is beautiful !!
Elizabeth:)
Sunday, May 24, 2015
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Celebrating and Loving Life After The Emotional Pain Subsides
The month of May always seems to be a busy month. We are enjoying being outside in the beautiful weather. The month is filled with lots to celebrate, Mother's Day, Laney's birthday, and of course my husband's birthday. We filled the house yesterday with family and lots of fun and love as we celebrated my husband's birthday. He is now 38 years old in his dreams. He said he doesn't feel any older and he thinks he is looking younger. I guess I better get a face lift to keep up with him. LOL! He reminded us that everyday is to be cherished and he loves celebrating birthdays no matter how old he is. Yes, my dear life is beautiful! All the world is beautiful because of loving you! Laney seconds that. You are the Man!!
I read an interesting article that seemed to validate what a husband and wife go through when facing cancer. The article talked about how couples try to protect each other from the emotional pain. My husband and I could relate to the article and in retrospect I see how we both went through our own emotional pain and yet that love for each prevailed and cancer did not get to take it away. The article is at Kevinmd.com,The tale of Jack and Mildred: Communication in a cancer diagnosis, by James C Salwitz,MD/Physician
My husband announced last eve that we will be celebrating 35 years of marriage very soon. We are still protecting each other from the emotional pain of life and loving life after raising children, caring for our ageing parents and every obstacle thrown in our path. God bless our parents that are no longer with us. We are feeling very blessed to still have my dad with us to make us laugh and of course to remind us that we don't give up when life gets tough. We love you Dad!!
On a short note, I was very sad to see the news about some charities that were suppose to be helping cancer patients and instead the monetary donations supposedly went to pay for the lavish lifestyles of those who started the charities. If this is true it sickens me to think how much money a cancer patient pays out just for medical treatment and the lavish lifestyles of others are only a dream for most cancer patients. Capitalizing on some one's cancer for the sake of some one's greed and pleasure is sickening. My heart goes out to all cancer patients and survivors. We are stronger than those who trespass against us and I hope this does not hurt the charities that are legit.
Hugs and love to all cancer patients and survivors. Life is beautiful !!
Elizabeth:)
I read an interesting article that seemed to validate what a husband and wife go through when facing cancer. The article talked about how couples try to protect each other from the emotional pain. My husband and I could relate to the article and in retrospect I see how we both went through our own emotional pain and yet that love for each prevailed and cancer did not get to take it away. The article is at Kevinmd.com,The tale of Jack and Mildred: Communication in a cancer diagnosis, by James C Salwitz,MD/Physician
My husband announced last eve that we will be celebrating 35 years of marriage very soon. We are still protecting each other from the emotional pain of life and loving life after raising children, caring for our ageing parents and every obstacle thrown in our path. God bless our parents that are no longer with us. We are feeling very blessed to still have my dad with us to make us laugh and of course to remind us that we don't give up when life gets tough. We love you Dad!!
On a short note, I was very sad to see the news about some charities that were suppose to be helping cancer patients and instead the monetary donations supposedly went to pay for the lavish lifestyles of those who started the charities. If this is true it sickens me to think how much money a cancer patient pays out just for medical treatment and the lavish lifestyles of others are only a dream for most cancer patients. Capitalizing on some one's cancer for the sake of some one's greed and pleasure is sickening. My heart goes out to all cancer patients and survivors. We are stronger than those who trespass against us and I hope this does not hurt the charities that are legit.
Hugs and love to all cancer patients and survivors. Life is beautiful !!
Elizabeth:)
Thursday, May 14, 2015
Communication Is How We Are Heard
Sometimes I want to write and find myself trying to find the right words to explain just how I am feeling. There are days when I can write something right off the top of my head in a few minutes and other days when I know what I want to say, but I struggle to put on the page. Effective communication is a way of getting others to hear our voice and understand what we really mean. Writing is a method of communication and without non-verbal cues such as body language and tone of voice. We must learn how to write to so our reader knows exactly how we feel.
Capturing an audience of readers is what a writer is ultimately looking for. I started my blog to entertain my family and leave something for them to read. I was journaling my life with Laney and then of course it turned to my husband's journey with Cancer. The journey was not always pleasant, but documenting it has helped us learn a great deal from it. I hope it has helped my children and others realize that life has it's ups and downs and heartache, but we keep learning and moving forward knowing that there is life after unpleasant experiences. I hope too that people realize it is not shameful to seek help from health care professionals and therapist who can help heal the mind and body. Finding someone to listen, validate your feelings, and build a trusting relationship takes courage and strength, and in the end the reward is peace and happiness for yourself. It may take you seeing a couple of different health care professionals to find someone who you can build a trusting relationship with, but remember you are worth it. It is your life and your happiness that is important.
As time passes by, we experience new life events and the trauma from the Cancer lessens. Our family's thoughts have been shifted to new adventures in life. It does not mean we have forgotten the past events and we may even have triggers that bring a fear of the Cancer returning, but we are able to focus more on the days before us. I have read that usually five years after a frightening life event the mind no longer focuses on the event. I am finding this true as we are now approaching that five year mark. I hope and pray that we continue on this path of living and enjoying life.
Anger over life events lessens as distance grows. It is like a raging fire that a burns out when their is no more fuel. The life event burns out when we are no longer having to focus all of our energy on it.
It has been nice now that my husband's doctor visits have grown farther apart. The mind doesn't focus on them daily and we are able to view life as being healthy. We appreciate everyday and have learned about the simple aspects of life that bring us great joy.
Your body is your temple and you need to take care of it and live everyday to the fullest. Love yourself and take care of yourself and the rest of life will fall into place. I have learned that I am the only person who can help myself. It took a lot of courage to admit I was hurting and something was wrong with my thought process, but it lead me in the right direction to being healthy. Never let anyone shame you and make you feel that you are not worthy of being heard. Fear is only alive if we don't speak up and learn to trust our self to get help. Other people can not hear the silence of our pain. We must speak up in order to be heard. Sometimes we need to keep speaking until someone hears us. I have learned to believe in myself, and I know that the pain of others belongs to them.
Life is beautiful and communication is important to live a happy life. Let yourself be heard !!
Love, Elizabeth:)
Capturing an audience of readers is what a writer is ultimately looking for. I started my blog to entertain my family and leave something for them to read. I was journaling my life with Laney and then of course it turned to my husband's journey with Cancer. The journey was not always pleasant, but documenting it has helped us learn a great deal from it. I hope it has helped my children and others realize that life has it's ups and downs and heartache, but we keep learning and moving forward knowing that there is life after unpleasant experiences. I hope too that people realize it is not shameful to seek help from health care professionals and therapist who can help heal the mind and body. Finding someone to listen, validate your feelings, and build a trusting relationship takes courage and strength, and in the end the reward is peace and happiness for yourself. It may take you seeing a couple of different health care professionals to find someone who you can build a trusting relationship with, but remember you are worth it. It is your life and your happiness that is important.
As time passes by, we experience new life events and the trauma from the Cancer lessens. Our family's thoughts have been shifted to new adventures in life. It does not mean we have forgotten the past events and we may even have triggers that bring a fear of the Cancer returning, but we are able to focus more on the days before us. I have read that usually five years after a frightening life event the mind no longer focuses on the event. I am finding this true as we are now approaching that five year mark. I hope and pray that we continue on this path of living and enjoying life.
Anger over life events lessens as distance grows. It is like a raging fire that a burns out when their is no more fuel. The life event burns out when we are no longer having to focus all of our energy on it.
It has been nice now that my husband's doctor visits have grown farther apart. The mind doesn't focus on them daily and we are able to view life as being healthy. We appreciate everyday and have learned about the simple aspects of life that bring us great joy.
Your body is your temple and you need to take care of it and live everyday to the fullest. Love yourself and take care of yourself and the rest of life will fall into place. I have learned that I am the only person who can help myself. It took a lot of courage to admit I was hurting and something was wrong with my thought process, but it lead me in the right direction to being healthy. Never let anyone shame you and make you feel that you are not worthy of being heard. Fear is only alive if we don't speak up and learn to trust our self to get help. Other people can not hear the silence of our pain. We must speak up in order to be heard. Sometimes we need to keep speaking until someone hears us. I have learned to believe in myself, and I know that the pain of others belongs to them.
Life is beautiful and communication is important to live a happy life. Let yourself be heard !!
Love, Elizabeth:)
Friday, May 8, 2015
Harmony in the Body Is Beautiful
I forgot yesterday to mention that my sweet Laney had another birthday. She is now nine years old and it has been nine wonderful years with her by my side. She is still bringing a smile to my face everyday and I think quite often if she had not come into my life that this blog probably would have not been. She spends her days lounging on the couch sleeping. I love her so much. Happy Birthday, my four legged friend!
Mother's Day is almost upon us and for those of us that have lost our mothers, we will be sending love and hugs to heaven. I was out shopping yesterday and couldn't resist buying myself some flowers in honor of my own mother and mother-in law. They both loved flowers. And of course, there is nothing like flowers to make me feel happy. Still waiting to plant some outside, but the rule of thumb is to wait until after the 15th of May. We sometimes have frost in May. It is hard to believe that the days of May are already slipping away.
I am so happy to report that I am really enjoying life and so is my husband. I remarked last evening that I can feel the changes in my body since last fall. My body is adjusting to the supplements prescribed by the doctor. I have learned so much about micro nutrients, vitamins and minerals and their importance in keeping our bodies healthy. The cortisol belly is finally going bye-bye and my racing heart beat has subsided. I no longer feel anxious and I sleep like a baby. I have learned so much about stress and the effect on the body. I can tell that eliminating coffee and caffeine from my life has definitely helped along with getting rid of stressful situations. The doctor and I are still adjusting a few supplements to get my body back into balance. I was told that it would take about a year to heal and it has now been eight months. Sometimes it takes patience and some readjusting. I think that my thyroid is starting to function correctly now. It is amazing how deficiencies such as the vitamin D play a significant role in the thyroid. I cringe to think how long I had that vitamin D deficiency and how I suffered for years. I am so glad that I found a doctor that would check for the deficiency, as I had suspected it was part of my problem. It is a big issue here in the north due to our winters and the fact that we wear a lot of sun screen.
My other big concern was a magnesium deficiency. My bone scan revealed osteoporosis had set in, I am hoping with the replacement of the supplements that I can build new bone density. I thank myself everyday now for taking that leap to find doctors that studied integrative medicine. My back aches that I suffered from for years have subsided and now that my thyroid is readjusting I have noticed that my Achilles' tendon pain is subsiding. I was not put on synthroid medication, but my supplements are helping to support the thyroid so it can function properly. A lot of my health issues have been connected to hypothyroidism. I searched back into my own health records to discover almost 25 years ago that my thyroid panels were low. I remember that I always felt tired and I had ridges in my fingernails and an intolerance to cold and heat. I was never treated with an medication, as I was told that the thyroid deficiency wasn't that bad. It is amazing that when things get out of whack in our bodies, so many other organ functions are effected. I recently found out that my dad has thyroid problems and he was told also that he didn't need to take anything to correct it. I am wondering if it is the culprit to a to many of his health problems.
I wish more doctors would study about vitamins and mineral deficiencies and their relationship to correct some medical problems. We need to have more research conducted on the role of vitamin deficiencies and other micro nutrients to help keep our body in harmony. I hate the thought of what would have happened to me if I had not reached out and decided to be tested for the deficiencies. It is also a shame that insurance companies will not pay for a lot of testing for the vitamin and mineral deficiencies. For me the money spent was the best money I ever spent on myself. I am like a new person these days and this Mother's Day for me is going to be special.
Harmony in the body is one of the most precious things in life. Sometimes even when you eat healthy, we do not get all the nutrients we need to keep the body healthy. We might have absorption problems or other underlying problems. Always check with your doctor before taking supplements. They need to be monitored and of good quality to be effective. My supplements are all prescription written. If you suspect that you may have a deficiency in something and your doctor does not do test for them, then ask for referrals to integrative medical doctors. The ones I see are board certified doctors of Internal Medicine. It has changed my life. Life is happy and full of love when you feel healthy. Your are worth the extra effort it takes to get healthy.
It's not where you go or what you do, it's who is beside you that counts....unknown author.
Happy Mother's Day !!
Life is beautiful !!!
It's not where you go or what you do, it's who is beside you that counts....unknown author.
Happy Mother's Day !!
Life is beautiful !!!
Elizabeth
Thursday, May 7, 2015
Respect Your Nurse
It is National Nurses week and I have been enjoying the thanks and praise that I have received from some fellow nurses, family, and friends. After 35 years in the medical profession I can certainly say I have experienced a lot. I can now appreciate the profession of a nurse from a different perspective after spending much time in doctor's offices over the past five years. I have been with my husband and dad to lots of doctor visits and it has been quite an eye opener on the receiving end. I can tell you from my own work experience that being a nurse is not an easy job. It is a demanding profession not only physically, but emotionally. It is also a rewarding profession and one that I am very proud to be a part of. So, thank you to all my fellow nurses for your dedication and endless hours spent caring for people.
I like reading articles posted by social media Dr. Kevin Pho. He recently posted an article by Dr. Grumpy who has his own blog, Doctor Grumpy in the House. The article addressed the doctors respecting and listening to nurses. From my own experience over the years I have encountered a few doctors who should read the article. I have always said beside a good doctor there stands a good nurse. It is true if there is no respect for the nurse then life can be very unpleasant for the doctor. As an R.N., I have spent many hours of study earning my degree and many hours of continuing education to ensure that I keep updated on the ever changing medical profession. We are not doctors, but we are held accountable for knowing what to report to doctors, and we can be held liable for carrying out orders that we know could potentially harm a patient. We need doctors to respect our judgement and value the fact that we saved their asses more than they realize. So thank your nurse this week if you have a great practice, she is your greatest asset.
On another note, I have encountered doctor practices that I have walked out of, because the nurse was not doing their job. A patient can tell when there is conflict between the doctor-nurse relationship. If the nurse is telling you one thing and doctor is disputing everything said, then it becomes very confusing for the patient. Also if a nurse is saying things about the doctor's character or vice verse, then as a patient I would be inclined to find another doctor. From my husband's and my experience with doctor's we learned the hard way what poor communication with the doctor-nurse relationship can do to a patient. This also can apply to anyone that is on the doctor's team. It starts the minute an appointment is made with the receptionist. The attitude of the receptionist says a lot about how an office functions. This attitude with all the staff, whether it is the receptionist, the P.A. working with the doctor, the nurse practitioner, the social worker, the patient advocate, or the appointment scheduler, they can make or break the doctor. Sometimes no matter how knowledgeable a doctor is, if he does not respect his staff it is reflected by their actions.
I worked with a doctor for years who set the tone for our office and our patients were heard if there were communication problems. The doctor respected our nursing judgements and we respected her. She had a great practice and we had happy patients. We listened to our patients feedback. I always remember the doctor told us that when patients are ill, they are fragile and not thinking clearly and it was our job to respect them and treat them with dignity even if our day is not going well. That respect and dignity started with the medical team respecting each other.
One last word before I go. When medical professionals are the patients we should treat them respectfully too. I have had a few encounters when I was treated very badly when acting as an advocate for my spouse. We all deserve to be heard and respected. We are not always one hundred percent correct when it comes to treating patients and if someone can make us think outside the box then we should be heard. If people were afraid to speak then the world would never change.
Honor a nurse this week!!!
Life is beautiful!!
Elizabeth:)
I like reading articles posted by social media Dr. Kevin Pho. He recently posted an article by Dr. Grumpy who has his own blog, Doctor Grumpy in the House. The article addressed the doctors respecting and listening to nurses. From my own experience over the years I have encountered a few doctors who should read the article. I have always said beside a good doctor there stands a good nurse. It is true if there is no respect for the nurse then life can be very unpleasant for the doctor. As an R.N., I have spent many hours of study earning my degree and many hours of continuing education to ensure that I keep updated on the ever changing medical profession. We are not doctors, but we are held accountable for knowing what to report to doctors, and we can be held liable for carrying out orders that we know could potentially harm a patient. We need doctors to respect our judgement and value the fact that we saved their asses more than they realize. So thank your nurse this week if you have a great practice, she is your greatest asset.
On another note, I have encountered doctor practices that I have walked out of, because the nurse was not doing their job. A patient can tell when there is conflict between the doctor-nurse relationship. If the nurse is telling you one thing and doctor is disputing everything said, then it becomes very confusing for the patient. Also if a nurse is saying things about the doctor's character or vice verse, then as a patient I would be inclined to find another doctor. From my husband's and my experience with doctor's we learned the hard way what poor communication with the doctor-nurse relationship can do to a patient. This also can apply to anyone that is on the doctor's team. It starts the minute an appointment is made with the receptionist. The attitude of the receptionist says a lot about how an office functions. This attitude with all the staff, whether it is the receptionist, the P.A. working with the doctor, the nurse practitioner, the social worker, the patient advocate, or the appointment scheduler, they can make or break the doctor. Sometimes no matter how knowledgeable a doctor is, if he does not respect his staff it is reflected by their actions.
I worked with a doctor for years who set the tone for our office and our patients were heard if there were communication problems. The doctor respected our nursing judgements and we respected her. She had a great practice and we had happy patients. We listened to our patients feedback. I always remember the doctor told us that when patients are ill, they are fragile and not thinking clearly and it was our job to respect them and treat them with dignity even if our day is not going well. That respect and dignity started with the medical team respecting each other.
One last word before I go. When medical professionals are the patients we should treat them respectfully too. I have had a few encounters when I was treated very badly when acting as an advocate for my spouse. We all deserve to be heard and respected. We are not always one hundred percent correct when it comes to treating patients and if someone can make us think outside the box then we should be heard. If people were afraid to speak then the world would never change.
Honor a nurse this week!!!
Life is beautiful!!
Elizabeth:)
Monday, May 4, 2015
Home Sweet Home!
There is no place like home and my own pillow to rest my head. Whenever I travel I thank God for returning me home safely to my small plot of land in the whole wide world. It is that little dot on the map that my husband and I claim as home sweet home. I love opening the front door of the house to be greeted by Laney doing her backward two step and wagging her tail as she flips over in excitement. That is what she did as I returned home Saturday night at exactly one minute before midnight. What joy she brings to us even when we are tired. My pillow was awaiting me and Laney flopped down right next to me. It is fun to travel, but there is never a better pillow than one at home.
We spent the last part of April visiting friends on the south east coast. A great way to celebrate the arrival of spring and fill up the social calendar with fun. Great friends plus beautiful palm trees, warm southern air, ice tea, and relaxing on the boat equals good times. Friends are the best part of vacation. Thank you so much to my southern friends for great hospitality and fun memories. This southern girl was soaking it all in and getting me revved up for summer.
Unfortunately all fun must come to an end, but life's adventure continues. We literally raced across the country driving twelve hours straight to return home to see another one of our children graduate from college. Way to go to my son, the drive was very worth it. We love you!
Today is back to reality as there are many things to do, like enjoying the fact that the weather is finally warm and the outdoors are calling our name. A garden awaits to be planted and flowers are waiting to bloom. So happy that I made it back to my pillow and that place I call home.
Life is beautiful !!
Elizabeth:)
We spent the last part of April visiting friends on the south east coast. A great way to celebrate the arrival of spring and fill up the social calendar with fun. Great friends plus beautiful palm trees, warm southern air, ice tea, and relaxing on the boat equals good times. Friends are the best part of vacation. Thank you so much to my southern friends for great hospitality and fun memories. This southern girl was soaking it all in and getting me revved up for summer.
Unfortunately all fun must come to an end, but life's adventure continues. We literally raced across the country driving twelve hours straight to return home to see another one of our children graduate from college. Way to go to my son, the drive was very worth it. We love you!
Today is back to reality as there are many things to do, like enjoying the fact that the weather is finally warm and the outdoors are calling our name. A garden awaits to be planted and flowers are waiting to bloom. So happy that I made it back to my pillow and that place I call home.
Life is beautiful !!
Elizabeth:)
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