tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19239102073339212462024-03-12T18:47:49.938-05:00A Victorious JourneyVictoria's fight with Late Stage Lyme DiseaseVictoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00661664397253821528noreply@blogger.comBlogger480125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1923910207333921246.post-87334392041477147322017-10-28T19:24:00.002-05:002017-10-28T19:30:41.724-05:00Grateful For Them<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; letter-spacing: -0.11999999731779099px;">This is my incredible heart surgeon and his equally incredible nurse practitioner! I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for them. Words can’t express how grateful I am for them and we’ve become like family. They’ve really touched my heart- literally and figuratively haha! </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; letter-spacing: -0.11999999731779099px;">They truly care and would even call the ICU nurses at night just to check on me. One day he came to see me in the hospital on his day off. Thank you God for giving me such compassionate, skilled, and dedicated doctors. I will possibly need more heart surgeries in the future (nothing soon we hope), and I wouldn’t want anyone but him doing them. I am forever grateful </span><span class="_5mfr _47e3" style="color: #1d2129; letter-spacing: -0.11999999731779099px; line-height: 0; margin: 0px 1px; vertical-align: middle;"><img alt="" class="img" height="16" role="presentation" src="https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v9/f6c/1/16/2764.png" style="border: 0px; vertical-align: -3px;" width="16" /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7yTPSIi0pPL97RtMyuNjQUQd9UNciO-ZfXb-n8Q4uljGiuCkGTkx_lDpV5-kptjni3tkBWSH7HcB-S2Hg1UsHtNKxM27VedNRwICORuVgL3WS3N1wWgl-y9xE5b9_FbF-F5-RQrbPPGTT/s1600/IMG_1027.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7yTPSIi0pPL97RtMyuNjQUQd9UNciO-ZfXb-n8Q4uljGiuCkGTkx_lDpV5-kptjni3tkBWSH7HcB-S2Hg1UsHtNKxM27VedNRwICORuVgL3WS3N1wWgl-y9xE5b9_FbF-F5-RQrbPPGTT/s320/IMG_1027.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; letter-spacing: -0.11999999731779099px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; letter-spacing: -0.11999999731779099px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So I saw my heart surgeon yesterday </span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.11999999731779099px;">and also got to see some of the nurses who have taken care of me! I had blood drawn so I got to see the ladies who work in the lab. I've gotten to know them really well too! I also saw a lot of other people who work at </span></span><span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.11999999731779099px;">the</span></span><span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.11999999731779099px;"> hospital that I've become close to. Every time I go to the hospital it's like social hour </span></span><span style="letter-spacing: -0.11999999731779099px;">because</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.11999999731779099px;"> I know everyone! It makes it more fun to go! I even had small thank you gifts for my surgeon and nurses! I will never be able to thank them enough! </span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
This is my chest x-ray from yesterday. <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.11999999731779099px;">I’m always amazed when I see my chest X-ray because it’s proof of all that’s happened. You can see the new pacemaker leads that my doctor put in on the right during my latest surgery which is pretty cool to see! God is so good and </span></span><span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.11999999731779099px;">has</span></span><span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.11999999731779099px;"> </span></span><span style="letter-spacing: -0.11999999731779099px;">carried</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.11999999731779099px;"> me through everything! </span></span></span></span><br />
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.11999999731779099px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjth-1K_dm-s5toLjC4z5nDSL9UoCkOCh-0f9ywfISUDf8w1-PH2TVBvkt-3j-piJGIg2XWlb1cD3Pqo4vH3KHn1RSHu2y8H6Z2pacD5iBlaENtfEb_B0kM_PIR_QOTxrQIy5PLcILwHZVC/s1600/IMG_1046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="767" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjth-1K_dm-s5toLjC4z5nDSL9UoCkOCh-0f9ywfISUDf8w1-PH2TVBvkt-3j-piJGIg2XWlb1cD3Pqo4vH3KHn1RSHu2y8H6Z2pacD5iBlaENtfEb_B0kM_PIR_QOTxrQIy5PLcILwHZVC/s320/IMG_1046.JPG" width="312" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #1d2129; letter-spacing: -0.11999999731779099px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My first official outing besides going to Dr’s appointments was to see Ralph and Gladys yesterday! We go to church with them and my family has known them for so long. Gladys always sends me the sweetest cards, so I’m so glad my mom and I got to visit them! I’m so grateful for their encouragement and example they set for how to live for Christ. They are a joy to be with! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2CmPYwQqsYeFIS0kAuWiG4RkzaRiBGW-7wuljCJ1Kybk33xMpgEkLdJgcO-8MIyr1NFDVcxOfRuM1yo4kYNWUnJ-94HqLIOPhBFch6mOSapOKPfFvg6ldFgqct6NdqiJXh74EeeB6Q3EC/s1600/IMG_1011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1208" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2CmPYwQqsYeFIS0kAuWiG4RkzaRiBGW-7wuljCJ1Kybk33xMpgEkLdJgcO-8MIyr1NFDVcxOfRuM1yo4kYNWUnJ-94HqLIOPhBFch6mOSapOKPfFvg6ldFgqct6NdqiJXh74EeeB6Q3EC/s320/IMG_1011.jpg" width="241" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="color: #1d2129; letter-spacing: -0.11999999731779099px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My parents and I even went out to dinner Wednesday night too so it was a big day for me!</span></div>
<div style="color: #1d2129; letter-spacing: -0.11999999731779099px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The night on Wednesday ended with a quick trip to the Heart Hospital ER, but I’m okay, just needing to<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"> figure out how to control some heart episodes I’m having. Nothing major to worry about. Pacemaker is working well, valve is working well, and my heart is okay! It’s always nice to hear that. </span></span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_show" style="color: #1d2129; display: inline; letter-spacing: -0.11999999731779099px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Thank you for your constant prayers and encouragement! It means more than I can say </span><span class="_5mfr _47e3" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 0; margin: 0px 1px; vertical-align: middle;"><img alt="" class="img" height="16" role="presentation" src="https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v9/f94/1/16/1f49a.png" style="border: 0px; vertical-align: -3px;" width="16" /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<div>
<span class="_5mfr _47e3" style="line-height: 0; margin: 0px 1px; vertical-align: middle;"><br /></span></div>
</span></div>
Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00661664397253821528noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1923910207333921246.post-79017990914691087142017-10-17T13:42:00.002-05:002017-10-25T12:52:09.064-05:00My 5th Heart Surgery and Another Hospital Stay<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
On Wednesday, September 20th, I went to the Heart Hospital ER because of a pacemaker problem. It's not a new problem, but it had gotten worse. One of my pacemaker leads was stimulating my phrenic nerve, which is the nerve that controls your diaphragm. That resulted in me feeling my pacemaker shocking me all the time. I am paced 100% of the time, which means that my heart needs a shock to initiate every single heart beat. If my heart rate is 80bpm, I feel it shock me 80 times a minute. It's not comfortable, and we knew it needed to be fixed. Unfortunately that meant another heart surgery. My 5th heart surgery since April. I was scheduled to see my heart surgeon the following week, but I just couldn't stand it anymore, so my doctor said to go to the ER so they could see if they could adjust some settings until it could be fixed. So that Wednesday night in the ER, they lowered the pacemaker settings enough to where I didn't feel it as much. The only problem was that they had to lower it so much that there wasn't much of a safety margin. They said they would have to keep me in the hospital if they kept the settings that low, so they ended raising the settings a little so that I could go home with a good safety margin. But they had still lowered it enough for me not to feel it as much.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Unfortunately, the relief from the setting changes only lasted about a day before I started feeling it shock me again. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
On Saturday, September 23rd, I passed out at home. Thankfully I was sitting down already and didn't fall. We called the on-call doctor again and he said to go to the ER. What happened was that the pacemaker settings were too low, so I had a couple of skipped heartbeats which made me pass out. They had to raise the pacemaker settings so that wouldn't happen again, which meant that I felt it shocking me even harder. Here you can see it jolting my body. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm not sure if the video is working, so I apologize if it's not...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyIWETQItgmV1F4dybikXMhiuURqBKntGDGUXN_NDFq9D5gpgUV23SkyhK5v0JRu-IBwkE-ssNXx9v7ev-6CA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The ER doctor talked to the on-call cardiothoracic surgeon and he said to admit me so they could get the surgery done sooner than later. They also admitted me to keep me more comfortable until surgery since it was so painful and uncomfortable. It made it hard to breathe too. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So, I was once again admitted to the Heart Hospital on Saturday, September 23rd. They got me a room really quickly and put me in the ICU Step Down Unit. They stopped my Coumadin in anticipation of surgery and they started me on IV Heparin to protect my heart valve while I was off the Coumadin. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZC0L4nRQxV6LeMLTAWW_-6vE55JEF6EXAhgMUcfGlKaqi6Afrvay44bAafkVXFss4JGexCeyRnWQqw0XYHy99Q10PmPa1A6m1rLwcWCgLgzfBtLj6E2DLPJY_O386yPgG-GI2kOHwvN2f/s1600/IMG_0642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZC0L4nRQxV6LeMLTAWW_-6vE55JEF6EXAhgMUcfGlKaqi6Afrvay44bAafkVXFss4JGexCeyRnWQqw0XYHy99Q10PmPa1A6m1rLwcWCgLgzfBtLj6E2DLPJY_O386yPgG-GI2kOHwvN2f/s320/IMG_0642.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The hospital gets really quiet on the weekends, so not much happened on Sunday. They tried to keep me comfortable and there was talk that my surgery would be the next day.<br />
<br />
My parents were actually out of town when this all happened. My dad had a work conference in Phoenix, so my mom went with him and then they went to the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, and a couple of other places! My aunt stayed with me while they were gone and she's the one who took me to the ER that Wednesday and then the ER Saturday when I was admitted. My parents got home around midnight on Sunday night. I was so glad that they were scheduled to come home then and that they didn't have to come home early or anything.<br />
<br />
On Monday morning my cardiothoracic surgeon said that he would do my surgery that day at 2:30pm, so they started prepping me for surgery. I had one of my favorite nurses that day! The surgery he would be doing was a Thoracotomy. They said a Thoracotomy is one of the most painful surgeries to have, even worse than open heart surgery. But it fixed the problem!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
My parents, brother and I before my surgery</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7naSyoS5kMa3iqa8dh1vhZCIji_fFoA5MRRdwiS5hyM17MDh3D_AhHkl4-2Jvx6JV7ErzONGF1T0sqZdxTraujGpKymueNwEKNz4n6UkndCE0SjY3t4jixCgV4sSVa_7EEmli94-pnTd1/s1600/IMG_0682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7naSyoS5kMa3iqa8dh1vhZCIji_fFoA5MRRdwiS5hyM17MDh3D_AhHkl4-2Jvx6JV7ErzONGF1T0sqZdxTraujGpKymueNwEKNz4n6UkndCE0SjY3t4jixCgV4sSVa_7EEmli94-pnTd1/s320/IMG_0682.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
They took me to surgery on time which is a miracle because hospital time is usually really behind. Surgery only lasted a couple hours and I came out with a 6 inch incision on my ribs on my left side, a chest tube, and an incision a few inches long where my pacemaker is in my chest. I also had a 3 lumen central line in my neck. They had a hard time getting a line in because I've just had so many. But surgery was successful! They placed an epicardial pacemaker lead on the outside of my heart.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvtL0PD7VKW7gOfnX1CY7xMnA1HUZ2oXG_AbHAioii0zMtH6YegGQuR42xwKZKrKpvjySi9qeW1oN76lkHNhyX6PbMoXQ4oRvR_bIzx508e6Pn6uCfN3flDqEIByIiILDZvms3NQ0IuAaS/s1600/IMG_0935.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvtL0PD7VKW7gOfnX1CY7xMnA1HUZ2oXG_AbHAioii0zMtH6YegGQuR42xwKZKrKpvjySi9qeW1oN76lkHNhyX6PbMoXQ4oRvR_bIzx508e6Pn6uCfN3flDqEIByIiILDZvms3NQ0IuAaS/s320/IMG_0935.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianW7oBMGq3NCzgbY-L3bZgopSzsCWrK7WfDs_beYz4DkD1m0cTqhoKQOx-M3k0yUXgHrkQ6HZhl8jNuvVJCfgIr3Ir5CwdlDQ_Ko0XMGkq_Xed8CUnpmQolHKWwFdJgo8oEKtHod0Pzo3/s1600/IMG_0805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianW7oBMGq3NCzgbY-L3bZgopSzsCWrK7WfDs_beYz4DkD1m0cTqhoKQOx-M3k0yUXgHrkQ6HZhl8jNuvVJCfgIr3Ir5CwdlDQ_Ko0XMGkq_Xed8CUnpmQolHKWwFdJgo8oEKtHod0Pzo3/s320/IMG_0805.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am highly allergic to the tape dressing they have to use, so I got horrible hives. This next picture is when they were changing the dressing. I was on IV Benedryl around the clock because it itched and stung like crazy. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCD0-x8AhVO8yKDfRDbqkCo4vyIanQH7J1E1VhJwzxjnWnGV5H7NYUQ-Soctx82Q0Ko3ssdjF-sRVWfQSH0xwKDTC3yFOfUY5psv9ptZCKR2qxB2oj69QrfD43zS3zAoR_MrYTKZ1f2PV0/s1600/IMG_0925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCD0-x8AhVO8yKDfRDbqkCo4vyIanQH7J1E1VhJwzxjnWnGV5H7NYUQ-Soctx82Q0Ko3ssdjF-sRVWfQSH0xwKDTC3yFOfUY5psv9ptZCKR2qxB2oj69QrfD43zS3zAoR_MrYTKZ1f2PV0/s320/IMG_0925.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was sutured to my neck so it wouldn't come out. You can see how red it was from the allergic reaction.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIZBDPSH4QcL1kxVQt8DiYBE7ax6aFnGiAVMpZCehTWcyVW1LhbiIRZtcOpS5jW9CVyTdczgpE5yijWtIuAoHm-NXif23rbqO-gpPQrThG8u8SbX9XtmrnaTwJWI01Yq_5cT3m_Xb6kKdX/s1600/IMG_0924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIZBDPSH4QcL1kxVQt8DiYBE7ax6aFnGiAVMpZCehTWcyVW1LhbiIRZtcOpS5jW9CVyTdczgpE5yijWtIuAoHm-NXif23rbqO-gpPQrThG8u8SbX9XtmrnaTwJWI01Yq_5cT3m_Xb6kKdX/s320/IMG_0924.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBM1emqOX35Oq81s5sL42yqN3IBBxOKtBK09FOS0mOo3KIrKcNWXThD7Ayeft69RLjD551Fqy8AwSVE7Z50LhtrUNrHHg5cDlpp6T_3MgWl2kxPZjpidxw81JOnsNFeytsaeqE91EYb3CX/s1600/IMG_0926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBM1emqOX35Oq81s5sL42yqN3IBBxOKtBK09FOS0mOo3KIrKcNWXThD7Ayeft69RLjD551Fqy8AwSVE7Z50LhtrUNrHHg5cDlpp6T_3MgWl2kxPZjpidxw81JOnsNFeytsaeqE91EYb3CX/s320/IMG_0926.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
After surgery, they had me on continuous IV Heparin so that I wouldn't get a blood clot in my mechanical heart valve since they had stopped my oral blood thinner (Coumadin) for surgery. My Coumadin range needs to be 3.5-4 so they kept me on the Heparin until it reached that level.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgjxR25rpsx6A6H7gtJkZoyf-L1ibcD-3u5yT5oMjW5BHQHgeFHu81dFeo-YscQzclhjE_5YAq3ONrhhjQxTlATmE2lI5QzSIbLE9OGK1eIpxCngsAjI_1B-T_G4FwvdnZwf_BnKJMui3B/s1600/IMG_0813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgjxR25rpsx6A6H7gtJkZoyf-L1ibcD-3u5yT5oMjW5BHQHgeFHu81dFeo-YscQzclhjE_5YAq3ONrhhjQxTlATmE2lI5QzSIbLE9OGK1eIpxCngsAjI_1B-T_G4FwvdnZwf_BnKJMui3B/s320/IMG_0813.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
The chest tube was removed after a couple of days. If you have had a chest tube you know how painful and uncomfortable they are so it's always a relief when they come out! Removing the chest tube is extremely painful but it's nice to get it out.<br />
<br />
I got to go outside with my parents one Saturday and the weather was perfect! Don't be too jealous of my cute outfit! Haha<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmOaQWZy9Dg3nhivIjiYmL3qfvzhzpO8haCR5xpcCBLqRUbv7ncMOedrcEH0Of9YIapXHMzU1achnbzCuSoBei4Cx3BDrIlHXz1ZbWWmIHhgkPqAc81ger9vQL9QW6jQ51-yt7BxlOmrgL/s1600/IMG_0986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmOaQWZy9Dg3nhivIjiYmL3qfvzhzpO8haCR5xpcCBLqRUbv7ncMOedrcEH0Of9YIapXHMzU1achnbzCuSoBei4Cx3BDrIlHXz1ZbWWmIHhgkPqAc81ger9vQL9QW6jQ51-yt7BxlOmrgL/s320/IMG_0986.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIQNbL7kmKAZT3bj59Mu2OY_r4qeqZZNc5PZPXgwFQlQDnDf9_bMOSApptHe6npweVxeTeSG-vEEW9AZZOH4W9s_cIkLIfNklPTGGTO5jd1fB24yXpsPARqdjKzW3jYZl7r2vRIC1TxM-v/s1600/IMG_1003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1239" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIQNbL7kmKAZT3bj59Mu2OY_r4qeqZZNc5PZPXgwFQlQDnDf9_bMOSApptHe6npweVxeTeSG-vEEW9AZZOH4W9s_cIkLIfNklPTGGTO5jd1fB24yXpsPARqdjKzW3jYZl7r2vRIC1TxM-v/s320/IMG_1003.JPG" width="247" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
On Wednesday, October 4th, my INR (Coumadin level) was 3.5 so they stopped the Heparin drip and planned for me to go home the next day. Well the next day my INR dropped to 2.4 for no apparent reason. So they started the Heparin again and came up with a new dosing schedule for the Coumadin. They didn't want my INR to go up too fast or I could bleed internally, especially since I was on the Heparin too.<br />
<br />
A week later, on Wednesday, October 11th, my INR was 3.3, which is almost in range, so they stopped the Heparin and planned on me going home the next day if my INR stayed stable. And it did! It went from 3.3 to 4.5 overnight!!<br />
<br />
So after almost 3 weeks in the hospital, I got to come home last Thursday, October 12th!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Leaving the hospital!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlksBOqzLuQz8uCY7EDkQbKhwfYV0z_nxca4H9FXprWwccCWAh8FeGWhUUrbEhIz3OVNY3i-QpOAmwQRnnckVgiSv9emkBCvmyiFsNE9-AeGCcZ7d_g9LP0QG3gs-abMsdw4nNT3ihD00i/s1600/IMG_0908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlksBOqzLuQz8uCY7EDkQbKhwfYV0z_nxca4H9FXprWwccCWAh8FeGWhUUrbEhIz3OVNY3i-QpOAmwQRnnckVgiSv9emkBCvmyiFsNE9-AeGCcZ7d_g9LP0QG3gs-abMsdw4nNT3ihD00i/s320/IMG_0908.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I think she missed me while I was in the hospital!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5UAkQtRUya6V2xBJ6wsRdMiKx1xz1NIqfhgh3i5WXbio_QuAEe8EclouBvTzmGXM_9gHLIqt5CEtCNpWpYjpOgcBdANpBz2lvIO-KHD0MKEWpbyEQT2LCDX2SehV4IJyGvb5PdLr-MmGw/s1600/IMG_0933.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5UAkQtRUya6V2xBJ6wsRdMiKx1xz1NIqfhgh3i5WXbio_QuAEe8EclouBvTzmGXM_9gHLIqt5CEtCNpWpYjpOgcBdANpBz2lvIO-KHD0MKEWpbyEQT2LCDX2SehV4IJyGvb5PdLr-MmGw/s320/IMG_0933.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
I'm just so grateful for the care I received in the hospital. I got to know the people who delivered my meals, the sweet lady who cleaned my room each day, and other people that work in the hospital. In the hospital, the floor I was on also has the doctors' offices, and I've become good friends with the 2 ladies who check you in to see the doctor. I would go see them everyday on my walks and they are so sweet. They bought me a beautiful necklace just because and I'm so grateful for them! They brighten my day every time I see them!<br />
<br />
I've become good friends with the nurses as well. We have laughed together, cried together, and prayed together. On my walks I would go from nurses station to nurses station to talk to everyone!<br />
<br />
It was 3am one morning. At 3 or 4am they do blood work, vitals, and weigh you in your bed, so I knew I would be awake for a while. They take blood that early so the results are ready for when the doctors round in the mornings. I still haven't figured out why they weigh you at 3am, especially when they have to take all your blankets and pillows off the bed to weigh you. You're all comfortable in the middle of the night and they take everything from you. Doesn't make sense.<br />
<br />
While my nurse was taking my blood one night, she asked me, "are you a Christian?" I said yes I am. She said she asks all her patients that question because one day we will stand before God and He will ask us if we told people about Him. I told her that God is how I've gotten through all I've been through and I wouldn't have gotten through it without Him. We continued to talk about God and she asked if we could pray together. So we prayed together and she asked me to pray for a couple of her other patients (obviously she didn't give me names of the patients and she didn't violate HIPPA).<br />
<br />
Another nurse one night asked if we could pray together so she could pray for me. I really appreciated that.<br />
<br />
It's really nice because in the ICU Step Down Unit, each nurse only has 2 patients. That gives the opportunity for your nurse to really spend a lot of time with you! I always enjoy talking with my nurses. We talk about everything.<br />
<br />
I had long talks with the sweet lady who cleaned my room each day. Her mother-in-law passed away while I was in the hospital and that gave us the opportunity to talk about God and life a lot.<br />
<br />
God is so good and He never leaves us.<br />
<br />
When I was discharged, the nurses and I were saying that it was bittersweet because they were going to miss having me there! I totally agreed! But I told them I would come visit them. Between blood work checks, cardiac rehab, and appointments, I'm at the hospital all the time. It'll be a couple more weeks until I can start cardiac rehab again.<br />
<br />
The people who work at cardiac rehab came to see me several times while I was in the hospital and they lifted my spirits each time they came! I really appreciated them coming. When they came, there were so many of them that they filled the room and it made me so happy!<br />
<br />
I'm also so, so grateful for all your prayers, love, support, cards, and visits! You all have been such a blessing to my family and I, and I can't thank you enough!<br />
<br />
I truly have the best nurses and doctors and the best family and friends!!<br />
<br />
Here are some pictures of my room. We put the cards you all sent in the window!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuERxEYtbo-JhZ1mxrsTy16nkjiw8_nXiDXIw6ABqkRcAuIAo-Q-tsPtJBi5KICCLtdicEwfPWfDXApNxn4AqsVGu3RkJ1m82W4AXTPGJW5ZjkxWF69AHJlwfbSdK-ohGaInrnjVl8IRw3/s1600/IMG_0823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuERxEYtbo-JhZ1mxrsTy16nkjiw8_nXiDXIw6ABqkRcAuIAo-Q-tsPtJBi5KICCLtdicEwfPWfDXApNxn4AqsVGu3RkJ1m82W4AXTPGJW5ZjkxWF69AHJlwfbSdK-ohGaInrnjVl8IRw3/s320/IMG_0823.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9q0uvshjQx3LjQ-874BFIVBDBzQopuKwaZL7cwM7wEolLE_d2dLZOD4hErnVZeVDbXIMzmGHM5BARRI9rfY4nxz6r1vj9-gHv-Cj7p0ZOEfvrpqBDbPXPZ6samYDYl6GqcQeeCOGwR5_2/s1600/IMG_0831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9q0uvshjQx3LjQ-874BFIVBDBzQopuKwaZL7cwM7wEolLE_d2dLZOD4hErnVZeVDbXIMzmGHM5BARRI9rfY4nxz6r1vj9-gHv-Cj7p0ZOEfvrpqBDbPXPZ6samYDYl6GqcQeeCOGwR5_2/s320/IMG_0831.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjmNewr9EAs0ARNz7lMb91-tMmBSN9wYSjddpOl7Dy-RHxIEM_EF9pWzOOXB0VOQ2xPnGCFD0H1_HQft_qjXrjdwJ5MNhCKHgW6D54_y5Xtk4N24SLqWIamP1lztDqIxFp2fyqLLUlvyvf/s1600/IMG_0841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjmNewr9EAs0ARNz7lMb91-tMmBSN9wYSjddpOl7Dy-RHxIEM_EF9pWzOOXB0VOQ2xPnGCFD0H1_HQft_qjXrjdwJ5MNhCKHgW6D54_y5Xtk4N24SLqWIamP1lztDqIxFp2fyqLLUlvyvf/s320/IMG_0841.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
My parents got me these beautiful flowers!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxFwQdnQmYdYfP4i3dHfQhBa3pTpYJxyhfkr7TysoIDCqe6pPa8C9D94Q7tPB2RlAfLOOi-apz5z4_DpM9AZRjXU0ICZaaJKXa43ZCPzTQhP8lgzmH37i7TH5pdCy6cx-kMHNVl_Xpublo/s1600/IMG_0888.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxFwQdnQmYdYfP4i3dHfQhBa3pTpYJxyhfkr7TysoIDCqe6pPa8C9D94Q7tPB2RlAfLOOi-apz5z4_DpM9AZRjXU0ICZaaJKXa43ZCPzTQhP8lgzmH37i7TH5pdCy6cx-kMHNVl_Xpublo/s320/IMG_0888.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Today I'm enjoying a rare day when I don't have any doctor appointments! It's a beautiful day!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9RneRhMlK2go1xHg6hCGTEw2OEa3wLkOEjtqc_NQcoEU3pYizxgRI8VXUyRk3BUm1sEP2FXwngzIk30Zbj_D3qWm8nkP-1-yl1b3ZvUg1bVywprAepXSGAtlxHutZoi7ZhWWsCQ3fJpaD/s1600/IMG_0945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9RneRhMlK2go1xHg6hCGTEw2OEa3wLkOEjtqc_NQcoEU3pYizxgRI8VXUyRk3BUm1sEP2FXwngzIk30Zbj_D3qWm8nkP-1-yl1b3ZvUg1bVywprAepXSGAtlxHutZoi7ZhWWsCQ3fJpaD/s320/IMG_0945.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Please keep praying for me as I continue to recover at home! Yesterday I had my blood thinner levels checked. I have it checked at least twice a week when I'm not in the hospital. Yesterday my levels were way too low (2.3), so I had to start blood thinner injections in my stomach twice a day. I do them myself. It's risky for my levels to be so low because it means I could get a clot in my mechanical heart valve really easily. That happened in June, so it's nerve-wracking. But I will trust God's plan and try not to worry. Life is hard but He is so good and has never left me. He's brought us this far, and He won't leave us now. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful." Hebrews 10:23</span></span><span class="p" style="color: #001320; font-family: "arimo" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 13px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Again, thank you for all your support. I love you all! </div>
<br />Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00661664397253821528noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1923910207333921246.post-52069467555822440222017-07-21T11:10:00.000-05:002017-07-21T11:10:03.887-05:00Changes ComingI'm going to re-do my blog so the layout and designs might change a lot until I get it how I want it! If you see any weird things on the blog design, that's why :)Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00661664397253821528noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1923910207333921246.post-75942126698556158082017-07-05T16:42:00.000-05:002017-07-05T16:42:08.529-05:00Update!Hi everyone! It has been a long time since I last posted and so much has happened since then. I have been getting a lot of emails and comments, asking if the stem cells have helped me. I want to apologize for not responding to you all yet. I am working on an update and will try and respond to you very soon!<br />
<br />
I haven't responded to your emails and comments yet because I've been very sick. In March, I had sepsis from my port. I was admitted to the hospital on March 15th and was put in ICU. I was in kidney failure and on dialysis, had pulmonary embolisms in both lungs, pneumonia in both lungs, liver failure, heart failure, spleen problems, and they found a mass in my heart. The mass was infection and it had also wrapped itself around my tricuspid heart valve. After over 2 weeks in one hospital, they moved me next door to the Oklahoma Heart Hospital because I had to have open heart surgery once I was stable enough to survive the surgery. During the open heart surgery, they removed the mass of infection and tried to save my tricuspid heart valve. The mass had wrapped around that valve. After putting me off and on bypass 3 times, my heart surgeon realized that he couldn't fix the valve. So he removed it and then replaced it with a mechanical valve. It's not something they want to do on a 24 year old, but I needed it to save my life. I've had 3 other heart surgeries after my open heart surgery and had pacemaker put in because the open heart surgery was so extensive and damaged part of my heart. I'm now 100% dependent on the pacemaker. My port was also removed immediately when I was admitted to the hospital and was put in ICU.<br />
I was in Mercy hospital for over 2 weeks and then was in the Heart Hospital for over 3 weeks, so I was in the hospital for almost 6 weeks total. I came home April 21st! I was in ICU the whole time, even discharged from ICU which rarely happens!<br />
<br />
I just got out of the hospital after a 2 week stay and another heart surgery where they discovered that my mechanical heart valve wasn't working because of a blood clot. I was in heart failure because of that. I got home a week ago today!<br />
<br />
We are so grateful for all of you who have prayed for me. God listened and performed miracles that the doctors couldn't explain!<br />
<br />
I can't wait to share with you all that God has done. Thank you for being patient with me! Thank you so much for your support and prayers! Please keep it up! I'm obviously still dealing with some issues and am recovering from all my surgeries. It's a long journey and recovery, but God is with me every step. Love you all!<br />
<br />
Here are a few pictures.<br />
<br />
<br />
Walking for one of the first times after my open heart surgery!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRciXUR0jCvcFeSMB5f7w6JNYvNYsOQaVI-gH-WouMrl746ttTnsni3cQbXsJjxOLkHLNvYDq4SubR-MjNHDcwSnutp_EWjDS1qM28caonJINciBXPYdxr0Ejc2A0yX-K6uaMLzNM_MCfa/s1600/IMG_8689.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHJAP4zZ9g9OjYfG0vZHuMarA0SMmJ4R50lSIWv89_gZgBUVI8_yYrlNWIOpxRBrJ9J6IpkzkgSEDybhg-C6oxj19rRHH6EQl2UfXSD8sNkhqNe1BRns0q5YtkwrhiibS6i7LxT4Ur08ab/s1600/IMG_8689.PNG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHJAP4zZ9g9OjYfG0vZHuMarA0SMmJ4R50lSIWv89_gZgBUVI8_yYrlNWIOpxRBrJ9J6IpkzkgSEDybhg-C6oxj19rRHH6EQl2UfXSD8sNkhqNe1BRns0q5YtkwrhiibS6i7LxT4Ur08ab/s320/IMG_8689.PNG" width="180" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
10 days after my open heart surgery they put in a pacemaker<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihNSKRs1IOtrMRyiG8GIq9NJIY29XY43yXotW3_hydiA_RcUfT5sivloL-dXEQol3OqCaZyDF6Z6MNkGTk_CBtwaTVZBde8WuDRCkjBgkoNDElvFgZ-wv5VSAdatXoLKH9xYtcOpgD8O7Z/s1600/IMG_8722.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihNSKRs1IOtrMRyiG8GIq9NJIY29XY43yXotW3_hydiA_RcUfT5sivloL-dXEQol3OqCaZyDF6Z6MNkGTk_CBtwaTVZBde8WuDRCkjBgkoNDElvFgZ-wv5VSAdatXoLKH9xYtcOpgD8O7Z/s320/IMG_8722.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
My ICU room had lots of windows and great views<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbGnqNax_JZ4SFRwBeHNdFQmYuxCs0DHi1Bh177w16KJSyHHLPFtajBrDlPPel4VLVNjWHQN2JlUsGkwtLm3-HCjDryE3yI6f1Ptzuvf6gEpjGiC9jpdbHYu81Si2u5hCQahT6YjtK1X3f/s1600/FullSizeRender+50.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbGnqNax_JZ4SFRwBeHNdFQmYuxCs0DHi1Bh177w16KJSyHHLPFtajBrDlPPel4VLVNjWHQN2JlUsGkwtLm3-HCjDryE3yI6f1Ptzuvf6gEpjGiC9jpdbHYu81Si2u5hCQahT6YjtK1X3f/s320/FullSizeRender+50.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
It's crazy that this is all inside me. You can even see my sternum wires under my skin.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPeLINcg2AGDUBUJQ01uWnf79TYGuWzK8Wd6OTrCdMiz3sYHCFBzgTSIEtX8fJoZADiS8Hdz7LqGXEn33QEJ_tTmbUqvAa5pBH-27hd1ox98RjCIq3qDT2BWNhCBN9cS44opToxc2pGyah/s1600/FullSizeRender+48.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPeLINcg2AGDUBUJQ01uWnf79TYGuWzK8Wd6OTrCdMiz3sYHCFBzgTSIEtX8fJoZADiS8Hdz7LqGXEn33QEJ_tTmbUqvAa5pBH-27hd1ox98RjCIq3qDT2BWNhCBN9cS44opToxc2pGyah/s320/FullSizeRender+48.jpg" width="271" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This is from my recent 2 week hospitalization. This picture was after my most recent heart surgery (not open heart). I came home a week ago today! The bear is what they give you to hold against your sternum when you cough or sneeze or something.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiizc_hvEfxsG8liDqLn9zBFdztMN7RVCWCFELMamWHi2_vpPGNjdxBPYtmft8ndOyRzSj4PYIizj3nxnJhKwPgl1Jym0oj74zzbLQx5YxOMYzdQJUngSSbRGJU3grlpOHZYDUl8Uf8LQQ8/s1600/IMG_9209.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiizc_hvEfxsG8liDqLn9zBFdztMN7RVCWCFELMamWHi2_vpPGNjdxBPYtmft8ndOyRzSj4PYIizj3nxnJhKwPgl1Jym0oj74zzbLQx5YxOMYzdQJUngSSbRGJU3grlpOHZYDUl8Uf8LQQ8/s320/IMG_9209.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Walking after surgery- chest tube and all!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGwf-hbeQ5k_M1RkaWLiyqnJVkkMIGTPNTBtuBGuy0Ntb_JleGkq2jmT1GyMmpo03vttx3JYj0kGUzhsWgA-KwjrjgKqn5Q15NkpUuy5cewac8GY8MqA5K5RjOSe4-7StlZomwtUaiMzEI/s1600/IMG_8959.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGwf-hbeQ5k_M1RkaWLiyqnJVkkMIGTPNTBtuBGuy0Ntb_JleGkq2jmT1GyMmpo03vttx3JYj0kGUzhsWgA-KwjrjgKqn5Q15NkpUuy5cewac8GY8MqA5K5RjOSe4-7StlZomwtUaiMzEI/s320/IMG_8959.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxPks-H-PE8RM5fKeZanzyqq9JfFAMHWByDIdaQmPcLNOcEfsYp9224x4Z-9aEMgKYBWDfpSQWxfSwi4piIBagS_aaGtz8KRYdNmK-yVl2eh40Afa3ucJkXEzOiGQe9cC63jIm7lTt_SGW/s1600/IMG_9325.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxPks-H-PE8RM5fKeZanzyqq9JfFAMHWByDIdaQmPcLNOcEfsYp9224x4Z-9aEMgKYBWDfpSQWxfSwi4piIBagS_aaGtz8KRYdNmK-yVl2eh40Afa3ucJkXEzOiGQe9cC63jIm7lTt_SGW/s320/IMG_9325.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Put on a little makeup for my going home celebration!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSXkB0TNkugXWFX7JM4tX3nWFRHuiHmSBdfUOKiz8BMGfodMINUpRcgVFGn-rWQJiFyNZGc-a081NhTbf4XXyjoKWUFmjsKJ7I6LO_HhGaq5KmDowUC1nBSjhRYoTHXtCKRSB94JNLJ1Et/s1600/FullSizeRender+51.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSXkB0TNkugXWFX7JM4tX3nWFRHuiHmSBdfUOKiz8BMGfodMINUpRcgVFGn-rWQJiFyNZGc-a081NhTbf4XXyjoKWUFmjsKJ7I6LO_HhGaq5KmDowUC1nBSjhRYoTHXtCKRSB94JNLJ1Et/s320/FullSizeRender+51.jpg" width="242" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00661664397253821528noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1923910207333921246.post-6184984724773171292016-09-17T17:23:00.001-05:002016-09-17T17:23:15.986-05:00New Vlog! "Accessing My Port and Dancing While my IV is Hanging from my Ceiling Fan!!"<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LSIIe7g0890" width="480"></iframe>Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00661664397253821528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1923910207333921246.post-48845787016360677072016-08-22T22:10:00.003-05:002016-08-22T22:10:54.583-05:00New Youtube Channel!<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hi friends! I have so much to share with you! <span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; line-height: 19px;">I started a YouTube channel called "Learning to make Limeade out of Lyme" and just posted my first vlog! Thank you to Ashly and Mike Costa (Ashly was on Dancing with the Stars and her husband, Mike, was a producer!) who encouraged me to start a channel! The vlog when they came to our house to give me a dance lesson will be up tonight too!! Please subscribe to my channel to get notified when there is a new vlog so you can see how I overcome Lyme! Love you all so much!</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; line-height: 19px;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i class="_3kkw" style="background-image: url(https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v5/u94/1/16/1f49a.png); background-size: 16px; color: #1d2129; display: inline-block; height: 16px; line-height: 19px; vertical-align: top; width: 16px;"><span class="accessible_elem" style="clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px); height: 1px; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; white-space: nowrap; width: 1px;">💚</span></i><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; line-height: 19px;"> Watch my vlog to see something exciting I did today!</span></span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZrWHxoB4GE" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZrWHxoB4GE</a>Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00661664397253821528noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1923910207333921246.post-84371232090640121212016-05-23T18:48:00.001-05:002016-05-23T19:23:17.738-05:00Dancing With The Stars Coming To Me!<div>I have some REALLY SUPER EXCITING NEWS!! I'm getting a dance lesson from a Dancing With the Stars pro!</div><div>Ashly Costa was a pro dancer on Dancing With The Stars for seasons 1-3 and 10 (correct me if I'm wrong 😊)!</div><div>Her husband, Mike Costa, was a producer for Dancing With the Stars too and that's how they met! They now do (almost 😉) daily vlogs on YouTube, and I won a contest on their channel! </div><div>So Ashly and Mike and their sweet kids will be coming to ME here in Oklahoma to give me a dance lesson!!!!! I can do a private lesson or a group one, so I have some big decisions!!! </div><div>I've talked with Ashly a little since finding their YouTube channel and she is so sweet! Their family vlogs are just amazing because of how caring they are and just how they live life to the fullest! I can now say that they're just as sweet in "real life" aka, FaceTime ☺️ </div><div>I'm SO humbled and excited to be given this opportunity!!!!! We don't have date set yet but I will let you all know for sure! </div><div>Please check out their channel and subscribe to be sent notifications when there's a new video! They just reached 5,000 subscribers which is incredible!!! I think I'll be on their next vlog so look for that too! I haven't stopped smiling since we talked! 😊💚 it's amazing how God brings joy exactly when I was kinda down from all the side effects of my treatments and the staph infection. </div><div><br></div><div>Here's their YouTube channel! Please check it out! </div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCiLLGQbnmXT_Yk-WokqOc_Q</span></div><div><br></div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaPRhPr0n-Z034kYNDNG4pY-kMmD2eOEfoTx_pSBHl2FgkG4wESjMBokd5P6HYUWqLHCbi3Xzvpa1dYth_jEj27oVpz1BXGaQVSpyEUBagzbwhYdLDZ0LMY1RaNTTPiHm5NGTQ-eGDrnaP/s640/blogger-image--164657193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaPRhPr0n-Z034kYNDNG4pY-kMmD2eOEfoTx_pSBHl2FgkG4wESjMBokd5P6HYUWqLHCbi3Xzvpa1dYth_jEj27oVpz1BXGaQVSpyEUBagzbwhYdLDZ0LMY1RaNTTPiHm5NGTQ-eGDrnaP/s640/blogger-image--164657193.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div>Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00661664397253821528noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1923910207333921246.post-42507761302599553102016-05-10T14:39:00.000-05:002016-05-23T19:22:00.461-05:00Update and Thoughts about Life!<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Update on the update: I just finished 10 days of IV antibiotics for the staph infection. I also got IV fluids every day. Please pray we get the staph under control and totally gone!!!</span></div><div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div><div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Thank you all so much for your continued prayers and encouragement! </span></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I feel led to share something with you all because each of you truly make a difference in my life, but first, here's an update! </span></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Last week I saw my primary care doctor several times, and he sent me to the hospital again on Wednesday. The harsh antibiotics, along with the pain of the staph infection, have kept me from eating and drinking, so I needed IV fluids and medicines to help the nausea and pain. I also received IV antibiotics. I'm now on my 3rd oral antibiotic since last week, and after all we did last week, we think that we're finally on the right track to treating the staph with the right medicines! </span></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I will be seeing an infectious disease doctor any day now because I shouldn't have gotten staph again so fast. The infectious disease docs can do tests and biopsies to determine if/where the staph is possibly hiding, and they can also help decide if my internal heart monitor needs to come out. It's all speculation at this point, but it's possible that the staph could be attaching to the monitor, which could prevent the staph from going away. The docs can also help me figure out how to prevent more staph infections, because if I'm not careful, I could get them a lot. Hopefully they will be able to help me a lot. So that's where we are right now, and I'm so grateful for doctors not giving up on me and we pray that the staph is totally gone soon! </span></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">What I wanted to share with you...<br>Over the past 2 weeks, I've let my current circumstances steal my joy and I've lived in fear. </span></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I don't need to go into details about how I've been feeling physically because you can imagine how I'm feeling with the normal feeling worse after the stem cell transplant + the staph infection + all the antibiotics and side effects that comes with those. </span></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I get really depressed when I have to be in bed because of being sick. I hardly ever stay in bed most of the day, no matter how bad I feel. Going downstairs and simply opening the back door makes me feel better because I think it helps me see that life is still going on and there's a bigger picture. I see that for me, getting out of bed is like me saying, "I am stronger this this disease and I'm proving that by getting out of bed"! I know others who do better resting in bed, so there's nothing wrong with staying in bed at all. For me, it's just not the best. The weakness from everything right now has kept me in bed a lot because I just don't have the energy to go downstairs sometimes. And being in bed during the day so much depresses me because when I first got sick, I was totally bedridden and so weak like this. It reminds me of those days where we didn't know what was wrong and it's a horrible feeling!<br>The past few days I've been downstairs more and am trying to stay out of bed as long as possible because it's good for my spirit, but I'm just still really weak. I did sit outside this morning and it was wonderful! </span></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Recently, I realized that in an unhealthy way, I'm so focused on what's happening right now.</span></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">On April 21st, the day I got my stem cells back, I said that it was a new birthday for me, a new chance at life. And I said that because it IS!!!!!!!! I said that I knew I would feel worse for a while before I got better, but that's okay because it would be temporary. I said it over and over and over. </span></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But I haven't actually been living like I believe that, and I've lived in fear since the staph came back. </span></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I am SO, UNBELIEVABLY blessed that I was able to finally have the stem cell transplant after being sick for almost half of my 23 years of life. It's giving me another chance at life, and not many people get that 2nd chance at life!</span></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Many of you know that one of my best friends, Rebecca, died of cancer 4 years ago. She would have turned 25 this past Saturday. So on Saturday evening, my family and I went to the cemetery with her parents. I was still so weak but wanted to go, so I took a towel so that I could sit on the ground. Oddly, sitting on the ground was really different than standing there like we always do. Instead of looking down, I was looking across and it gave me whole new perspective, which I'll explain more about.</span></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I then got a much needed big smack on my face. I sat there and wondered what am I doing?! WHY am I so depressed? WHY am I not living like I have another chance at a healthier life, because I do!! Rebecca would have given anything to still be on this earth, no matter how bad she felt. Quite frequently, she and I talked about longing for Heaven and no pain and sickness, but she and I agreed that no matter how we felt, we wanted to live on earth longer with our family and friends before we go to Heaven. </span></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So there I was, sitting at her grave, and I realized I've been having a pity party because of temporary things I'm dealing with like the staph infection again and feeling worse for a while after the stem cell transplant, but I have no reason to complain! </span></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Without the antibiotics for the staph, I possibly wouldn't be here today. I have selfishly hated the antibiotics because their side effects are far less than pleasant right now, but people all over the world die every day from something that could be so easily treated with antibiotics and modern medicine. I don't HAVE to take the antibiotics, I GET to take them. Yes, the side effects have sent me to the hospital, but it's temporary. </span></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I've come to realize a lot lately. </span></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Like I said, I've been in bed a lot over the past couple of weeks and I didn't see something that had been right in front of me until a couple of days ago. I was always looking down in my bed while watching something on my iPad or whatever, and if I would have just lifted my eyes, I would have seen this sooner. I put those on my wall for a purpose. </span></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLBBWRrNj1Z1L8HUZbFUItYClaCPVZIOsblvYh0XIv2x-9iXim1Y8LKKxdk8_j_sIpSmBlou_rNOBxl3u-jV0LB_wVlVqM_4t23gsKanF3_s5sI9xWb96GE4ogRVxVbIswTEMRNierpHuK/s320/13077035_10153439751172136_8871931900220167767_n.jpg" width="320"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLnVMHKHbbIE7KRtD-ouVYfWo_1bef5P4CjfsfIJnsNTaZsO2H8Dd9HPd29g8dc2O-d82rNb65VI5isifSTmW0xUmIlPa9MAFsxgPSFGmdBBboA9bPRFraSC6XFbPvd15uvef3xPjUmz0C/s1600/13102900_10153439751177136_7847364507274497395_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLnVMHKHbbIE7KRtD-ouVYfWo_1bef5P4CjfsfIJnsNTaZsO2H8Dd9HPd29g8dc2O-d82rNb65VI5isifSTmW0xUmIlPa9MAFsxgPSFGmdBBboA9bPRFraSC6XFbPvd15uvef3xPjUmz0C/s320/13102900_10153439751177136_7847364507274497395_n.jpg" width="320"></span></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Again, like I mentioned, every time I've gone to the cemetery in the past, I've stood and have had to look down at the graves. But Saturday, because of me being so weak, I had to sit down, and my perspective totally changed. If I was standing up and looking down at the grave, when I lifted my head I would have seen across the whole cemetery and would have seen the countless other graves. And nothing is wrong with that. But when I looked up while I was sitting, I saw the beautiful sky and sunset, the trees, and all of God's creations. I smiled because I just was in awe of God. It took me being too weak to stand for me to lift my eyes. </span></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDU2rC9fdnvocLeKy121M3CTVeAQEWKNfv8uHOupb7ErQyygkDxfZ8wkikbtSAV-amS6r0AMyuADO7JkYTsdpEQJr5drXWRCAjC64aHhjL8hDl51UR8zv4xBlPNbfSOB6pQgrlNgOWFuho/s1600/12524154_10153439751132136_6524866463047086863_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDU2rC9fdnvocLeKy121M3CTVeAQEWKNfv8uHOupb7ErQyygkDxfZ8wkikbtSAV-amS6r0AMyuADO7JkYTsdpEQJr5drXWRCAjC64aHhjL8hDl51UR8zv4xBlPNbfSOB6pQgrlNgOWFuho/s320/12524154_10153439751132136_6524866463047086863_n.jpg" width="240"></a></span></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwTGbmgnJbUuBidCzTIFk1Yg2vCZFGfb1O3NEZQZXjGmvtBejYIUarNkvihcrUYIb6RVQBHxXytsmlRbV-W0YVB6nYo0mTvFHPyO6y1Rts7AFsVfirxJcUePWMwwjEoJlunAWhl2-LWssD/s1600/13095786_10153439760982136_3417935275876685585_n-1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwTGbmgnJbUuBidCzTIFk1Yg2vCZFGfb1O3NEZQZXjGmvtBejYIUarNkvihcrUYIb6RVQBHxXytsmlRbV-W0YVB6nYo0mTvFHPyO6y1Rts7AFsVfirxJcUePWMwwjEoJlunAWhl2-LWssD/s320/13095786_10153439760982136_3417935275876685585_n-1.jpg" width="216"></a></span></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And it's the same way with God. I've been so focused on what's going on right now and I've had my head down. I temporarily lost sight of the goal and took my eyes off of Jesus. And that's why I've let my circumstances steal my joy and cause me to live in fear. </span></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In Hebrews 12 it says this:<br>"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up"</span></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">No wonder I've been so weak and weary! If our eyes are not on Jesus, we can't run this race without looking down. Without our eyes on Jesus, during the race, we feel like we need to look down to see the roadblocks coming. We need to look down to see the twists and turns on the course of the race. We look down out of fear because we don't know what's coming up next. We are then blindsided at sharp turns and corners. </span></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But when we fix our eyes on Jesus, we don't NEED to look down because we know that we will make it safety to the end one day! He will pick us up and carry us over the roadblocks and He will hold our hand and walk with us when the road turns. Nothing surprises Him! That's how we can have perservence through this sometimes horribly long and painful race, because when we can't run on our own, Jesus picks us up and carries us! </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text Heb-12-12" id="en-NLT-30185" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: black;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">Also from Hebrews 12: "</span>So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees.</span><span class="text Heb-12-12" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: black;"> </span><span class="text Heb-12-13" id="en-NLT-30186" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: black;">Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong....</span></span></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text Heb-12-28" id="en-NLT-30201" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: black;">...Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe.</span><span style="color: black;"> </span><span class="text Heb-12-29" id="en-NLT-30202" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: black;">For our God is a devouring fire"</span></span></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<br></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm 19 days into the critical 90 days after transplant! I've made it 19 days!!! </span></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I do want to apologize to you all who have been faithfully praying for me and supporting me in so many ways, and especially helping us financially so that I could have the stem cell transplant in Germany! I want to apologize for letting my current circumstances steal my joy. This isn't the first time it's happened, and it won't be the last, but I just want you to know, I'm BACK and my eyes are on JESUS because I need to be carried through this part of the race, and I am. He's here. Please don't stop praying. Your prayers have helped carry me when I've selfishly taken my eyes off of Jesus. I'm moving on to my new life because of God! </span></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my HOPE in God! I will PRAISE HIM again--my Savior and my God!" Psalm 43:5</span></span></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<br></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
If I can smile and laugh through the transplant and after, I can do it now because I have a new chance at life!!!! I'm so blessed!!!!!</div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE7bhFsheaSHBwgRIjk62N-xvSSozjW1NUv0b4RrD86rDW_PW2ibnnGYMIO13jqj2gKoeT7dxbIR5cNEHwHPByM9BFZftNBbTN9xnSKkjOwZ4uDGKyLysx4DJn8Q440UaX1u-_23ww_lxG/s1600/13177581_10153439755052136_2920728607234593587_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE7bhFsheaSHBwgRIjk62N-xvSSozjW1NUv0b4RrD86rDW_PW2ibnnGYMIO13jqj2gKoeT7dxbIR5cNEHwHPByM9BFZftNBbTN9xnSKkjOwZ4uDGKyLysx4DJn8Q440UaX1u-_23ww_lxG/s320/13177581_10153439755052136_2920728607234593587_n.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipGeZFq-KavNosonxM4FXWuWgeeqJckfY2zdkzNn8_ZdB2lQBpAuCE6ppUaA-a_0dFVXxkpDRKQ0gaRoa9SKYbq0i03sVvButuZcJOi6HKJEaQUG2PaoRepfrxQPKm5vzJj6P_Brq-YQZ3/s1600/13166126_10153439754987136_8912717302661384060_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCCN0Y4MCs9sr8GIZ8B08OuC9jTMsx-AxFNz-UDt9JMnrgqDOB9Oiv1C1n4rkNC57PXYvYtVjopt5-_Tt9dSQQNZAV4LRi2FPPQDD-XMBZ3g1IyIYSF3YHwlqYyRHTD8bc5VoCGvchz_mL/s1600/13166082_10153439754997136_6018293581084177170_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCCN0Y4MCs9sr8GIZ8B08OuC9jTMsx-AxFNz-UDt9JMnrgqDOB9Oiv1C1n4rkNC57PXYvYtVjopt5-_Tt9dSQQNZAV4LRi2FPPQDD-XMBZ3g1IyIYSF3YHwlqYyRHTD8bc5VoCGvchz_mL/s320/13166082_10153439754997136_6018293581084177170_n.jpg" width="240"></a><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipGeZFq-KavNosonxM4FXWuWgeeqJckfY2zdkzNn8_ZdB2lQBpAuCE6ppUaA-a_0dFVXxkpDRKQ0gaRoa9SKYbq0i03sVvButuZcJOi6HKJEaQUG2PaoRepfrxQPKm5vzJj6P_Brq-YQZ3/s320/13166126_10153439754987136_8912717302661384060_n.jpg" width="240"></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<br></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I do ask that you specifically pray that the stem cells are doing what they are supposed to be doing. We don't know if they could have turned into immune cells to fight this staph, but we will be talking with one of the doctors tomorrow about that. Please pray that the stem cells are letting the antibiotics fight the staph so that they can heal the rest of my body eventually. </span></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">One of my dear friends who has Lyme just recorded a new song called "Lift My Eyes". That's not a coincidence at all that I just heard this..</span></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br><span style="font-size: x-small;">"Many are the weapons of my enemies<br>Right here in this moment give me eyes to see<br>The God of Angel Armies is surrounding me</span></span></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><br>I will Lift my eyes<br>To where my help comes from<br>I wont be afraid<br>I wont be undone<br>Youre more faithful Lord<br>Than the rising sun<br>So I will Lift my eyes<br>to where my help comes from</span></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><br>Nothing formed against me ever could invade<br>For you are my fortress in the darkest day<br>Oh I will simply rest and trust you come what may</span></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">My help comes from the Maker<br>Of Heaven and of Earth<br>My help comes from the Savior<br>Who saved me by his Word<br>My help comes from the Healer<br>Whose stripes have made me Whole<br>My help comes from the Keeper<br>Of this peace inside my soul</span></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">I will Lift my eyes<br>To where my help comes from<br>I wont be afraid<br>I wont be undone<br>Youre more faithful Lord<br>Than the rising sun<br>So I will Lift my eyes<br>to where my help comes from"</span></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><br></span></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIupn_Rq9W6uinoYq67KHlri5INgyoF1kLoMDwqmT8Ae1WEwrCIhNjMCj3I-5njj0HqX6MVfPxrkhOSts5IqhoxyIRmzNcMjQgrxHaAMHve0VYBH2nd2FoyBdOUYr3kP2igWwKWDgPpMek/s1600/13087912_10153439754957136_5572177035880592569_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIupn_Rq9W6uinoYq67KHlri5INgyoF1kLoMDwqmT8Ae1WEwrCIhNjMCj3I-5njj0HqX6MVfPxrkhOSts5IqhoxyIRmzNcMjQgrxHaAMHve0VYBH2nd2FoyBdOUYr3kP2igWwKWDgPpMek/s320/13087912_10153439754957136_5572177035880592569_n.jpg" width="320"></a></span></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<br></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<br></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqNe4-QrYJIPl72-mp5QAOmweJNgnZOpVmSislwxI36hsSALW81tHMYCiNMn_ugSpYEX_UuPWquHH3HBKX36YqLBYPwmV2V7XZrIFPMOpy68_UXqKxgqZddmhFclq1WGqNsNw9x_5RTQ9I/s1600/13221557_10153439754917136_4722389721945008916_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqNe4-QrYJIPl72-mp5QAOmweJNgnZOpVmSislwxI36hsSALW81tHMYCiNMn_ugSpYEX_UuPWquHH3HBKX36YqLBYPwmV2V7XZrIFPMOpy68_UXqKxgqZddmhFclq1WGqNsNw9x_5RTQ9I/s320/13221557_10153439754917136_4722389721945008916_n.jpg" width="240"></a></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<br></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
These are my 4.6 million stem cells that I received!!!!</div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcB2FLHSiA5uF43x1LqHfZS9BN-pR2rwWHt0ZWwZC6qOQl8p1SbDNpISwyRw8Uml4acxilEqH8DbWaywqm38WQYzQj5RzR92lX97d-YR1Ors6GMEXwQSyohC125A2FXgf5MLtJSyVQCI32/s1600/13173697_10153439755072136_1392658381446877951_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcB2FLHSiA5uF43x1LqHfZS9BN-pR2rwWHt0ZWwZC6qOQl8p1SbDNpISwyRw8Uml4acxilEqH8DbWaywqm38WQYzQj5RzR92lX97d-YR1Ors6GMEXwQSyohC125A2FXgf5MLtJSyVQCI32/s320/13173697_10153439755072136_1392658381446877951_n.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<br></div>
<div style="color: #141823; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
I love you all so much and can't thank you for all you've done. "I thank my God every time I remember you" Philippians 1:4</div>
Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00661664397253821528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1923910207333921246.post-43754234595860972952016-03-26T12:25:00.001-05:002016-03-26T12:25:40.284-05:00Leaving for Germany Today<div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Today is the beginning of the next phase of my journey- my stem cell transplant in Germany. Thanks to God and YOUR generosity and prayers, my mom and I leave for Europe today! We leave Oklahoma City around 3 this afternoon and fly from here, to Houston, to Frankfurt Germany, and then to Austria. We are spending the first week in Austria while I adjust to the time difference. I will start treatments April 4th in Germany. </div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">"I will praise the Lord no matter what happens. I will constantly speak of His glories and grace. I will boast of all his kindness to me. Let all who are discouraged take heart. Let us praise the Lord together and exalt His name" Psalm 34:1-3</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Prayer requests for today-</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"> -Safe flights with no problems </div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"> -Comfort and peace. On the 10 hour overnight flight I have to get up and walk every 30 minutes to prevent blood clots since I'm at risk because of my heart surgery and PICC line. I'll be wearing compression stockings also but I won't be able to sleep since I'll be getting up so often.</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"> -That I will not have a lot of pain and nausea </div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"> -That God will be glorified in everything</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"> -No problems with my PICC Line</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"> -Strength for my mom as she takes care of me. </div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"> -Peace for my brother and dad and others who can't go with us. </div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">I am very excited and nervous for this trip. Anytime you start new treatments it is scary and full of hope. Traveling halfway across the world for new treatments is also scary and full of hope! But God is with us. </div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">"When this burden is lifted I'll give praise to Your name, but until it's finished I'll give thanks just the same. For we have this hope as an anchor, you are with us, we will never be alone"</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><div>I didn't realize until recently that we arrive in Europe on Easter Sunday. How fitting is that? We're chasing physical healing, but we have peace and hope because the grave was empty! Jesus overcame death to give us live to the FULL!!!!</div><div><br></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">"So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, EVEN though you have to endure many trials for a little while" 1 </span>Peter 1:6</div><div><div><br></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="text 1Pet-1-3" style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"><b>"</b>Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!<span class="crossreference" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30378M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30378M" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; vertical-align: top; top: 0px;"></span> In his great mercy<span class="crossreference" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30378N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30378N" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; vertical-align: top; top: 0px;"></span> he has given us new birth<span class="crossreference" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30378O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30378O" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; vertical-align: top; top: 0px;"></span> into a living hope<span class="crossreference" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30378P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30378P" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; vertical-align: top; top: 0px;"></span>through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,<span class="crossreference" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30378Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30378Q" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; vertical-align: top; top: 0px;"></span></span> <span id="en-NIV-30379" class="text 1Pet-1-4" style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;">and into an inheritance<span class="crossreference" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30379R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30379R" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; vertical-align: top; top: 0px;"></span> that can never perish, spoil or fade" 1 Peter 1:3-4</span></span></div></div><div><br></div><div>I love this song called I Will Rise. It's been one of my favorite songs since I got sick along with Psalm 73:26, "My flesh and my heart may fail, but GOD is the strength of my heart and my portion forever". </div><div><br></div><div><span style="text-align: center; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">"There's a peace I've come to know </span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: start;">Though my heart and flesh may fail </div></span><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: start;">There's an anchor for my soul </div></span><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: start;">I can say "It is well" </div></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; text-align: center;"></span><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="text-align: center;">Jesus has overcome</span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span></span></div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: start;">And the grave is overwhelmed </div></span><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: start;">The victory is won </div></span><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: start;">He is risen from the dead </div></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: start;">And I will rise when He calls my name </div></span><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: start;">No more sorrow, no more pain </div></span><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: start;">I will rise on eagles' wings </div></span><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: start;">Before my God fall on my knees </div></span><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: start;">And rise </div></span><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: start;">I will rise </div></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; text-align: center;"></span><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="text-align: center;">There's a day that's drawing near</span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span></span></div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: start;">When this darkness breaks to light </div></span><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: start;">And the shadows disappear </div></span><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: start;">And my faith shall be my eyes </div></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; text-align: center;"></span><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="text-align: center;">Jesus has overcome</span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span></span></div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: start;">And the grave is overwhelmed </div></span><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: start;">The victory is won </div></span><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: start;">He is risen from the dead </div></span></span><div><br></div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: start;">And I will rise when He calls my name </div></span><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: start;">No more sorrow, no more pain </div></span><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: start;">I will rise on eagles' wings </div></span><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: start;">Before my God fall on my knees </div></span><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: start;">And rise </div></span><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: start;">I will rise </div></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; text-align: center;"></span><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="text-align: center;">And I hear the voice of many angels sing,</span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span></span></div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: start;">"Worthy is the Lamb" </div></span><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: start;">And I hear the cry of every longing heart, </div></span><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: start;">"Worthy is the Lamb" </div></span><i style="box-sizing: border-box; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: start;"><br></div></i></span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: start;">And I will rise when He calls my name </div></span><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: start;">No more sorrow, no more pain </div></span><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: start;">I will rise on eagles' wings </div></span><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: start;">Before my God fall on my knees </div></span><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: start;">And rise </div></span><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: start;">I will rise"</div></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></div></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">It's interesting to me when I see or hear comments from people who have just heard my story. Especially with the news story that they did last week about my journey, I've heard even more people say that they think my story is sad. I'm here to tell you that my story is not sad. </div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">What would be sad is if my stem cell transplant was in Miami. Oklahoma. 😉 but it's in Germany! </div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Yes I wish things were different and I'm tired of being sick. Many times through the 10 years that I've been sick, I've wondered how I'm going to get through this season. But I have a God who promises to never leave me. Because I've constantly seen God's never ending faithfulness, even in times of uncertainty, I can look forward to seeing how God will continue to use this journey for His Glory! </div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><div>Because of Him, I can run the race with perseverance, even when I have no physical strength. His promises are true, and all of this pain is only temporary. This disease does not define my life. It's a huge part of my life right now, but my identity comes from God. Life is hard, but our bad days shouldn't define our lives. God is good, He is with us, and is our strength. Praise GOD because this disease and the sorrows of this world are temporary. Jesus over came the grave!!! His promises are eternal! </div><div><br></div></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">My family and I can't express how grateful we are for each one of you. Over the last 10 years you have prayed for us and supported us in too many ways to count. We wish we could thank each of you individually but there's too many of you! What a great problem to have! </span></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">You have been so generous and we are about $4,000 from our goal which is incredible! Thank you thank you thank you! </span></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Please keep praying!!!! We will be able text while we're there and have access to Internet so we will keep you updated. </div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">God is so good and I love you all 💚</div>Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00661664397253821528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1923910207333921246.post-8111793000539660032016-03-20T19:22:00.001-05:002016-03-20T22:45:35.840-05:00Stem Cell Transplant Using my own stem cells<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDGyCRkAC6uaVnbrJ6Kq-WRvpRtBQLYESl2cY0M-miUBlPdl6MP0nHJQU-CzzWWbf-8exStNn6HyFnWZq45LkjN7w_vgr2u4VNr5ZCFI6Ey6yRGQdlRjURGpaKycdTSD6-h-bSIaaUkZSP/s640/blogger-image-1554769775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDGyCRkAC6uaVnbrJ6Kq-WRvpRtBQLYESl2cY0M-miUBlPdl6MP0nHJQU-CzzWWbf-8exStNn6HyFnWZq45LkjN7w_vgr2u4VNr5ZCFI6Ey6yRGQdlRjURGpaKycdTSD6-h-bSIaaUkZSP/s400/blogger-image-1554769775.jpg" width="396" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
My mom and I leave on Saturday to go to Germany for my stem cell transplant using my own stem cells. Tomorrow is the deadline for when we need to pay the clinic in Germany, so please consider sharing my GoFundMe page with anyone you think would be interested in donating or praying! Prayers are just as important! We will keep the GoFundMe going throughout my treatments in Germany. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/VictoriaW" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">https://www.gofundme.com/VictoriaW</span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: inherit;">My family and I are so grateful for your continuous prayers and support in so many ways </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: inherit;">since I got sick 10 years ago. We will never be able to thank you enough. </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: inherit;">I wish I could thank you all individually but there's too many of you! What a great problem to have! </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: inherit;">Many </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">times I've wondered how I'm going to get through this season. But because I've constantly seen God's never ending faithfulness, even in times of uncertainty, I can look forward to seeing how God will continue to use this journey for His Glory! One of my favorite verses is Psalm 73:26, "My flesh and my heart may fail, but GOD is the strength of my heart and my portion forever". Yes, </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: inherit;">Life is hard, but God is good, He is with us, and is our strength. Praise GOD because this disease and the sorrows of this world are temporary. His promises are eternal! </span></div>
Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00661664397253821528noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1923910207333921246.post-17869718949426828992016-03-02T15:37:00.001-06:002016-03-02T15:38:47.388-06:00GoFundMe for Stem Cell Transplant<div style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
Many of you have asked about donating to my stem cell transplant in Germany, so here's the link.</div>
<div style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/VictoriaW" target="_blank">https://www.gofundme.com/VictoriaW</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Please share this with those who you think would be interested in helping, either financially or by praying. The money needs to be raised by mid March to meet the clinic's requirements to start treatments on April 4th. </div>
<div style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Your prayers are just as appreciated! </div>
<div style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
If you wish to share this on Facebook, you can go to the Pray for Victoria page (link below) and share from there, or just copy the link and post it yourself. Thank you so much for your prayers and support!!! We can't say thank you enough.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Prayingforvictoria/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/Prayingforvictoria/</a></div>
Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00661664397253821528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1923910207333921246.post-2843773126754119062016-02-25T20:10:00.001-06:002016-02-25T20:10:57.449-06:00Stem Cell Transplant in Germany<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I've shared some of this information before but I have a lot of new friends who may not know this 😊 </span></div><div>For those who don't know, I've had Lyme Disease for about 10 years. </div><div><br></div><div>Tomorrow, Feb 26th, is my 23rd birthday! I never thought that I would still be sick on my 23rd birthday, but God is so good and I have hope! Things are going to get better! </div><div><br></div><div>"The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows;</div><div>he leads me beside peaceful streams.</div><div>He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.</div><div>EVEN WHEN I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me" -Psalm 23:1-4</div><div><br></div><div>I am officially scheduled to begin treatments for the Stem Cell Transplant in Germany on April 4th! They will use my own stem cells for the transplant. I'll explain more about the treatments and transplant in this post, but I first want to share a little of my story with Lyme Disease. </div><div><br></div><div>Before I share part of my story, I want to tell you a couple of things. I want you to know that yes, this part of my story is hard, but my story is NOT sad. You shouldn't feel sorry for me. Yes, I wish things were different and I'm tired of being sick, but I have God who promises to never leave me. Because of Him, I have hope and I'm not giving up! God has carried me this far and He won't fail me now! My story is not a sad story because God is in control, He is faithful, His promises are true, and all of this pain is only temporary! </div><div>I also want to tell you that this disease does not define my life. It's a huge part of my life right now, but my identity comes from God. </div><div>God has something bigger planned for my life. Our stories are greater than what we can see right now. I can't tell you my story without telling you about God, The Ultimate Healer. Like one of my favorite songs says, "Oh to tell you my story is to tell of Him". </div><div><br></div><div>Now onto the details. </div><div><br></div><div>Why we're doing the Stem Cell Transplant, what I've already done, and what we hope this will accomplish-</div><div><br></div><div>My mom and dad have done so much research since I got sick. When I got sick about 10 years ago and no one knew what was wrong, my parents had to become like doctors to get me the care I needed. After 2-3 years of no real answers, they took me to a clinic in Nevada that several people from our church had gone to. My mom had actually been to that clinic a few years before I got sick because our friend needed treatments there and her husband couldn't go with her that time. That was such a blessing because she saw what they did at the clinic and learned a lot. That was not a coincidence, that was God. We live in Oklahoma, but my parents took me to the clinic in Nevada and I was diagnosed with Late Stage Lyme Disease and many co-infections on Dec 3, 2008. We were so happy for a diagnosis after years of no answers, but I don't think we fully realized the weight of that diagnosis. I thought that with a couple weeks of treatments that I would be better. </div><div><br></div><div>As we quickly learned, there is no medical cure or standard treatment protocol for Late Stage Lyme, which also means that insurance won't cover any treatments for it. If Lyme is caught immediately, 99% of the time it is curable with a few weeks of antibiotics. </div><div><br></div><div>"Lyme disease is caused by a spirochete—a corkscrew-shaped bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi. Lyme is called “The Great Imitator,” because its symptoms mimic many other diseases. It can affect any organ of the body, including the brain and nervous system, muscles and joints, and the heart."</div><div><br></div><div>Since there are no protocols for treatments, Lyme patients are left on their own to figure out what to do for treatments and treatments also depend on what each person can afford since insurance won't pay for it. I've traveled across the country for treatments, and soon will be going across the world to Germany. Most Lyme patients have to travel for treatments. </div><div><br></div><div>Some people who have Lyme are on IV and oral antibiotics for years and years and years. I have done both oral and IV antibiotics and my body could not handle it. </div><div>When the Lyme bacteria is killed, it causes a herx reaction. *see bottom for more info about a herx reaction*</div><div><br></div><div>When I couldn't handle the antibiotics and we learned more about Lyme, we decided to go the more natural route. The clinic in Nevada does mostly alternative treatments.</div><div>Instead of using antibiotics to kill the Lyme bacteria, the treatments I've done teach your immune system to recognize the Lyme (it hides from the immune system) and fight the Lyme itself. The treatments support your body while the immune system is "jump started" to recognize and kill the bacteria. These treatments still cause the herx reaction, but my body is better supported with the natural treatments. </div><div><br></div><div>I have been doing treatments for about 7 and a half years now. Before I got the Lyme, I was so healthy. I had never had an ear infection, even as a kid.</div><div><br></div><div>Lyme Disease is not well known, even though it's becoming an epidemic. Lyme is so destructive, especially when it's not caught early, and I want to share how it's affected me and why I need the stem cell transplant now. </div><div><br></div><div>Because I was misdiagnosed for 3 years, </div><div>Lyme damaged every part of my body and every organ. </div><div>Since I became sick with Lyme, I've been diagnosed with:</div><div>-Mono- that's when I first got sick. Lyme feels like arthritis and the flu. </div><div>-Gastroparesis-stomach paralysis which causes constant nausea </div><div>-Dysautonomia/POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) -autonomic nervous system dysfunction</div><div>-Heart problems- an arrhythmia has caused seizures and has caused my resting heart rate to always average around 130bpm, but it has gone as high as 180bpm or higher, even when I'm just laying down. </div><div>-Stage 2 Kidney Disease- was just diagnosed with this a few months ago</div><div>-Interstitial Cystitis- also just diagnosed a few months ago. It's a painful bladder disease </div><div>-Pain- joint pain, muscle pain, bone pain. Pain everywhere. Pain so severe that requires morphine 24/7</div><div>-Brain fog and concentration- the Lyme is in my brain too. When I first got sick, I couldn't even read my textbooks. My parents had to read them to me before I had to stop going to school because I was too sick </div><div>-Memory loss- I have very few memories of life before I got sick. I still sometimes don't remember conversations or things I did a few days earlier. </div><div>-Endometriosis- I've had 3 surgeries for this</div><div>-Ovarian Cysts- I had an orange sized cyst removed and have had many other cysts </div><div>-Appendicitis- but my white count wasn't high, I didn't have a fever, so it almost ruptured. My immune system is so weak that it didn't know I had a horrible infection and all the tests were normal. I just had severe pain and was admitted to the hospital and then they did exploratory surgery and found my appendix fixing to rupture</div><div>-Gallbladder- stopped working so I had surgery to remove that, then 3 months later is when I had appendicitis and another surgery. </div><div>-Weakness-I used to be bedridden and could barely walk </div><div>-Insomnia- sometimes no amount of medicines can get me to sleep. Pain plays a role in not being able to sleep as well</div><div>-Constant Fever- I have a low grade fever all the time. </div><div>-Numbness- my legs and arms go numb</div><div>-swollen lymph nodes everywhere </div><div>-This list isn't everything of course, but these are some of the major things. </div><div><br></div><div>Because of all of that and more, I've had to have:</div><div> </div><div>-my heart shocked. After a 5 hour heart procedure last May, they had to shock my heart in the OR. </div><div>-8 surgeries, 2 of them emergency surgeries</div><div>-I had a port in my chest for IVs for 4 years and I can even do my own IVs at home. </div><div>-5 PICC lines. I'm fixing to have my 6th PICC line placed for the stem cell transplant. </div><div>-A spinal tap</div><div>-Staph infection from my port that spread to my blood. This resulted in a week long hospital stay, emergency surgery to remove the port once I was stable, and then I got a PICC line and did IV antibiotics for about 7 weeks</div><div>-a couple of GI scopes with biopsies of my stomach and whole GI track</div><div>-a transesophageal echo (TEE). Instead of doing an ultrasound of your heart from the outside (called an echo), "the ultrasound probe is positioned on an endoscope, is guided down the patient's throat into the esophagus." I was totally awake for this and it was not pleasant. </div><div>-So many ER trips. Before I got my first PICC line, I was in the ER at least 4 times a week for IV fluids, nausea medicine, and morphine. That went on for months. Even after being able to do IVs at home, I've ended up in the ER all the time for all the various problems.</div><div>-Countless hospitals stays and several days in the ICU </div><div>-I used to do IV fluids at home almost every day for many years </div><div>-Like I mentioned, I had seizures from a heart arrhythmia and couldn't drive for a year because of them </div><div>-On December 1st, 2015, I had a 10 hour heart surgery to fix my heart! I had to be awake for the first 7 hours with nothing but Tylenol and local anesthesia. That was an interesting thing! It's rare that they do the surgery with the patient awake with only Tylenol. But I did it!!! GOD got me through it, along with the prayers of so many, and all the great doctors and nurses with me in the OR. I had 6 nurses and several cardiologists, plus a lot of extra people in there, and they all were so compassionate, knowing how hard it was for me. </div><div>-I've seen almost every specialist because of it affecting every organ and body system </div><div><br></div><div>In the fall of my sophomore year of high school, I had to stop going to school because I was bedridden and so sick. I'm proud to say that I finished high school on time from home! A teacher would come to my house and I would also do things online. I graduated on time, but I was in the ICU on the day of graduation so I wasn't able to attend. I decided to try and start college when I was supposed to, so I lived in the dorms at Oklahoma Christian University (about 8 min from our house) for my freshman and sophomore years and I only took about 2 classes a semester. The classes wore me out so I didn't get to participate in the social part of college. I also spent a lot of time at home while trying to live in the dorms. I should have graduated college last year, but I haven't taken a class in over a year because of the seizures and heart problems and heart surgery. I know I will be able to finish school later. </div><div><br></div><div>All that to say, we do not take this decision to go to Germany lightly. For the last 7 years, I've done antibiotics and alternative treatments at many different clinics around the country. We have been going back and forth to the clinic in Nevada since I was diagnosed. We've spent months and months there since I was diagnosed in 2008. I've also done treatments in other locations. We have seen improvement with those treatments! The amount of Lyme in my body is less because of all those treatments! </div><div><br></div><div>And while I've made progress, I'm still not well. My cardiologists, who are known worldwide and who did my heart surgery in December, said they believe that I have autoantibodies that are attacking my body. I was diagnosed with the kidney disease and bladder disease a week before my heart surgery after months of constant kidney infections. The bladder disease and kidney disease (my kidney function is lower than normal) are (most likely) caused by the autoantibodies. "Autoantibodies are antibodies (immune proteins) that mistakenly target and react with a person's own tissues or organs. Autoantibodies are usually just a sign of the disease, not the reason." So Lyme has caused my immune system to attack my organs. The cardiologists said that's what was happening with my heart. There was a line of abnormal cells in my heart which caused the arrhythmia. They were able to fix my arrhythmia in the 10 hour heart surgery in December! But, they said that it isn't a matter of IF the arrhythmia will come back, it's WHEN. As long as the autoantibodies are in my body, they will continue to attack my body, and they'll attack my heart in a new place, causing other heart problems. </div><div><br></div><div>Like I mentioned, we have done countless treatments to get rid of the Lyme. </div><div><br></div><div>One might ask, well if you've done so many years of treatments and the Lyme bacteria is mostly gone, why am I still so sick and why do I need the stem cell transplant? </div><div><br></div><div>For 3 years this disease went undiagnosed, which means that it had 3 years to invade everything. </div><div><br></div><div>I'm still having all of these problems because of all the damage that the Lyme did to my body and immune system. Yes, the bacteria load is better (it will never be 100% gone), but the treatments can't fix all of the damage. </div><div><br></div><div>Most of the treatments available in the US are just to get rid of the Lyme bacteria from your body, which has to be done obviously. But people who had Lyme for years without being diagnosed find themselves still sick, even after all of the Lyme treatments. </div><div><br></div><div>We have been looking at stem cells for a while now and we, along with all my doctors, feel like the stem cell transplant will be the turning point for me. Unfortunately, stem cells are not approved for Lyme in the US. </div><div><br></div><div>About the actually stem cell transplant process-</div><div><br></div><div>The clinic in Germany mainly just treats cancer and Lyme Disease. A Duke Oncologist just came out and said that in the infectious disease category, Lyme is the equivalent to cancer. If you want to read about it, I'll post a link. My Lyme doctor in Nevada has started treating cancer too. </div><div><br></div><div>This is a very simple description of stem cells! There are 2 types of stem cells: embryonic and somatic (or adult) stem cells. So everyone has somatic stem cells once they are born. Stem cells are just cells that don't have a specific purpose yet. It's a lot more complicated than that, but I didn't promise you a science lesson 😊</div><div><br></div><div>The estimated length of stay at the clinic is 2 weeks. When I get to the clinic, they will do all of their testing. They will then drive us an hour away to their lab where they will take out my stem cells. They will take the somatic, adult stem cells from my blood by just drawing blood like normal. They want it to be done at the lab so that they don't have to transport them. They will then take us back to the clinic. </div><div><br></div><div>In the lab, once they separate the stem cells from my blood, they will then "clean" the stem cells to get rid of any infections or other bad things that circulate in the blood with the stem cells, so in my case they want to make sure no Lyme comes with the stem cells. Once the cells are as clean as possible, they will give them something to make them grow, and they will grow those cells into millions of new stem cells. The process of growing the stem cells takes about 10 days. </div><div><br></div><div>While the stem cells grow, I will receive IV treatments every week day for the 2 weeks. Some of the treatments are similar to he natural treatments I've done in Nevada, but they also do a lot of other things. Some of the treatments will kill any bacteria in my body, some will help my body detox, some will help my organs, some will help circulation, some will help inflammation, some will help my lymph system, and I will get a lot of nutrients in my IVs. For each person, they use different treatments so I won't know exactly what I'll be doing until I get there and have testing done. </div><div>Since they'll be killing the Lyme and other bacteria, I'll have a herx reaction, just like I do with other Lyme treatments. </div><div><br></div><div>Something amazing that they do...I will receive injections that actually resets the immune system and it sets your immune system back by 10 years. I don't totally understand what exactly that means, but It's pretty incredible. I can't wait to hear all that I get to do! </div><div><br></div><div>Once the stem cells have grown enough, </div><div>they will inject JUST the NEW millions of stem cells into my body. They won't re-inject the ones they took from my body, just to make sure they aren't putting infection back into my body. They don't actually put the stem cells into my veins in an IV, they inject them where a flu shot would go. The reason for that is because that way, it goes into the lymph system and spreads throughout your body in the best way possible. </div><div><br></div><div>The goal for this treatment is for the new stem cells to go into my body and repair all the damage caused by the Lyme bacteria. So since the stem cells don't have a specific purpose, they will go to whatever parts of my body need them the most. They can repair tissue, organs, it'll help my immune system, pain, and hopefully a lot of other things! We really need it to help my kidney disease, bladder disease, stomach paralysis (Gastroparesis), heart, auto immune problems, bone and joint pain, and many other things. </div><div><br></div><div>Once I will receive the stem cells, about 2 weeks after being there, I will be able to come home! </div><div><br></div><div>The first 100 days after the transplant are critical and I will need to take it easy. </div><div><br></div><div>The transplant will most likely make me tired for a while. Each case is different and they can't tell me when I'll for sure start seeing results and feeling better. It can take 6 months to a year to see the full results from the transplant, but a lot happens in the first 100 days. </div><div><br></div><div>I will be having my 6th PICC line placed on March 25, here in OKC. We don't know for sure when we are leaving for Germany, but we do know that I'm starting treatments April 4th. </div><div><br></div><div>I am so grateful for this opportunity to go to Germany. I am nervous, but hopeful. Like I've said, we've done it all and are counting on this transplant to be the turning point. </div><div><br></div><div>We have had people ask, and we are setting up a GoFundMe page for the Stem Cell Transplant since insurance won't cover anything and we have to pay for it all 2 weeks before we go. Thank you so much to those who want to donate. Your prayers and love mean just as much or more to us. If someone wishes to donate but not do it online, my church is taking donations for me so you can contact me if you wish to do that. </div><div><br></div><div>I'm not shy in asking for prayers because God tells us to pray and He works in every situation, even if we can't see it at the time. </div><div><br></div><div>So, will you please be praying about this who process?</div><div><br></div><div>Please pray that:</div><div>-the PICC line procedure will go well</div><div>-we can get the funds to pay for the transplant</div><div>-I handle traveling well</div><div>-that there are no complications with the stem cell transplant </div><div>-the transplant does everything we hope for and more</div><div>-that God is glorified in this whole process</div><div><br></div><div>My favorite verse since getting sick is Psalm 73:26 "My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever". </div><div><br></div><div>Nothing in this world is certain. But God is. </div><div>He has never left me. I'm so blessed!</div><div> "I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on, and there will be an end to these troubles, but until that day comes, STILL I will praise You, STILL I will praise You, You never let go, through the calm and through the storm"</div><div><br></div><div>Please share this and ask others to pray. It's time for a miracle after 10 years of being sick! No matter what, God is good! </div><div><br></div><div>"You get glory in the midst of this</div><div>And You're walking with me</div><div>And you say I am blessed because of this</div><div>So, I choose to believe</div><div>As I carry this cross, You'll carry me</div><div><br></div><div>And I know Your promises are faithful</div><div>And God, I've seen Your goodness in my life</div><div>And oh, I've found Your mercy is a river</div><div>Your love is an ocean wide"</div><div><br></div><div>"I’m waiting on You, Lord</div><div>And I am hopeful</div><div>I’m waiting on You, Lord</div><div>Though it is painful</div><div>But patiently, I will wait</div><div><br></div><div>I will move ahead, bold and confident</div><div>Taking every step in obedience</div><div><br></div><div>While I’m waiting</div><div>I will serve You</div><div>While I’m waiting</div><div>I will worship</div><div>While I’m waiting</div><div>I will not faint</div><div>I’ll be running the race</div><div>Even while I wait"</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>*"The Herxheimer Reaction is an immune system reaction to the toxins (endotoxins) that are released when large amounts of pathogens are being killed off, and the body does not eliminate the toxins quickly enough"</div><div><br></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisqZvlHn4xChyphenhyphenFnb5zCdrkNVFqxjbaGnFRjRGaLqE_KIcay7dBk0D1hU-IM9oRE45S8Dlux662wIowlYMVUOG1a1HYTPk87h4CmwA_evOiWuOrm0wzVQDb-R8qS8Hnfn21OJiwglOcJhD2/s640/blogger-image--1435608525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisqZvlHn4xChyphenhyphenFnb5zCdrkNVFqxjbaGnFRjRGaLqE_KIcay7dBk0D1hU-IM9oRE45S8Dlux662wIowlYMVUOG1a1HYTPk87h4CmwA_evOiWuOrm0wzVQDb-R8qS8Hnfn21OJiwglOcJhD2/s640/blogger-image--1435608525.jpg"></a></div>Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00661664397253821528noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1923910207333921246.post-65420350758719993602015-11-28T14:59:00.001-06:002015-11-28T14:59:41.178-06:00Prayer Group and Picture for My Surgery TuesdayMy sweet friend Alyssa, who also has Lyme made a Facebook prayer group for me. If you want to join, here is the link<div><br></div><div><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Prayingforvictoria/">https://www.facebook.com/Prayingforvictoria/</a></div><div><br></div><div>Also, Alyssa asks that you change your profile picture to this to show support</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg92kaoKILkUFZNs6PJtd-3Wu35F3jzpWl2kcd_1MarDyGGf2PHWM76VLakApywK9EKnjJtIpjb_ZtyK_pgFUXOl3pVKbYahbbUqkVgj9im6WdnQYx7dVGjkAvgdioQleXwozipbOHUcbXd/s640/blogger-image-2017525146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg92kaoKILkUFZNs6PJtd-3Wu35F3jzpWl2kcd_1MarDyGGf2PHWM76VLakApywK9EKnjJtIpjb_ZtyK_pgFUXOl3pVKbYahbbUqkVgj9im6WdnQYx7dVGjkAvgdioQleXwozipbOHUcbXd/s640/blogger-image-2017525146.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I'm so humbled by all the prayers and support. I love you all!</div>Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00661664397253821528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1923910207333921246.post-57683793329180022362015-11-27T15:19:00.000-06:002015-11-27T17:57:00.216-06:00Heart Surgery on Tuesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgThrlkIejIeWhqfM88ZQnXaOwIzEE654uGqsGPoEwRjLnavx3aA2OQ9ZMUggxO20i_o_HuoTIio-ABiH4t7DhKTB8fGyS4YiOHu-ThBm03_Z33XCT0j80kZebCOHOtfgwnbl8dfYfW1I6g/s1600/11986427_10153114419527136_405480495762613555_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgThrlkIejIeWhqfM88ZQnXaOwIzEE654uGqsGPoEwRjLnavx3aA2OQ9ZMUggxO20i_o_HuoTIio-ABiH4t7DhKTB8fGyS4YiOHu-ThBm03_Z33XCT0j80kZebCOHOtfgwnbl8dfYfW1I6g/s200/11986427_10153114419527136_405480495762613555_n.jpg" width="116"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicN8zH87JESD7m3SkXbX7QWAzlg2-wfBoyt771LXVFhaQMS_UNz5Qi5hyphenhyphenTjNb-fPPBQTvNc3CtGVePCLcSc798UtL-hbo6JJrukHdZFngamEHRGHgtSzBKnqQdAjan5hVuTI1PG5jJI6H4/s1600/54-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicN8zH87JESD7m3SkXbX7QWAzlg2-wfBoyt771LXVFhaQMS_UNz5Qi5hyphenhyphenTjNb-fPPBQTvNc3CtGVePCLcSc798UtL-hbo6JJrukHdZFngamEHRGHgtSzBKnqQdAjan5hVuTI1PG5jJI6H4/s320/54-1.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
<br>
(For those who are new here, I am 22 and have had Lyme Disease for 10 years. It has affected every one of my organs, but God is so good! He is my strength and my hope!)<br>
<br>
I hope you all have had a great Thanksgiving! We have so much to be grateful for! I'm so thankful for every one of you! You have been such a blessing to me; supporting me, praying for me, and encouraging me. "I thank my God every time I remember you" -Philippians 1:3<br>
I pray that I encourage you too.<br>
<br>
This Tuesday, Dec. 1st, is a big big day! It's the day of my long awaited heart surgery. I have to be at the hospital at 5:00am and the surgery starts at 7:30am. It is expected to last all day and could be 10+ hours. It's a rare surgery so it's a little scary.<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGRPUVUBmOz8QclRU6C1U2zsBnTgfMx88D5KkHc1KbsUtCnm1wfQ24CLOU9DnEgZDbz02u16VWkYXi0Ffn5fMgSn3kikYDppUAfUrkjaqJBcVGDfg9dqr0oSKl4Hg9XGf1RyocNr_byTvV/s1600/Unknown-2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGRPUVUBmOz8QclRU6C1U2zsBnTgfMx88D5KkHc1KbsUtCnm1wfQ24CLOU9DnEgZDbz02u16VWkYXi0Ffn5fMgSn3kikYDppUAfUrkjaqJBcVGDfg9dqr0oSKl4Hg9XGf1RyocNr_byTvV/s200/Unknown-2.jpeg" width="200"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="color: magenta; line-height: 19px;">"There's a peace I've come to know</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="color: magenta; line-height: 19px;">Though my heart and flesh may fail,</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="color: magenta; line-height: 19px;">There's an anchor for my soul</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="color: magenta; line-height: 19px;">I can say, 'It Is Well'</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="color: magenta; line-height: 19px;"><br></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="color: magenta; line-height: 19px;">Jesus has overcome</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="color: magenta; line-height: 19px;">And the grave is overwhelmed</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="color: magenta; line-height: 19px;">The victory is won</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="color: magenta; line-height: 19px;">He is risen from the dead</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="color: magenta; line-height: 19px;"><br></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="color: magenta; line-height: 19px;">And I will rise when He calls my name</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="color: magenta; line-height: 19px;">No more sorrow, no more pain</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="color: magenta; line-height: 19px;">I will rise on eagles' wings</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="color: magenta; line-height: 19px;">Before my God, fall on my knees </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="color: magenta; line-height: 19px;">And rise, I will rise"</span></span></div>
<br>
<br>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #4c1130;">"You get glory in the midst of this</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #4c1130;">and You're walking with me</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #4c1130;">And You say I am blessed because of this</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #4c1130;">So, I choose to believe</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #4c1130;">As I carry this cross, You'll carry me</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #4c1130;"><br></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #4c1130;">And I know Your promises are faithful</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #4c1130;">and God, I've seen Your goodness in my life</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #4c1130;">And oh, I've found your mercy is a river</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #4c1130;">Your love is an ocean wide"</span></div>
<br>
-How we got here-<br>
Ever since I got sick with Lyme Disease 10 years ago, I've had tachycardia, which is a really fast heart rate. My heart rate can be 150bpm even when I'm just lying down, and then goes even higher when I stand up. Until this year, no one has done anything about it. I've seen cardiologists and they haven't looked into it really. When I started having seizures, I was referred to an Electrophysiologist. They are special cardiologists who study the electrical system of the heart.<br>
<br>
In May of this year, at the Oklahoma Heart Hospital, I had a procedure called an EP study, done by the Electrophysiologist. According to Google, an EP study "<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">tests the electrical conduction system of the heart to assess the electrical activity and conduction pathways of the heart". </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 19px;">During this procedure, they put wires in your heart and have to make your heart rate go up to around 300bpm to make a map of your heart's electrical system. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">This</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"> shows them exactly where the arrhythmia is. I was awake for </span></span><span style="line-height: 19px;">this</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"> procedure and it is not pleasant to have your heart rate that high for hours</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">, but it needs to be done. So during the EP study in May, </span></span></span>they found my heart arrhythmia and I was diagnosed with Atrial Tachycardia, which is a specific type of arrhythmia. We found out that the arrhythmia was contributing to my seizures. They then planned on fixing it. During the 5 hour procedure, that I was awake for, they realized that my arrhythmia is too close to the nerve to my diaphragm (the phrenic nerve), so they couldn't fix it without causing damage to my diaphragm. They ended up shocking my heart to get it to slow down, and then the next day, I had a surgery to put in a permanent heart monitor in my chest. I still have that heart monitor and it is right under the skin by my heart. The doctors are able to always see what my heart is doing.<br>
<br>
After those procedures, we sent my records to Baylor Hospital in Dallas because they are supposed to be the best at heart procedures. The head of Baylor looked at my case and said that they don't do the procedure I need. It's not a common procedure and is very complicated and risky. That was frustrating since they're supposed to be the best.<br>
<br>
We were then sent to OU Medical Center here in Oklahoma City and have been working with cardiologists there ever since this summer. We love them, and they have agreed to try the surgery I need!<br>
<div>
<br>
-About surgery Tuesday-</div>
<div>
On Tuesday, there will be a lot of people involved in my surgery. I will have at least 3 cardiologists, a general surgeon, an internist, anesthesiologists and nurses, and other doctors on stand by if needed. Since it's not a common procedure, they said that there will probably be a lot of people in and out to watch it. I'll be famous! Just kidding. I'll be the only case for the day and the procedure will take most of the day. I will have to be awake for it. Yes, AWAKE, all day, while they try to fix my heart. I'll explain why later in this post.</div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
Many of you have asked what they will be do<span style="font-family: inherit;">ing during the surgery. Once we get into the OR and they place all the lines and monitors, they will do another EP study, which is what I had done in May. </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">In May, the EP study took 5 hours, and they said that this one Tuesday will be way more detailed, so it </span></span><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 19px;">could</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"> take double that time. </span></span><br>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><br></span></span>
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">Once they find the exact location of the arrhythmia, they will start to try to fix it. To do this, they have to move my heart away from the phrenic nerve (nerve to my </span></span><span style="line-height: 19px;">diaphragm)</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">. They have 3 or 4 </span></span></span><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">approaches</span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"> to try and move my heart, each one more invasive. It is a very delicate procedure. The last approach is for a surgeon to move my heart with his hand. If they are able to get my heart far enough away from the nerve to my </span></span><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">diaphragm, they will then do an ablation, which is where they burn off the part of the heart that is causing the arrhythmia. That is the plan for how they will try to fix my heart. </span></span><br>
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><br></span></span>
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">Like I said, I will be awake for this surgery. Why? They need my heart rate to be really high for the EP study, and then also as they try to fix my heart and sedation lowers your heart rate. They usually don't do this complicated, rare, and long procedure with the patient totally awake, but we've all decided it gives us the best chance of fixing my heart. I will have an anesthesiologist sitting by me the whole time, and if I absolutely cannot handle the pain, or they end up having to move my heart with their hand, they can put me to sleep. Unfortunately, putting me to sleep increases the risks and the chances of success go down. So my goal is no sedation and no pain medicine. My cardiologists are very honest with me and told me it is going to be so painful and uncomfortable, but God will hold me. They will put me to sleep once they are done and as they take everything out of my heart and get me to the recovery room.</span></span><br>
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><br></span></span>
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">I will be in the hospital, possibly ICU, for at least a day, maybe longer depending on how it went and how I'm doing. </span></span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">There are several possible outcomes of this surgery because they aren't sure if it is going to work. The best outcome would be that they are able to fix my heart and that the arrhythmia doesn't come back. They are worried that my immune system is attacking my heart, causing the arrhythmia, and that if they fix it, that my immune system will attack another part of my heart and create a new arrhythmia. We are praying that doesn't happen. There's also a possibility that they get in there and can't get my heart away from the nerve so it would be too risky to try to fix. It's scary knowing there are so many things that could happen, but I really have the best doctors in the world, and God holding me, just like always. My surgeons are worldwide known for their procedures.</span></span><br>
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><br></span></span>
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">"It is well, it is well, through the storm I am held, it is well, it is well with my soul" </span></span><br>
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><br></span></span>
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">My surgery has been rescheduled a lot and was supposed to be last week. I got pneumonia and we needed to get my kidneys checked out, so my cardiologist called and said that it would be too risky to do last week, so they moved it to Dec.1st. Unfortunately, one of my cardiologists was scheduled to be out of town on Dec.1st and I was bummed because he's so caring. A few days later, he called to say that he cancelled his whole trip just to be in my surgery. How incredible is that?! I'm SO grateful! Not many doctors would do that, but mine really care. It's a big surgery and he wants to be there for me. I'm blessed to have such great doctors!</span></span><br>
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><br></span></span>
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">I had pre-op tests a couple weeks ago and they all went well except for when they needed to get blood work. I've had 5 PICC lines and I had a port in my chest for 4 years for IVs because my veins are so bad. The pre-op tests took 4 hours because they could not get blood. They called in everyone and even tried in my feet and couldn't get anything. So, they're going to put a femoral central line in once we're in the OR so that they don't have to try to get normal IVs. They said they need lots of access for the surgery, so they'll put several central lines in once we're in the OR since they're tricky to put in. </span></span><br>
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><br></span></span>
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">This week I finally saw a Nephrologist (kidney doctor) and was diagnosed with Stage 2 Kidney Disease, which means my kidneys aren't functioning as well. It's not a big deal right now, we just have to watch it. That helps explain my enlarged kidney, a cyst in my kidney, and me retaining fluid. My heart and kidney problems are causing me to retain fluid so I'm on diuretics for that. I was also diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis or IC, which is an autoimmune problem that affects the lining of the bladder. It causes the bladder lining to be so inflamed that it bleeds and it causes severe pain and feels like you have a bladder infection 24/7. I have so many autoimmune problems. My stomach paralysis, neuropathy, they said kidney and heart problems might be auto immune, it's crazy. We'll be looking at treatments after my surgery. </span></span><br>
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><br></span></span>
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">This is all a lot to take in, but I have peace because of God. You all have been praying, and God has given me peace. </span></span><br>
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><br></span></span>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHtrpTB6inoV2vFOrp48HFEdSKLYvHNoOWf0UuRoyikuwte29Q9YOe1T7xmAQjxM0bv8H4tHygIbkVdqAtUHx1QczsWpT58i_o-RS5wYCmcdZ6acoWAb45JU0J7kMdFfLZUqj6A78jVn7i/s640/blogger-image--913354684.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHtrpTB6inoV2vFOrp48HFEdSKLYvHNoOWf0UuRoyikuwte29Q9YOe1T7xmAQjxM0bv8H4tHygIbkVdqAtUHx1QczsWpT58i_o-RS5wYCmcdZ6acoWAb45JU0J7kMdFfLZUqj6A78jVn7i/s320/blogger-image--913354684.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sometimes when we are overwhelmed, we don't know what to do. But I love 2 Chronicles 20:12. It says, <span style="color: magenta;">"F</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: magenta;">or we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. <b>We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on YOU.</b>"</span> </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 20px;">Look to G</span></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;">od!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: magenta; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day." 2 Corinthians 4:16</span></div>
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><br></span></span>
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="color: purple; line-height: 19px;">Prayer Requests: </span></span><br>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: purple; line-height: 19px;">Peace for my family and I as Tuesday gets closer</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="color: purple; line-height: 19px;">Peace and patience for my family and friends as they wait during my surgery since it'll be an all day surgery</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="color: purple; line-height: 19px;">That they be able to get the central line IVs in easily</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="color: purple; line-height: 19px;">That I'll be able to do the surgery without sedation and not be in a lot of pain</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="color: purple; line-height: 19px;">That the surgery will work and the arrhythmia won't come back</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="color: purple; line-height: 19px;">That there will be no complications during and after surgery</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="color: purple; line-height: 19px;">That recovery will go well</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="color: purple; line-height: 19px;">That I will be able to show God's love to the doctors and nurses taking care of me</span></span></li><li><font color="#800080">This is odd, I know, but please pray that my bladder problems don't flare up during and after surgery. Bladder catheters really irritate things and I'll have to have one for the procedure and after when I'm on bed rest for 6 hours to prevent bleeding from where they went into my heart. </font></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="color: #222222; line-height: 19px;">My surgeons told me to make a playlist on my phone to play in the OR since it'll be such a long surgery, so please comment with encouraging songs! Also, I'm making a poster with encouraging Bible verses to have while I'm in the hospital, so please also let me know your favorite verses! I hope that the songs I choose will encourage the surgeons and nurses as well! I hope I can talk to them about how God has gotten me through everything and talk to them about the meaning of the songs! </span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #222222; line-height: 19px;"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">Honestly, I'm scared. I'm scared about the pain, being awake during the long surgery, and scared that it might not work. But because of God, I can be scared, but not terrified, I'm tired, but I'm still fighting. All because God. He gives me strength to go on!</span></span><br>
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><br></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 19px;">2 Corinthians 4:8-9 says what I'm feeling perfectly. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIpmzUPze2_AQ_CyRiwbf1ZcsC8U0cGzRwr55IV8QRPh6OB3OukewnKOdNrhVKRlfuwWgVQ7YTWorkuhvM6NTxCvS5Anz8cQWGrfCoVZI2Z7oiXOvhsRVHYVzMpgmdvw4OAB1Zs1LqCvfV/s640/blogger-image-487397283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIpmzUPze2_AQ_CyRiwbf1ZcsC8U0cGzRwr55IV8QRPh6OB3OukewnKOdNrhVKRlfuwWgVQ7YTWorkuhvM6NTxCvS5Anz8cQWGrfCoVZI2Z7oiXOvhsRVHYVzMpgmdvw4OAB1Zs1LqCvfV/s320/blogger-image-487397283.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We are praying that this surgery works. If it does, we will have a huge celebration! But even if it doesn't, God is STILL good, He is STILL faithful, and we will be okay! Just like in Daniel 3, <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were going to be thrown into a burning furnace for not bowing down to the King. They said that God was able to save them from burning in the fire, but EVEN if God didn't do that, they would STILL praise Him and He was STILL GOOD. I hope to live life like that. Even if my heart isn't fixed, I will STILL praise Him! </span></span></span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"></span></span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsWw7RjXQ36RF-rLBNX8ziv3CXLOHiyMCT4N3xAtfJU5QKA1KzbIubUODzEaWp40gKuSIn2dZKz-LAxpd_aXGTgC8Nnez_YN5ayv0D5CEeElz65oqkjCg7FyCMddsPFRlqYOBN3FZYFdsl/s640/blogger-image--1820691836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsWw7RjXQ36RF-rLBNX8ziv3CXLOHiyMCT4N3xAtfJU5QKA1KzbIubUODzEaWp40gKuSIn2dZKz-LAxpd_aXGTgC8Nnez_YN5ayv0D5CEeElz65oqkjCg7FyCMddsPFRlqYOBN3FZYFdsl/s320/blogger-image--1820691836.jpg" width="318"></a></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"></span></span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWLBoYLz8PZecGHuRa6H2MyoXb6hWBC_4tS7IlNRK0u0ya1JWk1QMFk9QDLbjl-xCnte_xMH60NYmSYDhXSwUC5vJnJRJtqU19sIwuS0D6u4tHUYdr95q4iBq_8suh-jPLhs6KOuIddgBj/s640/blogger-image-1127088739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWLBoYLz8PZecGHuRa6H2MyoXb6hWBC_4tS7IlNRK0u0ya1JWk1QMFk9QDLbjl-xCnte_xMH60NYmSYDhXSwUC5vJnJRJtqU19sIwuS0D6u4tHUYdr95q4iBq_8suh-jPLhs6KOuIddgBj/s640/blogger-image-1127088739.jpg"></a></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><br></span></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">I will update as soon as possible after surgery. Please be praying!!!</span></span><br>
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><br></span></span>
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">If you want updates sooner, you can:</span></span><br>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="color: magenta; line-height: 19px;">Friend me on Facebook (Victoria Wilguess)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: magenta;">"Like my Facebook page called "Finding God in the Midst of Your Storm-Victoria's Fight with Lyme Disease" Here's the link to my Facebook page </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Finding-God-in-the-Midst-of-Your-Storm-Victorias-Fight-With-Lyme-Disease-823182307797182/?fref=ts" style="color: #222222;" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/Finding-God-in-the-Midst-of-Your-Storm-Victorias-Fight-With-Lyme-Disease-823182307797182/?fref=ts</a></span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="color: magenta; line-height: 19px;">Follow me on Twitter (@VictoriaShariW)</span></span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="line-height: 19px;">I will have my family update my social media throughout the day as they get updates from the OR!</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="line-height: 19px;"><br></span></div>
Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00661664397253821528noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1923910207333921246.post-30537538525247992002015-11-24T15:06:00.001-06:002015-11-24T15:06:59.445-06:00Will post more soon but wanted to let you all know that my heart surgery is Tuesday, Dec. 1st, so a week from today. Please be praying about it! I have to be awake for it and it will last most of the day. Thanks for your prayers! Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00661664397253821528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1923910207333921246.post-35178049131215599242015-08-05T13:25:00.001-05:002015-08-05T13:25:58.527-05:00I Press On!<div style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
I press on.</div>
<div style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
One day last week after being up a lot of the night in pain, I didn't think I could function and I didn't physically feel able to get out of bed that morning. </div>
<div style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Ever since I got sick, I've dealt with fatigue, weakness, nausea, and pain every day. There hasn't been a day in 8+ years when I haven't struggled with those things. I've gotten used to dealing with those symptoms, and most days I push through them. </div>
<div style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
But on this day last week, especially because of my heart problems, heart medicines, and diuretics, the fatigue, weakness, and nausea were overwhelming, along with the pain. I just wanted to lay in bed and not get up. The diuretics also cause my blood pressure to be low, which adds to the fatigue and weakness. But that day, I didn't let those problems win. I GOT UP! </div>
<div style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Before I got up, I asked God for strength, decided that that day would be a good day, got up, and did my devotional! I then walked .53 of a mile on the treadmill and lifted 5 pound weights for about a minute! That is a huge accomplishment! I hadn't done that since my surgeries and 3 hospitalizations in May. </div>
<div style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
I'm trying not to let the side effects win! I'm thankful for these medicines, even though they cause me to feel bad. Unlike a lot of the world, I have access to doctors and medicines, and for that I am so grateful! I really am blessed. The heart medicines that I'm on help keep my heart rate lower (my resting heart rate goes up to 180bpm), and they also help keep my heart rate in a normal rhythm. The heart medicines that lower my heart rate and keep it in rhythm have caused me to retain a lot of fluid. I gained a lot of weight and we couldn't figure out why until my hands and feet started swelling. We found it that it's from me retaining the fluid. I've now lost over 10 pounds of fluid since my doctor put me on diuretics a few weeks ago, and I'm so thankful that the fluid is coming off! My hands, feet, and abdomen are still really swollen, so I still have a lot of fluid to get rid of. Praise God for diuretics and heart medicines, no matter how bad they make me feel! They are helping my heart. </div>
<div style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Like I've mentioned, hearing that my heart arrhythmia is too complex for the doctors at Baylor who specialize in complex arrhythmias made me really upset. Their hospital is one of the best heart hospitals in the country, so when they said that my case is too complicated and that they couldn't fix my heart, I got very discouraged, especially since everyone told us to go to Baylor because they're the best. </div>
<div style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
But now I see God opening new doors which is so encouraging! He never closes a door without opening a new one. I'm seeing all the positives of (hopefully) having the heart surgery here, closer to home, and I praise Him for that! I've heard so many good things about my new specialized cardiologist and am excited to meet him on Monday and hopefully move forward with the procedure to try and fix my heart. Then after the surgery, I can hopefully get off a lot of these medicines! </div>
<div style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Last week we had friends over for dinner and I cleaned the house while my parents were at work! I try to clean something every day and do some laundry. I also walked on the treadmill on Saturday for 5 minutes, which isn't much, but I did it! Yesterday, I cleaned the kitchen while doing laundry, then made my grandma's recipe of lasagna for dinner (I did it even when I was nauseous!), and then cleaned the kitchen up again, all before my family got home! After we ate, I put the dishes in the dishwasher and straightened the kitchen up again (yes, we mess it up pretty quickly). I also water the flowers outside every day, which can take a while because we have so many beautiful flowers! </div>
<div style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
I'm trying to live each day to the fullest. It's hard when I can't drive. I'm stuck at home most days and feel like I'm not contributing anything to this world, so cleaning and things like that at home give me a purpose and it's helpful to my family. </div>
<div style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
I do have days where all I can do is lay on the couch and sleep. I might not be able to walk on the treadmill much or be up a lot every day, but last week I did, even when I thought I couldn't, and that's all that matters! I've cleaned and done a lot despite the horrible side effects. I take it a day at a time, and sometimes hour by hour or minute by minute.</div>
<div style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
I love this line in this song "When I still don't get it, I press on!". I might not always see God's plan or understand why things are happening, but I press on! I hope that each day I can say that I did that! That I pressed on despite difficulties. Here are some lyrics from the song "Press On". </div>
<div style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
"I must confess that I still don’t get it all,<br />Lord, I believe that all your words are true<br />Doesn’t matter where I’m going if I’m going with You<br />I press on, I press on, I press on<br />When I still don’t get it, I press on!"</div>
<div style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
These verses encourage us to run the race while keeping our eyes on Jesus! I'm sharing 2 versions of these verses because I like them both. The first is NIV/NLT and the second is from the Message. </div>
<div style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily entangles us. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting Him, He endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now He is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”<br />-Hebrews 12:1-3</div>
<div style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
“Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Start running—and never quit! Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—He could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now He’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility He plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!” </div>
<div style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
When I'm weary, I will press on. When I'm discouraged, I will press on. When I'm scared, I will press on. When I'm frustrated, I will press on. Why? Because Jesus pressed on despite all the persecution towards Him, even death on the cross. He ran the race with His destination in mind-Heaven. He pressed on by thinking of the joy awaiting Him. I can press on with joy knowing this pain is not going to last forever. I can press on because each step gets me closer to Heaven. </div>
<div style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
I encourage you to press on. We have an eternal reward at the end of our race! PRESS ON, brothers and sisters! </div>
<div style="color: #141823; display: inline; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin-top: 6px;">
How do you press on? How can we encourage each other to press on?</div>
Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00661664397253821528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1923910207333921246.post-69974155750599173732015-08-01T12:26:00.000-05:002015-08-01T12:26:27.868-05:00-New Facebook Page- Check it out! I recently started a Facebook page called "Finding God in the Midst of Your Storm-Victoria's Fight With Lyme Disease". The reason I started a Facebook page in addition to this blog is because it reaches different people and it's really interactive with a lot of feedback and conversation. I really get to know the people who follow and comment on the page and I love hearing people's stories and experiences!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
On the page, I'm sharing ways that I've found to grow closer to God, especially when you're going through a difficult time. I also share stories about how God has gotten me through difficult days, and the things I've learned from being sick. I post updates on my health and what's been going on. I'm also sharing several posts that I've written on this blog, as well as new posts that I write. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I pray that it encourages others like 2 Corinthians 1:4 says, <span style="font-family: inherit;">"</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us". God has comforted me and my goal is to bring others to know Christ and the hope, peace, joy, grace, and forgiveness that He gives. </span></span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="text-align: justify;">From now on, I hope to post on this blog and my Facebook page regularly because I love to share what God has taught me and what He's doing in my life! </span>I love being able to share these things even when I don't feel great, because I can post from anywhere such as my bed, the couch, the hospital, when I'm outside enjoying the weather, or anywhere!<br />
<br />
You don't have to have a Facebook account to see my page! It's a public page for everyone to find. I think you do have to have a Facebook account to comment on the posts, but if you want to just look at it you don't have to have an account.<br />
<br />
This is the cover photo that I made that's on the page.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHf5OrYUGL9ZsGDVdodsiZpzw3wytf3rVttMNaSkDzyNzs3IsktwusOiQf69hZ3f-9uCih_ZXR8K-1AsHrMpkVt6InFn7Gydg20kw3NvILZ5lcZ_gmhKXYZjTEAfvvYxuSTHQ8Jujhk0v9/s1600/11694992_823574737757939_1314970994597810791_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHf5OrYUGL9ZsGDVdodsiZpzw3wytf3rVttMNaSkDzyNzs3IsktwusOiQf69hZ3f-9uCih_ZXR8K-1AsHrMpkVt6InFn7Gydg20kw3NvILZ5lcZ_gmhKXYZjTEAfvvYxuSTHQ8Jujhk0v9/s320/11694992_823574737757939_1314970994597810791_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This is (hopefully) the link to the page! If it doesn't work, let me know and I can fix it!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Finding-God-in-the-Midst-of-Your-Storm-Victorias-Fight-With-Lyme-Disease/823182307797182" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/pages/Finding-God-in-the-Midst-of-Your-Storm-Victorias-Fight-With-Lyme-Disease/823182307797182</a><br />
<br />
<br />
Hope you all are having a great weekend! I'm thankful for each one of you!<br />
<br />Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00661664397253821528noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1923910207333921246.post-42967638288245041132015-07-20T19:06:00.002-05:002015-07-20T19:06:18.587-05:00How my prayer life has changed with a couple simple things!<div class="_5pbx userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.38; overflow: hidden;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span style="line-height: 1.38;">I grew up in church and almost lived there because my family was really involved. My grandparents came to our church when the church was really new and my mom was only 2 or 3, so she has gone there almost her whole life and I have gone there my whole life. Growing up in church is a blessing because you have a strong foundation and support system from the beginning. Unfortunately, something that happens when you have gone to church your whole life is that you stop studying the Bible in depth, and you just skim over the verses because you’ve heard them so much. This happens to me more than I would like to admit.</span><span style="line-height: 1.38;"> </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
For example, I’ve heard/read 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 a thousand times. “Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” Other versions of this verse say “pray without ceasing” and “continually be in prayer” and “pray constantly”. I probably have this verse memorized. That’s great that I don’t even have to look in my Bible to remember this verse, but that becomes the problem. I don’t look in my Bible, and I just repeat the verse and don’t think about what it’s really about. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Last year or so, I wanted to actually try to live what this verse says. I wanted to never stop praying and be thankful in all circumstances and once I did it, it changed everything. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
I think a lot of us feel like our prayers have to be extravagant and formal. We hear the prayers said at church or read prayers posted on facebook or blogs and we think our prayers aren’t good or long enough. While I think that it’s good for us to take prayer seriously, I think that just like Bible verses, prayer can also become really routine if we just repeat the same structured prayer. I think we over-think it a lot. We then don’t grow in our prayer life because we repeat the same thing without thinking about the words we’re praying. God just wants to hear our hearts. Have you listened to a child’s prayer lately? They are the simplest prayers. Their prayers aren’t organized, thought out in advance, and they don’t use big, fancy words. In the Bible, Jesus told us to be like little children. To have faith like them. I think we can also learn about how to pray after listening to their prayers. Their prayers are honest and from the heart, not holding anything back. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
So when I started trying to pray continually and give thanks in all circumstances, I started with something so simple and found that like I said, our prayers don’t have to be formal. The goal is to be in constant communication with God. I don’t have this totally figured out and I never will because I’m human, but this is what I’ve found to help. You’re probably going to think that this is way too simple to actually make a difference but please give it a try for 3 days and see how it changes you and your relationship with God! This is what I did and still do every day. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
(I say all of this in my head unless no one is around)<br />When I wake up, I say “thank you God for this day”! I walk into the bathroom and say thank you God for letting me have a bathroom, especially one that’s cute and air-conditioned. I then wash my hands and thank God for fresh water and soap. I walk down the stairs and as I’m walking down, I thank God that I was able to go down the stairs, because there are times when I haven’t been able to. I get my morning medicines and a drink and thank God for my access to medicines and the many drink options that I have. I let our dog out and thank God for my dog who brings joy to my life. I notice the flowers and thank God for the beautiful flowers. I go to the kitchen to get something to eat and thank God for the abundance of food. I see or talk to my parents or brother and thank God for them. I walk back upstairs to my room and thank God for the ability to walk up the stairs. When I get upstairs, I have to sit on my bed for a minute to catch my breath and rest. I thank God for a comfortable bed to sit on and the opportunity to rest. When I go to the doctor and have to wait forever, I thank God for the opportunity to see a doctor. When I face challenges during the day, I find something to be grateful for. So when I face problems at the pharmacy, I thank God for the air conditioning and insurance, even though insurance is causing the problem. When I’m having my blood drawn or having an IV started and they’re on the 6th try, I thank God for the chance to talk to the nurse helping me and the medical care I’m receiving. When my dog throws up on the carpet and I’m cleaning it up, I thank God for the carpet being there in the first place because it’s soft and nice. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
I think you get the idea. I know it sounds almost ridiculous how simple it is, but it really changes your perspective and opens your communication with God. I find myself less stressed when I find things to be grateful for. Please give this a try and let me know how it went! </div>
<div style="display: inline; margin-top: 6px;">
What are things that you do to help strengthen your prayer life and relationship with God?</div>
</div>
<div id="u_jsonp_3_b">
<form action="https://www.facebook.com/ajax/ufi/modify.php" class="commentable_item" data-ft="{"tn":"]"}" id="u_jsonp_3_5" method="post" rel="async" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<div class="clearfix _5ybo _2zfm _5yhh" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(225, 226, 227); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(225, 226, 227); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; height: 30px; margin: 10px -12px 0px; padding-top: 8px; width: auto; zoom: 1;">
<div class="_3el2 lfloat _ohe" id="u_jsonp_3_6" style="color: #141823; float: left; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; margin-top: -3px; position: absolute;">
<div data-reactid=".34">
</div>
</div>
</div>
</form>
</div>
<div>
</div>
Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00661664397253821528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1923910207333921246.post-67583557024633376882015-07-17T14:11:00.000-05:002015-07-17T14:11:39.013-05:00My Story<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #444444;">“My flesh and my heart may
fail, but GOD is the strength of my heart and my portion forever!” Psalm 73:26<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #444444;">This story is not just mine.
It’s God’s as well. I couldn’t have made it through all of this without Him. My
purpose in sharing my story is to show that God can get you through anything. 2
Corinthians 1:4 says “He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort
others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort
God has given us.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #444444;">A lot of horrible, sad things have happened to me, but they’ve
also happened to you. And to your neighbor. To everyone. But my story isn’t a
sad one. How could it be with God involved, giving me strength, hope,
perseverance, and courage? I will have that happy ending because of the promise
of Heaven! Yes, a lot of bad things have happened to me, but even more good
things have come out of it, only because of God! “Even so, it is well with my
soul”. I know a lot of people have it worse than me so please don’t take any of
this as complaining. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #444444;">Growing up, I was (and still
am) very blessed with a great family, friends, and church family. I gave my
life to God in baptism on August 21. 2005! My dad baptized me and it was the night
before my 7<sup>th</sup> grade year. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #444444;">I’m 22 now, but I was 13 and
in 7<sup>th</sup> grade when I found a tick on me at church camp. I pulled it
off and didn’t think much about it. Everything was fine until a year later when
I got mono in 8th grade and missed a month of school. Instead of getting better
from the mono, I started getting worse. The doctors just said that it was mono
and that I would get over it. I still didn't improve and really struggled during
my freshman year of high school. In the fall of my sophomore year, I got so
much worse and could barely make it to school for even half a day. My parents
had to read my text books to me because I couldn't anymore. So in October of my
sophomore year in 2008, I had to stop going to school because I was so sick and
was bedridden. The doctors still didn’t know what was wrong, but they said it
could still be the mono, or that I was making it up for attention, or that it
was fibromyalgia, or all of the above. When I started treatment for
fibromyalgia, I kept passing out because the medicine they put me on was not
approved for people under 18, and I was several years younger than that. We had
been doing research for a while because the doctors here in Oklahoma had no
clue as to why I was so sick and then I remembered the tick that I found on me
in 7th grade. After researching more, we suspected that I had Lyme Disease
because I had every symptom besides the bull’s eye rash, which most people
never have. My main symptoms were constant fever, joint and bone pain,
tachycardia (very fast heart rate), fatigue and weakness so bad that I could
barely walk to the bathroom, shortness of breath, constant headaches, nausea,
memory loss, and many, many more. One of our friends had Lyme and MS and goes
to a clinic in Nevada at least once a year for treatments, and one year her
husband couldn't go, so she asked my mom to go with her. So my mom went with
her to the clinic several years before I got sick, and she learned about all
the treatments and about Lyme. We had no idea that I would need to go to that
clinic a few years later. That was definitely God working to have my mom see
all that they do at the clinic and learn about this horrible disease. God’s
plan is always perfect! With me getting worse and worse and no one here
figuring out why, my mom and I flew to Nevada to go the clinic that she had
gone to with our friend. The clinic mainly specializes in Lyme, but they also
treat MS, Lupus, ALS, and other hard to treat diseases, and now they are
treating cancer as well. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #444444;">My mom and I got to Nevada on
December 1<sup>st</sup> of 2008, and on Dec. 3<sup>rd</sup>, I was diagnosed
with Lyme Disease. Not just Lyme Disease, but late stage, chronic Lyme Disease.
It’s the late stage because the bacteria had 3 years to spread to every organ,
every system, every tissue, and every joint and bone. I also got a few
co-infections from the tick that are just as hard to treat, or sometimes
harder, than Lyme. We were so grateful for a diagnosis and thought I would be
better within a few weeks at the clinic. How little we knew back then. I
started the harsh treatments and we quickly learned that there wasn’t an easy
fix for this stage of the disease. If I had been diagnosed right when I got
sick, the disease would have been curable. We got home from the clinic a few
days before Christmas, and that Christmas meant so much more to me than
previous years. I was so sick but I actually focused on the meaning of
Christmas, and not all the stuff you get. I was happy just spending time with
family and thanking God for sending Jesus. Being sick changes your perspective
a lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went back to the clinic in
January after the clinic opened after Christmas. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #444444;">Since 2008, we’ve spent about
7 months at the clinic ranging from a 2 to 10 week stay. I did the last half of
my sophomore year and the rest of high school from home with a program called
Homebound for students that can’t go to school because of health problems. I
was assigned a teacher from my high school and she came out at least once a
week to help me. The teacher they assigned me to is so sweet and we still talk!
I’m so grateful for her. I actually graduated from high school on time through
Homebound! Unfortunately, I was in the hospital on graduation day and was put
in ICU a couple days later, so I missed all of the graduation festivities, but
I got my diploma! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #444444;">I was able to take 1 or 2
classes during my freshman and sophomore year of college in 2011/2012, and
2012/2013. I even got to live on campus for most of that time! It was great to
have some independence and do normal things. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #444444;">I was unable to start my
junior year of college because I was in Nevada at the clinic for 10 weeks,
along with Chuck Norris (yes, THE Chuck Norris. More on that later!), when
school started. What was supposed to be a 4 week trip turned into a 10 week
stay. I got a staph infection in my port and was in the hospital for about a
week in Nevada and I was on IV antibiotics for 7 weeks. I got to come home to
Oklahoma and finish the last 2 weeks of IV antibiotics at home. It took a long
time to recover from the staph and I got an intestinal infection from all the
antibiotics. I also began getting sick to my stomach more often and it kept
getting worse. It got to the point where I was throwing up everyday and that
was when my GI diagnosed me with Gastroparesis. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I spent the winter and spring of 2014 trying
to get the nausea and vomiting under control. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #444444;">In the summer of 2014, before
what should have been my senior year of college, I started having seizures.
They became more frequent and once again, no one in Oklahoma could help me
because I’m so not a textbook case, which means they have no idea what to do.
So in September of 2014, my mom and I went to the clinic in Nevada and they
found where the seizures were coming from in my brain, and that my heart was
causing problems in my brain. I was at the clinic for only 2 weeks and that
helped a lot, but I’ve still been doing treatments in Oklahoma for the
seizures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #444444;">Because of what they found in
Nevada with my heart affecting my brain, I saw a new cardiologist this year in
April who specializes in the electrical part of the heart. He wanted me to do a
tilt table test and see what that showed. He told us what he thought the
problem with my heart was, but wanted to confirm it. The tilt table test showed
that I do have POTS, which means that your autonomic nervous system doesn’t
work correctly. The autonomic nervous system is responsible for everything you
don’t consciously do, such as breathing, heart rate, and digestion. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #444444;">The test also showed that my
heart rate goes up to 180bpm even when I’m not doing anything. My heart rate
also shoots up when I’m standing and that has to do with POTS. After the
results of a couple tests that the cardiologist did, he gave us our options. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #444444;">In May, I was admitted to the
heart hospital 3 times within 11 days. 2 admissions were planned and 1 was
through the ER. The first admission was scheduled, and it was for me to start
on a new heart medicine. I was in the hospital for 3 days, starting on
Wednesday May 6<sup>th</sup>, as they monitored me on this new medicine.
Unfortunately I wasn’t able to stay on the medicine due to the side effects. I
was discharged that Friday night and was back in the ER that Sunday because I
passed out twice and my heart rate was higher than it should have been since I
was on heart medicine. They admitted me after IV medicines didn’t bring my
heart rate down. I was scheduled for a procedure in late June to try and fix my
heart, but after all that happened during my hospital stays, my cardiologist
moved the procedure up to that Friday. I got to go home Monday, the day after I
was admitted through the ER, so that I could get ready for the procedure that
Friday. God answered our prayers by getting me in faster for the procedure!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #444444;">On Friday, May 15<sup>th</sup>
of this year, I was admitted to the hospital for the heart procedure. The plan
was for me to go home that afternoon. We got to the hospital at 7am for my 9am
procedure. The nurses there knew me since I had been there so much and they
didn’t even try for an IV, they just called the PICC line team. So I got my 5<sup>th</sup>
PICC line. The heart procedure was going to be a minimum of 4 hours and could
be double that. My doctor came in to explain the procedure and risks and told
me that it was going to be very uncomfortable. I really appreciated him telling
me that, because some doctors don’t see you as a person with feelings, but just
as a statistic or number. After hearing details about the procedures and
everything, I got really nervous. They were getting ready to take me to the OR
and I asked my dad to say a prayer. There were 3 nurses and my anesthesiologist
in my room running around, trying to get things ready and they all stopped when
my dad prayed. I felt peaceful and I knew that God would take care of me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #444444;">They took me to the OR at
10am and got me hooked up to everything and then put me to sleep. While I was
asleep, they put at least 6 wires in my heart and an arterial line in my wrist
to be able to constantly watch my blood pressure. Once everything was in place,
they woke me up and I found that my hands were tied down so that I wouldn’t
move. I panicked because my hands were tied down, I could feel the wires in my
heart, and I could feel other fun tubes in me. The reason I had to be awake for
the procedure was because they need your heart rate high to find the location
of the arrhythmia, and sedation lowers your heart rate. They said if I needed it,
they would give me sedation and pain meds during the procedure, but that would
mean they would have to use more medicine to raise my heart rate. My goal was
to not have any extra medicines. With a medicine like adrenaline, they would
slowly increase the dose to make my heart rate go up. It would go up to 250bpm
which doesn’t feel great! That made me feel so weird because it also went into
weird rhythms. He would leave it like that for a few minutes as he did things with
the wires and then he would turn the medicine off to let me rest. Then he would
repeat the process. That went on for 4 hours. A nurse was updating my family
every hour. Around hour 4.5, he said he found the arrhythmia and it was what he
thought it was! I was so happy! And then I saw his face. I asked what was wrong
but he didn’t answer for a while. He told someone in the “control room” that is
behind glass in the OR to do something, and I felt my right diaphragm moving in
and out. It was one of the weirdest feelings. He had them stop and let me rest
and then asked them to do it again while he messed with the wires. They did it probably
four or five times. I had stopped asking questions by then because I wasn’t
getting answers. Finally, my cardiologist said that he couldn’t fix my heart.
The arrhythmia is located exactly where the nerve to my diaphragm is. If he
would have done the ablation to try and fix the arrhythmia, it would have
damaged that nerve and I wouldn’t have been able to breathe. He then told me
that he was going to put me back to sleep and shock my heart to reset it, to
help lower my heart rate, and to get it back into a normal rhythm. I said WAIT!
We didn’t talk about this! I didn’t know this was a possibility! I told him to
go tell my parents about what he was going to do. I now have no idea why I told
him to do that because that didn’t affect anything, but he wanted to go tell
them anyway. I was just really scared. So he went to talk to my family and the
anesthesiologist put me back to sleep. They shocked my heart (cardioversion)
and I woke up very sore and upset. I was upset because he wasn’t able to fix my
heart and that they had to shock me, and was in pain from it all. The procedure
ended up lasting 5 hours and I made it through without any extra sedation or
pain medicine! The only way I got through it was by praying to God and from all
the people in the OR talking to me and holding my hand. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #444444;">My cardiologist came to see
me once I got to my post-op room to see how I was doing and said that I would
need to stay the night in the hospital. I had to be on bed rest until 10pm that
night because of the risk of bleeding from the 2 places where they went into my
heart. I was actually relieved to hear that I had to stay overnight because I
was scared. It’s a horrible feeling when your heart rate is 250bpm. It’s hard
to breathe and your body and mind start panicking because it is not supposed to
do that. I was also a little shaken up from the cardioversion. I realize that
it is a common thing for people with arrhythmias, but I never thought that I
would need one when I was 22. My cardiologist then said that he would like to
add a new medicine to my other heart medicine. He also wanted to put in a
permanent heart monitor. He joked and said he could do it right then, and I
said NO! Haha I was done for the day and he was just kidding! But he said he
could do it the next morning. They took me to my room upstairs and I had lots
of visitors which was great! They helped to take my mind off the chest pain and
pain from the fun catheter! At 10pm exactly, I asked the nurse if she could
take me off bed rest. I had been in the hospital bed or the OR table for 12
hours by then and I was ready to move around and try and get comfortable. The
nurse took out everything besides my PICC line, and I was able to take a lap
around the nurse’s station and then I was ready for bed! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #444444;">Early the next morning,
Saturday May 16<sup>th</sup>, my cardiologist came to my room to explain the
surgery to put in the heart monitor. I thought it was amazing that he was
working on Saturday, especially since he works Monday through Friday. I had the
BEST nurse that day. I told her my concerns about sedation not working on me
and she said she would be waiting for me when I got back to see how it went.
The surgical team came to get me around 9am and took me to the OR. They asked
me about sedation and I told them that what they were going to use doesn’t
work, but they didn’t listen very well. Long story short, sedation didn’t work
and I could feel everything. There was also a drape over my head (not resting on
my face but above it) because they had to keep my chest sterile. The nurses had
to hold me down because I was shaking from the pain. The procedure itself only
took about 10 minutes, but it was horrible. As they took me out of the OR and
back to my room, I couldn’t help but just cry. The day before was supposed to be
a simple procedure and it turned into so much more, and then the next day I had
this surgery to put in the heart monitor. My chest had a lot of trauma to it
within 24 hours with the PICC line placement as she tried to push it around in
my chest for a while, then the wires in my heart for 5 hours, then they shocked
my heart, and then this surgery the next morning on my chest, near my heart. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #444444;">When I got back to my room,
my nurse was waiting for me like she said she would be. The OR nurses told her
it was a rough procedure for me and she came in to comfort me. She was able to
work on getting my pain under control. They said I could go home as soon as I felt
well enough and ate, but I had no appetite after all that and didn’t feel ready
to leave yet. I finally ordered something in the afternoon and made it look
like I ate a lot and I got to go home early that evening! My heart monitor
records my heart rate at all times which is pretty amazing! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #444444;">My cardiologist was humble
enough to say that he didn’t have enough experience to do the procedure that I
needed since my arrhythmia is in such a tricky location. After talking with
several of my doctors, and even many friends, they ALL recommended that I go to
Baylor Heart Hospital in Dallas for my next heart procedure. They will have to
move the nerve to my diaphragm out of the way, do the ablation to where the
arrhythmia is located, and then put the nerve back. If all goes as planned, I
will be having this procedure in the next couple of weeks by a very experienced
doctor who specializes in complex arrhythmias. It will be a very delicate and
precise procedure because they’ll be moving the nerve that helps me to breathe!
I believe that God will use this doctor to fix my heart with no complications! I’m
putting my trust and hope in God, not in doctors alone. We’re praying they are
able to fix my heart easily with no complications. I’m now on my 4<sup>th</sup>
heart medicine because we’ve had to switch so much because of the side effects.
I was also started on a diuretic last week because I’m retaining a lot of fluid
and my hands and feet and body are all swollen. In a week, I’ve lost 5.5 pounds
of water weight. The heart meds leave me with little energy. We have been in
contact with Baylor and on Monday they will let me know when my procedure will
be. For now I’m just fighting the side effects. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #444444;">Since getting sick, I’ve had 5
PICC lines, a 5 hour heart procedure, a cardioversion , 2 endoscopies with
biopsies, echocardiograms and a lot of EKGs, and too many other procedures to
name. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #444444;">I’ve had 7 surgeries: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #444444;">1. A port placement<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #444444;">2. Cholecystectomy
(gallbladder removal)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #444444;">3. Three months later I had
an appendectomy (appendix removal) and they also removed<b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></b>an orange sized ovarian cyst and endometriosis. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #444444;">4 and 5. I had two more
abdominal surgeries to remove more endometriosis<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #444444;">6. Emergency surgery in
Nevada to remove my port because it had staph in it and the staph had spread to
my blood, which makes you very sick. I was in the hospital in Nevada for 6 days
and then did over 7 weeks of IV antibiotics every 8 hours. I had the port for 4
years which is a long time in the port world! A port is a permanent IV, like
cancer patients have, so that they don’t have to find veins in your arms to get
an IV. It allows you to do IVs at home also after you get trained. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #444444;">7. My most recent surgery was
in May to put in a permanent heart monitor. It looks kind of like a flash
drive, but longer and skinnier. They put it in my chest, close to my heart. It
sends the constant recordings to my doctor. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #444444;">Some day I’ll have to have
another surgery to take the heart monitor out, but it’s not a big deal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #444444;">So this is what I’ve had to
overcome, and have overcome them only with God’s strength: I had problems with
my gallbladder and appendix and they had to be taken out. I have Gastroparesis
(stomach paralysis), which means the muscles and nerves in my stomach don’t
work like they should, so that causes constant nausea and intestinal problems. Some
days I have to take 3 nausea medicines and used to have injectable nausea
medicine all the time. I’ve had problems with my liver, kidneys, bladder, and
every organ and body system. I have problems with my brain (the problems are
not just normal forgetfulness that everyone has), so I have brain fog, trouble
concentrating, and a really bad memory. I hardly have any memories from my
childhood and before I got sick, and I can look at a text and have no memory of
sending it the day before. I’ve been to the ER at least a hundred times, most
likely more, and for several months in 2009, I was in the ER every other day
for IV fluids and nausea and pain medicine. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have quite the collection of cute hospital
bracelets! Once I got my first PICC line, I was able to do IV fluids at home
3-4 times a week for several years. Pain has been one of my main and worst symptoms
since I got sick and it got to the point a few years ago where my pain
management team put me on morphine everyday. I’m just now getting to a point
where I’m starting the weaning process to get off daily pain medicines. It’s at
least a year long process because I’ve been on them so long. I’m proud of what
I’ve done so far in terms of weaning the medicine because it’s very difficult. I
see a doctor who does medicine weaning, so she has a schedule for me and I
still have a ways to go. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #444444;">I don’t think there’s a part
of my body that I haven’t had a problem with. Being sick for so long is scary
and hard to deal with. Watching your friends graduate college, get real jobs,
get married. It’s hard. Then insurance doesn’t pay for my treatments in Nevada
at all. None of it. All of this can be very discouraging. If I didn’t know God,
I don’t think I could get through this. It seems like I can’t ever get a break.
But then I remember what God has gotten me through. If I’ve made it through
this much so far, I can make today a great day no matter what because God is my
hope, joy, strength, comfort, and my purpose. My suffering is only temporary,
and I am so blessed despite what I’m going through. I’ve felt God’s strength
because I’ve been so weak. I’ve been filled with God’s joy because at times, mine
has been gone, leaving me empty. I’ve felt God’s peace that passes all understanding
because I’ve been in distress. Because of Jesus dying on the cross and coming
back to life, I have Heaven to look forward to! Knowing that one day I’ll have
no more pain, tears, suffering, or sickness makes what I’m going through a
little easier because it’s all temporary. I can also see that my suffering has
purpose. I can encourage others, just as God has encouraged me. If I can bring
just one person to know Jesus, then all of this is worth it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #444444;">There’s something else that’s
a big part of my story. When I was baptized, I felt God’s presence like never
before because I received the gift of the Holy Spirit. There are 3 other days
that I have felt the closest to God and that have made a huge impact on my
life. They are days when my loved ones went to Heaven. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #444444;">I will write more about these
3 days because God showed me so much. In 2012, I sat by my best friend as she
took her last breath in this world after a long battle with cancer. Most people
say she lost her battle to cancer and I hate when people say that! Rebecca did
not lose. The devil did. Because Rebecca was baptized and followed Jesus, she
is alive and well in Heaven! Death did not win! God did! I will share more
later about my friend Rebecca and what happened the last few months of her life
and what happened the day she died. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #444444;">Less than a year later, my
grandma (my mom’s mom) got very sick. 2 days before she died, my grandpa (her
husband and my mom’s dad), was diagnosed with cancer. On Feb. 15<sup>th</sup>,
I was rubbing my grandma’s arm when she took her last breath and went to be
with Jesus. I was very close to her and it was so hard. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #444444;">After my grandma died, my
grandpa got dementia and he was never the same after she died. He struggled for
the rest of his life. He went to be with Jesus on my mom’s birthday in 2014,
just a year and a couple of months after my grandma died. I was also very close
to my grandpa and was holding his hand when God called him Home. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #444444;">It was such a privilege to be
with these 3 people, who mean so much to me, as they went to Heaven. I have a
lot to share about the day each of one of them died and how I felt God’s
presence like never before on those days. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #444444;">God is so good and faithful
and never leaves us! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #444444;">I love these verses<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #444444;">“Therefore
we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are
being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving
for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on
what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what
is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="color: #444444;">“So you have
sorrow now, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and NO ONE will take
away your joy.” John 16:22<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00661664397253821528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1923910207333921246.post-91890432627301939762015-07-11T12:32:00.001-05:002015-07-11T12:32:41.445-05:00Walking each other Home!<span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 16px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">I saw a quote saying "we're all just walking each other Home". I love that. When you walk someone home, you're going out of your way to help someone. To defend them if needed. To get them to their destination in the best way possible. You're taking a journey with their Home in your mind at all times. You're doing everything unselfishly. Isn't this how we're supposed to love each other? We're all on this journey to our Eternal Home in Heaven and we need to help walk each other Home. That means defending them, protecting them, guiding them with Heaven in our thoughts all the time because that promise, the promise of no more pain, sickness, death, tears, will help us no matter how long, difficult, and mountainous the journey is. As people get closer to our Home, we should become more attentive because we'll soon be saying "see you later" as they finally reach our Home in Heaven! I hope we learn better each day on how to walk each other Home through this life. I think it will change how we treat others on this journey! Each day, we get closer to Home. </span>Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00661664397253821528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1923910207333921246.post-71925431967298685682015-05-30T13:56:00.000-05:002015-05-30T13:56:11.233-05:00"Jesus Draw Me Ever Nearer"<span class="annotable-line" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); box-sizing: border-box; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); cursor: text; display: inline-block; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span class="line" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block;"><span id="line-2" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: magenta; display: inline;">"Jesus draw me ever nearer</span></span></span><br />
<span class="annotable-line" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); box-sizing: border-box; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); cursor: text; display: inline-block; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span class="line" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block;"><span id="line-3" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: magenta; display: inline;">As I labor through the storm.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="annotable-line" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); box-sizing: border-box; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); cursor: text; display: inline-block; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span class="line" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block;"><span id="line-4" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: magenta; display: inline;">You have called me to this passage,</span></span></span><br />
<span class="annotable-line" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); box-sizing: border-box; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); cursor: text; display: inline-block; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span class="line" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block;"><span id="line-5" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: magenta; display: inline;">and I'll follow, though I'm worn.</span></span></span><br />
<div>
<span style="color: magenta;"><br style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); box-sizing: border-box; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 16px;" /></span>
<span class="annotable-line" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); box-sizing: border-box; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); cursor: text; display: inline-block; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span class="line" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block;"><span id="line-6" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: magenta; display: inline;"><b>May this journey bring a blessing,</b></span></span></span><br />
<span class="annotable-line" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); box-sizing: border-box; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); cursor: text; display: inline-block; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span class="line" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block;"><span id="line-7" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: magenta; display: inline;">May I rise on wings of faith;</span></span></span><br />
<span class="annotable-line" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); box-sizing: border-box; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); cursor: text; display: inline-block; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span class="line" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block;"><span id="line-8" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: magenta; display: inline;">And at the end of my heart's testing,</span></span></span><br />
<span class="annotable-line" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); box-sizing: border-box; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); cursor: text; display: inline-block; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span class="line" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block;"><span id="line-9" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: magenta; display: inline;">With Your likeness let me wake.</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: magenta;"><br style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); box-sizing: border-box; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 16px;" /></span>
<span class="annotable-line" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); box-sizing: border-box; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); cursor: text; display: inline-block; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span class="line" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block;"><span id="line-10" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: magenta; display: inline;">Jesus guide me through the tempest;</span></span></span><br />
<span class="annotable-line" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); box-sizing: border-box; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); cursor: text; display: inline-block; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span class="line" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block;"><span id="line-11" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: magenta; display: inline;">Keep my spirit staid and sure.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="annotable-line" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); box-sizing: border-box; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); cursor: text; display: inline-block; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span class="line" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block;"><span id="line-12" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: magenta; display: inline;">When the midnight meets the morning,</span></span></span><br />
<span class="annotable-line" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); box-sizing: border-box; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); cursor: text; display: inline-block; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span class="line" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block;"><span id="line-13" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: magenta; display: inline;">Let me love You even more</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="annotable-line" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); box-sizing: border-box; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); cursor: text; display: inline-block; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span class="line" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: magenta; display: inline;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="annotable-line" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); box-sizing: border-box; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); cursor: text; display: inline-block; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span class="line" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block;"><span id="line-14" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: magenta; display: inline;">Let the treasures of the trial</span></span></span><br />
<span class="annotable-line" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); box-sizing: border-box; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); cursor: text; display: inline-block; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span class="line" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block;"><span id="line-15" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: magenta; display: inline;">Form within me as I go -</span></span></span><br />
<span class="annotable-line" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); box-sizing: border-box; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); cursor: text; display: inline-block; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span class="line" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block;"><span id="line-16" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: magenta; display: inline;">And at the end of this long passage,</span></span></span><br />
<span class="annotable-line" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); box-sizing: border-box; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); cursor: text; display: inline-block; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span class="line" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block;"><span id="line-17" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: magenta; display: inline;">Let me leave them at Your throne."</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="annotable-line" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); box-sizing: border-box; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); cursor: text; display: inline-block; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span class="line" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;">I love this song because it reminds me that God will get us through anything if we draw near to Him. </span><span style="color: magenta; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">James 4:8 says, "</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: magenta;">Draw near to God and He will draw near to you."</span> </span><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It reminds me that </span></span>He will give us rest that only He can provide when we're so worn from the journey. It reminds me that there WILL be blessings in our trials. I love the line that says</span> <span style="color: magenta;">"may this journey bring a blessing"</span>. <span style="color: #444444;">I have felt that way throughout my entire sickness. If this 8 year storm that I've been in brings just ONE person to know Jesus, then it is worth all the suffering, the pain, the tears, it's worth it all. If my story brings awareness and helps prevent just ONE person from getting diseases from tick bites, then it is worth it all. Even though this journey has brought lots of pain, it's brought a lot of blessings. Jesus has and will continue to guide me through the tempest, He has and will keep my spirit staid and sure. I pray that when the midnight meets the morning, that I will love Him even more. And when this journey is over, when I am in the presence of our King, there will ONLY be blessings. Only JOY. Only PEACE. Only GRACE. Only His LOVE, for all eternity. That makes the journey worth it. No matter how bad or long the storm is, we KNOW that it will be worth it. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory He will reveal to us later." Romans 8:18</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: #444444;">"No, despite all these things, </span><span style="color: magenta;">overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us</span><span style="color: #444444;">. </span></span></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #444444; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">And I am convinced that </span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: magenta;">nothing</span></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #444444; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"> can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow--not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. N</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #444444; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">either height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #444444; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">" Romans 8:37-39</span></span></div>
Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00661664397253821528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1923910207333921246.post-24841116526620898772015-05-29T17:05:00.002-05:002015-05-29T17:28:38.772-05:00Bottle of Tears<span style="color: #444444;">One of my friends that has Lyme started this great ministry called Bottle of Tears. It's based on Psalm 56:8 which says, "You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book". When you go to the website</span> (<a href="http://www.bottleoftears.com/" target="_blank">http://www.bottleoftears.com</a>)<span style="color: #444444;">, you pick out a one of a kind vintage bottle in whatever size and color you want and then Psalm 56:8 is rolled up inside and you can add a personal message! You can also pick several verses that can be framed. They also have tear drop earrings and rings along with some other things!</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">I wanted to get my mom a bottle around the time of her birthday, which was also the 1 year anniversary of my grandpa (her dad) dying. He died on her birthday last year, so I knew this year would be hard so I wanted to send her this. I picked a medium sized turquoise bottle! She loved it! </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">Then last week, someone sent me one!!! It is turquoise too and I LOVE it! It came just after I had gotten out of the hospital after being admitted 3 times in 11 days! I had just had my 5th PICC line placed, then a 5 hour heart procedure, then they shocked my heart, and then the next morning I had surgery to put in a permanent heart monitor! It really made my day when it came! </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">This is how it comes wrapped and it's so cute! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu__0kWrKocrujtyUDp5yYqJFXx0IEstiQEFsgQDCq49UNiY_8aeQ9jFsGGoKJH3I-r1R0e3uZUgbl3yDcXXjcdp_IZKx6OwzkXkQdNqjBUwax_aicYClxkwRc0okKMoeMgMhZDmFYMHfG/s1600/photo-171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu__0kWrKocrujtyUDp5yYqJFXx0IEstiQEFsgQDCq49UNiY_8aeQ9jFsGGoKJH3I-r1R0e3uZUgbl3yDcXXjcdp_IZKx6OwzkXkQdNqjBUwax_aicYClxkwRc0okKMoeMgMhZDmFYMHfG/s320/photo-171.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Here is the verse that's wrapped up inside the bottles.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipN_zBcXaRAXtTiglZkRJSDmKAl9CzFYFBbpgc8RRdFEi-p5kpEqXn6pNkEyeTSPstp0334D9t7dhG2FBEfQSgOMOy0r6tGWztuOPrvlwo2W-cQGnfsAqN7q0GIjRhS8Hb8hI0Epf3A1h2/s1600/FullSizeRender+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipN_zBcXaRAXtTiglZkRJSDmKAl9CzFYFBbpgc8RRdFEi-p5kpEqXn6pNkEyeTSPstp0334D9t7dhG2FBEfQSgOMOy0r6tGWztuOPrvlwo2W-cQGnfsAqN7q0GIjRhS8Hb8hI0Epf3A1h2/s320/FullSizeRender+3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"> They also came with this verse! Thank you so much to the sweet person who sent this to me! I love it so much!!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLYgSFdmaThkHYToXLk4duqZqD5xw1LEAM2z4-991yw2voS8Ty37MlaBIYouarUQKMNOIwmsb98Vc8ldOxiNclKWclcKmYioA7vj4xDgVZZG8kiIocy4ee08Jwly61iODcBqF9VjDKto7B/s1600/IMG_2683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLYgSFdmaThkHYToXLk4duqZqD5xw1LEAM2z4-991yw2voS8Ty37MlaBIYouarUQKMNOIwmsb98Vc8ldOxiNclKWclcKmYioA7vj4xDgVZZG8kiIocy4ee08Jwly61iODcBqF9VjDKto7B/s320/IMG_2683.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Go to</span> <a href="http://www.bottleoftears.com/" target="_blank">http://www.bottleoftears.com</a> <span style="color: #444444;">to order one for yourself or someone else! They make great gifts and are very inexpensive! </span></div>
Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00661664397253821528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1923910207333921246.post-64645273147911650652015-05-25T16:36:00.000-05:002015-05-27T12:39:29.872-05:00Update on my heart, 3 hospitalizations, and many procedures <span style="color: #444444;">God has carried me through so much the past few weeks. He is so good and faithful and promises to never leave us! I know He's been carrying me through it all.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">Here's an update on what's going on with me. I'll give a quick update and then a long one. Quick update: Been admitted to the hospital 3 times in 10 days, got my 4th and 5th PICC line, had a 5 hour heart procedure, then they shocked my heart, then I had a permanent heart monitor placed inside my chest. I am okay!</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">Long update: As I've mentioned before, ever since I got sick, I've had trouble with my heart. Nothing life threatening, but very inconvenient and uncomfortable. Ever since I've gotten sick I've had tachycardia. That means that my heart rate is a lot faster than it should be, even when I'm resting and laying down. I've seen a couple cardiologists and they've just said it's tachycardia and they put me on beta blockers to try and lower my heart rate and they haven't ever worked really well and sometimes cause more problems from the side effects. The cardiologists I've seen in the past haven't tried to find the cause of the tachycardia, they've just thrown medicine at me.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">I've had several EEGs in the past year because of the seizures I've had. The EEGs detect electrical activity in your brain. On my EEG, it showed cardiac involvement. So something in my brain is being affected by my heart. This could mean that my heart is contributing to or causing the passing out episodes I have, and the seizures. After getting those results from the EEG, several doctors recommended that I go see a special cardiologist that specializes in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing. They look at the electrical part of the heart and how that works.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">I saw this special cardiologist almost 4 weeks ago and it was just what I needed! Praise God for bringing me to this doctor. Tachycardia is an electrical problem, so I don't know why I haven't seen a doctor like this sooner, but I'm here now! He spent lots of time with me and said what he thinks my real diagnosis is, even before all the testing. It turns out he was correct, that's how good he is. He had me wear a heart monitor for a week to see what my heart does. It confirmed that even on beta blockers, my heart rate is still way too high. One day I was laying on the couch and my heart rate shot up to 179bpm and the heart monitor company called my cardiologist's nurse to tell her and she called me to make sure I was okay. I was fine, besides the dizziness, chest pain, and being short of breath but that's normal for me since I started having heart problems. My heart rate goes higher than it should when I stand up also which makes standing for long periods of time very difficult for me. I have also developed a huge heat intolerance that seems to be related to my heart.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">My new cardiologist ordered a Tilt Table Test and I did that 3 weeks ago. For this test, they strap you to a table, take your vitals laying flat, then they tilt the table up so that you're in a standing up position. Here is a good picture of it when it's tilted up.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHxZuQDCT1eC6enfixrw3A6Iodv3ln5lXGpe4py575P3ndp4P3Dvd-_sFVEt1mFCbjSfAuiMhyFU5ylY5qi1wT72KwYvNPeTJWYDCG8Vrjph2nqlgkIYBGj_Whdh3qSsv8fACgyL9bz_u_/s1600/tilttbaletest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHxZuQDCT1eC6enfixrw3A6Iodv3ln5lXGpe4py575P3ndp4P3Dvd-_sFVEt1mFCbjSfAuiMhyFU5ylY5qi1wT72KwYvNPeTJWYDCG8Vrjph2nqlgkIYBGj_Whdh3qSsv8fACgyL9bz_u_/s1600/tilttbaletest.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;">The test lasts about an hour and you're in the standing position the whole time. The goal is to reproduce symptoms such as passing out, fast heart rate, and whatever other symptoms you're experiencing. My heart went up to 180bpm during the test and I was just standing there. I came so close to passing out but never actually did. This test also tests for POTS, which we have suspected that I've had since I got sick. POTS stands for <span style="line-height: 22px;">Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome which is an </span><span style="line-height: 22px;">autonomic</span><span style="line-height: 22px;"> nervous system dysfunction. </span><span style="line-height: 22px;">The</span><span style="line-height: 22px;"> </span><span style="line-height: 22px;">autonomic</span><span style="line-height: 22px;"> nervous system controls everything you don't </span><span style="line-height: 22px;">consciously</span><span style="line-height: 22px;"> do such as blood flow, organ function, digestion, heart rate, and more. When I was fixing to do the tilt table test, we told the tech doing the </span><span style="line-height: 22px;">test that we thought I had POTS and he said he's been doing this test for 12 years and has only seen 3 or 4 real cases of POTS so he said he didn't think I had it. After the test, he said, yep you have POTS. </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="color: #444444; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">The tilt table test showed us so much and after that my cardiologist gave us two options. It showed I have an arrhythmia that no one else had caught. The first option was to have me admitted to the hospital to be started on a new heart medicine for </span><span style="line-height: 22px;">arrhythmias. I would be there for at least 3 days because they have to monitor you closely when you start the medicine. The next option was a procedure where they go into your heart to try and find the location of the arrhythmia and if they do, they would do an ablation which destroys that part that's causing the problem. I wanted to do the procedure because I wanted that chance of having it totally fixed and didn't want to add another medicine since I'm already on beta blockers, but because of scheduling issues, I couldn't have the procedure for over a month.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="color: #444444; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">So Wednesday, May 6th, I was admitted to the heart hospital at 6am to start the medicine! They tried so many times to get an IV and couldn't, so they called the PICC line team and they put in my 4th PICC line. I had to stay in the pre-op and post-op area until a bed opened up upstairs so I was in that area until about 4pm that day. I had the BEST nurse in the pre and post op area. She has the arrhythmia and tachycardia that I have and was so sweet. She took such great care of me! I got my first dose of the medicine at 8am and soon got a horrible headache, got dizzy, and just felt weird. My doctors said I could stop the medicine but I wanted to keep trying it. I got another dose of the medicine that night and the headache got worse. Still, I wanted to keep going. Thursday my head kept getting worse with each dose despite being on 4 pain medicines. Again they asked if I wanted to stop the medicine. I said no. I wanted to give it a chance. Friday came and I decided not to get my morning dose because I was supposed to go home that day and couldn't go home with that bad of a headache constantly, so my doctor decided to take me off of the medicine since I was having bad side effects. I got to go home Friday evening and was upset that I couldn't tolerate the medicine. They said that just happens sometimes and everyone is different. The heart hospital I was in is AMAZING. Every time I called the nurse, she would be in my room in under a minute. My cardiologist and his PA are also incredible. When they were trying to get my headache under control and trying to figure out what medicines to use, the PA came to see me about 5 times in 4 hours or something like that. Also, the nurse I had in the pre and post-op area was so touched by my story, that on her day off, she tracked me down and called my hospital room just to see how I was doing! It almost made cry to think how much she cared! I gave her my blog, so if you're reading this, please know how much you blessed my life! God is using your caring spirit to help so many people! I want to stay in contact! </span><span style="line-height: 22px;">I also had visitors each day and I am so thankful for those people! </span><span style="line-height: 22px;">Here are some pictures from that 3 day hospital stay.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="color: #444444; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; line-height: 22px;">It rained so much while I was in the hospital and we saw these rainbows from my hospital room! It reminded me that God was with me and His promises never fail! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfG3G_AmXcueJdRAKZknV_4g7T7-oX8hx69Tp80xVJQI0UbLZ4AzHyOgrP4cmN9MCJrlly-Cyngh9QaEFigSVFvP0Q5WSlFShotmWi1SHbByKIvbtFDO6k44HAaLsE38CPmDO3Dy9okg5i/s1600/IMG_2156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfG3G_AmXcueJdRAKZknV_4g7T7-oX8hx69Tp80xVJQI0UbLZ4AzHyOgrP4cmN9MCJrlly-Cyngh9QaEFigSVFvP0Q5WSlFShotmWi1SHbByKIvbtFDO6k44HAaLsE38CPmDO3Dy9okg5i/s320/IMG_2156.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;">Kind of hard to see but it's a double rainbow!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Y6hy5a1_p-DZOkvMzKPK6yMymRc95rGHUAeG23fuAw6-RZO_vEEE6wUAmTL1OcjGKOCXGKebkoDHW7MjIM98kW1YhDxchcf1nn1h4KCBsFd0Ac1nl4zECqqE6xGy7S_3n9YlvdWdJCJ-/s1600/IMG_2157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Y6hy5a1_p-DZOkvMzKPK6yMymRc95rGHUAeG23fuAw6-RZO_vEEE6wUAmTL1OcjGKOCXGKebkoDHW7MjIM98kW1YhDxchcf1nn1h4KCBsFd0Ac1nl4zECqqE6xGy7S_3n9YlvdWdJCJ-/s320/IMG_2157.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;">My 4th PICC line. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_L0dsr7EYFc-kzP_uuhJicKF5Y772te3D_DoF-_L1ZmicMHqkl8nWk_sms56_O4ZCfEL4VtqOX3yvJGskMfD3YzuTzwwk2-ZRWbd0rBExf33Pn2BM1OHDjC-ts2ix3tW_D1h0Qi5hrGyl/s1600/IMG_2166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_L0dsr7EYFc-kzP_uuhJicKF5Y772te3D_DoF-_L1ZmicMHqkl8nWk_sms56_O4ZCfEL4VtqOX3yvJGskMfD3YzuTzwwk2-ZRWbd0rBExf33Pn2BM1OHDjC-ts2ix3tW_D1h0Qi5hrGyl/s320/IMG_2166.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;">One of my friends came for a late night visit and gave me this beautiful bracelet. It has an anchor, infinity sign, and the word hope! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure." -Hebrews 6:19</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQJvxjf36qzAqsqHtmCRTGVXP4wEGJ610PFWh3xHffIk2pzqd4t5IrNk0nxgY7yR7YxFcvxJLNvquZHbveT1lVT7Thi7-zn9TOWrVZQT6CNaDSa6NocvAvWZVSwiGqrVjUyeewkXuGHxwB/s1600/IMG_2195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQJvxjf36qzAqsqHtmCRTGVXP4wEGJ610PFWh3xHffIk2pzqd4t5IrNk0nxgY7yR7YxFcvxJLNvquZHbveT1lVT7Thi7-zn9TOWrVZQT6CNaDSa6NocvAvWZVSwiGqrVjUyeewkXuGHxwB/s320/IMG_2195.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;">This is how long PICC lines are. This one is tangled up, but imagine this stretched out and it goes from the arm, up through the chest, then down into the heart. It's super long! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz0aJhPFlp1gZEiB0rRB35GzcMfUclDs6esbRlmjOIr69aA1v0V8iJwo8U6v_LdmJnf2F9Gkb1TmMEgSB5dvBFgObQt1KM_CVg9i9pzUw27aK6AVR4G1Ln6ux5Nqh0mkTLMbsd4wsWlz-d/s1600/IMG_2201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz0aJhPFlp1gZEiB0rRB35GzcMfUclDs6esbRlmjOIr69aA1v0V8iJwo8U6v_LdmJnf2F9Gkb1TmMEgSB5dvBFgObQt1KM_CVg9i9pzUw27aK6AVR4G1Ln6ux5Nqh0mkTLMbsd4wsWlz-d/s320/IMG_2201.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="color: magenta;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;">For the 3 days I lived with this icepack on my head for the headaches. It's cute, I know. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2J7mP04DelgCYlauAtyBWG4wJ6vw_nFmfMtujVHpFsSAV2giMYaPTxGT-IVnbYMZFhdZRytltT-X4vZ3t_090FbcE9H-g_K1JjG2rS55Dg_Iyt1ieUFeGujh_9gxeUZU8btB_Db3gVHS-/s1600/IMG_2202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2J7mP04DelgCYlauAtyBWG4wJ6vw_nFmfMtujVHpFsSAV2giMYaPTxGT-IVnbYMZFhdZRytltT-X4vZ3t_090FbcE9H-g_K1JjG2rS55Dg_Iyt1ieUFeGujh_9gxeUZU8btB_Db3gVHS-/s320/IMG_2202.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;">Taking care of my beautiful flowers</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5pJRwZ0XWqhd-TsE3P3FkRVTStD5m4R2DjLQAa-hW21QkhkM5QALE9Q_tsJppDk58Qpzl2IeTY4dJ5gYbBJXWmcdy0uVuV3W4NaJXY_4QMx1xYntmnvvkEmjWe-hB1leDTu-AO22faC3q/s1600/IMG_2203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5pJRwZ0XWqhd-TsE3P3FkRVTStD5m4R2DjLQAa-hW21QkhkM5QALE9Q_tsJppDk58Qpzl2IeTY4dJ5gYbBJXWmcdy0uVuV3W4NaJXY_4QMx1xYntmnvvkEmjWe-hB1leDTu-AO22faC3q/s320/IMG_2203.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;">My mom loved my look so much that she wanted a picture of my heart monitor necklace and you can also see my PICC line by the crease in my right arm. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL4NGLCRXVUdgcbFlJMMYNL-SNnmB0FFp9EdUunUp21CrvKd7DGIEHEg4VZk69XbF0i-6OvCLbihA_jou8FRX43XnoXjJGIDvSyysT1yAc6Ms5Wx29pI9oOQ08mR3HoAfNHxHLwdKgfoqy/s1600/IMG_2204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL4NGLCRXVUdgcbFlJMMYNL-SNnmB0FFp9EdUunUp21CrvKd7DGIEHEg4VZk69XbF0i-6OvCLbihA_jou8FRX43XnoXjJGIDvSyysT1yAc6Ms5Wx29pI9oOQ08mR3HoAfNHxHLwdKgfoqy/s320/IMG_2204.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;">Again, I just looked so good that my mom had to get a picture. I'm holding my arm up to show my PICC line, which adds to the look. Someone called me the flying nun because of my ice pack? Do you agree? </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiNR9zu11ctYpbE_hghdoSV_STvGT1SFl7OhP0_c2ZLj1dgpadZOyS9wPj-_jsSRM9IrGBk_9gRYZ-7kzAuXwdeTcr1Dsa_BmbvwV05ebHwulfGb-zmz_waoqa_NMTTz3SinXUUVDAUEhk/s1600/IMG_2214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiNR9zu11ctYpbE_hghdoSV_STvGT1SFl7OhP0_c2ZLj1dgpadZOyS9wPj-_jsSRM9IrGBk_9gRYZ-7kzAuXwdeTcr1Dsa_BmbvwV05ebHwulfGb-zmz_waoqa_NMTTz3SinXUUVDAUEhk/s320/IMG_2214.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="color: #252525; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: #444444;">So I was discharged Friday, May 8th, and was glad to be at home. I had to take my final for my online class when I got home from the hospital because it was due at midnight that night. I just found out recently that I got a B in the class!!!! I'm so proud of that after all that's happened since I started the class!!!</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">I did well at home and even went to church that Sunday, May 10th, and went out to eat for Mother's Day! Side note- I have the best mom (and dad)! I wouldn't be where I am today without her. I love you mom!!!!</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">On May 10th, after we got home from church and lunch I was laying on the couch and felt my heart go into a weird rhythm and then I passed out. After, I was fine besides my chest hurting. Later that afternoon, I was outside playing with my dog Charli and felt my heart do that weird rhythm and I passed out again and woke up with more chest pain. My parents decided to take me to the heart hospital ER. When we got there, they were rushing in a 70 year old who had been in cardiac arrest and then the nurse told us he was post arrest which meant that he didn't make it. I silently said a prayer for his family. Then, the guy in the room next to me was getting his heart shocked to get it back into normal rhythm. We heard everything and even though he was sedated, when they shocked him, he yelled out. I had NO idea that a few days later they would do the same to me...I'll explain that later. Things settled down a little in the ER after that. So in the ER, they did all the normal tests and found that my heart rate was high despite the beta blockers I'm on. I was stuck at least 5 times to try for an IV and they couldn't get it so they had 2 special techs come in and do an arterial blood draw which involves taking blood from an artery when they can't get it from the vein. They couldn't even hit the artery with an ultrasound machine, but finally on the 2nd try they got blood. After all my tests the doctor really wanted me to have an IV so someone else came in and finally got a tiny one! It was so frustrating since I had just had my PICC line taken out 2 days before on Friday! </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">They gave me medicine in my IV to slow my heart rate down but it didn't work. The ER doc talked to the on call doctor for my cardiologist and they decided to admit me again and my cardiologist would see me first thing in the morning. They got me to my room around 1am Monday morning and they just monitored me and tried to help my chest pain. I had a sweet nurse who decided that at 3 am when she taking blood, that she wanted to talk to me about her private life. A very, very private part of her life. At 3am. And I had just met her at 1am. I tried not to call her the rest of the night except if I had to get up to go the bathroom because I wasn't sure what she wanted to talk about next! She gave me some medicine for my chest pain and thankfully I slept on and off until shift change at 7am. Besides telling me way too much, she was so very sweet! I haven't had a bad nurse or CNA (certified nurse assistant) at this hospital.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">My cardiologist came in Monday morning and said he wasn't sure what caused those 2 episodes but that he wanted to start me on a different medicine to help get my heart back into a normal rhythm and lower my heart rate . They planned on having me stay another night to see how I did with the medicine. Then, later that day, my cardiologist came in and said that he would be able to do the heart procedure that Friday instead of the end of June! He was able to move me up! What an answer to our prayers! So instead of starting me on that other anti-arrhythmic medicine, I got to go home Monday night and not stay another night in the hospital! So I came home Monday, May 11th, so that I could have the heart procedure on Friday, May 15th.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">The rest of the week I spent getting ready for the procedure. The plan was for me to go home the evening of the procedure. Here's what really happened. This is what I put on Facebook when I woke up Friday morning.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">"I got 3 hours of sleep but God is holding me and I'm ready to conquer this procedure on my heart with Him! I have to be at the Heart hospital at 7am and it will start around 9. They expect it to last 4-8 hours. I will be somewhat sedated but awake through it. Please pray for my medical team and that they are able to find the problem and are able to fix it easily with no complications. Please pray for peace for me as my doctor said it would be an uncomfortable procedure. Pleas</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; line-height: 19px;">e also pray for my family as they wait and support me. I believe that God will heal me and guide the doctors to find and fix the problem easily, but even if He has a different plan, I will STILL praise Him because as one of my favorite songs says "the storm may swell, even then it is well, and YOU are good". There is a possibility that they won't be able to fix the arrhythmia, but we're praying that they can! God can do anything! Thank you so much for your prayers and encouragement. It means so much to me and is so uplifting to know I have so many people that care.<br />"No, in all these things we are MORE than conquerors through HIM who loved us." Romans 8:37<br />"My flesh and my heart may fail, but GOD is the strength of my heart and my portion forever" Psalm 73:26"</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;">Friday, May 15th, we arrived at the Heart Hospital at 7am for the procedure where they try to get your heart to go into an episode of extreme tachycardia to find where the arrhythmia is, and then if they find it they do an ablation to destroy that part of the heart and stop it from firing.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;">I made this and it has comforting verses on it and I took it to the hospital with me! I loved being able to show it to the nurses and doctors who took care of me!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr_71G3VPvCs6v04e92qqwzh9luQahXQg7Yho8ZrbO_8VD-_75phC6xYA8ajyYTxNpt3BHwP-fNnBYDYT7-gpzPmJPInn46SHwBbW_rKF7tt2-c5dkEpT123bPZfdoC_M-GbreazbKxPo5/s1600/11045470_10152758691072136_6189783642669689618_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr_71G3VPvCs6v04e92qqwzh9luQahXQg7Yho8ZrbO_8VD-_75phC6xYA8ajyYTxNpt3BHwP-fNnBYDYT7-gpzPmJPInn46SHwBbW_rKF7tt2-c5dkEpT123bPZfdoC_M-GbreazbKxPo5/s320/11045470_10152758691072136_6189783642669689618_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;">When we got the hospital, the nurse who did my vitals and admitted me was the nurse that took care of me during my first hospital stay who has the same arrhythmia that I have! I was so excited to see her again and once again, she took such great care of me! Unfortunately she wasn't my pre and post-op nurse, but that nurse was great too and she had admitted me the first time! Those 2 nurses just switched roles! Both of those nurses decided to not to even try for an IV, but to just call the PICC line team. The lady doing the PICC arrived pretty fast and I decided to do it in my left arm. I've had 3 PICCs in my right arm and 1 in my left so that's why I decided to do my left. They use an ultrasound machine to put in the PICC and it usually only takes about 15 min or so. My mom got to stay in the room if she promised to wear a mask and not get too close! It's a very sterile procedure since the PICC goes into the heart. It's also called a central line. She got the PICC line up to my shoulder and then it wouldn't turn to go down into my heart. She worked on it for over an hour. The anesthesiologist came in and said if it works, just leave it like that since we were already an hour behind schedule for my procedure. It was in such a weird position and when they put medicine in, I could feel it come out of the PICC into my vein in my chest. Here are some PICCtures (get it??) from the procedure to put in the PICC line. None of them are graphic.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;">Trying to smile while she was putting it in!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTYZW79Cu_ruSX8F5mpi55hR5zBX5FpMHf72BXJuzKu2vJAT4r_Y8-Q05by2i9y3Uc19G0L9Zf3ouM9UmEGekZC7yqQ4K_EQYfPI4ip0ZuJOfZPCIihjQR6zK6A1D8wwjrxurMjfu_C-7m/s1600/10407249_10152761410442136_5093375286805830002_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTYZW79Cu_ruSX8F5mpi55hR5zBX5FpMHf72BXJuzKu2vJAT4r_Y8-Q05by2i9y3Uc19G0L9Zf3ouM9UmEGekZC7yqQ4K_EQYfPI4ip0ZuJOfZPCIihjQR6zK6A1D8wwjrxurMjfu_C-7m/s320/10407249_10152761410442136_5093375286805830002_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;"> She had me move my head a lot to get the PICC in the right place</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgikB1BSk3aANpQ39ozAONkHCy4P9CRf4kInv8KurJ01DGbYNNncTzuaAjaJqH19auW3GAyOq0f6SIKf6F343GUq2cKTLsQCca0Rg9SPNR_3KZOwyBZiOjvkAxPCjaq1s5oOZKRnbl_KXtp/s1600/10984499_10152761410487136_2455679506695437692_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgikB1BSk3aANpQ39ozAONkHCy4P9CRf4kInv8KurJ01DGbYNNncTzuaAjaJqH19auW3GAyOq0f6SIKf6F343GUq2cKTLsQCca0Rg9SPNR_3KZOwyBZiOjvkAxPCjaq1s5oOZKRnbl_KXtp/s320/10984499_10152761410487136_2455679506695437692_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;">Threading it through the vein</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrXoDE4Sdbxs0A6LAtLgddjD6nN6qFhFM5T4r9_5TEH9q4Rxmr9611ZfXcj2mGlN6t8v0F8Wlv1fl7IaUinEfUEP_9Adsjuh1YkxntSEbzanuLmok3XUVDsrNNgfqGvtiC369ksaLDmE4t/s1600/11143223_10152761410462136_1227421173564979722_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrXoDE4Sdbxs0A6LAtLgddjD6nN6qFhFM5T4r9_5TEH9q4Rxmr9611ZfXcj2mGlN6t8v0F8Wlv1fl7IaUinEfUEP_9Adsjuh1YkxntSEbzanuLmok3XUVDsrNNgfqGvtiC369ksaLDmE4t/s320/11143223_10152761410462136_1227421173564979722_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;">Taking an x-ray to see where the PICC was</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNh1N9Z_kH7RcThTMwghRtyweVUfmjCGzUylQE6tAvAT1Zf32k8-BjxXmmlBnjjXklCAu1n5aHEk33bknUrWeVSU8oVWxC11iWbC0mSOfVOKxMiEhK5h2opVHzAQFiFWEoXWknkdLcqOFV/s1600/10995630_10152761410547136_44683327458309103_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNh1N9Z_kH7RcThTMwghRtyweVUfmjCGzUylQE6tAvAT1Zf32k8-BjxXmmlBnjjXklCAu1n5aHEk33bknUrWeVSU8oVWxC11iWbC0mSOfVOKxMiEhK5h2opVHzAQFiFWEoXWknkdLcqOFV/s320/10995630_10152761410547136_44683327458309103_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;">Here is the finished product. My 5th PICC line</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9jiHc6_bsxx1nF6TpMRdmPg6hfer40OuqSpKBh0r14p2ZUcxXQPNUhI7uGC6X43XhGWUHaExb54tVCyafIxH_9jgGvlirXU0oHLtCUGpD0_16HU6V2ckQvJZyGWA4JrZpSu8M7b54N_aA/s1600/10930910_10152761411692136_4965988713711508157_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9jiHc6_bsxx1nF6TpMRdmPg6hfer40OuqSpKBh0r14p2ZUcxXQPNUhI7uGC6X43XhGWUHaExb54tVCyafIxH_9jgGvlirXU0oHLtCUGpD0_16HU6V2ckQvJZyGWA4JrZpSu8M7b54N_aA/s320/10930910_10152761411692136_4965988713711508157_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="color: #444444;">The doctors said the PICC line was okay even though it never went far enough down. They had me wear a bracelet that I've never had to wear before. It was my "blood band". Since they would be working in my heart, they said they had to have blood on standby and I had to wear this bracelet that has a lot of info about what kind of blood I would need. Praise God that I didn't need any blood during the procedure! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCnqKUnYLpbckFeiTqotpsd4ULI2Rbo_dQerXqKdw1XGuZZIdP5Bh3ZSC6EgMJnFUSYNYg-DvchaKKxQEfun8dtchE3fgXNXPjtO69clpvktLEAKNSh9MDDON8rfpnvA8VoWt_7UYyhA-p/s1600/FullSizeRender+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCnqKUnYLpbckFeiTqotpsd4ULI2Rbo_dQerXqKdw1XGuZZIdP5Bh3ZSC6EgMJnFUSYNYg-DvchaKKxQEfun8dtchE3fgXNXPjtO69clpvktLEAKNSh9MDDON8rfpnvA8VoWt_7UYyhA-p/s200/FullSizeRender+2.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;">It had lots of stickers on it, I'm guessing to match it to the blood if needed</span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj04GfJ0mxlxn1u6LyoPUafL7FbWutB3OKaZjX1Kul7cNTfjAzX_Kv_nuJ9YEXB-JHgCHygn1MJ9X9wicuLF2ssFx9tZCRp-BdwJZjzSTg57uGEQaI1NSqaLbr8fvbDvwi_zGoGV4en2qeF/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj04GfJ0mxlxn1u6LyoPUafL7FbWutB3OKaZjX1Kul7cNTfjAzX_Kv_nuJ9YEXB-JHgCHygn1MJ9X9wicuLF2ssFx9tZCRp-BdwJZjzSTg57uGEQaI1NSqaLbr8fvbDvwi_zGoGV4en2qeF/s200/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="196" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #444444;">After everything was ready, they came to get me. I asked my dad to say a prayer before they took me, so with all the nurses and everyone in the room running around to get things ready, they all stopped when my dad prayed. It was such a sweet prayer. I started to cry during the prayer and I think this was the first procedure that I cried for when they took me from my family. I was so scared after hearing all the risks and having my cardiologist go through the procedure step by step since I would be awake for most of it. But as they rolled me out of the room, I kept saying silently "God be with me" and I had His peace.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;">Getting me ready</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj57khttNoYSgb8RTp1fpNS_7ErWic6r-8K99VJfBnS6L5jNrYXaHCQ04mMP-qdZe4ZDah1Ht36FLwVlCgmmmUv_ENeH3zkEgts7WqD9jxtcHlhrY4IaGiclFG8MviNY9E8z-Y3BeLQWpUz/s1600/19230_10152761410607136_6880920037462366016_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj57khttNoYSgb8RTp1fpNS_7ErWic6r-8K99VJfBnS6L5jNrYXaHCQ04mMP-qdZe4ZDah1Ht36FLwVlCgmmmUv_ENeH3zkEgts7WqD9jxtcHlhrY4IaGiclFG8MviNY9E8z-Y3BeLQWpUz/s320/19230_10152761410607136_6880920037462366016_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCh7Uj7y-Y5dilM0A_FbKuFdaDK-b7V2GxJM7jGQUMXnsKpHH2frkjauF99c3GWfgHTlYsEr8WWVXVsV_6q4DuFP3QuxvuC8o4hifE62v66jnsrgUhYt9IlboB3_oGZbQ8CDDjM-3kyAlQ/s1600/11207375_10152761410637136_3027383517142832321_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCh7Uj7y-Y5dilM0A_FbKuFdaDK-b7V2GxJM7jGQUMXnsKpHH2frkjauF99c3GWfgHTlYsEr8WWVXVsV_6q4DuFP3QuxvuC8o4hifE62v66jnsrgUhYt9IlboB3_oGZbQ8CDDjM-3kyAlQ/s320/11207375_10152761410637136_3027383517142832321_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #444444;">They took me to the OR around 10am, an hour late. They gave my parents a pager and said that the nurse would page them every hour and update them on what was going on. The procedure was supposed to be 4-8 hours long. We got into the OR and they had this amazing screen! It was the length of the operating table and very tall too. It was parallel to the table. I asked them about it and they said it's the only one in the hospital, and there are only a couple in the whole state. One guy said it was more expensive than his house! I'm not sure if he was kidding or not...They had me move over to the table from my bed. The anesthesiologist gave me something to help me relax while they hooked me up to all the monitors and got things ready. Then they totally sedated me while they got the wires in my heart and put other not fun things in. I'm so thankful I was asleep for that! It took about an hour from when they took me to the OR to get everything in place, put me to sleep and put the wires in my heart and other things, and then wake me up. So we were already an hour in when I woke up. I woke up to find that my hands were in restraints so that I wouldn't move. Before the procedure my doctor had said that it would be very uncomfortable for me during the procedure and that they would give me pain medicine and more medicine to help me relax if I needed it while I was awake, but those meds lower the heart rate the their goal is to make your heart go into an episode to see where the arrhythmia is coming from so if they give you more medicine, then they have to do more to stimulate your heart. So my goal was to make it through with no extra pain medicine or sedation. He said sometimes they have to put people back to sleep because it's too uncomfortable. Waking up was very uncomfortable and painful and like I said my hands were tied down so that made me feel a little claustrophobic. I panicked for minute when I realized I could feel the wires in my heart and the uncomfortable catheter. But the anesthesiologist, nurses, and my cardiologist talked to me to help me relax and soon I did. I prayed that God would would give me peace and prayed throughout the whole thing. I was able to talk to everyone in the OR during the procedure and that helped distract me. Once I was awake, they started giving me medicine in my IV to increase my heart rate. The medicine was adrenaline or something like it. He would have the nurse slowly increase the dose as my heart rate went up. He would move the wires in my heart and that's one of the things that was on the big screen. There was a ton of stuff on the screen but the biggest thing was a continuous x-ray of my chest to see where the wires were. On the screen my heart would turn different colors as he did different things to it. So he made my heart rate go up and it got to 250 beats per minute. That was really, really uncomfortable. It would also skip beats and just go crazy. After that, he had the nurse turn the medicine off to let me rest. Then he would start the medicine back up and my heart rate would go really high again. After about 3-4 hours of doing this, he finally found the EXACT location of the arrhythmia! I was so grateful! But then I could tell that something was wrong. He asked one of the techs to do something, and I felt a nerve on my right side move and my diaphragm on that side moved in and out. He had them do that several times. It didn't feel good! He then told me that the arrhythmia is exactly where the nerve to my diaphragm is. He could not do the ablation and fix it because it would damage the nerve to my diaphragm and I wouldn't be able to breathe. I was so disappointed. Our prayer was for them to be able to find the problem and fix it easily. God did answer our prayers, just in a different way. They found the problem, but couldn't fix it. So that is a blessing that they found the location! I made it the WHOLE time without any extra pain medicine or sedation! Only God! It was so uncomfortable and hard to lay there for 4 hours without any other medicines, but God got me through it and I'm proud of that!</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">After he realized he couldn't fix the arrhythmia, he told me he was going to put me back to sleep and shock my heart. I said wait a second! We never ever talked about this, I didn't know this was a possibility! I was so scared. I told him to call my parents and let them know. I don't know how that would have helped anything, but I wanted them to know. So the anesthesiologist put me back to sleep and they shocked my heart (Cardioversion) to slow it down and get it back into a normal rhythm. This was just a temporary fix. This is what my mom posted on Facebook after talking to the doctor.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Victoria did great through the 5-hour EP study; so proud of her! Being awake with wires in my heart is not on my bucket list, but she conquered it!! The not so good news is that the doc couldn't perform the heart ablation due to Victoria's arrhythmia being located too close to a nerve that runs to the diaphragm. So the docs decided to put her under and shock her heart. The heart shock will hold for a while but not long enough to help long-term. So it's back to the drawing table and back to trying another med. Thank you for your prayers! We will keep on keeping on!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;">I woke up crying (I always do after anesthesia). I knew they didn't fix the arrhythmia, I was in pain, and was just upset at the whole situation. When I got to my post-op room from the procedure, there were beautiful flowers waiting for me!</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;">They were from my brother! That made me cry even more! It was so sweet, and there was a card and he had written something. He really is the best, most thoughtful brother. Look how beautiful they are! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCeGUQfgvuh-ZVC46Mp4nyblLoEWS6OcODkUTBTdMHBAjAR8PBpnURZdnlgA2wSMhbx0-EOqBwllTrHY5tgIk1-a2lgLAFM6sCwsdVq2gFEm8rLz_l73MO9vGK70_KYGYsAfTM3vGxTt94/s1600/11045433_10152765291897136_6234598472639903452_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCeGUQfgvuh-ZVC46Mp4nyblLoEWS6OcODkUTBTdMHBAjAR8PBpnURZdnlgA2wSMhbx0-EOqBwllTrHY5tgIk1-a2lgLAFM6sCwsdVq2gFEm8rLz_l73MO9vGK70_KYGYsAfTM3vGxTt94/s320/11045433_10152765291897136_6234598472639903452_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;">I had to be on bedrest after the procedure for 4 hours but it ended up being about 7 hours of bedrest because of something that happened that required I not move for longer. My doctor came in to see me after the procedure and we discussed the next step. There are other procedures we can do where the nerve to my diaphragm would be moved while they do the ablation and then put back in place. Unfortunately these procedures are more invasive and they're also more risky. They would have to be done at a different hospital too. We don't have a plan yet on what procedures to pursue next to fix the arrhythmia but my cardiologist is looking around and we will look around the country too at different procedures. We've got to let me heal from all of this first though. My cardiologist then mentioned putting in a permanent heart monitor so that they could always see what my heart does without me having to wear those annoying external heart monitors and this one would last 3 years. So I agreed to that. He then joked that we should just put it in right then. Yeah, cause I hadn't been through enough that day! Since I was staying the night in the hospital, he said he could do the minor surgery the next day (Saturday) to put in the heart monitor. I said okay. He left and they got my room upstairs ready and I had the best 3 nurses taking care of me post-up. One stayed past her shift because she just wanted to make sure I was okay. They had to constantly check the 2 sites on my legs where they went into my heart to make sure they weren't bleeding a lot. They also cleaned me up and helped calm me down. I was really upset, but a lot of the crying was the anesthesia and pain. Also, let's be honest. Having a catheter in you from 10am to 10pm is just not pleasant. I had to have it because of the procedure and then the best rest after since I couldn't move.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="color: #444444;">They then took me upstairs to my room and it was a great room! Yes, this was my 3rd admission in 10 days and I knew what rooms were good and which ones weren't. I had lots of visitors when I got to my room and that made my day and distracted me from everything! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;">Here is what my room looked like! It was right by the nurses station which I like because you can eavesdrop on lots of interesting things. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCq92shGACSR8ot0MZvzMg-sfJ2jbOlLnVnhhsv9AW9j6wo5SLmA70v0mcLucdx1KKQkJuo2u2WeYOGXpAb8VZ5rxfsFfZZjRnOJdcRGQWWZErEhTjjtmFJ4E5OZJ_C9rpHoNlHsZROTmk/s1600/13509_10152761410747136_584685541358239922_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCq92shGACSR8ot0MZvzMg-sfJ2jbOlLnVnhhsv9AW9j6wo5SLmA70v0mcLucdx1KKQkJuo2u2WeYOGXpAb8VZ5rxfsFfZZjRnOJdcRGQWWZErEhTjjtmFJ4E5OZJ_C9rpHoNlHsZROTmk/s320/13509_10152761410747136_584685541358239922_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdr_CdQyTjI9L8DHY0Ut8UU5bGZ2cBnvIqqEUO-5EEv2UhWQ0ZJ2vEbSXA6QpQLnMsrmM-LkaOV6-i5Y6Lr4VtN9Z230sJBDLZmrD5r9YV1V_3SqssNK1iZ0-qXkSFtrlcHCZw0stZIEp_/s1600/11150806_10152761410767136_7527495528935303160_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdr_CdQyTjI9L8DHY0Ut8UU5bGZ2cBnvIqqEUO-5EEv2UhWQ0ZJ2vEbSXA6QpQLnMsrmM-LkaOV6-i5Y6Lr4VtN9Z230sJBDLZmrD5r9YV1V_3SqssNK1iZ0-qXkSFtrlcHCZw0stZIEp_/s320/11150806_10152761410767136_7527495528935303160_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSO4VLCEwfzyquTubqgfiWowoABIaDI-VhPwOUwG3cNtq4To7KDwMp2nPa176X0nvxFLei-3NAa-9tB_qj0GnukI1Ts4_cDZgsns0XzPAweFcjTebwp0aqkDR4YDnvgBiQoSYsRvRtY1T/s1600/11112918_10152761410797136_4200223801575056397_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSO4VLCEwfzyquTubqgfiWowoABIaDI-VhPwOUwG3cNtq4To7KDwMp2nPa176X0nvxFLei-3NAa-9tB_qj0GnukI1Ts4_cDZgsns0XzPAweFcjTebwp0aqkDR4YDnvgBiQoSYsRvRtY1T/s320/11112918_10152761410797136_4200223801575056397_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLXFvTWylf672L22uZUPH6LMVn4T2nbTMh918VPbVxenfBZQPhyphenhyphenHcZrosETrwJdRsWWDlE5RpDD_tymFaJKxOjUnAMP0YHJECN5l1fwaSrF4PwXyir9KGUNWTV9zKXRuWoe2Q2IWJvSXy1/s1600/11233524_10152761410852136_59734223570054219_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLXFvTWylf672L22uZUPH6LMVn4T2nbTMh918VPbVxenfBZQPhyphenhyphenHcZrosETrwJdRsWWDlE5RpDD_tymFaJKxOjUnAMP0YHJECN5l1fwaSrF4PwXyir9KGUNWTV9zKXRuWoe2Q2IWJvSXy1/s320/11233524_10152761410852136_59734223570054219_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-bDqT2tA-sfpIrYa7UuPp5GRTRINulQFLgzWfn4fQMGUkWOXi-y2F_xkPbbiIGoUlipy3Ov4afi1pV03OPMppkwPN8J3_R7DxaAbeeKThijtjnPonbXSqCU1f4vTmx1FF2AJnCRRm2Lgt/s1600/11261210_10152761410897136_1881365571888248114_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-bDqT2tA-sfpIrYa7UuPp5GRTRINulQFLgzWfn4fQMGUkWOXi-y2F_xkPbbiIGoUlipy3Ov4afi1pV03OPMppkwPN8J3_R7DxaAbeeKThijtjnPonbXSqCU1f4vTmx1FF2AJnCRRm2Lgt/s320/11261210_10152761410897136_1881365571888248114_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3x0mbkraYxPfLdaLxECI6qVKNsdB-h04qbZ1BePH3n2SaFBuG_jw8sP3fxrbor247IkjqAWpEJ1HQlybRVNEm7WYXLadZtLUOCpgvLsBAltMmYrGhPaUEvgyokIsFGFkLOXyqMazsTZlu/s1600/11011950_10152761410822136_876161935496388231_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3x0mbkraYxPfLdaLxECI6qVKNsdB-h04qbZ1BePH3n2SaFBuG_jw8sP3fxrbor247IkjqAWpEJ1HQlybRVNEm7WYXLadZtLUOCpgvLsBAltMmYrGhPaUEvgyokIsFGFkLOXyqMazsTZlu/s320/11011950_10152761410822136_876161935496388231_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;">At 10pm that night, I was able to get up and was off bedrest! I took a lap around the floor and then settled in for the night. They started me on a new medicine for my heart that is to help keep it in a normal rhythm. So now I'm on a beta blocker to lower to my heart rate, which he doubled the dose of that, and then the new medicine to help the rhythm of my heart. I slept well that night besides the normal hospital things that wake you up. At 7:30am Saturday, my day nurse came in and said they would be coming to get me soon for the procedure to put in the heart monitor. I had the best nurse that day! My doctor came to my room and talked to me about the procedure. I told my nurse that I was nervous about the procedure because they usually use 2 medicines to sedate for these procedures when it's not general anesthesia, and I can't have 1 of the medicines and the other medicine doesn't work on me. She said she would be waiting for me after the procedure to see how I did. Two OR nurses came to to my room to get me and they took me down around 9am. It was a maze to get to the OR and a lot of the hallways were dark because it was a Saturday. On the way to the OR, they told me the medicines they would be giving me and I told them that those medicines don't really do anything to me. It wasn't general anesthesia but they are supposed to give you enough medicine so that most people fall asleep from the meds. Again, I told them those medicines don't work and I couldn't have 1 of them. I don't think they believed me. They got all the drapes ready and my face had to have a drape over it since they were putting the monitor in my chest by my heart. They went ahead and gave me the sedation and pain medicine and I was still wide awake. My cardiologist was fixing to start when he realized he needed something else. By the time they got whatever he needed, the pain medicine had worn off and I was still wide awake. He started and made a tiny incision and then to get the heart monitor into my chest, he put all his weight on my chest which left me unable to breathe because he was pushing so hard. I was in tears and they had already maxed me out on all the medicines so they couldn't give me anymore, so I just had to lay there and take it. It was horrible. The nurses had to hold my body down because I was shaking from the pain. The procedure only took about 10 minutes, but it was excruciating.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">They took me back to my room around 10:15am and my nurse was waiting for me, just like she had promised. The OR nurses explained that everything went well, but that I was in a lot of pain and was totally awake through it all. My nurse gave me my morning medicines (I couldn't eat or drink before the surgery so I couldn't have my normal medicines) and then medicines for the pain.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">This is what the heart monitor looks like. I can feel it inside me which is kinda weird. <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">This can stay in me for 3 years if needed. I have to carry a card with me at all times that says that I have a heart monitor</span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMB87JwDDa6RHS9IJl_d7WmCm4em1jm8mdxmauVuQAiLEJlFumMyIw2gpVAhCIricg3Gb5KcBZXiRRCBzF49CN7Dpi5r2_xOUNdeEpCq45OWFQRr7XD-3rTcO1wCZ3JWhTgOd-gSC83gev/s1600/IMG_2491.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMB87JwDDa6RHS9IJl_d7WmCm4em1jm8mdxmauVuQAiLEJlFumMyIw2gpVAhCIricg3Gb5KcBZXiRRCBzF49CN7Dpi5r2_xOUNdeEpCq45OWFQRr7XD-3rTcO1wCZ3JWhTgOd-gSC83gev/s200/IMG_2491.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;"> <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I have to have this blue device with me at all times because if I have symptoms or my heard does certain things, I press a button and hold it up to the monitor in my chest and it sends my heart rhythm to the doctor! It beeps once it connects to the monitor in me! Pretty amazing. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3bGGbcRiNyJ3B1r29A0UtwIRWk-C-JDrjKp7_q-jZWDjSnhxoCRlK7VT2ZFd6bHk75NNCsgllQzCcClWEPnS8ThFpbQkG1NSFPpkY6RP6AIu5YNqODs-CfMxsIwNc41j6ivgtLQmVvWZ4/s1600/IMG_2492.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3bGGbcRiNyJ3B1r29A0UtwIRWk-C-JDrjKp7_q-jZWDjSnhxoCRlK7VT2ZFd6bHk75NNCsgllQzCcClWEPnS8ThFpbQkG1NSFPpkY6RP6AIu5YNqODs-CfMxsIwNc41j6ivgtLQmVvWZ4/s200/IMG_2492.jpg" width="159" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;">My cardiologist came to check on me several times because my incision was bleeding at a steady rate. It slowed down later in the day. He also just wanted to see how I was doing since it was traumatic for me. I realize that this doesn't compare to things that other people go through, but it was still painful and scary to be wide awake and all the medicines had worn off by the time they started the procedure. He said I could go home after I ate something and rested for a while!</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">I rested in my room but never went to sleep because I was so uncomfortable. My nurse kept checking on me and giving me medicines as needed. I had a couple of visitors which was great and helped cheer me up and distract me from everything. I wasn't hungry but knew I needed to eat before I could go home. I ordered lunch around 1:30pm and didn't eat much, but made it look like I did so I could go home! They had the best angel food cake with strawberries on it and I got that at every meal! So I ate that and some yogurt and pasta. Yes, I realized that getting cake at every meal isn't the healthiest option, but I was barely eating during all my hospital stays and that's all that sounded good!</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">I got to go home later that afternoon and have been home ever since! Recovery has been more challenging than I planned for since I ended up having multiple procedures instead of what was just supposed to be the one procedure to try and fix the arrhythmia. My cardiologist said it would take at least a week to recover from just the 1st heart procedure, and then to add the cardioversion and heart monitor surgery, that is a lot for me to go through in such a short time. It all happened in less than 24 hours.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: inherit;">One day last week I was lying on the couch<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"> with my blanket and noticed that my arm was on my favorite verse. I looked down and saw my hospital bracelets and realized that they remind me of how far God has brought me. It reminds me of all that I've been through, and how God </span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; line-height: 19px;">has gotten me through it all by giving me strength, hope, peace, perseverance, and grace. I think that's why I keep all of my hospital bracelets. I look at them and see physical proof of God carrying me through this illness, through the pain, through the tears, through it all, never leaving me. I have hundreds of hospital bracelets from 7-8 years of this and each one represents a difficult time. But more than that, each one reminds me what I've overcome with God! He's never left me! I was also wearing this bracelet that I mentioned earlier that reminds me of the verse Hebrews 6:19- "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure". God is my anchor, hope is my anchor, grace is my anchor, peace is my anchor. I'm blessed.</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_kHfuSAv6arZDaglodAU1SoQiURO8qFwUusSrGSXuuk4DeEwPxOD9HIoHREqsVAwrSLAkgqvupEZhtnXtiKPv_f-AhCIvsxZKPCYUsPK5jbx8St-3MKGj-0_NxT5B8QUVNMXA62ozcP5N/s1600/IMG_2471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_kHfuSAv6arZDaglodAU1SoQiURO8qFwUusSrGSXuuk4DeEwPxOD9HIoHREqsVAwrSLAkgqvupEZhtnXtiKPv_f-AhCIvsxZKPCYUsPK5jbx8St-3MKGj-0_NxT5B8QUVNMXA62ozcP5N/s320/IMG_2471.JPG" width="245" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;">So, to recap, I was admitted to the hospital 3 times in 10 days. The first time was for 3 days to be started on a new medicine to get and keep my heart in a normal rhythm. Unfortunately the side effects were too much and I wasn't able to stay on the medicine. 2 days later I was in the ER and was admitted again for high heart rate and passing out episodes. I was going to stay 2 nights to try another new heart medicine, but my cardiologist was able to move my procedure up instead of having to wait until the end of June. He had an opening and wanted to try and get my heart fixed. So I was only in the hospital for 1 night and about 24 hours and got to go home without starting the new medicine! 4 days later on Friday, May 15th, I was admitted for what was supposed to be the one procedure to fix my heart. They put in my 5th PICC line but worked on it for over an hour and never got it in the right spot but it worked and was ok. I then had the 5 hour heart procedure to try and find and fix the arrhythmia. To find the location of the arrhythmia, they made my heart rate go up to 250bpm and I had to be awake for about 4 hours of the 5 hour procedure. They found the exact location of the arrhythmia, but they were unable to fix it because of it's location. It's right where the nerve to my diaphragm is and fixing the arrhythmia would have caused damage to my diaphragm. They then decided to put me back to sleep and shock my heart to slow it down and get it back into a normal rhythm. I stayed that night in the hospital and the next morning, they surgically placed a heart monitor in my chest by my heart. I was able to go home later that day!</span><br />
<br />
I<span style="color: purple;">t has been a lot to go through. I'm doing okay though. <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">I'm dealing with the reality that they weren't able to fix my heart and now we're looking at more medicines and invasive and risky procedures. I just want my heart fixed because it is causing a lot of problems. I'm not frustrated at God, mad a</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; line-height: 19px;">t God, or blame God for any of this. I'm just mad at the situation. 7 years of this gets exhausting. But my hope, peace, endurance, grace, and strength all come from God! He had never left me and is using this for good. Your prayers and kind words have also carried me! I WILL praise Him for all He's done and for His promises that anchor me in the storm. </span></span></span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; line-height: 19px;"><b><span style="color: purple;">"You get glory in the midst of this<br />And You're walking with me<br />And you say I am blessed because of this<br />So, I choose to believe<br />As I carry this cross, You'll carry me"</span></b></span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: purple;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: purple;">Someone (city official) said something to me a couple of days ago that caught me off guard. He came to my house for something and asked about my hospital bracelets so I explained what was going on and that I had Lyme disease and he said "you're one of the lucky ones. You're still fighting and you're not dead". <b>So yes, I am blessed to be alive today, blessed to feel pain because it means I'm living, blessed to be weak because it means I know what it is to be strong. I'm blessed. God has a plan for me. </b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: purple;">These are lyrics from 2 songs that are especially comforting right now. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><b><span style="color: purple; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"I have unanswered prayers</span></b></span><br />
<div style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I have trouble I wish wasn't there<br />And I have asked a thousand ways<br />That You would take my pain away<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; line-height: 19px;">
<b></b><br />
<div style="color: purple; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I am trying to understand<br />How to walk this weary land<br />Make straight the paths that crooked lie<br />Oh Lord, before these feet of mine</span></b></div>
<b>
</b>
<div style="color: purple; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">When my world is shaking, Heaven stands<br />When my heart is breaking<br />I never leave YOUR hands"</span></b></div>
<b>
<div style="color: purple; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: purple; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">"I must confess that I still don’t get it all</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;">Lord, I believe that all your words are true</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;">Doesn’t matter where I’m going if I’m going with You</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;">I press on, I press on, I press on</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;">When I still don’t get it, I press on"</span></span></div>
<div style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Thank you so much for your prayers, visits, comments, texts, cards, and encouragement. It really does lift my spirit and make a huge difference! Please don't stop! </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">I don't know what's next for me, but I press on. Trusting God. Thanking God. </span></span></div>
</b></div>
Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00661664397253821528noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1923910207333921246.post-14293124820145546972015-05-19T09:34:00.000-05:002015-05-19T09:34:07.075-05:00Lots of Emotions and Memories Wow, it has been a while! Things have been crazy! This is a post about a few things that have been happening recently with our family, and I'm almost done with a post about what's been going on with my heart. So much has happened the past few weeks.<br />
<br />
2 weeks ago, we lost a very important member of our family. Our dog Tucker died from heart problems. He had been on medicine for his heart for a while, and it just progressed faster than we thought it would. It was kind of a shock. He died sometime between 3 and 6am and my dad found him in his favorite spot, at the bottom of our stairs which lead up to my brother and I's bedrooms and it's right outside my parent's bedroom door. He was 10 and we didn't think we would lose him so soon. Our other dog, Charli, has been so upset since Tucker died. She is 4 and when he died she kept barking at him and putting her paw on him to try and get him to wake up. She really misses him, as do we all.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tucker is on the left, Charli on the right</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7fpXbzs1sdalYuj1wP5GKKdvBBC0h0TBAurmtjbNN9uSsus8rFOR7IlRWXzuJumww0xLsAoJ4wmlSNMiSYpPiNGrqI-o_Z_3yyIMXcwilw-FsLDsbHr8Px8OG1pkMrdvzdZUICE8ineOG/s1600/997078_10152743282102136_3688883679502349969_n-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7fpXbzs1sdalYuj1wP5GKKdvBBC0h0TBAurmtjbNN9uSsus8rFOR7IlRWXzuJumww0xLsAoJ4wmlSNMiSYpPiNGrqI-o_Z_3yyIMXcwilw-FsLDsbHr8Px8OG1pkMrdvzdZUICE8ineOG/s320/997078_10152743282102136_3688883679502349969_n-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This was taken just a few days before Tucker died. He was enjoying being outside.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnJgn0gHiRsVhXBMl11cq2Ze44FXRpAETU4FQ5IX1PxsEhL-2rEbt3PwTvN8VyKUPXnvH8gfpqC1ZfT1d_50uUMmGQ9BBLHkAmgxuyeRPonTbSHhmvs1JhbdKna3dhz1rQXC0b3HuHXG6E/s1600/IMG_2051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnJgn0gHiRsVhXBMl11cq2Ze44FXRpAETU4FQ5IX1PxsEhL-2rEbt3PwTvN8VyKUPXnvH8gfpqC1ZfT1d_50uUMmGQ9BBLHkAmgxuyeRPonTbSHhmvs1JhbdKna3dhz1rQXC0b3HuHXG6E/s320/IMG_2051.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We had Tucker's mom before he was born and then she had 2 puppies and we kept Tucker so we've had him since birth. Tucker has been with me through my illness since I've been suck at home a lot and he was there even before I got sick. We miss him!!! Our other dog, Charli, is so different since Tucker died. She misses him! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Last Wednesday, May 13th, was my mom's birthday! I wouldn't be where I am today without her! She does so much for everyone and I'm thankful God chose me to be her daughter.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgew_SmcV6OTAD13TRGe6pUnxbj_Hro5gkJ85xl21X2BH7GGoAqNcwRYXHptsUwMy7DTWT6za_nODwxC0z4bI6t-uKh4e2BBOCEpgf7rvwJDcyrhWukNtweGNHjMUAlYSOkuhENEMij2wc4/s1600/IMG_1646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgew_SmcV6OTAD13TRGe6pUnxbj_Hro5gkJ85xl21X2BH7GGoAqNcwRYXHptsUwMy7DTWT6za_nODwxC0z4bI6t-uKh4e2BBOCEpgf7rvwJDcyrhWukNtweGNHjMUAlYSOkuhENEMij2wc4/s320/IMG_1646.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">That day was bittersweet. We celebrated my mom's birth which has blessed us all, and we also remembered that a year ago on her birthday, God called my grandpa, Elmo (her dad), Home to Heaven. He had taken me by the hand my whole life, leading me in the direction I should go, and I had the </span>privilege<span style="font-family: inherit;"> of holding his hand as the Angels led him to his Eternal Home in </span>the<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span>presence<span style="font-family: inherit;"> of our Great God, where we will see he and my grandma and my aunt Shari again someday. We miss he </span>and<span style="font-family: inherit;"> my grandma so much! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This was at Christmas several years ago. I love this picture.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKe5J0kL54ZU_htSX2A4sGJ71giQAHTeFZRjcsl8NGvAzQCd5JRZuh6dJe3A37uEwnR8NMf2GddZnHY3ygqRlmMEZVz8SJeDGskjC0Z4N5Wl10dChBphRswYgs4BwbPviDFuzwQBRlE00b/s1600/10885474_10152467066807136_3575729932468522620_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKe5J0kL54ZU_htSX2A4sGJ71giQAHTeFZRjcsl8NGvAzQCd5JRZuh6dJe3A37uEwnR8NMf2GddZnHY3ygqRlmMEZVz8SJeDGskjC0Z4N5Wl10dChBphRswYgs4BwbPviDFuzwQBRlE00b/s320/10885474_10152467066807136_3575729932468522620_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
As my grandpa got closer to Heaven, we had worship music playing, which if you knew him you know that was his favorite. We all sat with him and talked to him and held his hand. I remember staying up all night with him the night before he died and I was just imagining what was going on in Heaven as they got ready for his arrival. "I can only imagine". </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy43i6YtCcbgrDYdgR9TUsRrIH4DQOo_C8Ojw7wbc8fsbxItdfQ_LADqVRErMG9uIVuKUZ6bHGWi9XnFrs5Rf3kSotWd_kgPHC_u4GZIwnjpzZk2qChXtYwvTdupQvDRqUvpI2sOFcdMkd/s1600/11224018_10152755330227136_7192580747665964203_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy43i6YtCcbgrDYdgR9TUsRrIH4DQOo_C8Ojw7wbc8fsbxItdfQ_LADqVRErMG9uIVuKUZ6bHGWi9XnFrs5Rf3kSotWd_kgPHC_u4GZIwnjpzZk2qChXtYwvTdupQvDRqUvpI2sOFcdMkd/s320/11224018_10152755330227136_7192580747665964203_n.jpg" width="234" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I was holding his hand like this when he took his last breath and met our Savior face to face. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeZ80bm9o6OFa01if_zsAXMg3HzCRl12d0HT9gkkYinICqBIpo5e7IAc82iAM7MJ4aG5g0J_9BCyfpxsKWuxBJAQCo2D-sJczbmtgB6XG4MObiA3zNMBHt5raHPO46TZxPcTgPqF-392wv/s1600/11019407_10152755330342136_894123009341698079_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeZ80bm9o6OFa01if_zsAXMg3HzCRl12d0HT9gkkYinICqBIpo5e7IAc82iAM7MJ4aG5g0J_9BCyfpxsKWuxBJAQCo2D-sJczbmtgB6XG4MObiA3zNMBHt5raHPO46TZxPcTgPqF-392wv/s320/11019407_10152755330342136_894123009341698079_n.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
On February 15th of this year, it was the 2 year anniversary of my grandma going to Heaven. Her birthday was also just a few days ago. She would have been 85. </div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I was also holding my grandma's hand as she took her last breath and was then in the presence of God. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzVysiFM53VgV-9pWkktxEuIZlnChtd06Lckvx5YRR40USg7SLEhBEX9AKREATcHKFYT-YhrRXtvsLDcqcapsrKM8qEMSdpE8-iUL4ngqzp7MYqeQAF-c5fs8a7og23_Ht4BJiYfUqzC8d/s1600/blogger-image-1527379614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzVysiFM53VgV-9pWkktxEuIZlnChtd06Lckvx5YRR40USg7SLEhBEX9AKREATcHKFYT-YhrRXtvsLDcqcapsrKM8qEMSdpE8-iUL4ngqzp7MYqeQAF-c5fs8a7og23_Ht4BJiYfUqzC8d/s320/blogger-image-1527379614.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
We miss them so much and can't wait until the day when we're all together in Heaven!<br />
<br />
A year ago today we celebrated the life of my incredible grandpa, Elmo, and also mourned his death with family and friends as we said "See you in a little while..."<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I kept this beautiful rose from my grandpa's casket flowers and also have a rose from my grandma's flowers and my best friend's. I've dried them all and cherish them. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihwPqNZo3j_rKXPmUa3lUeEKFMQsEDFGtlKHN9TM1o2ornABOZ7gwY57KQXNssKVfLvqW5vr0yHtMekS-HIN_2QW8LJNXEdpzAF5Rn3v6-bGY6kYrKDMGUcopqtzqcSTHkMrEA-eqh99vz/s1600/10402895_10152063109347136_5305150216996629294_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihwPqNZo3j_rKXPmUa3lUeEKFMQsEDFGtlKHN9TM1o2ornABOZ7gwY57KQXNssKVfLvqW5vr0yHtMekS-HIN_2QW8LJNXEdpzAF5Rn3v6-bGY6kYrKDMGUcopqtzqcSTHkMrEA-eqh99vz/s320/10402895_10152063109347136_5305150216996629294_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This song means so much to me. We played it at my grandpa's funeral during the slideshow. I love it and especially love the first part of the song where it talks about holding their hand as they get closer to Heaven, because that is what I did for my grandma, grandpa, and best friend who died 3 years ago from cancer. The song is called SEE You in a Little While by Steven Curtis Chapman. It's a beautiful song.<br />
<br />
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>"I hold your hand and watch as the sun slowly fades</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><b>Far in the distance the Father is calling your name</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><b>And it’s time for you to go Home</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><b>And everything in me wants to hold on</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><b>But I’m letting you go with this goodbye kiss and this promise</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><b><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />I’ll see you in a little while<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />I’ll see you in a little while<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />It won’t be too long now<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />We’ll see it on the other side<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />The wait was only the blink of an eye<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />So I’m not gonna say goodbye<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />‘Cause I’ll see you in a little while</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />And just one more thing before I let you go<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Please tell my little girl I love her<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Though I’m sure she already knows<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><b>And ask the Father to please tell the Son<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />That we’re ready and waiting for Him to come</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />I’ll see you in a little while<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />I’ll see you in a little while<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />It won’t be too long now<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />We’ll see it on the other side<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />The wait was only the blink of an eye<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />So I’m not gonna say goodbye<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />‘Cause I’ll see you in a little while<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><b>Maybe you’ll teach me all the songs they sing in heaven</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Maybe you’ll show me how you can fly<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><b>And I’ll hear you laugh again</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />A<b>nd we won’t remember when<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />We were not together and this time it’s forever</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />I’ll see you in a little while<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />I’ll see you in a little while<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><b>It won’t be too long now</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><b>We’ll see it on the other side</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><b>The wait was only the blink of an eye</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><b>So I’m not gonna say goodbye</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><b>‘Cause I’ll see you in a little while</b><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><b>I’m gonna see you in a little while</b>"</span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">For my mom's birthday and Mother's day, my dad got her lots of flowers. He got her 4 different orchids which </span></span><span style="line-height: 19px;">were my grandma's favorite flowers! </span><span style="line-height: 19px;">They are all so beautiful.</span><span style="line-height: 19px;"> </span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 19px;">Look at these incredible orchids! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQwr__NRN2kUaKfIEUaN-A9_irmNpHlyPrPtnfnU7UDFsaiwjH8Cmg0-s_QPN9zBJZEPNnfPiND6dtKHqbhZLm7UhyphenhyphenIWmBeBnKD7mPm_cR1-9W8SVkQRReaiQx64ItnDkMFKK7Vq2mwpPJ/s1600/IMG_2412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQwr__NRN2kUaKfIEUaN-A9_irmNpHlyPrPtnfnU7UDFsaiwjH8Cmg0-s_QPN9zBJZEPNnfPiND6dtKHqbhZLm7UhyphenhyphenIWmBeBnKD7mPm_cR1-9W8SVkQRReaiQx64ItnDkMFKK7Vq2mwpPJ/s320/IMG_2412.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAfwlDdKcDI-HK3G7fhVzk1PPMBsg3rJMSrcrHTiSQrOKtWSVxVIs6dkZr-wvW3nstEXdEjQFSw0vs7tWh26DT4-0o1YmGw75T0qyc3iX9ZCS3bvqroH0WQFAgkUNvrtZTSpvGZkX4HNwo/s1600/IMG_2416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAfwlDdKcDI-HK3G7fhVzk1PPMBsg3rJMSrcrHTiSQrOKtWSVxVIs6dkZr-wvW3nstEXdEjQFSw0vs7tWh26DT4-0o1YmGw75T0qyc3iX9ZCS3bvqroH0WQFAgkUNvrtZTSpvGZkX4HNwo/s320/IMG_2416.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOMuFBVNMNG6XeTcbs-uN1YP3LVIJA2WoUJ5ihSlgwf6LugQTrD8W1AZLKLEDX-6EwRPKoZrTA1JiV-kcWN1LFDE5dry7ccbIbfW_wkk9RlzI_JL5EZyxJu8AVw0Vy1hoT-xwMZM9TEkMJ/s1600/IMG_2414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOMuFBVNMNG6XeTcbs-uN1YP3LVIJA2WoUJ5ihSlgwf6LugQTrD8W1AZLKLEDX-6EwRPKoZrTA1JiV-kcWN1LFDE5dry7ccbIbfW_wkk9RlzI_JL5EZyxJu8AVw0Vy1hoT-xwMZM9TEkMJ/s320/IMG_2414.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6GoWusqUuvCNu2uSTZbyLxXJaBMea8HM2L4ktn_j4jvZOn3kAAR-PQJaYuQfjaLMSnY-q1p72AvqtMnQGuIQCP7g1yUGdLsTLahIU2ai3xmlljZNi2YIGqLk5Hov4HrLXO9KDM2gM97fl/s1600/IMG_2421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6GoWusqUuvCNu2uSTZbyLxXJaBMea8HM2L4ktn_j4jvZOn3kAAR-PQJaYuQfjaLMSnY-q1p72AvqtMnQGuIQCP7g1yUGdLsTLahIU2ai3xmlljZNi2YIGqLk5Hov4HrLXO9KDM2gM97fl/s320/IMG_2421.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmYgpFblb7BxQojAI4cU7SCbJwv5yI4FbbvZUcwnWgPKFlmD7JdiAy1bJpvYlOQsxrUGTFfeNerkTThcLpM42uRUf2C4x6S3_V9eQSwX30pTqnl2jyKTLJH4PLji-6QpSdaFgldheHf_wn/s1600/IMG_2422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmYgpFblb7BxQojAI4cU7SCbJwv5yI4FbbvZUcwnWgPKFlmD7JdiAy1bJpvYlOQsxrUGTFfeNerkTThcLpM42uRUf2C4x6S3_V9eQSwX30pTqnl2jyKTLJH4PLji-6QpSdaFgldheHf_wn/s320/IMG_2422.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is a plant that my grandparents would give my parents for their anniversary, so my dad got my mom one in memory of them. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHxeJOYxnlan9OGcuuryFJnXdMtsUmOMDUaB04dyC7ix0OaajXOCs8BqhRiaLHigDEpHlBH6evHki6UoPqVV8ho4vCGLgjI2wu9RW6uvf58ztzOqayIx1O1IXsZlBV38cYuyCNQHmw6Ea9/s1600/IMG_2413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHxeJOYxnlan9OGcuuryFJnXdMtsUmOMDUaB04dyC7ix0OaajXOCs8BqhRiaLHigDEpHlBH6evHki6UoPqVV8ho4vCGLgjI2wu9RW6uvf58ztzOqayIx1O1IXsZlBV38cYuyCNQHmw6Ea9/s320/IMG_2413.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
These are so beautiful too! They're just outside around our house. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy2AhqliZ4DRDwfLh_VVOx-bZqRZIGoK_IHDKoJbgIxYTjJJ6i4rskvAjI3oOq0yugzbL65gpzIWGouccWWDaRyguJmIbv09SvWeKhLd5ZPj0GvnWuzifZ-L4UhsDsmO_lf-vVkutpI5Tr/s1600/IMG_2423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy2AhqliZ4DRDwfLh_VVOx-bZqRZIGoK_IHDKoJbgIxYTjJJ6i4rskvAjI3oOq0yugzbL65gpzIWGouccWWDaRyguJmIbv09SvWeKhLd5ZPj0GvnWuzifZ-L4UhsDsmO_lf-vVkutpI5Tr/s320/IMG_2423.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKdO3GJEG74psTF6CSfcRWE-VpoGZy7pjdWjiRuzPw84PHmxwqyRYqb5iSgS5AAlHKdk4RyWBs8AjTaFsl9r_ubB9hfV833HqODz3nOcGjtr76A4_eM2jMQZEhpxY9RSAziUx-ESydfQZa/s1600/IMG_2405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKdO3GJEG74psTF6CSfcRWE-VpoGZy7pjdWjiRuzPw84PHmxwqyRYqb5iSgS5AAlHKdk4RyWBs8AjTaFsl9r_ubB9hfV833HqODz3nOcGjtr76A4_eM2jMQZEhpxY9RSAziUx-ESydfQZa/s320/IMG_2405.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55ti3eePpXTvAS6bkoW0QoVTcVeMbY6x98WM05s0mOJb7g79eOQQRvEoB1aro0EfAwbyUsLNNkPJL0eKvL28P_vkUDBEr7-RTjfssYiKSS6TJ61Cz4fjN7ojT20mU-oCgX7MlnWQO4_Uz/s1600/IMG_2389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55ti3eePpXTvAS6bkoW0QoVTcVeMbY6x98WM05s0mOJb7g79eOQQRvEoB1aro0EfAwbyUsLNNkPJL0eKvL28P_vkUDBEr7-RTjfssYiKSS6TJ61Cz4fjN7ojT20mU-oCgX7MlnWQO4_Uz/s320/IMG_2389.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrSmA55jFysmzRlw4LNttEPYjpwpoBp55gqr5KnWu_tVxgTpT_PKMJSshYnGx4qOgmJ9jlvWeuaavlUDnyAPCJG9oMQb7NwPqLRG5LzQ88xACvryuqxVVpiLL2lgh01GbuK2xQQhzgXrOX/s1600/IMG_2426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrSmA55jFysmzRlw4LNttEPYjpwpoBp55gqr5KnWu_tVxgTpT_PKMJSshYnGx4qOgmJ9jlvWeuaavlUDnyAPCJG9oMQb7NwPqLRG5LzQ88xACvryuqxVVpiLL2lgh01GbuK2xQQhzgXrOX/s320/IMG_2426.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivWFUPi5JXOgPpLnBKYbZk_VehtyuYh_lN_gr8r516yDm3uJvKSpjayepIMGF3ms58sLlNieWLh4zc1axs15k2KSk54IcnHch86qaM3eiO_eoQkOKqQOCmru8FqmoARFAuFmRprxP_ZNpL/s1600/IMG_2383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivWFUPi5JXOgPpLnBKYbZk_VehtyuYh_lN_gr8r516yDm3uJvKSpjayepIMGF3ms58sLlNieWLh4zc1axs15k2KSk54IcnHch86qaM3eiO_eoQkOKqQOCmru8FqmoARFAuFmRprxP_ZNpL/s320/IMG_2383.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm so thankful for the sweet memories and pictures that help comfort us in difficult times! God carries us through these times and gives us strength and peace! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"The LORD gives <b>strength</b> to His people; the LORD blesses His people with <b>peace</b>." </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-Psalm 29:11-</span></span></div>
Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00661664397253821528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1923910207333921246.post-30604179102319322412015-04-09T11:54:00.002-05:002015-04-09T11:55:12.753-05:00The times I felt closest to GodThis is going to be a long post, but I'm excited to share these stories with you!<br />
<br />
When have you felt closest to God? Most people say it was at church camp, on a mission trip, out in nature, standing by the ocean or on top of a mountain, or when something really good happens. I want to tell you about some of the times I've felt closest to God. I'll start by telling you about 2 of the first times that stand out in my mind that I felt closest to God. These are 2 of the best times of my life, and then I'll share how I felt close to God during the hardest times in my life.<br />
<br />
My dad is the missions director at church, which means that we get to go visit our missionaries all over the world! I was 3 when I went on my first mission trip to Europe. My family has been blessed to have been to Europe, South America, Central America, and Africa. The moments on those trips when I felt closest to God were during worship with the churches in each of those countries. It is incredible to hear the same songs that we sing here in America, sung all over the world in different languages. It gives me chills! There we were, in Europe or Brazil, and these people were praising the same God that we worship! I love hearing the same songs that we sing here sung in their native languages. It's incredible!<br />
<br />
Another time I felt closest to God was on Sunday, August 21st, 2005. This was the biggest day of my life. It was the day I chose to be baptized. I had been thinking about it for a while, and the night before, Saturday night, I was laying in bed and there was a big thunderstorm. I got this overwhelming feeling that I needed to be baptized the next day. I didn't want to wait any longer! My best friend had also been thinking about being baptized, and she decided to be baptized that Sunday too! We didn't even plan it together, but it just worked out that way. So that Sunday, in front of our church family, my best friend and I were baptized. We responded to the invitation after the sermon which is a time that invites anyone who wants to be baptized or needs prayer to come forward. The invitation song that night was "Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling". Later in this post I'll tell you a connection between that song and something having to do with my grandpa. So my dad took my confession in front of our church, and my best friend's dad took her confession. They ask us 2 questions when we are baptized. The first is "do you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God"? And the 2nd is "Are you willing to make Jesus the Lord of your life for the rest of your life"? We both answered yes to those questions and then we went back to get changed to be baptized. The church kept singing songs which we could hear as we got changed into the white robe type clothes. After we changed, we walked into the baptistry. I went first and my dad baptized me. He said, "I now baptize you in the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit so that you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit and the forgiveness of your sins". He then led me under water where it symbolized me dying with Christ, and then he raised me up which symbolized me being raised with Christ. I then received the Holy Spirit and was born again! I felt such a peace come over me! The angels were rejoicing in Heaven for me! (Luke 15:10). Then it was my best friend's turn and the Angels rejoiced for her too! All our sins were forgiven! It was a such an incredible feeling. I'll never forget it. It still brings tears to my eyes hearing that the day I was baptized was the day my parents and grandparents had been praying for for me since I was born. I received the promise of Heaven one day. The next day, Monday, was the first day of our 7th grade year, so we started out the year right! That day was when I said, I'm not just following my parents and grandparent's faith, I'm choosing for myself to follow Jesus. It was a great day!<br />
<br />
Since I've gotten sick, I've found that I feel closest to God not when I'm on the mountains, but in the valleys. Not literally of course. It's on the worst days, when I take time to be still, that I can feel God's presence the most. Here are a few examples.<br />
<br />
I remember after one particular late night trip to the hospital many years ago, I was so broken. The trip went horribly. I was taken to the hospital because I was so weak I could barely walk and I was in tears from the extreme pain. These ER trips were occurring almost every other day at this time and that went on for months. We got to the hospital and I was taken back to a room and got changed into a gown. The doctor was very nice and ordered what he thought I needed. It took many sticks to get an IV in as usual, but they finally got it in. They got IV fluids started, and then gave me IV nausea medicine and morphine. I finally got relief. My heart rate and blood pressured lowered after being so high from pain and dehydration. But soon, the extreme pain came back and my vitals went back up. We talked to my Lyme doctor who said that I needed to be admitted for pain control and continued IV fluids since I was in the ER almost every day. The ER doctor agreed and said he would get me admitted to the hospital. To be admitted, the hospitalist has to see you and he is the one who actually admits you. Well he didn't like me. He came in the room, yelling at me, telling me I was killing myself by living like this, and that nothing was wrong with me except what I was doing to myself (which made no sense because I wasn't doing anything to myself). We had to physically remove him from the room because he wouldn't stop talking to me like that. I was left hysterically crying, from the physical pain, but mostly the emotional pain he put me through. The nurses tried to comfort me by holding my hand and putting cold washcloths on my head while my parents went to talk to someone higher up in the hospital about how this doctor treated me. The nurses said they had never seen anyone treated so badly. I was in extreme pain. Physically and emotionally. The hospitalist wouldn't help me, despite many others, including the ER doctor and nurses, begging him to help me after seeing how much pain I was in and after hearing what he did to me. Someone higher up in the hospital even came down once they heard how horribly I was being treated, and he tried to talk to the hospitalist, and he still wouldn't do anything. He refused. I then said that I was leaving because I couldn't stand to be there one more minute. He came and "apologized" but only because he was pressured to by everyone else that worked at the hospital, and I didn't want to talk to him for one more minute, so we left. I was still hysterical when we got home. After we got home, a couple of people came over to help comfort us and they prayed with me. After they left I went to bed, in shock of what just happened. That was one of the first times a doctor treated me so badly just because of the name of the disease I have. I had never experienced that before. Little did I know that that would become the standard of which I would be treated all the time, just because of the name of the disease. Once home, I couldn't sleep so I decided to turn on the Christian radio station. The song "I Will Rise" came on immediately. As I've mentioned before, this has become my favorite song since I got sick. The words hit me so hard, in a good way. <i style="font-size: small;">"</i><b><i>There's a peace I've come to know, though my heart and flesh may fail. There's an anchor for my soul, I can say 'It Is Well'. Jesus has overcome, and the grave is overwhelmed. The victory is won, He is risen from the dead, a</i><i>nd I will rise when He calls my name, no more sorrow, no more pain" </i></b><i style="font-size: small;"> </i>For the first time that night, I felt peace. Jesus died and then He rose from the grave! He beat death so that I didn't have to live like this. I didn't have to lay in bed that night and grieve the loss of my healthy life without hope. Jesus died to give me peace, hope, joy, and love, especially in the darkest time. When we think we are going through the darkest time we have to remember: THE darkest time has been overcome. When Jesus was on the cross, the earth went dark (Matt. 27:45). It was the darkest time in history. Jesus had to die and suffer, but then He overcame DEATH and DARKNESS. If God can turn death and darkness into light, He can get us through the darkest times in our lives! All because HE LIVES! So that night, I just laid there peacefully because I could feel God's presence. He gave me so much comfort that night, on a night that I wouldn't have been able to get through if I didn't have Him. I don't think I slept much that night, but I didn't care. I just listened to music and felt God's peace.<br />
<br />
The next 3 times I felt closest to God are some of the hardest moments of my life. All are similar but different in their own way.<br />
<br />
The first one has to do with one of my best friends, Rebecca. She was told that after 3 years of battling cancer, the cancer had spread throughout her whole body. She was put on hospice and would be going to be with Jesus soon unless God performed a miracle. Because I wasn't able to be in school because of my health, I was able to sit with her almost every day until God called her home. Most times when I would sit with her, she would be sleeping, so I would sit and pray. I felt so close to God because I knew He was preparing for her to come HOME to Heaven. I told God that I was trying to take care of her until He was ready for her. The day that she died was when I felt God's presence the most. I was called up to the hospital when they knew it wouldn't be much longer, and I was given time to talk to her alone. At this point, she wasn't responsive anymore. God was giving me the opportunity to say goodbye, or see you later, to Rebecca. I'm so grateful to her family for allowing me that time alone with Rebecca. I didn't think I would have the strength to say what I needed to say, and that's when God's presence came over me. I walked over to her bed and held her hand. I was able to tell her that it was okay to go. That when God called her HOME, she needed to RUN to Him. I talked to her about Heaven, just like the many times we had talked about it together and how we couldn't wait for Heaven where there would be no more pain, IVs, injections, chemo, wheelchairs, medicine, nausea, and doctors. God gave me the words to say and I know He was there. Through out that day we sat by her, talking to her and cherishing every minute. God was there. We were able to laugh at what we loved about her, which we couldn't have done if God wasn't there. This was the first time I had been with someone who was dying, and I spend most of the day thinking about what was going on in Heaven. How were they preparing for her arrival? Around 5:30pm on March 10th, 2012, Rebecca took her last breath on this earth with her family and closest friends surrounding her. God came to take her HOME, and to give us peace. He was there. He promises His Holy Spirit to be with us. I felt so close to God. I had such a peace, which only came from Him. One minute she was with us on earth, and the next she was in the arms of Jesus. How incredible?! We were there when she met Jesus face to face. I had never felt such grief and sadness, but also peace and hope at the same time. It started raining just before she died, and she loved the rain, but it was like Heaven was crying with us. That night as we left the hospital, we wouldn't have been able to make it without God. Rebecca's favorite color was purple. She loved it! The day of her visitation and day before her funeral, my friend and I drove out in the country and found fields upon fields of purple flowers. We couldn't believe it. We had never seen that before here. For miles, purple flowers. Only God. He was there. That peace that only God could give continued as we had to say goodbye during her visitation and funeral. I was an honorary <span class="syllable" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.1; z-index: 2;">pall</span><span class="syllable" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.1; z-index: 2;">bear</span><span class="last-syllable" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; z-index: 2;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 1.1;">er at her funeral, which was such an honor. It was the hardest thing to see her one last time and say "see you later" to my best friend. I cried as I said goodbye, but I also smiled because I knew I </span></span><span style="line-height: 17px;">would</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 1.1;"> see her again. I couldn't have done that without God. </span></span></span>Only God. He was there.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here are the purple fields that we had never seen before. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhorGfHPQLvLcgLKGSBKWV1UZpaz2yNfs-QtsNzbdW0GIr-XwCR9zbtrzo5XCAfDQ-oJKGZbZjV6nf0sW_rpAbljmy274A-SbEJn86-VfONVTsToJQ8BFB0kA17qT9DUuwx0HCRpPggoKkl/s1600/IMG_1125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhorGfHPQLvLcgLKGSBKWV1UZpaz2yNfs-QtsNzbdW0GIr-XwCR9zbtrzo5XCAfDQ-oJKGZbZjV6nf0sW_rpAbljmy274A-SbEJn86-VfONVTsToJQ8BFB0kA17qT9DUuwx0HCRpPggoKkl/s1600/IMG_1125.JPG" height="229" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixGRTmIeoTiHiBvNgYe_IS482GUfkLDVvgaV4jvhqptYDtYi2hE_wrRq_f6Qj3HxG5KQ3JyaNo8VHBnKR2gZSNypdK3QG3rSJGfj1BUNqDIk91wN1c_1G2B3w5oMUHdUACBVUVKZ1iN3fy/s1600/IMG_1128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixGRTmIeoTiHiBvNgYe_IS482GUfkLDVvgaV4jvhqptYDtYi2hE_wrRq_f6Qj3HxG5KQ3JyaNo8VHBnKR2gZSNypdK3QG3rSJGfj1BUNqDIk91wN1c_1G2B3w5oMUHdUACBVUVKZ1iN3fy/s1600/IMG_1128.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The three of us were best friends with Rebecca and we each got a purple rose from her casket to be able to take home and keep. We will keep them forever. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsI0cbTgVOHWIVzGWWkM-QQmEJiaU5O2i6WzQLpRTz0atVsLSb2VzI6BwcQM079q6YhGIvGsLIdJW99gw-ipX-T5GkVGO8FYc2058WMELmubUfcY59rKHzK7QyyD54_rko-TJJfbIIaWX4/s1600/IMG_1156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsI0cbTgVOHWIVzGWWkM-QQmEJiaU5O2i6WzQLpRTz0atVsLSb2VzI6BwcQM079q6YhGIvGsLIdJW99gw-ipX-T5GkVGO8FYc2058WMELmubUfcY59rKHzK7QyyD54_rko-TJJfbIIaWX4/s1600/IMG_1156.jpg" height="238" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB6bLryEpXpuLlyG-cbKiQlxy8TzntbisOMDlXi0tk2pEYq7RBrjDWn_tdiGznPrCLc0XhL7eOphvdHcUvjqXn4BqEvrUfLmyAroSQlk5OKPqBQhd1bZppUSHgGa5vlKvjvg-VYf6qXQqu/s1600/IMG_1157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB6bLryEpXpuLlyG-cbKiQlxy8TzntbisOMDlXi0tk2pEYq7RBrjDWn_tdiGznPrCLc0XhL7eOphvdHcUvjqXn4BqEvrUfLmyAroSQlk5OKPqBQhd1bZppUSHgGa5vlKvjvg-VYf6qXQqu/s1600/IMG_1157.jpg" height="320" width="263" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Not even a year later after Rebecca died, my grandma, whom I was very close to, got very sick. Over several months she continued to decline and was placed on hospice on my brother's birthday, Feb. 2nd, 2013 (the SAME day Rebecca told us that she would be going to Heaven soon, just a year earlier). I was taking a class during this time, but that still gave me time to sit with my grandma almost every day. It was such a privilege to be with her, to help her when she was too weak to help herself. We sat and talked about memories and what was going on in my life. I showed her pictures of the recent snow and our dogs playing in it. It made her smile. That was 2 days before she died. That same day, 2 days before she died, my grandpa was diagnosed with cancer. We couldn't believe it. But he stayed strong for my grandma, not telling her about his cancer because he didn't want her to worry as she left this earth. He wanted her to have peace about leaving. Thursday, February 14th, Valentines Day, was when we knew it would be soon. We all gathered at the great skilled nursing center she was at and sat around her, talking to her. I was so thankful that I was able to be with her the last time she was really responsive, just a day before. My grandpa didn't leave her side. He spent that Valentine's Day night on a blow up mattress right next to her while we went home to rest. The nurses said they were pretty sure she would make it through the night, and she did. The next day, Feb. 15th, 2013, when we walked in we just knew. God was getting ready for her. She was close to Heaven, close to seeing our King. All day we sat by her, holding her hands, talking to her, and people came to say goodbye. We each got time alone with her to talk to her. I told her to run to God when He called her. That we would miss her so much but that we would take care of my grandpa. Again, I spent time thinking of what was going on in Heaven. How were they preparing for her? Who would she see first? Were there Angels surrounding us to take her HOME? I again told God that I was doing my best to take care of my grandma until He needed her. I thanked Him for the time with her. Our favorite nurse was on duty that day, and she made sure my grandma was not in pain. It was such a blessing to have our (and my grandma's) favorite nurse there the day that my grandma died. Later that evening, her breathing changed and we gathered closer, holding each other. I felt so close to God because the person's hand I was holding, my grandma's hand, was who God was preparing for in Heaven. She took her last breath and at that moment she was with Jesus. Watching my grandpa broke my heart. He gave her one last kiss on the forehead. Our hearts were broken, but because of God, we all were able to have peace. She wasn't suffering anymore. She could breathe again and wasn't hurting. My grandparents lost their middle daughter when she was just 6 years old to a severe acute illness, so my grandma would be reunited with her. We felt God's presence and I felt so close to Him because once again, He was there to take my grandma HOME and to leave His peace and comfort for us. On the day of my grandma's funeral, it snowed the prettiest snow you've ever seen. It didn't really affect the roads, it was just really pretty. Just 2 days before my grandma died, and the last day she was really responsive, I had shown her pictures of the snow and videos of our dogs playing in the beautiful snow that happened earlier that week. She loved the snow. So for her funeral, everything looked beautiful because of the snow. And, our favorite nurse that was there when my grandma died, came to her funeral. How amazing? Only God. He was there.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is our last picture together. I got to lay in the bed with her. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4_b7VTa3wS6VsRYffOfaxv82Q3Y3d81OhkSfGd18zw8ZYAiMrKfX2Hqrg6VyLefopKQ2bmvxc54a9RZFdXl4eGAlVbLQyMCj9nOKobsxZ-r8TbyqudPFkl3fOab8YcyFrXrlRx8ZBSZLz/s1600/IMG_6977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4_b7VTa3wS6VsRYffOfaxv82Q3Y3d81OhkSfGd18zw8ZYAiMrKfX2Hqrg6VyLefopKQ2bmvxc54a9RZFdXl4eGAlVbLQyMCj9nOKobsxZ-r8TbyqudPFkl3fOab8YcyFrXrlRx8ZBSZLz/s1600/IMG_6977.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
One of the last times I got to hold her hands.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN75l-78sldue8Z2OY2cfnDgdWOxttGoFnnnCENypnAI__fmkohbRLrfibXKvJ33hSBezcKc2w14XdPT9648Pp8Fvw4CKNcxQkl7DtBlWtIsAIt52YcGRTA4KoisFo7LuTIitxFV4y6vte/s1600/182352_10151132149937136_1225205013_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN75l-78sldue8Z2OY2cfnDgdWOxttGoFnnnCENypnAI__fmkohbRLrfibXKvJ33hSBezcKc2w14XdPT9648Pp8Fvw4CKNcxQkl7DtBlWtIsAIt52YcGRTA4KoisFo7LuTIitxFV4y6vte/s1600/182352_10151132149937136_1225205013_n.jpg" height="259" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The beautiful snow on the day of her funeral. She would have loved it!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqF9pkkTIMNMmGp1Mf_fM67VYv1u7ny5b-NiU-1yKj5_ZN_vwXAQzvd0clx3AAm5uUUgk5UbYoPFKyXeY_EwUhevjvyg8tWVL-a6GQUlNlaf7ZwYHYo6BoI4fLZ-3oaJXjwp77YphD578j/s1600/IMG_0767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqF9pkkTIMNMmGp1Mf_fM67VYv1u7ny5b-NiU-1yKj5_ZN_vwXAQzvd0clx3AAm5uUUgk5UbYoPFKyXeY_EwUhevjvyg8tWVL-a6GQUlNlaf7ZwYHYo6BoI4fLZ-3oaJXjwp77YphD578j/s1600/IMG_0767.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After my grandma died, my grandpa's health declined immediately and he was diagnosed with dementia, as well as the cancer that he had been diagnosed with 2 days before my grandma died. He was moved to many care facilities, trying to give him the best care, where he would be the happiest. It was a struggle. We didn't know what to do, where to lead him, but I believe God had it all planned out. He continued to decline, and in May 2014, he was admitted to the hospital where we found out that he had kidney and heart failure. We didn't know how sick he was, but once we realized that, we knew it wouldn't be long before he joined the Heavenly Chorus and meet our Savior face to face. He kept getting worse, and on May 12th, my brother, dad, mom, aunt, and I gathered at the hospital and spent all day with my grandpa. We put on worship songs and just made sure he wasn't hurting and that he knew we were there. That night, my mom and aunt and I stayed the night at the hospital with my grandpa. They brought in an extra couch for us and we all tried to rest that night. I think I slept about 2 hours, but I didn't care. I spent the night listening to worship music, watching my grandpa breathe. Several times he would stir, with his hands tensed and he would moan. I would run and get the nurse when he would do that so that she could get him medicine. While waiting for the nurse to bring the medicine, I would hold his hands, change the washcloth on his head, and tell him it was okay and that we were there. Once he got the medicine, he would settle down and I would go back to "resting". I was so honored to be able to make sure he was comfortable. I talked to God a lot that night as I watched my grandpa slip away. I told God that I didn't understand. Why did I have to lose my best friend, my grandma who I either talked to or saw everyday, and now my grandpa, so close together? I told Him that even though I didn't know the reason, that I trusted His plan, and once again, would take care of my grandpa until He decided it was time for my grandpa to go HOME. I felt so close to God because the person's hand I was holding, my grandpa's hand, was who God was preparing for in Heaven. How incredible is that? It was now May 13th, which is my mom's birthday. My aunt went home to shower around 5am. Around 6am, while my mom was still asleep and my grandpa was resting well, I snuck down to the gift shop to get my mom a card and some flowers so that they would be there when she woke up. I didn't have much to choose from in the small gift shop, but I found some beautiful flowers for her. She was surprised when she woke up and it made her smile. My aunt got back to the hospital midmorning and my dad and brother arrived around lunch time. Many people came to say goodbye to my grandpa. Seeing his friends see him in that condition and say goodbye was heartbreaking, but we all talked about the peace we could have because of Christ and they all said they would see him again one day. As the day went on, we knew he would be in Heaven soon. Later that afternoon, his breathing changed and it wouldn't be much longer. Within 2 years I had been with Rebecca and my grandma when they died, so I knew what to look for. We each got time alone with him and once again, just like I had with Rebecca and my grandma, I told him to run to God when He called him HOME. I told him that we would be okay but would miss him so much. I told him to say hi to Rebecca and my grandma. After we each had time alone with him, his breathing got even more shallow, and then he took his last breath. I felt so close to God because once again, He was there. He was there to take my grandpa HOME, and to give us peace. We felt His presence. How could we smile and laugh at what we loved about him without God's presence? That night as we left the hospital, there was one of the prettiest sunsets I've ever seen. Only God. He was there. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This was the day before he died. I sat like this all day. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpHWJahS9grSqoyzHb2cQDSIFNJ7VKB3WQqKOLycD_Tkigq8xgmNcKVkWZk5gcqnP2bAxoGRQrG2vLjR09PVojZZqUwrGTAGvzycyofHe4k9hGR6gU9NV3mHbSvAKwseeAS0XCTbwLuZw9/s1600/IMG_8526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpHWJahS9grSqoyzHb2cQDSIFNJ7VKB3WQqKOLycD_Tkigq8xgmNcKVkWZk5gcqnP2bAxoGRQrG2vLjR09PVojZZqUwrGTAGvzycyofHe4k9hGR6gU9NV3mHbSvAKwseeAS0XCTbwLuZw9/s1600/IMG_8526.jpg" height="320" width="230" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I was holding his hand like this when he died. I was holding his hand, and then God was holding him when he died. It's incredible to think about. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioXet_0drYb0oA2mFw_7Ej5ToKgpmuf0xUHwQiTxoXwL-u3Qo8A5S5POreMY68gWuU4q098xEuy4Olp9z2NX2TJe2bm8Ffu-Br3hLPi_60_guI6lYxSRQWMGnbtj98fMTIS2WMO9Zby3U-/s1600/IMG_8534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioXet_0drYb0oA2mFw_7Ej5ToKgpmuf0xUHwQiTxoXwL-u3Qo8A5S5POreMY68gWuU4q098xEuy4Olp9z2NX2TJe2bm8Ffu-Br3hLPi_60_guI6lYxSRQWMGnbtj98fMTIS2WMO9Zby3U-/s1600/IMG_8534.jpg" height="320" width="264" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
On the left I'm holding my grandma's hand and on the right I'm holding my grandpa's hand. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY2HgKweW4zHlcCbtbhRxLI9AjO0a0w-hbQ8oIdwzEwTtOEbzSel6kxf0-nhxM8F4gb3_TPkbKwxOcYQLKy8U2lIOMWW9axMItuSnkaGvGJ_I0dPe4tP5348NnW-qw2CqaX1MHBHQbZkLH/s1600/IMG_8554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY2HgKweW4zHlcCbtbhRxLI9AjO0a0w-hbQ8oIdwzEwTtOEbzSel6kxf0-nhxM8F4gb3_TPkbKwxOcYQLKy8U2lIOMWW9axMItuSnkaGvGJ_I0dPe4tP5348NnW-qw2CqaX1MHBHQbZkLH/s1600/IMG_8554.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Remember how I said when I got baptized the invitation song was "Softly and Tenderly, Jesus is Calling"? We played that song at my grandpa's funeral. That song, Softly and Tenderly, preceded my spiritual birth, and then that song was the song playing at my grandpa's funeral when his casket was taken out of the church building as we (the family) followed it. That song started my spiritual life, and ended his physical. It was beautiful. Again, I felt God's presence.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have 3 roses in my room-the one on the left is from Rebecca's funeral, the middle one is from my grandpa's funeral, and the one on the right is from my grandma's funeral. I also have 3 little angel figures and the middle one is holding my grandma's favorite flowers. My mom got me that for Christmas. Every time I see these in my room, I'm reminded of God's presence. The hope He gives. The peace He promises. The promise of Heaven. I'm reminded how blessed I am to have been given the privilege of holding these 3 incredible people's hands as they went home to Heaven. God is so good. His promises never fail. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKC4sENzb5q9tnPM5KzRiFwM7LluZDqa-jftsyxy4mZGoqh2hgiS091V6ANPuzI0oN6QnbcEhHMCIHGVBivyRqE2ADOYhRG2EsdIlikwX_7o_VIG8WqdEjq8C78uJ9jXk4c_edJET0dSZF/s1600/IMG_1954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKC4sENzb5q9tnPM5KzRiFwM7LluZDqa-jftsyxy4mZGoqh2hgiS091V6ANPuzI0oN6QnbcEhHMCIHGVBivyRqE2ADOYhRG2EsdIlikwX_7o_VIG8WqdEjq8C78uJ9jXk4c_edJET0dSZF/s1600/IMG_1954.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I could write many books on when I've felt God's presence. But these stuck out the most to me. I think it's because they show that you can feel close to God on the mountains, but I think, even more so in the valleys.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
I would love to hear about when you felt God's presence the most!<br />
<br />Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00661664397253821528noreply@blogger.com1