Thursday, May 6, 2021
THOSE WHO SING, PRAY TWICE
This won't be anything spectacular,just thoughts running thru my noggin, kept me awake last night.
Hymns have always been in my life. Thought I'd share some.
When I can't make it on my own: I NEED THEE EVERY HOUR
When I feel alone: WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS
When I feel ashamed: AMAZING GRACE, HOW SWEET THE SOUND
When I feel blessed: BLESSED ASSURANCE, JESUS IS MINE
When I'm overwhelmed: HOW GREAT THOU ART
When I've been calmed: SWEET HOUR OF PRAYER
When I'm calmer, still: IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL
And the older I get, the more I get it!!
Saturday, August 22, 2015
Throwing Stones
I've been gone from here, awhile. Seems I write when things are tugging on my heart. Everyone knows, by now, about Josh Duggar. I hope this is the only time I mention his name, because I really want to consecrate on Anna Duggar. It's a crying shame what she is having to deal with, in the public eye, no less. I've read things about her like she's weak, uneducated and a doormat to her husband and his family.
When Bill Clinton did his thing, people praised Hillary as being a strong woman able to stand by her man, be it ever so public. Yeah, standing by your man, was something to be proud of. And here's Anna in the public eye and she's being made fun of for standing by her man, as if it's a stupid thing to do. Oh, they say she has no choice but to stick with him because of little education. How would she raise 4 children alone? I have no doubt, if she chose to divorce him, she'd get a pretty penny from all the money the famous family has acquired from the tv program. So I don't think that's the reason she's staying.
I'm just sad her decision has to be in the public eye. Many people go thru trying times in their marriage. Many work thru their problems. Most people are not in the public eye, having to read or hear the opinions of others who have nothing to do with the solution.
Anna will sort thru this. Maybe things will work out and maybe not. She will be fine. She gets her strength and endurance from her faith. She answers to her Heavenly Father, not man. Hopefully, her husband gets the REAL help he needs. And if not, Anna will walk thru that valley, also, with her head held high and a peace that passes ALL understanding.
So, ye who is without sin and shame....go ahead, throw the first stone.
Just labeling as I see it.
When Bill Clinton did his thing, people praised Hillary as being a strong woman able to stand by her man, be it ever so public. Yeah, standing by your man, was something to be proud of. And here's Anna in the public eye and she's being made fun of for standing by her man, as if it's a stupid thing to do. Oh, they say she has no choice but to stick with him because of little education. How would she raise 4 children alone? I have no doubt, if she chose to divorce him, she'd get a pretty penny from all the money the famous family has acquired from the tv program. So I don't think that's the reason she's staying.
I'm just sad her decision has to be in the public eye. Many people go thru trying times in their marriage. Many work thru their problems. Most people are not in the public eye, having to read or hear the opinions of others who have nothing to do with the solution.
Anna will sort thru this. Maybe things will work out and maybe not. She will be fine. She gets her strength and endurance from her faith. She answers to her Heavenly Father, not man. Hopefully, her husband gets the REAL help he needs. And if not, Anna will walk thru that valley, also, with her head held high and a peace that passes ALL understanding.
So, ye who is without sin and shame....go ahead, throw the first stone.
Just labeling as I see it.
Sunday, April 13, 2014
Hmmm, Feeling a Little Homesick For Days of Old
Looking forward to next weekend, when we celebrate Easter and also my Daddy's 90th birthday. He doesn't want a big to do, so we will celebrate in small numbers, I guess. I don't get home near as often as I would like to. Wish we lived closer. My parents used to visit us down here but have stopped making long trips. I enjoy just fitting in their routines, watching old westerns, The Price Is Right, The Wheel of Fortune and going to church with them. I like to get Momma out shopping.
We've (as in cousins, MANY cousins) had another bout of reminiscing of family memories, thanks to posting old pictures on Facebook. Although we don't see one another very often, we are glued together by the memories of our childhood.
Families used to be big. 9-12 or more siblings would marry....have 2-4 children. They would marry, have 1-3 children. Sounds great, doesn't it. This is where it becomes sad, at least in my humble opinion. Families are spread out now, different cities, different states, maybe even different countries. And each family has their lives they're living and rarely attend many distant family functions, (as in reunions, funerals, weddings and even graduations).
Sort of feel sorry for families now. Reunions are rare, although we still have them with my Momma's family. My Daddy's family has always had them until recent years(family deaths) but we are trying to get one together this year. Shouldn't say we because I'm not helping, just plan to attend. It's up to the cousins to keep it going. Hey, when did we become the "said" adults?? I'm about to turn 62 so I guess it's high time we take the reins. I think it will take a huge amount of effort in the times we live, more so than the generation before us. Facebook, email and even cell phones gives us an advantage they didn't have so let's do this, cousins!!
Just a memory or two...staying with my grandmother...feeding the chickens and getting sneezed on by the cow she was milking! I love animals, so I was petting the cow's head and playing with his ears. Yuk!! Also remember my younger cousin getting attacked by the rooster, pecking him on the head, again and again. "Preacher" got up from the porch, found the rooster and rung his neck right then....Eating watermelon on the porch til I popped... in bed that night!! I was never a bedwetter but the melon got the best of me. Playing in the "little" room, a step down from the rest of the house...No inside bathroom until my teen years...baths in a galvanized tub on the porch!.... Outhouse just down the hill. (get-er-done before dark)!! A pee-pot under the beds, just in case but no #2!!....Hiking in the woods, collecting ribbons off of trees marked to be cut or maybe NOT to be cut! Who knows?? Hiking so far,coming to a meadow, walking it down ending up 2 miles away behind the country store. That works!! We were planning a walk down to the store, anyway!....me and a cousin following an uncle in the woods and getting seedticks all over us. He made us take a swim in his pond!....Uncle calling fish to feed by stomping his foot....Riding our uncle's horses, Lil Egypt and Banjo... Many more memories and ALL with cousins!! MANY COUSINS!!!
Libby on the Label...labeling as I see it!!
We've (as in cousins, MANY cousins) had another bout of reminiscing of family memories, thanks to posting old pictures on Facebook. Although we don't see one another very often, we are glued together by the memories of our childhood.
Families used to be big. 9-12 or more siblings would marry....have 2-4 children. They would marry, have 1-3 children. Sounds great, doesn't it. This is where it becomes sad, at least in my humble opinion. Families are spread out now, different cities, different states, maybe even different countries. And each family has their lives they're living and rarely attend many distant family functions, (as in reunions, funerals, weddings and even graduations).
Sort of feel sorry for families now. Reunions are rare, although we still have them with my Momma's family. My Daddy's family has always had them until recent years(family deaths) but we are trying to get one together this year. Shouldn't say we because I'm not helping, just plan to attend. It's up to the cousins to keep it going. Hey, when did we become the "said" adults?? I'm about to turn 62 so I guess it's high time we take the reins. I think it will take a huge amount of effort in the times we live, more so than the generation before us. Facebook, email and even cell phones gives us an advantage they didn't have so let's do this, cousins!!
Just a memory or two...staying with my grandmother...feeding the chickens and getting sneezed on by the cow she was milking! I love animals, so I was petting the cow's head and playing with his ears. Yuk!! Also remember my younger cousin getting attacked by the rooster, pecking him on the head, again and again. "Preacher" got up from the porch, found the rooster and rung his neck right then....Eating watermelon on the porch til I popped... in bed that night!! I was never a bedwetter but the melon got the best of me. Playing in the "little" room, a step down from the rest of the house...No inside bathroom until my teen years...baths in a galvanized tub on the porch!.... Outhouse just down the hill. (get-er-done before dark)!! A pee-pot under the beds, just in case but no #2!!....Hiking in the woods, collecting ribbons off of trees marked to be cut or maybe NOT to be cut! Who knows?? Hiking so far,coming to a meadow, walking it down ending up 2 miles away behind the country store. That works!! We were planning a walk down to the store, anyway!....me and a cousin following an uncle in the woods and getting seedticks all over us. He made us take a swim in his pond!....Uncle calling fish to feed by stomping his foot....Riding our uncle's horses, Lil Egypt and Banjo... Many more memories and ALL with cousins!! MANY COUSINS!!!
Libby on the Label...labeling as I see it!!
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Mardi Gras or not?
Ok, I'm probably going to frustrate some of my family and hometown friends but here goes. Monroe, Louisiana is in the Bible belt. I grew up in a Southern Baptist Church. Most of the family on both sides were Baptist. The people I knew were mostly Baptist or Methodist. I only knew a handful of Catholics(you could spot them on Ash Wednesday). Ash Wednesday is really all I was exposed to. No one, family or friends ever talked about Mardi Gras. We didn't do King cakes, parades or any celebrating of it in our town.
I never knew what a king cake was til I became friends here in Texas who were from New Orleans. Went to Mardi Gras twice with her to New Orleans. I remember when I was planning to go, someone reminded me of it being a pagan celebration. I still thought it would be fun to experience it once (or twice). Especially, going with someone from New Orleans who knew where to go and where NOT to go. I was privileged to ride in the Sunday afternoon parade before Ash Wednesday, all the way downtown, in my friend's brother's antique army jeep. OH the thrill of it all and it WAS amazing! So much fun, throwing the crowd beads and when I ran out of beads, the crowd would replenish my stash for me to continue. Thank you Betty and Victor for a most memorable time.
I remember my oldest sister, Jean working at Regions Bank and being involved in Mardi Gras parades in Monroe in the late '90s or early 2000's. I said "what??? When did that start??" She clearly said..."It's a money maker, that's all it is." And it is that....boosting NOLA's economy in the billions.
So, I want to ask my family and friends this: Did I live in a bubble, growing up? Am I the only one in North Louisiana who was never exposed to this event? I ask this because now, being reconnected with old friends from my hometown and family who I never get to see....I hear talk about the parades and king cake and the rest, like it's always been celebrated there. To my knowledge,their were no celebrations where I came from.
Much of South Lousisana is Catholic compared to the northern half, which may explain why it was such a big thing in South Louisiana. Again, please don't take this negatively, I'm just curious and labeling as I see it.
I never knew what a king cake was til I became friends here in Texas who were from New Orleans. Went to Mardi Gras twice with her to New Orleans. I remember when I was planning to go, someone reminded me of it being a pagan celebration. I still thought it would be fun to experience it once (or twice). Especially, going with someone from New Orleans who knew where to go and where NOT to go. I was privileged to ride in the Sunday afternoon parade before Ash Wednesday, all the way downtown, in my friend's brother's antique army jeep. OH the thrill of it all and it WAS amazing! So much fun, throwing the crowd beads and when I ran out of beads, the crowd would replenish my stash for me to continue. Thank you Betty and Victor for a most memorable time.
I remember my oldest sister, Jean working at Regions Bank and being involved in Mardi Gras parades in Monroe in the late '90s or early 2000's. I said "what??? When did that start??" She clearly said..."It's a money maker, that's all it is." And it is that....boosting NOLA's economy in the billions.
So, I want to ask my family and friends this: Did I live in a bubble, growing up? Am I the only one in North Louisiana who was never exposed to this event? I ask this because now, being reconnected with old friends from my hometown and family who I never get to see....I hear talk about the parades and king cake and the rest, like it's always been celebrated there. To my knowledge,their were no celebrations where I came from.
Much of South Lousisana is Catholic compared to the northern half, which may explain why it was such a big thing in South Louisiana. Again, please don't take this negatively, I'm just curious and labeling as I see it.
Friday, December 7, 2012
THE LUCKIEST GENERATION
In my opinion, my generation was the luckiest generation.
1st: and most important, we were raised by the greatest generation.
2nd: we were first to experience air conditioned homes (even if it were just half the
house). Before this though, I remember sleeping by a window to catch the breeze coming from the attic fan. AAHH!
3rd: along with that, came the television...shows with good moral values, cartoons,
and later came movies on TV. The first to see color on TV. What a hoot.
4th: we played outside all day with our neighborhood friends, most of the times, barefooted. Even into the evening, catching lightning bugs in a jar and playing hide and seek from car headlights.
5th: It was safe to walk or ride our bikes to school. Our neighbors were our parents'
eyes from afar, keeping us in line or helping in time of need.
6th: I had a 2 parent home. My mom was a domestic engineer until I was in the 8th
grade when she went to work at the new JC Penney.
We have memories of riding our bikes with our mom to the city park and
zoo just to have a picnic. She played badminton with us in the backyard. Before
we had a neighborhood recreation center with a pool, she drove us across town to
the largest swimming pool, to this day, I've ever seen. (I hear it's filled up with
dirt; what a shame). My children got to swim in it though.
My dad worked shift work at the local paper mill. Sometimes not seeing us kids
til the weekend, conflicting with our schedules. He brought home scraps of
canvas type mats for us to play on in the yard. He also had one to lay on while
working on cars, (his hobby). On one end of the volleyball net, he put a basketball goal and on the other end he put a tetherball up. He played all 3 with us. He has the patience of Job...case in point....
letting me drive his truck in a ditch while not turning the wheel enough. He
quietly got out, drove the truck back on the road and told me to get back in the
driver's seat. All this while my friend who was with us, had eyes as big as
saucers.
We went on family vacations, nothing elaborate but full of memories I wouldn't trade for anything. We have family reunions from both sides, which are a lost tradition, I'd say.
This generation who raised us, gave us a good work ethic, strong family ties and a deep love for God and country. They worked hard to achieve the American Dream. We are losing this generation but I'm so blessed to still have my parents with me.
If I think of more, I'll come back. Until then, labeling as I see it.
1st: and most important, we were raised by the greatest generation.
2nd: we were first to experience air conditioned homes (even if it were just half the
house). Before this though, I remember sleeping by a window to catch the breeze coming from the attic fan. AAHH!
3rd: along with that, came the television...shows with good moral values, cartoons,
and later came movies on TV. The first to see color on TV. What a hoot.
4th: we played outside all day with our neighborhood friends, most of the times, barefooted. Even into the evening, catching lightning bugs in a jar and playing hide and seek from car headlights.
5th: It was safe to walk or ride our bikes to school. Our neighbors were our parents'
eyes from afar, keeping us in line or helping in time of need.
6th: I had a 2 parent home. My mom was a domestic engineer until I was in the 8th
grade when she went to work at the new JC Penney.
We have memories of riding our bikes with our mom to the city park and
zoo just to have a picnic. She played badminton with us in the backyard. Before
we had a neighborhood recreation center with a pool, she drove us across town to
the largest swimming pool, to this day, I've ever seen. (I hear it's filled up with
dirt; what a shame). My children got to swim in it though.
My dad worked shift work at the local paper mill. Sometimes not seeing us kids
til the weekend, conflicting with our schedules. He brought home scraps of
canvas type mats for us to play on in the yard. He also had one to lay on while
working on cars, (his hobby). On one end of the volleyball net, he put a basketball goal and on the other end he put a tetherball up. He played all 3 with us. He has the patience of Job...case in point....
letting me drive his truck in a ditch while not turning the wheel enough. He
quietly got out, drove the truck back on the road and told me to get back in the
driver's seat. All this while my friend who was with us, had eyes as big as
saucers.
We went on family vacations, nothing elaborate but full of memories I wouldn't trade for anything. We have family reunions from both sides, which are a lost tradition, I'd say.
This generation who raised us, gave us a good work ethic, strong family ties and a deep love for God and country. They worked hard to achieve the American Dream. We are losing this generation but I'm so blessed to still have my parents with me.
If I think of more, I'll come back. Until then, labeling as I see it.
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Already Missing Our Worship Pastor
Thought I would put into words just some of the hats Ben wore while serving as our Worship Pastor. I think I speak for the entire Worship Team, which includes singers, band, tech, sound and lighting. We will miss him and his sweet wife, Melissa, and cute as buttons..Caleb and Allie. They will find their niche to serve their new community. Thank you Ben and Melissa for serving the Lord among us. We have grown because of it and been blessed beyond measure.
Just me labeling as I see it.
BENJAMIN DAVIS
I got to know this man called Ben
Think just a musician? Think again!
Event Planner, light bulb changer, or breaker!
Change filters in hot attic, a clean air maker!
Photographer, songwriter, Play writer too,
Actor, director, producer, WHO KNEW?!
I see a great teacher, check out a cd
Listen in full, I think you’ll agree.
With patience, he listens to singers & band
He seeks to encourage and understand
Above all the rest, please remember this part..
Ben is a man after God’s own heart.
A fearless firefighter, this man called Ben.
I’ve come to know him as mentor & friend.
God’s Speed Ben & Melissa
In all your future endeavors
Libby Fuller
Conroe Bible Church
October 7, 2012
Monday, August 20, 2012
My Battle with West Nile Virus
This week marks a year from waking with major chills and fever, followed by what I thought was a 24 hr. virus. I went to dr. after not feeling any better Tuesday. She tested for a few things but they all came out negative. She checked for a stiff neck which is a symptom of West Nile Virus. Negative as well. She told me what I thought all along....virus that aggravated Myasthenia gravis. By Wednesday night I felt better and joined Mark and family for his birthday dinner. Thinking I needed to get back to my normal routine, I continued to take Wayne's brother to work and pick him up. Saturday brought about a Worship team one day conference and try-outs. Just wasn't up to my normal self, I left as soon as it was over.
Sunday morning I got up fully intending to dress for church, instead flopped down on the sofa and was still there when Wayne got up for lunch. (he works nights). Letting me continue to sleep, he grabbed a bag of chips and went back to bed. Again, waking up to get ready for work, I was still lying around but functioning somewhat. Ate pizza with Mary Ann that night.Starting to get concerned, I called Barby and she and Carol came with oils to hopefully help. Went to bed pretty early and after taking Mike to work Monday morning, was back on the sofa before Wayne came home from work. He came in, saw me and asked me if I thought I should go to the hospital. I answered if I did, I wanted to go to Methodist in Houston where my Myasthenia Gravis dr. was. We proceeded with plans to go. Wayne calling Dr. Simpson,alerting her I was on my way and me taking a shower and packing. Mark was already in Houston, so he met us at the ER. The first day, I was in ER the whole day, but they did take me soon after I arrived. Waiting on a bed, was the hold up. I was weak but was able to eat a little something when I got to the room at 7:30 pm. Wayne hadn't slept in over 24 hours, so Mark took him home. I woke up with fever the next morning. Wayne stayed with me every night from then on. 2 weeks he stayed with me, except 1 night Mary Ann stayed. I've been on those make-shift beds and I know he sacrificed to do this. He loves our bed at home. He brought the laptop and noisemaker and settled right in.
My symptoms: 1)Extreme fatigue, needing help in walking to the truck. 2)not being able to take a deep breath which scared me. 3)not much of an appetite, thought of food in my mouth was exhausting. 4)fever. 5)eyes jetting back and forth. 6)nausea, after being in hospital. 7) So weak, I asked for a stretcher to cart me to and fro all the tests. I couldn't even hold my head up. 8)lost almost 20-lbs. Oh, but I found it, slowly but surely. DANG IT!!
Tests done: 1)blood tests, of course 2)x-rays, 3)cat-scans, 4)mri, 5) spinal-tap, finally. 6)some nerve test, very painful and I would not let them finish it. If anyone ever comes toward you with a taser like instrument in their hands, say "NO" very firmly.
Remedies: 1) plasma exchange, routine for Myasthenia Gravis patients, 2)2 different kinds of antibiotics, did nothing for the problem. 3)Infectious disease team was called in to solve the mystery. (how special is that?) 4)Oh, and because I said something that appeared I'd given up, they called in psychiatrist and put me on anti-depressants. 5) Also had a cardiologist put me on some sort of heart meds 6)the most special remedy, my sister drove my parents down from West Monroe, Louisiana, when Wayne told them their presence might encourage me. Now, that was medicine worth taking! 7)Matthew and his family came on the way to Florida to meet Ashleigh's dad and again on their way back to Austin, Labor Day weekend. Mark and Lisa with the kids on the weekends. Mark came during the week to stay with me, to give Wayne a rest. Mary Ann came when she wasn't going to school. These were all home remedies for the weary soul. I had many visitors, cards gifts and flowers. I had friends come and stay with me, oil my feet, search for smoothies after agreeing to try, as I was not eating anything. My mouth (muscles) just could not imagine such a task. I am definitely loved and I don't take this for granted.
After seeing nothing on the first 4 tests, Friday, they discontinued my plasma exchange so my blood would clot in order to have the spinal-tap. After 8 days in hospital, Tuesday, I had the spinal-tap. The majority of those tests came up negative, telling us, I probably had an infection of the brain and will just have to wait it out and that the 2 remaining tests coming from the spinal-tap will probably come up negative also. Towards the end of the 2nd week, the test came back positive for West Nile Virus. They told me, there was nothing they could do and would have to ride it out. They said for someone with a normal immune system the virus would have only lasted maybe 3 days. Some don't even realize they have it, before it's gone. The virus exasperated myasthenia gravis, which is a muscle fatigue autoimmune disease. My stay in the hospital lasted 15 days, with a long expected recovery at home. They told me it would take 1-2 years to get back to normal. Hmmph! What do they know. I was back to my normal in 2 months after leaving the hospital.
My Real Remedy: Young Living Essential Oils! Plain and simple!! For 2 weeks,my good friend, Barby, came over every other day and gave me a "raindrop massage" with some powerful healing oils. And then 2 times a week for a month. I put oils on the bottom of my feet, in capsules to swallow and inhaled oils. I was not looking forward to it being maybe 2 years recovery and it wouldn't have surprised me if it did take that long, remembering how weak and sick I was.
Recovery: First of all, what seemed like a bad thing turned out to be the best thing. Let me explain: Mary Ann was laid off right before all of this. It was a blessing for us, because I needed her when I got home. It was a blessing for her, because she got to draw unemployment while caring for me. My friends from church and Bible Study were there to help in the way of food. Mary Ann was taking 15 hours of school to graduate in December and didn't leave her much time to do any major cooking. Although, she's a pretty good cook.
I was loaned a walker with wheels and a seat, sad to say, I needed it the first 2 weeks and often had to sit down to rest. I ate like a bird. Guess my stomach shrunk. It was a the last week of September before I could sit on floor and hang my head backwards in the tub for Mary Ann to wash it. An who has a hairdresser who will come to your home style your hair and then won't take money for it? I do. About the same time for me to put make-up on. That ain't like me, AT ALL, not with all the visitors I had. I have never had to take heart meds or anti-depressants, so I weened myself from those. All I needed was my mg meds and vitamins and Ningxia Red (a healthy tonic loaded with antioxidants. Oh, and I'll never be without my Young Living Essential Oils.
My first outing but in my pjs was to see a master herbalist with Barby. Got on this bed of hers hooked up to some machine and she was able to read what was going on with my body. My 2nd outing was to Sams' Club with Wayne to exchange a coffee maker that had gone ka-put! Neither of those I count as real outing. I mean it's not like I walked around in Sams, I went and sat on the counter while Wayne got another coffee maker. The real first outing..dressed up to see people was to the memorial service we had here in Conroe for a very special friend and mentor from Colorado who passed away on one of his mission trips. He was very special to our family, counseling us thru some pretty rough storms of life. The legacy he left behind will continue to help people all over the world. RIP Michael Wells.
One thing I took away from this is how God has used technology for HIS purpose. Not only were my family, church and Bible Study ladies praying. I expected no less. What I didn't expect was people I didn't even know, praying for me thru facebook and emails. There were friends of friends, Bible study groups and churches all praying for me. LITTLE OLE ME!! All over the world, maybe at the same times. The spiritual realm stretches over all heaven and earth. This was most humbling to realize I was covered literally in prayers.
With 43 people dying in Texas this year of West Nile Virus, and my cousin's husband in Louisiana dying of it, I realize JUST how close I came but was spared. I am so blessed to be alive.
I believe my days are in God's hands and nothing comes to me that doesn't go thru HIS hands first. This was not my time to go, although, I often wondered if it was leaning that way. I didn't want to go but I had a peace about it. I mean, who am I, it happens? Never thought he'd take Jean or Kathy so soon but it happened. I still have some living to do and I will continue to live HIS song. To GOD BE THE GLORY! He delivered me, yet again.
I know this was boring for most but wanted this event recorded. I've been meaning to write this for a year. Seemed fitting to do it near the year anniversary.
I just label as I see it.
Sunday morning I got up fully intending to dress for church, instead flopped down on the sofa and was still there when Wayne got up for lunch. (he works nights). Letting me continue to sleep, he grabbed a bag of chips and went back to bed. Again, waking up to get ready for work, I was still lying around but functioning somewhat. Ate pizza with Mary Ann that night.Starting to get concerned, I called Barby and she and Carol came with oils to hopefully help. Went to bed pretty early and after taking Mike to work Monday morning, was back on the sofa before Wayne came home from work. He came in, saw me and asked me if I thought I should go to the hospital. I answered if I did, I wanted to go to Methodist in Houston where my Myasthenia Gravis dr. was. We proceeded with plans to go. Wayne calling Dr. Simpson,alerting her I was on my way and me taking a shower and packing. Mark was already in Houston, so he met us at the ER. The first day, I was in ER the whole day, but they did take me soon after I arrived. Waiting on a bed, was the hold up. I was weak but was able to eat a little something when I got to the room at 7:30 pm. Wayne hadn't slept in over 24 hours, so Mark took him home. I woke up with fever the next morning. Wayne stayed with me every night from then on. 2 weeks he stayed with me, except 1 night Mary Ann stayed. I've been on those make-shift beds and I know he sacrificed to do this. He loves our bed at home. He brought the laptop and noisemaker and settled right in.
My symptoms: 1)Extreme fatigue, needing help in walking to the truck. 2)not being able to take a deep breath which scared me. 3)not much of an appetite, thought of food in my mouth was exhausting. 4)fever. 5)eyes jetting back and forth. 6)nausea, after being in hospital. 7) So weak, I asked for a stretcher to cart me to and fro all the tests. I couldn't even hold my head up. 8)lost almost 20-lbs. Oh, but I found it, slowly but surely. DANG IT!!
Tests done: 1)blood tests, of course 2)x-rays, 3)cat-scans, 4)mri, 5) spinal-tap, finally. 6)some nerve test, very painful and I would not let them finish it. If anyone ever comes toward you with a taser like instrument in their hands, say "NO" very firmly.
Remedies: 1) plasma exchange, routine for Myasthenia Gravis patients, 2)2 different kinds of antibiotics, did nothing for the problem. 3)Infectious disease team was called in to solve the mystery. (how special is that?) 4)Oh, and because I said something that appeared I'd given up, they called in psychiatrist and put me on anti-depressants. 5) Also had a cardiologist put me on some sort of heart meds 6)the most special remedy, my sister drove my parents down from West Monroe, Louisiana, when Wayne told them their presence might encourage me. Now, that was medicine worth taking! 7)Matthew and his family came on the way to Florida to meet Ashleigh's dad and again on their way back to Austin, Labor Day weekend. Mark and Lisa with the kids on the weekends. Mark came during the week to stay with me, to give Wayne a rest. Mary Ann came when she wasn't going to school. These were all home remedies for the weary soul. I had many visitors, cards gifts and flowers. I had friends come and stay with me, oil my feet, search for smoothies after agreeing to try, as I was not eating anything. My mouth (muscles) just could not imagine such a task. I am definitely loved and I don't take this for granted.
After seeing nothing on the first 4 tests, Friday, they discontinued my plasma exchange so my blood would clot in order to have the spinal-tap. After 8 days in hospital, Tuesday, I had the spinal-tap. The majority of those tests came up negative, telling us, I probably had an infection of the brain and will just have to wait it out and that the 2 remaining tests coming from the spinal-tap will probably come up negative also. Towards the end of the 2nd week, the test came back positive for West Nile Virus. They told me, there was nothing they could do and would have to ride it out. They said for someone with a normal immune system the virus would have only lasted maybe 3 days. Some don't even realize they have it, before it's gone. The virus exasperated myasthenia gravis, which is a muscle fatigue autoimmune disease. My stay in the hospital lasted 15 days, with a long expected recovery at home. They told me it would take 1-2 years to get back to normal. Hmmph! What do they know. I was back to my normal in 2 months after leaving the hospital.
My Real Remedy: Young Living Essential Oils! Plain and simple!! For 2 weeks,my good friend, Barby, came over every other day and gave me a "raindrop massage" with some powerful healing oils. And then 2 times a week for a month. I put oils on the bottom of my feet, in capsules to swallow and inhaled oils. I was not looking forward to it being maybe 2 years recovery and it wouldn't have surprised me if it did take that long, remembering how weak and sick I was.
Recovery: First of all, what seemed like a bad thing turned out to be the best thing. Let me explain: Mary Ann was laid off right before all of this. It was a blessing for us, because I needed her when I got home. It was a blessing for her, because she got to draw unemployment while caring for me. My friends from church and Bible Study were there to help in the way of food. Mary Ann was taking 15 hours of school to graduate in December and didn't leave her much time to do any major cooking. Although, she's a pretty good cook.
I was loaned a walker with wheels and a seat, sad to say, I needed it the first 2 weeks and often had to sit down to rest. I ate like a bird. Guess my stomach shrunk. It was a the last week of September before I could sit on floor and hang my head backwards in the tub for Mary Ann to wash it. An who has a hairdresser who will come to your home style your hair and then won't take money for it? I do. About the same time for me to put make-up on. That ain't like me, AT ALL, not with all the visitors I had. I have never had to take heart meds or anti-depressants, so I weened myself from those. All I needed was my mg meds and vitamins and Ningxia Red (a healthy tonic loaded with antioxidants. Oh, and I'll never be without my Young Living Essential Oils.
My first outing but in my pjs was to see a master herbalist with Barby. Got on this bed of hers hooked up to some machine and she was able to read what was going on with my body. My 2nd outing was to Sams' Club with Wayne to exchange a coffee maker that had gone ka-put! Neither of those I count as real outing. I mean it's not like I walked around in Sams, I went and sat on the counter while Wayne got another coffee maker. The real first outing..dressed up to see people was to the memorial service we had here in Conroe for a very special friend and mentor from Colorado who passed away on one of his mission trips. He was very special to our family, counseling us thru some pretty rough storms of life. The legacy he left behind will continue to help people all over the world. RIP Michael Wells.
One thing I took away from this is how God has used technology for HIS purpose. Not only were my family, church and Bible Study ladies praying. I expected no less. What I didn't expect was people I didn't even know, praying for me thru facebook and emails. There were friends of friends, Bible study groups and churches all praying for me. LITTLE OLE ME!! All over the world, maybe at the same times. The spiritual realm stretches over all heaven and earth. This was most humbling to realize I was covered literally in prayers.
With 43 people dying in Texas this year of West Nile Virus, and my cousin's husband in Louisiana dying of it, I realize JUST how close I came but was spared. I am so blessed to be alive.
I believe my days are in God's hands and nothing comes to me that doesn't go thru HIS hands first. This was not my time to go, although, I often wondered if it was leaning that way. I didn't want to go but I had a peace about it. I mean, who am I, it happens? Never thought he'd take Jean or Kathy so soon but it happened. I still have some living to do and I will continue to live HIS song. To GOD BE THE GLORY! He delivered me, yet again.
I know this was boring for most but wanted this event recorded. I've been meaning to write this for a year. Seemed fitting to do it near the year anniversary.
I just label as I see it.
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