From a Traumatic Birth & Brain Injury to a College Degree and a Growing Business:
An Overcomer
Story Introduction
Being an overcomer isn’t a new perspective for me. My life has consisted of overcoming obstacles with only periods of relaxation but never complete relief. When the deck appeared to favor my opponent, I have always been delivered from the clutches of despair to persevere and prevail. It has always been due to God’s great mercy.
I overcame a stroke and Bell’s palsy at birth to finish high school with honors and earn a bachelor’s degree and start a business. In my 30s I battled against my doctor’s ideas and opinions to recover my health so I could be present to help my daughter’s through their health struggles and diagnoses. When we came up for air we discovered our faith was strengthened and even though we were not delivered from the hardships we have a platform to help others!
Starting the Overcoming Trend
Little did I know I was already an overcomer at the tender young age of a few minutes old. After being stuck in the birth canal for 6 minutes without oxygen I suffered a stroke that caused Bell’s Palsy and I began having seizures. The seizures continued for nearly two weeks before the medical staff controlled them. I also had another palsy that affected my left arm and hand. Many of the events of my birth have been pieced together from medical records and recollections of family members who were present. Some of the information wasn’t known for 30+ years!
Here, you will discover who I am; from my early battles to survive birth to my failures and successes and everything in between. This is the story of my life with God’s hand protecting me from myself and guiding me.
A Tumultuous Beginning
Being a young, soon-to-be mother, at 24 years old, my mom didn’t comprehend the impact of not going straight to the hospital when labor started. She powered through labor pains from Friday to Sunday – when her sisters finally convinced her to go. I still wouldn’t arrive until Monday night because of physical complications with her and a doctor who walked out and left us both. Who would’ve thought my mother’s brush with death 21 years prior would endanger my life? And, who would’ve imagined that a doctor, one who is supposed to be saving lives; walks out and leaves not just one patient for dead, but her unborn child too?
Previous Overcoming
Determination or Obstinance — I'm Not Sure Which
Being an overcomer is great but I truly believe God has been with me from the very beginning. The doctors said that I would have permanent mental and physical disabilities and I would never
walk, talk, or learn. Oh, how they underestimated the POWER of my GOD! He made my mom a stubborn and obstinate woman. And I think God made her that way for my benefit. She fought for my opportunity to learn and not just an assumption of stupidity or epilepsy.
She nursed me with vitamins to increase my brain health and development and memory work to stimulate my mind. I did struggle some physically, but mentally, I was sound! Go Fish was great for cognitive development and by age 3 I was beating everyone who played with me. Pretty remarkable actions for a child, doctors were sure would be “stupid.”
Still Determined
People Are Watching Even When You Aren't Aware
A couple of years passed, and I was officially in the 8th grade. I was doing well in school and had a great group of friends. I was doing better than I realized, since, I was the only kid in my class who got an A on a history test. Not only was it an A, but it was a perfect score, including all bonus points. That grade changed the trajectory of my future! God used it to prompt my teacher to switch me to a more difficult class. After Christmas break that year I started a new class. Deciding I liked the teachers noticing my accomplishments, it challenged me to work harder. I
finished my elementary years placing 7th in my class. I’ll reiterate, my mom was told I would NEVER be able to learn, but………GOD!
Poor Health High School Years
Freshman year went off without a hitch and I truly loved high school. I had a wonderful boyfriend, my friends were still great, and my classes were fun. Along came my Sophomore year and everything was still going pretty well till I got sick with an upper respiratory infection. I began struggling in school, I couldn’t focus, and I had very low energy. One day when I wasn’t feeling well I stayed home from school. As I was showering, I felt dizzy and weak as I was about to step out. Hollering for my mom and putting my hand on her shoulder was the last thing I remember was putting my hand on her shoulder. I passed out and fell backward into the tub! Fortunately, I didn’t break anything but it was the beginning of a very long road.
That episode was the beginning of a seizure and led to a battery of tests. It was the start of a very difficult road that was mentally and physically draining. I was 15 years old and I felt like I lost everything I had ever worked to achieve because of that seizure. They discovered that I had a cyst on my brain but it wasn’t what caused the seizure. Technically, I still don’t know why it occurred, but my thoughts on that will come later.
Persevering and Overcoming
I continued to struggle as I saw neurologist after neurologist (they were all from the same office but never the same doctor twice). They continually changed and added medicines. Sadly, I caught another upper respiratory infection and needed an antibiotic. This time I didn’t have a seizure but there was a medication reaction between the antibiotic and one of the two seizure medicines. I woke up around 6 AM as my stepdad was about to leave for work. My mom noticed that something was off because I was slurring my words and acting odd.
My mom’s youngest brother, whom I was close to, showed up at our house for no reason during this episode. He also appeared after I had the seizure, which was about a year before this incident, for no reason. I truly believe God used him to be there when I needed him most, and for no reason other than God’s divine placement!
Leaving Earthly Issues Behind
By the time I was 17, I was a senior and my long-time boyfriend asked me to marry him. I said yes and was determined to never have a marriage like my mom and stepdad had. He was and still is the most thoughtful and caring individual. When I had the seizure and when I had the overdose, he was right there with me in the hospital. It was only natural that when my parent’s issues became stressful to the point of affecting my mental health; I turned to him. He helped me pack and move away from home to live with Mamie, my dad’s mom.
Continuing to Be an Overcomer
To this day, moving to my Mammies was one of the best things I ever did. I was still overcoming. The calm and serene environment allowed me to relax and I finally saw what it was like to be in a home without trauma. My sweet, little Mamie had only one requirement for me to live in her home: going to church. I agreed because I liked her church and I would have done anything to get away from my stepdad’s and his friends’ drinking, my parent’s fighting, and all the stress they caused.
The church came to be another happy place for me. I loved being there! On a Wednesday evening, out of nowhere, I felt an overwhelming urge to walk to the altar! Some people can remember the sermon, the hymns, or even who prayed with them; all I remember is a Deaconwas preaching instead of the regular Pastor. I remember the joy, love, and peace that enveloped me! I was finally a member of a great family! Being saved is the best blessing that ever happened to me! Life was looking up for me and I finished high school with honors and began my first college class about two weeks later.
Moving On
After high school, I attended a local community college, and I broke up with my boyfriend. I was trying to leave behind everything that reminded me of my past and all I had done that I shouldn’t have. I focused all my attention on school and refused to think about much else.
A couple of years later when I was visiting family, my ex-boyfriend was visiting his brother and we ran into each other. I learned he had gotten saved and we began talking. It wasn’t long before we were with each other all the time. About a year later we were married. Shortly after that, we moved to Lexington so that I to begin classes at the University of Kentucky. We spent 3 1/2 years there until medical issues halted my plans once again. I had a severe sinus infection for about 5 weeks. I had missed so many classes that I couldn’t catch up and had to take a medical leave from school. Eventually, I finished my degree, albeit, several years later.
Starting a Family
We moved home to eastern Kentucky in early 2002. I was sad I had to leave school but I was happy to be back in the mountains. Rest and recovery were the purposes of moving home but God put a desire on our hearts after we were married. We wanted to start a family and we had been unsuccessful. We finally found out I was pregnant in the spring of 2003. I had our first daughter in December and we were absolutely beside ourselves with happiness! She was just perfect!
When she was about 2 weeks old she got choked on her formula and stopped breathing. This was scary but nothing compared to her knocking a glass lamp on her head at age 2. Her skull was gushing blood all while we were desperately trying to get to the ER but the car in front of us was going about 40 mph! Thankfully, she had no hindrances from these events.
Adding On
Fast forward about 3 years, I was around 5 months pregnant with our second daughter. I was starting to have contractions so my doctor placed me on bed rest for two weeks. I seemed to be doing fine and the next month my oldest wanted to have a Halloween party so I began planning. We had family coming to visit for our Annual Apple Festival so we decided to have the party that Saturday evening. The party went great but I started having some pain the day after. I let it go because it wasn’t drastic and I had a regular checkup on Monday morning.
I got to the doctor and was waiting in the exam room after the nurse took my vitals and measurements. I was not prepared for what was coming when the doctor walked in. She said, “You are dilated to 6 and are in labor. We need you to drive straight to the hospital, no going home for clothes because the helicopter is on the way to fly you to Lexington.” Not prepared AT ALL! I called my husband as I went to the hospital so he could meet me there. They hooked me up to every type of machine imaginable and started the first set of steroid shots to help her lungs. At this time I was told I was 32 weeks and being shipped out because the local hospitable wasn’t equipped to handle a delivery this early.
An Early Arrival
The flight to Lexington went well and I was placed in a room with my trusty magnesium drip to relax the contractions, it didn’t work. Sometime in the wee hours of the morning my water broke. My husband got the nurse a few times and she told me every time I was just feeling things. By 6 am, my specialist was doing his rounds. He asked why I hadn’t told the nurse I was wet. I promptly told him we did but she said I was just feeling things. He proceeded to instruct said nurse on the proper way to use litmus paper. At this time I was also told that I was just 29 weeks. What??!!!
They proceeded to get me ready for a C-section and gave me another steroid shot to try to help her lungs more. After her delivery, I was knocked out from the sedation and didn’t get to see her till the next day. Tubes and lines were hanging in every direction from her little body. She was 2 pounds 2 1/2 ounces and 14 inches long. God had a plan for this delivery because without the C-section her umbilical cord would’ve cut off her air supply. It was wrapped entirely around her tiny neck.
Caring for a Preemie
For the first two weeks of her life, she remained in the hospital in Lexington then we had her transferred to Pikeville to be closer to home. While there she received 2 blood transfusions, and we received news from the neonatologist that she was likely only 27 weeks when she was born. This was shocking but we were prayerful and optimistic that she would grow, gain weight, and begin to suckle. Finally, one week before she was released she started sucking from a bottle. A few days later the feeding tube was removed. Two months and a day in the NICU and our sweet baby girl was headed home.
A New Overcomer Is Born
Nearly from the beginning, she began to struggle with sickness. For some reason, her first pediatrician always called it an ear infection but in reality, it was strep. At age 2 she had to have surgery to remove her tonsils and adenoids. Her ENT told us pointedly that he typically didn’t operate on children younger than 3, but he didn’t know how she was breathing or eating. So we were headed for surgery with her. We were scared but we were thrilled to be rid of strep. She continually had it with fevers spiking at 103° or higher. The surgery was good and bad. The high fevers were gone but strep was not! When she started school she often got strep once or twice a month. We became pros at knowing when she had it, even before testing positive.
Through the Good and the Bad
Fast forward to 2018, and both my girls being in double digits led me to believe I could relax a little. Such a deceptive thought! We were vacationing with my extended family in the Smokies and everyone was having lots of fun. The adults were planning everything we wanted to do as the young kids were playing in the hot tub. It was getting late and we had big plans for the next day so I began corralling my girls to prepare for bed. Little did I know that the dip in the hot tub would bring on such a traumatic experience.
I was settling in bed with my book, hoping I could get some rest. For months I hadn’t been sleeping well; I’d been waking up around 3 or 4 am every night. That night proved to be no different and thank God it wasn’t because my youngest was having a seizure in the bed beside me. I’ll forever believe that God had been preparing my body for this incident. By God’s grace, she has been healthy since this except for her best friend: strep. She has since started her own business making and selling jewelry.
Standing Firm
My health, however, was a different story altogether. Everything began with crazy symptoms but the worst thing was that I couldn’t describe them. I felt shaky all the time like a constant jitteriness that nothing would get rid of. My doctor at the time would hear of it being nothing other than anxiety. I went with it and took meds for anxiety. Things got worse and all I could do was sleep. Did I needed sleep? Yes, but I wanted to know the problem not just mask it! I stopped the meds (properly), fired the doctor, and hired a new one.
My new doctor was willing to explore and discover my problem, along with my chiropractor. Between the two, we discovered very low vitamin B12 and low vitamin D with muscle weakness from them. I started B12 shots and after 6 months I began to feel human again. I likely did have a touch of anxiety but I completely attribute it to my vitamin issues and lack of sleep.
Depending on God
Chronologically, the next trauma was the world shutting down. Did I hate it immensely? Absolutely! But it was a wonderful blessing for my little family. Through the time trapped inside with our family, my husband and I discovered our oldest was quietly, suffering emotionally. It took a huge blow-up between us two stubborn females to bring it to light. That was another blessing from God. He used it to bring us closer to Him and each other. We said many prayers for my sweet, baby girl, as did our pastor and our closest church members.
We used the time stuck inside to help her heal and show her she was a very loved girl! She began coming out of her shell and turned back to God. Shortly thereafter she began to struggle more with joint issues and pain. Her doctor decided it would be best to see a specialist.
Getting a Diagnosis
In November 2020 we made the trip to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital to see a Pediatric Rheumatologist. We were hopeful for answers but still apprehensive about what those answers would mean. She was diagnosed with hEDS (Hypermobility Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome) and fibromyalgia. We would spend the next year and a half researching how to help her adjust to her diagnosis. She continued to have issues with dislocated ribs and a lot of pain and we continued to visit the chiropractor weekly.
She was determined to enjoy what time she had left in high school while preparing for her future. She applied for many scholarships during her Junior year and we waited. We found out in early spring of 2022 that she had been awarded the Hagan Scholarship and would be able to attend college completely debt free. In May of 2022, as one of 44 Valedictorians in her Senior class. she graduated as a 4.0 honors scholar, with 32 college credits. and she would begin college as a sophomore.
But...God
You see, I could be a “Debbie Downer” and focus on all the trauma in my life but I have so much to be thankful for! I could never thank God enough for the enormous blessings He has bestowed upon me. For instance, my two beautiful girls continually amaze me; my wonderful husband supports me through all my hair-brained ideas. One such idea was this website.
Krafty Koncessions
I started my creative business probably 10 years ago. My girls were still little, and I didn’t want to leave them for a 9-5. But…I needed an outlet for myself and I wasn’t opposed to making a little extra money along the way. It began by using my free time to make hair bows, wreaths, scarves, jewelry, and anything else you could think of probably. I finally landed on painting signs. It was cathartic and I truly enjoyed it. My signs did quite well through the creeping crud, world collapse. So well, that I decided I needed a website! My husband, the sport that he is, agreed! I used my sign sales revenue to hire a coach to teach me the basics of how to build a WordPress site. The direction and purpose of this site have changed more times than I can count.
Following God's Lead
I pray that I am working in God’s will! My main goal is to use my talents and abilities for His glory. Working for Him and leading souls to Him through the words I write and the crafts I create.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I hope it was an inspiration for you to know that struggles do not have to define you. With God, all things work together for good to those that love Him.
Starting the Overcoming Trend
Starting the Overcoming Trend
Little did I know I was already an overcomer at the tender young age of a few minutes old. After being stuck in the birth canal for 6 minutes without oxygen I suffered a stroke that caused Bell’s Palsy and I began having seizures. The seizures continued for nearly two weeks before the medical staff controlled them. I also had another palsy that affected my left arm and hand. Many of the events of my birth have been pieced together from medical records and recollections of family members who were present. Some of the information wasn’t known for 30+ years!
Here, you will discover who I am; from my early battles to survive birth to my failures and successes and everything in between. This is the story of my life with God’s hand protecting me from myself and guiding me.
A Tumultuous Beginning
A Tumultuous Beginning
Being a young, soon-to-be mother, at 24 years old, my mom didn’t comprehend the impact of not going straight to the hospital when labor started. She powered through labor pains from Friday to Sunday – when her sisters finally convinced her to go. I still wouldn’t arrive until Monday night because of physical complications with her and a doctor who walked out and left us both. Who would’ve thought my mother’s brush with death 21 years prior would endanger my life? And, who would’ve imagined that a doctor, one who is supposed to be saving lives; walks out and leaves not just one patient for dead, but her unborn child too?
Previous Overcoming
Previous Overcoming
Determination or Obstinance — I'm Not Sure Which
Determination or Obstinance — I'm Not Sure Which
Being an overcomer is great but I truly believe God has been with me from the very beginning. The doctors said that I would have permanent mental and physical disabilities and I would never
walk, talk, or learn. Oh, how they underestimated the POWER of my GOD! He made my mom a stubborn and obstinate woman. And I think God made her that way for my benefit. She fought for my opportunity to learn and not just an assumption of stupidity or epilepsy.
She nursed me with vitamins to increase my brain health and development and memory work to stimulate my mind. I did struggle some physically, but mentally, I was sound! Go Fish was great for cognitive development and by age 3 I was beating everyone who played with me. Pretty remarkable actions for a child, doctors were sure would be “stupid.”
Still Determined
Still Determined
People Are Watching Even When You Aren't Aware
People Are Watching Even When You Aren't Aware
A couple of years passed, and I was officially in the 8th grade. I was doing well in school and had a great group of friends. I was doing better than I realized, since, I was the only kid in my class who got an A on a history test. Not only was it an A, but it was a perfect score, including all bonus points. That grade changed the trajectory of my future! God used it to prompt my teacher to switch me to a more difficult class. After Christmas break that year I started a new class. Deciding I liked the teachers noticing my accomplishments, it challenged me to work harder. I
finished my elementary years placing 7th in my class. I’ll reiterate, my mom was told I would NEVER be able to learn, but………GOD!
Poor Health High School Years
Poor Health High School Years
Freshman year went off without a hitch and I truly loved high school. I had a wonderful boyfriend, my friends were still great, and my classes were fun. Along came my Sophomore year and everything was still going pretty well till I got sick with an upper respiratory infection. I began struggling in school, I couldn’t focus, and I had very low energy. One day when I wasn’t feeling well I stayed home from school. As I was showering, I felt dizzy and weak as I was about to step out. Hollering for my mom and putting my hand on her shoulder was the last thing I remember was putting my hand on her shoulder. I passed out and fell backward into the tub! Fortunately, I didn’t break anything but it was the beginning of a very long road.
That episode was the beginning of a seizure and led to a battery of tests. It was the start of a very difficult road that was mentally and physically draining. I was 15 years old and I felt like I lost everything I had ever worked to achieve because of that seizure. They discovered that I had a cyst on my brain but it wasn’t what caused the seizure. Technically, I still don’t know why it occurred, but my thoughts on that will come later.
Persevering and Overcoming
Persevering and Overcoming
I continued to struggle as I saw neurologist after neurologist (they were all from the same office but never the same doctor twice). They continually changed and added medicines. Sadly, I caught another upper respiratory infection and needed an antibiotic. This time I didn’t have a seizure but there was a medication reaction between the antibiotic and one of the two seizure medicines. I woke up around 6 AM as my stepdad was about to leave for work. My mom noticed that something was off because I was slurring my words and acting odd.
My mom’s youngest brother, whom I was close to, showed up at our house for no reason during this episode. He also appeared after I had the seizure, which was about a year before this incident, for no reason. I truly believe God used him to be there when I needed him most, and for no reason other than God’s divine placement!
Leaving Earthly Issues Behind
Leaving Earthly Issues Behind
By the time I was 17, I was a senior and my long-time boyfriend asked me to marry him. I said yes and was determined to never have a marriage like my mom and stepdad had. He was and still is the most thoughtful and caring individual. When I had the seizure and when I had the overdose, he was right there with me in the hospital. It was only natural that when my parent’s issues became stressful to the point of affecting my mental health; I turned to him. He helped me pack and move away from home to live with Mamie, my dad’s mom.
Continuing to Be an Overcomer
Continuing to Be an Overcomer
To this day, moving to my Mammies was one of the best things I ever did. I was still overcoming. The calm and serene environment allowed me to relax and I finally saw what it was like to be in a home without trauma. My sweet, little Mamie had only one requirement for me to live in her home: going to church. I agreed because I liked her church and I would have done anything to get away from my stepdad’s and his friends’ drinking, my parent’s fighting, and all the stress they caused.
The church came to be another happy place for me. I loved being there! On a Wednesday evening, out of nowhere, I felt an overwhelming urge to walk to the altar! Some people can remember the sermon, the hymns, or even who prayed with them; all I remember is a Deaconwas preaching instead of the regular Pastor. I remember the joy, love, and peace that enveloped me! I was finally a member of a great family! Being saved is the best blessing that ever happened to me! Life was looking up for me and I finished high school with honors and began my first college class about two weeks later.
Moving On
Moving On
After high school, I attended a local community college, and I broke up with my boyfriend. I was trying to leave behind everything that reminded me of my past and all I had done that I shouldn’t have. I focused all my attention on school and refused to think about much else.
A couple of years later when I was visiting family, my ex-boyfriend was visiting his brother and we ran into each other. I learned he had gotten saved and we began talking. It wasn’t long before we were with each other all the time. About a year later we were married. Shortly after that, we moved to Lexington so that I to begin classes at the University of Kentucky. We spent 3 1/2 years there until medical issues halted my plans once again. I had a severe sinus infection for about 5 weeks. I had missed so many classes that I couldn’t catch up and had to take a medical leave from school. Eventually, I finished my degree, albeit, several years later.
Starting a Family
Starting a Family
We moved home to eastern Kentucky in early 2002. I was sad I had to leave school but I was happy to be back in the mountains. Rest and recovery were the purposes of moving home but God put a desire on our hearts after we were married. We wanted to start a family and we had been unsuccessful. We finally found out I was pregnant in the spring of 2003. I had our first daughter in December and we were absolutely beside ourselves with happiness! She was just perfect!
When she was about 2 weeks old she got choked on her formula and stopped breathing. This was scary but nothing compared to her knocking a glass lamp on her head at age 2. Her skull was gushing blood all while we were desperately trying to get to the ER but the car in front of us was going about 40 mph! Thankfully, she had no hindrances from these events.
Adding On
Adding On
Fast forward about 3 years, I was around 5 months pregnant with our second daughter. I was starting to have contractions so my doctor placed me on bed rest for two weeks. I seemed to be doing fine and the next month my oldest wanted to have a Halloween party so I began planning. We had family coming to visit for our Annual Apple Festival so we decided to have the party that Saturday evening. The party went great but I started having some pain the day after. I let it go because it wasn’t drastic and I had a regular checkup on Monday morning.
I got to the doctor and was waiting in the exam room after the nurse took my vitals and measurements. I was not prepared for what was coming when the doctor walked in. She said, “You are dilated to 6 and are in labor. We need you to drive straight to the hospital, no going home for clothes because the helicopter is on the way to fly you to Lexington.” Not prepared AT ALL! I called my husband as I went to the hospital so he could meet me there. They hooked me up to every type of machine imaginable and started the first set of steroid shots to help her lungs. At this time I was told I was 32 weeks and being shipped out because the local hospitable wasn’t equipped to handle a delivery this early.
An Early Arrival
An Early Arrival
The flight to Lexington went well and I was placed in a room with my trusty magnesium drip to relax the contractions, it didn’t work. Sometime in the wee hours of the morning my water broke. My husband got the nurse a few times and she told me every time I was just feeling things. By 6 am, my specialist was doing his rounds. He asked why I hadn’t told the nurse I was wet. I promptly told him we did but she said I was just feeling things. He proceeded to instruct said nurse on the proper way to use litmus paper. At this time I was also told that I was just 29 weeks. What??!!!
They proceeded to get me ready for a C-section and gave me another steroid shot to try to help her lungs more. After her delivery, I was knocked out from the sedation and didn’t get to see her till the next day. Tubes and lines were hanging in every direction from her little body. She was 2 pounds 2 1/2 ounces and 14 inches long. God had a plan for this delivery because without the C-section her umbilical cord would’ve cut off her air supply. It was wrapped entirely around her tiny neck.
Caring for a Preemie
Caring for a Preemie
For the first two weeks of her life, she remained in the hospital in Lexington then we had her transferred to Pikeville to be closer to home. While there she received 2 blood transfusions, and we received news from the neonatologist that she was likely only 27 weeks when she was born. This was shocking but we were prayerful and optimistic that she would grow, gain weight, and begin to suckle. Finally, one week before she was released she started sucking from a bottle. A few days later the feeding tube was removed. Two months and a day in the NICU and our sweet baby girl was headed home.
A New Overcomer Is Born
A New Overcomer Is Born
Nearly from the beginning, she began to struggle with sickness. For some reason, her first pediatrician always called it an ear infection but in reality, it was strep. At age 2 she had to have surgery to remove her tonsils and adenoids. Her ENT told us pointedly that he typically didn’t operate on children younger than 3, but he didn’t know how she was breathing or eating. So we were headed for surgery with her. We were scared but we were thrilled to be rid of strep. She continually had it with fevers spiking at 103° or higher. The surgery was good and bad. The high fevers were gone but strep was not! When she started school she often got strep once or twice a month. We became pros at knowing when she had it, even before testing positive.
Through the Good and the Bad
Through the Good and the Bad
Fast forward to 2018, and both my girls being in double digits led me to believe I could relax a little. Such a deceptive thought! We were vacationing with my extended family in the Smokies and everyone was having lots of fun. The adults were planning everything we wanted to do as the young kids were playing in the hot tub. It was getting late and we had big plans for the next day so I began corralling my girls to prepare for bed. Little did I know that the dip in the hot tub would bring on such a traumatic experience.
I was settling in bed with my book, hoping I could get some rest. For months I hadn’t been sleeping well; I’d been waking up around 3 or 4 am every night. That night proved to be no different and thank God it wasn’t because my youngest was having a seizure in the bed beside me. I’ll forever believe that God had been preparing my body for this incident. By God’s grace, she has been healthy since this except for her best friend: strep. She has since started her own business making and selling jewelry.
Standing Firm
Standing Firm
My health, however, was a different story altogether. Everything began with crazy symptoms but the worst thing was that I couldn’t describe them. I felt shaky all the time like a constant jitteriness that nothing would get rid of. My doctor at the time would hear of it being nothing other than anxiety. I went with it and took meds for anxiety. Things got worse and all I could do was sleep. Did I needed sleep? Yes, but I wanted to know the problem not just mask it! I stopped the meds (properly), fired the doctor, and hired a new one.
My new doctor was willing to explore and discover my problem, along with my chiropractor. Between the two, we discovered very low vitamin B12 and low vitamin D with muscle weakness from them. I started B12 shots and after 6 months I began to feel human again. I likely did have a touch of anxiety but I completely attribute it to my vitamin issues and lack of sleep.
Depending on God
Depending on God
Chronologically, the next trauma was the world shutting down. Did I hate it immensely? Absolutely! But it was a wonderful blessing for my little family. Through the time trapped inside with our family, my husband and I discovered our oldest was quietly, suffering emotionally. It took a huge blow-up between us two stubborn females to bring it to light. That was another blessing from God. He used it to bring us closer to Him and each other. We said many prayers for my sweet, baby girl, as did our pastor and our closest church members.
We used the time stuck inside to help her heal and show her she was a very loved girl! She began coming out of her shell and turned back to God. Shortly thereafter she began to struggle more with joint issues and pain. Her doctor decided it would be best to see a specialist.
Getting a Diagnosis
Getting a Diagnosis
In November 2020 we made the trip to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital to see a Pediatric Rheumatologist. We were hopeful for answers but still apprehensive about what those answers would mean. She was diagnosed with hEDS (Hypermobility Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome) and fibromyalgia. We would spend the next year and a half researching how to help her adjust to her diagnosis. She continued to have issues with dislocated ribs and a lot of pain and we continued to visit the chiropractor weekly.
She was determined to enjoy what time she had left in high school while preparing for her future. She applied for many scholarships during her Junior year and we waited. We found out in early spring of 2022 that she had been awarded the Hagan Scholarship and would be able to attend college completely debt free. In May of 2022, as one of 44 Valedictorians in her Senior class. she graduated as a 4.0 honors scholar, with 32 college credits. and she would begin college as a sophomore.
But...God
But...God
You see, I could be a “Debbie Downer” and focus on all the trauma in my life but I have so much to be thankful for! I could never thank God enough for the enormous blessings He has bestowed upon me. For instance, my two beautiful girls continually amaze me; my wonderful husband supports me through all my hair-brained ideas. One such idea was this website.
Krafty Koncessions
Krafty Koncessions
I started my creative business probably 10 years ago. My girls were still little, and I didn’t want to leave them for a 9-5. But…I needed an outlet for myself and I wasn’t opposed to making a little extra money along the way. It began by using my free time to make hair bows, wreaths, scarves, jewelry, and anything else you could think of probably. I finally landed on painting signs. It was cathartic and I truly enjoyed it. My signs did quite well through the creeping crud, world collapse. So well, that I decided I needed a website! My husband, the sport that he is, agreed! I used my sign sales revenue to hire a coach to teach me the basics of how to build a WordPress site. The direction and purpose of this site have changed more times than I can count.
Following God's Lead
Following God's Lead
I pray that I am working in God’s will! My main goal is to use my talents and abilities for His glory. Working for Him and leading souls to Him through the words I write and the crafts I create.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I hope it was an inspiration for you to know that struggles do not have to define you. With God, all things work together for good to those that love Him.