Trudging along...

I'm gonna make it, so they tell me.  All of the tests results present me with a choice to make.  So I'm going to pray and think about what I should do.  At least that is a benefit of being ah mature, gone are the days of quick decisions!  Heck making them is the problem now!

Our weekend includes moving Poo's wood working into his building.  But before ---the building has to be dehoarded!  I know that is not a word, just a Debbieism.  Clean it up, junk it up and repeat.  Yeah that is how we roll.

Enjoy the weekend and each other, it.is.going.to.be.ok!  I Need to write that off oh about a hundred times at least.

😳✌️🛀

Where is she

Where is who?  That would be me!  I've been looking for myself.  I haven't been feeling so great lately.  Hopefully I just need a minor tune up, after all I had a major overhaul just a few months ago.  Hopefully blood work will tell the tale.

I love Thanksgiving and I want to enjoy my family and friends and not be so fatigued.  Poo needs supervision with his crafts!  Ha!  I don't have time to feel bad, but who does?

Until I feel better I will be reading, stitching and praying this too will pass.  Hopefully I will share crafting pictures soon and my health thing will be a thing of the past.

Speaking of....

Speaking of being in the moment I have been right there.  I enjoyed every minute of the weekend.  Even though my energy is not where it used to be, I am good.  But I am done most days when I get off of work.  Hopefully, I will gain more energy soon.


The pictures are my current projects.  I usually try to project on the weekend.  Please stay tuned more to come.

Blessed with Mark (Poo)

The events of life have a way of changing you.  At least my events have changed me.  Last year changed me forever.  I am so thankful that I was with my sweet Daddy  when he left us and went to heaven, but it was bitter sweet.  As I held his hand and encouraged him to go toward the light and that is was okay, that we would take care of Mom, I tried to be brave and strong and not selfish but it literally knocked the breath out of me.  I closed my Daddy's eyes and whispered go rest high Daddy and I am forever changed from that moment.  I couldn't catch my breath and  in many ways I wanted to hold Daddy's hand and go with him.  Poo was right there with me holding me and telling me what I knew but coming from Mark it made it all better.  Everything.is.going.to. Be.alright.  Along with the sad times in 2013 we experienced great joy also.  However, I said 2014 was going to be better.

Mark drove me several times to the emergency room this year.  We had no ideal what was wrong but knew something was!  The time we were informed of what seemed to be a leg-long list of problems I had, Mark was right there.  When I thought I was going to just die Before the Doctor stopped telling us everything Mark was right there and with a smile and He said everything.is.going.to.be alright.  When I wanted to leave the hospital and go far away and not deal with anything Mark was the voice of reason and calmness and said  it.is.going.to.be okay!  When my pain was unbearable and I was a mess He was a constant calm.  Even though I didn't know a thing for a week he insisted of staying by my side.

Poo has seen me at my best and worse.  He has never left my side.  God gave me Mark, blessed me with Mark.  God is good.  His infinite wisdom, blows me away.  Thank you God for Mark Poo Haley and for blessing me much, much more than I deserve.

It's Early

So has anyone started thinking Fall yet?  I know with the heat it is hard to have enough energy to do a lot!  However, since I have not been released yet, I have a few things to share. 

I am a Scarecrow fan, so I found Him and knew He needed to greet everyone coming in the side door.

Then, I started thinking I am tired of the mantel, so I have started adding some things to make it look like my favorite time of the year.  It is still a work in progress!

So that is it so far!  Has anyone else started transitioning into a different season yet?

Just one more, Nick is wanting to nap and wishing I would just sit down and stitch!  So I guess I will!   Have a great weekend.  

God loves you right where you are, I invite you to love Him and be the someone you want someone to be to you to others.

Disappointed

I had planned on going to church this morning.  I thought of my Grandmother yesterday and even mocked one of her Saturday afternoon rituals.  I painted my nails!   She would roll her hair on brush rollers and sit under the dryer several times during the day.  Then late Saturday afternoon she would do her nails all in preparation for church.  After her nails were dry she would select her dress, shoes, jewelry, and sometimes hat!  I love her and often think of her, she was fun!

I never made it to church today because I have miserable insomnia.   Sleep = healing and happiness.  Debbie without sleep = a weepy, miserable mess.  I thought surely I would sleep today and I would go to church tonight. Nope.  So today hasn't gone as plan.  Being content in all situations hasn't happened today.

Tomorrow is full of doctor appointments and being told I am doing great and me not sleeping is just part of it and it will go away soon.  I am sure it will but when you are going through it, misery!  So all and all I'm good I just need some sleep.

I need to go get my pillows and watch for the super moon tonight!  I pray I miss it!

Jesse is coming home!

Tomorrow night can't come soon enough for our family!  Jesse is coming home!  He has been in Armenia for two years with the Peace Corps.  I can't wait to hear his stories and just to see him.  A lot has happened since he has been away, so we naturally have lots to talk about.  Mike and Nancy will be at the airport with bells on to get him tomorrow nite.  We are all excited and proud he is coming home!  

I received a good report today from one of my doctors.   She said to still take it really easy for awhile and to rest often.  Of course I will do what I am told but some days I get antsy!   I am thankful to the good Lord I am improving each day.  My continual prayers for those fighting to have normalcy in their life, the homeless, hopeless and to the folks in prison whether they are there because they should be or wrongly convicted.


God is good and I praise His high and holy name.

Thankful vs thankless

For me, being thankful and being in a thankful state of mind makes my heart, and body feel full, happy, calm and peaceful.  Just the opposite feeling when I am not thankful,  I feel empty, anxious, sad.  My question is why  do I allow the negative to even get in my mind?  If I know it.is.no.good and self-destructive why bother?  

A prayer life and laying everything down at Jesus's feet and letting Him,  is the Very foundation of true recovery from dark thoughts, and being miserable.  He already knows me and loves me so actually verbalizing to Him how I am feel is not going to shock Him or tell Him anything He doesn't already know.  And yes He loves me, right.where.I.am.   That just blows me away.   

I am thankful today for:  God, Mark,family, His word, light, the ability to feel, hear, touch, smell,the gift of love and feeling love, friends, better health, church family, sisters, the ones who carry the Light without weariness, missionaries, memories, my Daddy and his sweet smile and personality, my faithful Mother, grandparents, Mrs. Certain for taking me to vacation Bible school,  for knowing the difference between right and wrong...............

I was thinking earlier how I knew Mark's favorite color, food, his favorite places to visit, and mostly everything he likes and dislikes.  Then I realized I had no ideal what his favorite Bible verse is!?  How sad that I had not asked Him this most important question ever?  How sad I did not know what Mark carries close in his heart.  So I am going to close with Mark's favorite (one of his, I learned there are a few) Bible verses.  It comes from I Thessalonians 4:11-12, "make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.  

I seek a closer walk with God and hope if I have misled anyone or haven't been a good example you will forgive me.  Grace, grace God's grace!

One day at a time, II Thessalonians 5: 16-18.

Not a Pretty Site......

I finally feel "me" enough to blog today.  First, I give God all the glory and praise for my recovery.  For me to say I had no ideal what I was getting into, or how much I was getting into is an understatement.  I share my thoughts in hopes of inspiring others, and to share we really are so much alike, but we all share the fear of living opened-hearted.  I know I don't appreciate being judged, labeled, or to be made feel like an outsider.  This blog is just me, being me sharing my happily, boring life.  No frills, mostly rawness, and I am comfortable with rawness, because it is life.

I will try to not ramble, but that is just me.  So my big day was July 14, 10:30.  Of course the surgery ahead of me went into overtime, the lady was an over-achiever she was having four procedures unlike me having three!  So I quickly named her the over-achiever and didn't mind waiting a couple hours.  I was in happy land anyway!  


My procedure began around 12:30.  The hysterectomy was up first and was routine until my bladder was ripped/clipped/tore which is not uncommon from scar tissue and etc.  Dr. Cleveland  came and "patched" it and carried on.  Then I had a colon resection, where six inches of my colon was removed and reconnected.  This is where the diverticulitis had been.   My stomach surgeon also did a hernia repair while he was there.  Around five or five thirty I  was in recovery.

I remember nothing until the next Saturday.  I had an epidural and I understand I was a comedian a lot of the time.  Embarrassing.   I asked random people if there we receiving disability, told several I sang with Kenny Chesney, asked for room service and said several things that are not nice at all!  My alter ego Chloe came out once or twice and let me just say I am sorry if you saw her!  She is something else!

Any woo finally the epidural was removed, and I began coming around.  Mark was really concerned because I was apparently way way out there.  I do remember saying things then almost immediately knowing it was crazy.

My blood pressure medicine was giving incorrectly so my heart rate got out of the normal.  However, I did go home on Sunday.  It may have been a tad too 
early but I was determined.  Mark has been the rock, caregiver, the voice of reason, (mine left), cheerleader, chauffeur, laundry supervisor, chief cook and bottle washer.  He has injected medicine in my stomach and fed me when I would not eat, without him I would be in a dumpster somewhere.

I am improving daily, but it has been a different adventure each day.  Monday I got up with intense pain from a pinched nerve in my left hip.  I do not mean just a little hurt either, I mean, screaming can't take it pain.  After being given the okay for the use of anti inflammatory medicine and my stomach surgeon calling in other medicines I am okay now.  I learned this is not uncommon either after surgery and stomach surgeries.  I thought I was going to John High's as my Daddy use to say!  And I was fine with that!   My sweet little Momma was here and witnessed the ugly, and never left my side.   Bless her heart, She is a trooper.   She has been here or I have been at her house since I have been home.

I have the staples removed tomorrow.  I am disappointed with how prehistoric they look.  It just seems to me medicine has improved so much, that staples should have also.  It is not like I am ever going to wear a bikini but my stomach looks like something you would see In a Halloween movie!  

Projects and so on....

Even though my energy levels are mostly low, when I do have energy I get with it!  I will post pictures soon of our latest project.  We hope to finish before the weekend.  I am anxious about surgery.  Even though I am so ready for this to be behind me, it seems that it has all the sudden gotten really close.  I have all the "pre" things next week.

Mean while, I will practice what I preach;  Live in the moment, God has this, don't worry, smile and know I am loved.  I like to be in control, or at least feel like I am.  It is scary to not be in control and let go.

I am a....
Christian, wife, Mom, daughter, sister, sister-in-law, friend, peer, sinner, saved by His amazing grace, and ready for whatever comes my way.  Before, I had the results from all the tests, I was talking with a friend about the "what ifs" and my friend told me, "No matter what you are going to be ok", I just said yeah I know.  And after we finished talking probably an hour later I received a text that simply said, "No matter what you are going to be ok."  Wow, what a blessing, a blessing, a true blessing!!! Even me.

Until next time,,,,be in the moment.....

Upcoming and somewhat unexpected.....

 I will be having two surgeries at the same time so recovery should be about the same for each of them.  Even though the terminology the surgeon used to "help" us decide did take our breath, it seems as though there wasn't a decision to make.  It was just coming to terms with what is going to happen.  I will be fine but overwhelmed and a bit scared are just a few emotions I have encountered.  However, there.is.always something to be thankful for and I am thankful for God arranging the medical team I have in place.  God's hand is everywhere I look.  Thank you God for loving and caring for me.

Our projects have taken a backseat to preparing and digesting my upcoming event.  So there isn't as much to share project wise.  I am trying to complete the bedroom curtains but energy levels are not allowing me to what I would like to do.

I am blessed and ask you to keep me and several others in your prayers.  Please lift Amanda Burks, Debbie Pearsall, Mr. Snow, the Steiner family, missionaries, Dianna Zadeh, the lonely, hurting, our troops,  Jennifer's Mom and Dad, our President and our country.

Thank you for stopping by.  Be the someone you want someone to be to you!

Too Busy to Blog!

I know, I know I have not been a good blogger lately!  I wanted to share my curtain fabric today.  I have been busy cutting, lining, pinning and etc.  I hope to have this project completed soon.  I just love red!

We have been spending the weekends mostly in the pool.  I am just glad I feel like being outside.  I have an appointment tomorrow to see about the removal of the diverticulitis.  Hopefully, it can be done and I can get back to normal.

Please keep my Mom in your prayers.  She is having a biopsy today and hopefully it is nothing.  I appreciate you stopping by.

What have you been doing this Spring?

Great news

Thankful and relief are just a few of my emotions today.  As I listened to the thunder roll ⚡️and watched the rain ☔️Ole Super Nick sleeps 💤beside me I feel at peace!✌️

We left really early today for my colonoscopy.   It was not a big deal at all.  I received great news and we have had a great day.

I began making curtains for our bedroom, I have one almost done and three more to go.  I will post pictures soon.

Thank you again for the sweet cards, calls and most importantly the prayers.  I feel loved and I know everything little thing is going to be alright!

Poo turns the big 5-0 Friday!  If you see him give him  a birthday honk or toot!  He is a sweetie and has stuck right beside me . Hopefully ice cream will be a part of the celebration and fun and he will enjoy his special day!

Be in the moment!!!

Getting unstuck........

Have you ever been in a routine rut?  You know get up, drink a cup or two of coffee, shower, dress, drive to work, work, lunch, drive home, chores, bed, do it again?   I am learning to "see" and appreciate the routine rut and to be thankful!  Being thankful to the good Lord that I am able to drink  two cups of coffee, thankful for ears to hear the wind blow and the birds sing, thankful for water, clothes, my job, food, transportation, our home, the ability to complete chores, a warm bed.  I'm preaching to myself to not think of life as a rut but a blessing.  Thank you Lord for opening my eyes and for lessons learned.


Our family receive good news today regarding a follow up doctor visit for Mom.  Hopefully she is on the right track and will be feeling better soon.

I am thinking of coconut cream pie for some reason!  I guess I will go find my recipe and make one!  Blessings to all and remember live in the moment and be thankful!

Thankfully no changes.......

Hello friends.  I had an uneventful week, thankfully.  I am still experiencing huge energy swings, one day I am dragging the next super woman!  I continue to pray for no more medical events so I can get on with the plan.

God is good and He has blessed me with friends and family that care.  Sometimes an unexpected phone call from a friend can just turn you day around.  I have had several of those.  I have friends at work that have and been through exactly what I am experiencing and their kind words and encouragement and advice is comforting.   Thank you God for allowing me to mature and accept words of wisdom from friends and family.  Thank you God for eyes that see differently and to seek And accept lessons being taught and to have a grateful heart.

There are so many of my friends taking treatments, mending, healing and fighting the good fight.  My prayers are with you and also to those who are missing a loved one that has passed away.  I miss my sweet Daddy but knowing he is well and in heaven allows me to feel better about his departure from this earth and he lives in my heart.

There.is.always a reason be be grateful.  I count my blessings and compare to my burdens, blessings out number burdens.  My burdens have made me stronger and have enabled me to be thankful.  Yes, thankful for life and knowing God loves an undeserving sinner like me.  In my daily walk I try to be better each day and let others know Jesus has residence in my heart.  And when I fall, daily, knowing His amazing grace covers even me, is an undeserved but accepted blessing.  Wow what a Savior!

I am thankful that Mike and Nancy had safe travels to see Jesse and are home.  I am anxious to hear all about their adventures!  My sweet Mom has an appointment tomorrow in Nashville to follow up on a suspicious spot when she had a recent mammogram.  I am praying for good news.  I am thankful that Randy, Lisa and Reed will be able to take her and to be with her for the appointment.  Please pray all is well.

I am enjoying living in the moment with different eyes and a thankful heart.   Breathing , feeling, and taking opportunities to share my story with others, and telling those who are dear to me that I love them has blessed me even more.   If you are not living in the moment want you please join me and feel His difference.  I promise God is better than anything you have ever experienced, He loves you, right.where.you.are.

I will continue to press onward, I want The Prize!

Enjoyable weekend

Mark and I have enjoyed the weekend and are very thankful for my improved health.   We have enjoyed  a weekend of friends and family.  I am planning on returning to work tomorrow and hope I can have clear sailing until my surgery July 14.

 I know everything happens for a reason (s).  I am even more a believer now than before.  My eyes have been opened to see God in everything I encounter.  I am thankful for lessons learned always but those I have learned recently seem nearer and dearer.  I would like to name just a few in no particular order.  The role of a care giver should never ever be viewed as easy.  Next to God our families should be the most important priority in life.  I should never take the power of a card, call or visit to someone feeling poorly for granted.  A touch can bring you to tears.  Everyone deserves my time, my prayers and  smile.  Treat others the way you want to be treated.  Tell others the way you feel about them daily not just in a crunch.  We all want to be loved And to love.  Helping others is the rent we pay for living on earth.  A phone call from a friend can change your day.  Understanding and truth will set me free.  Forgiving is setting myself free.  A simple kind gesture makes all the difference in the world.  No one gets up and plans on making mistakes, accept the lesson, learn and move on.

My brother and sister-in-law are in Armenia visiting my nephew Jesse.  Jesse has been there the last two years in the Peace Corps teaching.  Jesse will be coming back to the States in August and Mike and Nancy wanted to visit him and site see.  Please keep them in your prayers.

I am guilty of thinking oh nothing is going to happen to me, I will die of an old age.  Ahh, I am not thinking that way much anymore.  I am not afraid of passing away, but I want to live right now and enjoy the right now.  As always I invite everyone to be in the moment with me.

Yes, it did

Happen again.  May thirteenth was a normal day, Mark and I ate lunch together on the back porch and returned to work.  I suddenly became really sick and left work, called Mark and we quickly left for the ER in Murfreesboro.  Seven hours later I was admitted to the hospital again with diverticulitis.  It was just as painful as the last however I was more of a mess than I have been in my entire life.   I mean ugly mess.  No, I don't mean smeared mascara, lipstick, hair is-a-mess kind of mess, I mean evil demon, head-twisting, fire-breathing just shoot me mess!  And you know what?  Poo was there for it all and for.the.life.of.me I can't understand why he stayed.
The pain plus the pain medicine did not equal relief or calmness.    Three days of pain management and intravenous antibiotics allowed me to come home. I have been in the bed for a week and I am beginning to feel okay again.

I plan to resume life on Tuesday.  Hopefully this dark cloud of impending doom will lift soon and I will feel like myself.  I am ready for blue skies and rainbows!

Thankful for my Poo

I remember twenty nine years ago loving Mark and thinking how deeply I loved him.  Well, the saying "the older you get the less you know" is an under statement.  Young love is  desirable, thrilling, and soul-connecting.  Mature love is all of those but it has depth.  I can't.imagine.life without him.  He is my best friend and my rock.  He makes me happy when skies are gray!  Thank you Mark for being my sunshine and for your love, loyalty, for being my soul mate.  I am so blessed being allowed to be your wife, best friend, and soul mate.  God is good and blesses even a sinner like me.  Thank you God.  He is worthy!

After receiving the great news on Friday, we enjoyed  every minute of the weekend.  We enjoy yard work, flower planting and anything outside.  After a trip early Saturday to Mary's we began planting. I might have lasted fifteen minutes.  However, Mark built window boxes, painted, planted, opened the pool, and took care of me.  The window box is in our bedroom window.  It is beautiful and filled with flowers that I can see from our bed.  I KNOW Mark and I know he did that because I have been spending a lot of time in bed and I can look at them.  Thank you Mark, you are so kind, loving and giving.

Today has not been a good feeling day for me.  However, I have spent most of it in bed I know God, Mark and my family love me and  brighter days are just ahead helps.

Happy Friday

I received "the number" regarding my CA 125 blood test today.  It was six.  When the nurse told me I screamed "Praise the good Lord"! And immediately ask what the number means to me!  She explained that it needed to be under twenty-one and mine is six which is excellent!  I am so thankful.


The next step will be scheduling surgery. I am uncertain if that will be before my colonoscopy or after.  I thought after but it became unclear.  The surgeon  I had when I was in the hospital with diverticulitis wants to be in the OR in case there are any complications.  I am sure scheduling and all the normal pre-surgery preparations  will take time.  So I am content to let God handle this and just be!

My immediate plans are to sleep until the cows come home in the morning.  Then maybe a little dirt digging.  Thank you for the support and encouraging words.  I am thankful, blessed and content.  I can't remember when (if ever)  I have breathed so deeply and been so thankful for every.thing.  God  is good all the time and has reasons and plans for everything.  I am thankful for His love, grace and that He knows even me.  Thank you Lord for loving even me and for your Holy Spirit that I feel, trust and accept.  I am an undeserving sinner and you still care for me and love me.  Thank you.

And again, I invite everyone to be in the moment with me.  Take every thing in and be right there and be thankful, happy and content.

Trying to smile through the tears

I really don't know what caused the sudden burst of tears.  Mark and I traveled to Murfreesboro yesterday for my ultrasound and appointment with Dr.  McGriff.   I became edgy during the ultrasound for some reason.  As I waited for the technician to complete the test I  looked up at the ceiling and thought I.can't.believe.I.am.here.  I feel as though I am in a fog or dream and the fog is going to lift or I am going to wake up and none of the past three weeks will be real.  I know that sounds crazy but I have always been a ball of fire and all the sudden not so much!


Dr.  McGriff was somewhat reassuring about the cysts.  I was blown away when she took at her tape measure to show us the size of one of the cysts.   I guess I really had never thought of how you measure a cyst!?  Even though the appearance of the cyst is normal she order a CA 125 blood test.  Protocol and just as a measurement/precaution.  She explained a high reading/number would be 30-35.  I assume that would indicate cancer?  She explained if my number was even elevated she would refer me to Dr.  Williams in Nashville.  However, if not she would perform a full hysterectomy  in Murfreesboro.  I will know the result tomorrow or Monday.

I feel guilty that I know God has got this.  However, I have moments of worry and doubt.  I know He is with with because I feel Him.  Even though I do not see an actual body I feel His hand and know whatever comes my way I.am.fine.    It is hard to not be in control and harder to admit it.  I am learning and  I know I am here for a reason.  So today has been a good day, a few tears but a good day.

Maybe I will hear from the test tomorrow but Monday is ok too.  I just can't understand how something can be Fed-ex-ed overnight from  the other side of the world  but when it comes to medical tests it can't happen?!

I have so many ask what can I do to help you and your family.  Prayer is the answer.  But not just for me, for everyone that is going through hard times.  I am just me, there are so many others that need us and our prayers.

Again I invite you to be with me, in the moment.  

I have a heavy heart

Good morning friends.  The tornado (s) that touched down in Lincoln county Monday night did not damage Tyler's and Kallie's farm.  However his Uncle and Aunt have an adjoining farm to Tyler and Kallie.  They were hit hard. Their house, two Barnes, rent house and live stock was taken. Kallie told us they were in the basement as the tornado went over their house.  It was not long until they got the call from Uncle Ronnie and Aunt Dorothy.  Thankfully they took cover in their storm shelter.  In Kallie's words, "Mom it looks like Joplin". They helped yesterday to get the surviving livestock to the sale because there isn't a place to keep them. (It blew the barb off the barbed wire).  The insurances set up at a community centers for the damages to be turned in and to help the insured in any way.  Kallie drove Dorothy to the claims area and later it was determined the house (a beautiful farmhouse) would be bull dozed.   Later she rented a car and Uncle Ronnie cut his hand cleaning up and had to go to the emergency room for stitches.  Kallie and Dorothy made a trip to the Tractor Supply for tarps to cover the house which now will not be needed.

Emotionally all are a mess but thankful for life.
Tyler's grandparents that live close are good no damage.  Of course no electricity is a real inconvenice with freezers thawing and no air but in the grand scheme of things that is minor.  I wanted to go be with them but with emergency personnel and crews we would be unable to get to them.  

Today is my appointment with Dr. Mcgriff-Chatman.  I pray for answers and hopefully improved health.   God has this and he is in control.  Please pray for Tyler and Kallie and for their family.  When our children hurt we hurt.  I am hurting.  Much love to all.  Please be with me and be in the moment.

Thankful Thursday

It has been a good day!   Of course the weather was fantastic but I received a good report with my doctor today. I am on the road to better health and while I have no guarantees I will not have another round with the diverticulitis I am doing all the right things the prevent ( if there is such a thing) from reoccurring.

I will be having a colonoscopy the first of June after I have healed from my recent attack.  Because of my age and again to make certain everything is okay.  I look at it differently now, I am just thankful test exist for early signs of problems and etc.

Next Wednesday I have an appointment with my GYN and hopefully I will be receiving information regarding the cysts that were discovered from my CAT scan.  My doctor today doesn't think anything can be done until I have an colonoscopy and it is determined I am okay?!  Of course I am anxious to have the cysts removed but I trust all will be well in time.

My energy level is to say the least low.  I am trying to regain all the ground I lost being so sick.  It is hard for me to realize I do not bounce back as quickly as I use to.
While I am getting better from day to day it has not been quick.  I appreciate everyone for caring, calling, praying and just being here for me.  Please continue to pray for me.  Much love to all!

Now what?

I am encouraged and inspired from all the comments, calls and acts of kindness I have received.  I have always tried to be an encouragement to others but of course have not done near enough.  I have learned a card or call or a visit can make all the difference in the world in someone's day.  My day has been special because of everyone that reach out to me in whatever way.  I appreciate and cherish each comment.  

 Now what?  First, I am going to try to just get healthy.   Spiritually,physically and mentally.  The mental part may take longer than I have but any hoo!  I have hit the reset button spiritually and invite everyone to join me.  Several years ago this town was blessed to have Kirk Brothers and his precious family as residents.  Whether it be right (politically or socially) or not, if I think a evangelist, preacher or whatever "they" want to be called  has the gift, I feel the best compliment to give "them" is you are a teacher.  Kirk Brothers is a teacher.  My Bible has highlights and notes where I marked and learned from God's inspired word through Kirk and others.  One highlighted area is Psalm 51:10-13 and written above is reset button.  Thank you God for a reset button and for teacher Kirk Brothers.  Physically I will try to make better choices eating and exercise.  I will listen to my body and seek help when I have pain or feel like something is just not right.  Mentally I will be doing more of what I enjoy and less of what I don't.  I will be living in the moment breathing deeply and taking everything in.

I have often shared photos of Poo and the projects he does for our home.  However, I must relate he is my best friend, husband, soul mate, father to our children, caregiver and a remarkable tender man.  He is my counselor,cheerleader, and the love of my life.  God allowed us to be together and what an amazing blessing we have together.  I love you Mark forever and always.

,

I don't mean to get personal but.....

After the Doctor told me out was out of the surgery woods this time, I had to say thank you to him.  I began...."I just want to thank you for not immediately operating.  You are a surgeon and that is what you do and enjoy doing but you refrained.  Thank you for taking  your oath seriously and for helping me.  God put you with me!  He quickly said no, actually it was another Dr asking me if I wanting to go to the OR.!  He explained that the first Doctor that evaluated me knew I would need something done and called him. (God)  But he did not just operate just to operate.(God)  He was taken back by my comments, but I think he understood.  He asked me if I wanted to know the size of one of the cysts and I said yes.  It is the size of a grapefruit!  When I asked him why I could not feel it he said it is mushy and move when I push in.  Oh.my.word.  My prayer is for it to not be cancer.  Please pray for me.  

I am home now healing from the diverticulitis attack.  In the next several weeks I will have a follow up and an appointment with my GYN.  God is with me, I know because I see His work everywhere I look!

Writing is not my thing.  I know I have used wrong tenses, and etc.  But I ask you to please over look and share my journey with me.  

The motor home may just be closer than I think.  God knows.  :)  Love to all.

Continued.....

Lisa and Mark fanned me and tried their best to get vital signs etc.  The last thing I remember is Lisa putting me into the truck with Mark and telling me she would pray for me.  Mark asked for me to be sedated so he could get me to the ER in Murfreesboro. That is exactly what was done and we were on our way.  I didn't have a clue.

Mark told me to get out and stand by a pole, so I did. (God) He had to park the car!  Normally that would have not happened!  He pulled away and I just.stood.there.!?  We sat down in the ER waiting room and I asked him where are we?!  We were quickly taken to a room.  I could not keep up with the nurse, I had to pull over against the wall several times.  I finally made it to the room and a flurry of activity began. (God)  I am not sure what I thought at this time, maybe a kidney stone but probably something seriously wrong with me.  I remained calmed though. (God)    I was whisked away for a CAT scan and knew something was up by the look on the technician's face when he was pulling me out of the machine.  However, I knew he couldn't say anything so I didn't ask.  When I made it back to the room I had several people looking at me.  Mark sitting by my side. (God)  My new friend began talking, "you do have a large kidney stone but it is not the problem, you have diverticulitis which is the problem and large cysts on your ovaries and a small spot on your left lung".  We will more than likely take you to the OR to repair your intestines and you will have a colostomy.  I said I don't want that, which he replied death or a bag your call.  I looked at Mark and he looked at me and at that moment I thought we had waited too late for the motor home.   I'm not sure why (God)but the surgeon decided to try several cocktails of antibiotics before the OR.  All night Thursday night it was one bag after another of meds plus  pain meds every three hours.  Friday he still was leaning toward surgery but hesitated. (God) Saturday he said I was out of the "surgery woods" this time.  And at that moment I had to tell him God brought me to him.

The "Moment" came without warning......

 We all have dreams that help  keep a zip in our steps and give  a reason to get up when we really don't want to.  Ours has been to own a motor home and to enjoy a simple life with strangers that become friends and keep on the move.  Our children understand  our dream and support us. It is time for them to live their lives and they know we would be right beside them if they ever need us. We realize part of the fun is to day dream  of how it would be to just visit motor home parks and talk with fellow travelers.  We often pick out the ones we want to consider and something comes up.  We have gone back in forth whether to buy fifth wheels or an actual driving motor home.  It is fun to watch specials on television, visit websites, look at magazines, go to dealers, watch videos.  When we see couples out on the interstate we often honk the horn and give them the thumbs ups!  Kindred souls!!!  We never decided on what age we needed to be or when we would take the leap, we just dream.


I say all of that to say this....Thursday April 10, 2014 was a life altering day for Debbie Garrison Haley.  

I have been asked what has happened to me that required a 4.5 day hospital stay.  This is my story and I am sharing it for several reasons which I will discussed later.

I came home Wednesday (9th) with the pain from a kidney stone, so I thought.  I took  pain medicine and went to bed.  The pain was different from my normal kidney stone pain but I still thought it was a kidney stone.  Thursday morning came and the pain was much worse than before.  I knew I had to get help.  I called my Physician knowing he is usually off on Thursdays but thought he might have switched his days.  He was indeed off but I got an appointment with another person in his office.  I quickly got up out of the bed and put a hat on and left.  I did.not.need.to. drive but I had to.  I called Mark and he agreed to meet me there.  I honestly don't remember driving to the office but I do remember the walk into the office.  It is a small parking area but it seemed as I was walking to a far, far away place.  You know, you have been there..you can see it but can't get there!  I checked in, sat down and immediately began sweating profusely.  I got up to go to the bathroom in the entrance and met Mark.  He sat in the waiting room for me in case my name was called.  I shut the door to the bathroom door and immediately slid down the wall and found myself laying on my back.  I am not sure how long it was until I could pick myself up.  I had already envisioned men knocking down the door and at that time I was okay with it.  When I regained enough strength I got up and looked down and the impression of my body was on the floor in water.  I quickly took myself to my seat in the waiting room with Mark.  And at that moment the door opened with a nurse calling patients in and our eyes locked.(God's timing)  She and Mark helped me back to a room. She put me in a wheeler chair took me to the lab, stayed with me, fanned me.(God's angel Lisa Morton)