2022-2023 Challenges Came Stacked
It seems to me that sometimes challenges come stacked one after the other mixed in with high points. Don’t misunderstand. My life is fantastic. I have a loving husband, a very nice home and even gardens which I love. My grown children are doing well and all fourteen of our grandchildren are well. The events that I share here, are all part of life on earth. It just seemed that they were coming one right after the other.
The lowest point of the year was May 6, 2022 when I learned of the death of my dear, dear friend, Stephanie Blackstone. We spent many years raising our kids together and traveling from New Zealand, Italy, England, Scotland and to Russia with our husbands.
In June we opened our exhibit at Spindletop Gladys City Boomtown Museum. Cawley’s from Machining to Automation opened with a reception just a day after I learned I had breast cancer.
When my mammogram (2022) showed cancer, I was surprised. But went through the process, to and from MD Anderson in Houston, not knowing if it had metastasized. Thank goodness it had not. The tests leading up to that conclusion were no picnic. My breast cancer surgery (June 28, 2022) was a simple lumpectomy and the recovery with radiation was brief.
Then we noticed that my liver enzymes were elevated. So, I was off to see a liver specialist (hepatologist) to learn that I needed a liver biopsy. I was unhappy about it. But the appointment was made at Methodist Hospital in Houston for February 20, 2023 and it turned out to be a non-event. They do the biopsy by going through the jugular vein to get to the liver. I was in la-la land and had no pain afterwards. That was in February (2023). Sure enough-I was diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis and I was put on steroids, heavy-duty steroids. And other stuff that had unpleasant side-effects.
Sam and I managed an RV trip and the first stop was at my sister, Jaynet’s on Lake LBJ in west Texas. She was sixteen when I was born and was often like a second mother to me. When I arrived with homemade gumbo, I found her non-responsive. She was 91 years old and ready to go. But I wasn’t ready. That was April 14, 2023.
From March through the summer, the treatment for the autoimmune hepatitis was taking a toll on my quality of life. I thought I might have to go back on the horrid immune suppressants. But the doctor said I’m okay for now.
I try to learn from my life experiences. These challenges have tested my resolve. Still, I’m learning. I wonder, could it be that learning from life is why we are here?
First and foremost, I’ve seen my husband, Sam’s tenderhearted and wonderful caring side. He is a “fixer.” It bothers him that he can’t fix my health. However, he is doing everything he can to make life pleasant for me.
I’ve learned so much about ways to be my own health advocate. Just because my lab results were abnormal didn’t mean medical personnel would insist on further tests. My husband was the one who insisted I see a specialist. The liver biopsy showed Stage 3 hepatitis with some scarring. Stage 4 is cirrhosis. I am now fully aware that I must take care of my own health. As of October 2024, my liver is completely back to normal.
I’ve spent a great deal of time learning how to best heal myself with diet. There are some exceptional doctors who are determined to get people to see food as medicine.
“Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food.” – Hippocrates
Change happens. I’ve watched the leaves change color in North Carolina. It is a beautiful sight. And a reminder that autumn is around the corner. Seasons change. It is predictable. That’s how we like it-predictable. When change happens that we aren’t prepared for we have trouble. Sometimes we balk. Nature makes it clear-we are not in charge.
When loved ones die, I learn again how precious life is and how fragile. I am reminded that this life is a temporary situation. I fully appreciate each day. Acceptance is required and it ain’t easy.
“Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.” – John C. Maxwell
Next entry will post in two weeks
I raised three children as a single mother before I remarried. In 2007 I founded SMORE for Women, a nonprofit whose goal is Single Moms, Overjoyed, Rejuvenated, and Empowered. I’m also a Certified Professional Coach and my stories have been published in several Christian books and magazines. My book, Living Learning Loving is available on Amazon. My Website.
gailshowalterblog.com 