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Am I In Pain?

I was going to write a quick Instagram post on this feeling, but then I realized that it may be a little more deep-seeded than a quick blurb. I went to a show this weekend. Not a huge show. Just a rinky-dink bar show. A passion of mine is supporting the local music scene, and what better way than to attend shows. Also, a dear friend of mine that I do not see nearly enough invited me.

Why Giving Matters

Giving Tuesday Header

“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.”

 -Winston S. Churchill

The last few months of the year make up what is referred to as the “Giving Season” for the nonprofit world. As the holidays approach, people often give more generously.

Community Forever

Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to attend the North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference here in Indianapolis. While I knew that I would learn about the latest and greatest in CF management, I was unprepared for the second, more meaningful gift that this experience gave to me:

The gift of community.

Those of us who live with CF or care for a loved one with CF know of the power of community. 

Gratitude

I always enjoy the autumn season and this year was no exception. I rebounded from a hospitalization in August for a lung infection triggered by a flu virus. I spent several nights in the hospital and then 10 days on I.V. antibiotics at home. This bout knocked me hard and I found out that even with Kalydeco/Ivacaftor I am not Invincible! It had been 2 1/2 years with no hospitalizations. I am grateful to the care team that got me healthy.

Are You Ready For Your Miracle?

In high school, my friend’s mom gave me a tiny pendant she had bought at a yard sale. Among boxes of chipped mugs and old records, she found the pendant that held an even tinier mustard seed inside it. On the back of it, in the silver setting, in writing almost too small to see, it read, “If ye have faith the size of a mustard seed, nothing shall be impossible unto you.”

I don’t think she told me why she gave it to me, and I never told her what it meant to me, but there was an understanding between us that it held a great significance. 

An Open Letter to Fall

Dear Fall,

We’ve always had a bit of a rocky relationship, haven’t we? One day, we’re the best of friends, giggling over pumpkin spice lattes and cozying up to the fire. The next, we are mortal enemies who battle over the November gray and impending coughs.

We’ve not always been this way. Years ago, you, Fall, were one of the most wonderous times of the year for me. 

Fall Smoothie

'Tis the season for ALL things pumpkin spice. Wanna know a secret? I’m not super crazy about the pumpkin spice craze to be honest. I feel most products totally  hit the mark and many are loaded with sugar and way too sweet.

However, I am a fan of this fall smoothie, and if you use pumpkin AND pumpkin spice it totally falls into the pumpkin spice category. Don’t like pumpkin? Use the suggestions for the the baked sweet potato or squash instead.

My Camp Experience

Sumer Camp June 2017 an experience I will never forget. I arrived at the camp, nervous, hesitant and unsure of how it would be. 5 days of camp seemed like a lot for me, someone who loved staying at home. The first day we arrived by bus, a three and half hour drive to Gore, VA. The bus was unloaded and everyone dropped their gear at their rooms and got ready to head to the chapel meeting. Unsure of what to expect from the whole camp experience, I stayed optimistic as I listened to the camp rules and guidelines from the counselors.

We Remember...

Heart For Vegas

In the wake of today's tragedy in Las Vegas, I decided to change direction with the Blog article I had been writing for this week, as it brought up a great deal of reflection that I did not want to pass on processing, yet again.

Such devastating events of magnitude, either of natural disaster or terrorism bring cause for us to remember in our hearts, minds and prayers those who are going through such loss, pain and suffering. We identify with them, and in our own personal ways strive to share love through thought, deed and intention. We remember...

Life’s Greatest Teacher

They looked at me, their faces full of a tragic mix of concern, confusion, and pity, while I coughed and choked on my phlegm for the 2nd time during our dinner double date.

“This is just what she does,” my boyfriend explained as I concentrated on slowing my breathing down and trying to hold back another round of coughing. 

I tightened my abs to control my diaphragm to prevent the all-out war from escaping my lips as it escalated within my chest. 

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