Time of Sorrow

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Blogging, Connecting, Reflection, Spiritual

I lost my sweet mother on Monday, March 23rd. She was 90 years old and lived a good long life, but that doesn’t ease the pain. I am numb and my heart is heavy. Will my heart ever stop hurting?

Mom was a beautiful lady. She was kind and always offered a helping hand to those in need. She will be greatly missed by all. We assume our parents will live forever. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if they did?

With all this rain, I feel tears from heaven, mourning the passing of a wonderful soul. But what makes me feel better is knowing that Mom is in a better place and out of pain. She is no longer suffering. Her spirit lives on and in my heart.

Has God Given His Final Word?

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Blogging, Inspirational, Networking, Reflection, Spiritual

I was all set to have foot surgery on June 5th. This has been coming for a long time. Hindsight told me that I should of had this several years ago, but didn’t. When I went into see the surgeon last Friday for a pre-surgical consultation, I was hit with a surprise. He said he had bad news for me. He explained that major surgery would be too risky for me. He wasn’t going to do the surgery at all. After a disappointing answer, I felt like I was going to cry. When I told him that my left foot continues in pain when I stand or walk on it, he reluctantly seemed genial to do a lesser procedure. He would not touch the ankle or the toes, but transport the tight tendon putting pressure on my foot. I’m literally walking on the side of my left foot because its too painful to walk on it.

Why would the surgeon have a tentative surgery date scheduled and then cancel it? Only God knows the correct answer to this question. I’m as baffled as you are. When I asked the surgery scheduler, she said that the doctor was worried about recovery time. The surgeon must have talked to my neurologist at Emory. He brought up that major surgery could make my condition worse and cause problems. Plus, the time under general anesthesia was questionable. It is advisable not to use certain drugs with LEMS. Surely, I’m not the first person with an autoimmune condition to come through his office. On the last visit before last Friday, the doctor said he had other complicated cases. Last Friday, he said I was very complicated and very high risk for that type surgery.

I’m stumped, but I know my sisters have been praying that if it isn’t God’s will, surgery would be stopped. I guess this is God’s way of say “no, not this time.” Hopefully, my condition will improve overtime. I’ve been dealing with this almost nine years. It gets old and one loses hope as time goes on. The constant infusions I wish would go away, but it’s understandable that keeps one healthy. I feel the infusions deplete me. Is it possible to find an alternative treatment? I keep praying that God will show His glory, His mercy and fill me with His Holy Spirit. I accept my fate, but I feel I need to concentrate on what I can do, not what I can’t do. Everyone handicaps me. They mean well and are just helping, but I feel I’m enabled physically. I want to say to others, “Please don’t help me unless I ask for help. I was born with a brain; I can use it.”

Other than that, I’m praying for my niece on Tuesday, who will give birth to her baby daughter. Let her get through delivery safely for her and the baby. We need more girls in the family. So far, boys have dominated in my parents’ great-grandchildren’s department. I pray for my parents. I pray for peace and contentment with family members and close friends. God Bless You as each and everyone of you go through another week. May God shed His grace on thee.

Merry Christmas

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Blogging, Inspirational, Spiritual

I have been amiss for a couple of months, I admit. This has been a weird month with many events. They say everything comes in threes. I can tell you that is more true than imagined.

After a fall that left me with four fractured ribs in mid-October, I recovered almost fully. A lot less painful. It is as if no injury occurred at  all. Last month, my mother fell and broke her hand in two places. She is doing better, but her hand is still a little painful at times. Can these falls and family health problems be coincidental? Clearly, our family has had their share of health issues this season.

My father entered the hospital the end of November, with mild pneumonia and fluid around his heart. Three days later, he suffered a stroke by a blood clot that traveled to his brain. The surgeon removed the blood clot and my father seemed to be recovering well. His speech was a little slurred at first, but after surgery, he started to regain his speech and is doing better. Thank God he is not paralyzed. One saving grace of his illness and the fact that he is still alive.

He still has a way to go, as his heart is still weak. His body is weak, yet, he stands as a testimony of faith and hope. His courage to persist with daily challenges. I am proud of my father for his determination. If a 92-year-old man is determined to live and regain strength from a weakened state, just think what others can do.  It gives me hope to go on, to continue to fight my health issues.

More importantly, remembering that today is the Lord’s day – the reason for this Christmas day. May we always remember this date as a day to share with loved ones, to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. He is our savior and lives within our hearts.

I saw goodness today with family and loved ones. It was more than goodness, it is love. Enjoy each day as today and forgive those that have wronged us. Sometimes that is easier said than done, but with God’s help, we can continue in peace and harmony. Staying strong in His word is the key to successful living.

Merry Christmas and wishing everyone a Happy New Year! Here’s wishing best wishes that 2019 is even better than 2018.

Waiting for Appointment

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Blogging, Connecting, Inspirational, Reflection, Spiritual

Today, I am waiting to get scheduled for the Augusta Medical Center again. It is frustrating as the dates the doctor is available, are not convenient for me and vice-versa. I have to rely on transportation to Augusta by others. I also need someone to help me with a wheelchair. My cousin has offered to take me the end of next week, but I do not know if I can get scheduled in that short of notice. The research office needs time to get the new drug called Amifampridine Phosphate to the office. This is the drug I mentioned before for the study of Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome (LEMS). Actually, this is the fourth phase of the study on LEMS. The research team is trying to get FDA approval of the drug in the U.S. There is already approval in Europe.

The research team in Augusta seem to think that this drug will help me tremendously. It is designed to help with weakness though, not antibodies. I will still be required to take monthly infusions. I am trying to get approval from insurance to be changed to Rituxan. It would require infusions every 3 monthly instead of monthly. I have been getting IVG-Gammagard infusions monthly for over six years. IVG-Gammagard is produced from donor blood cells to replenish good antibodies to the blood system. I have to sign a consent form, even now, to be administered the drug. Fortunately, the donor blood is screened and filtered for disease and blood conditions. Rituxan is used for patients suffering from autoimmune disorders and chronic blood cancers, such as leukemia. My neurologist at Emory seems to think it will have a good effect on my condition. It interacts with the B-Cells, putting in good antibodies into the blood stream, which my cells no longer produce.

Though frustrating, I am at a stage in life that whatever I try, it will not harm me. What do I have to lose? I have been on a long journey to find healing for this disease. I rely on God and His power to heal me, but the waiting period is intensified during this time. I am blessed to be alive and grateful to those who donate blood. Without their kindness and consideration, there would be no other treatment for this dreaded disorder.

I am most thankful to God; I believe His peace and comfort are upon me. His grace has shined upon me. I am a believer in Jesus Christ; I believe in His healing touch. I believe in the Word of God. It is a powerful sword. “If thou prays in His namesake, thou will be done.”

For all, I hope you have a wonderful weekend. May God shine His many blessings upon you. May we find security and comfort as we walk through life.

 

Anne R. Murray’s New Book Released

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Blogging, Books, Inspirational, Novels, Reading, Social Media, Spiritual

Novel reveals profound life message as it explores ‘Wounded Heart in Flight’

A poignantly woven tale that delves into the paradoxical notion of letting go (forgiveness) in order to gain (freedom)

MARIETTA, Ga. (PRWEB)January 06, 2016

From the artistic treasury of the same author who brought to literature unforgettable titles as “The Jagged Edge,” “As the Sweet Honey Runs” and “As The Scarlet Tanager Sings” comes yet another work of timeless brilliance. “Wounded Heart in Flight” is Anne R. Murray‘s newly-released novel that goes in-depth into what forgiveness can do to a deluded heart.

A story of suspense, romance and tragedy unfolds within “Wounded Heart in Flight” (published by AuthorHouse). Following the tale of protagonist Julia Hawkins, it depicts a young woman’s plight into a life of misfortune and woeful circumstances. The narrative reveals Julia’s innermost fears, her unceasing battle with depression and her relentless sojourn towards healing. The setting takes place in a Midwestern town of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, outside the Ozark Mountains in modern times where Julia retraces her Cherokee roots to find truths central to her relationships – with others and with herself.

A poignantly woven tale that delves into the paradoxical notion of letting go (forgiveness) in order to gain (freedom), “Wounded Heart in Flight” offers a profound exemplification of a life well-examined; another testament to Murray’s remarkable wit and literary flair in painting the truth with words.

An excerpt from a featured poem in the book entitled “My Universe:”
Your loyalty is endless,
Your dedication is flawless,
Your enduring love is genuine,
And your sweetness is relentless.
In complete adoration,
I would give my life for you,
For you are my universe.

“Wounded Heart in Flight”
By Anne R. Murray
Hardcover | 6x9in | 210 pages | ISBN 9781504956680
Softcover | 6x9in | 210 pages | ISBN 9781504956697
E-Book | 210 pages | ISBN 9781504956673
Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the Author
Anne R. Murray is a native of Marietta, just northwest of Atlanta. The third of four daughters, her family had traditional Christian values and beliefs. A retired schoolteacher, Murray enjoys writing, researching and motivating others. She also enjoys being with family and friends. Murray obtained her doctorate in education while teaching high school students full-time. Her primary goal is to inspire others.

AuthorHouse, an Author Solutions, Inc. self-publishing imprint, is a leading provider of book publishing, marketing, and bookselling services for authors around the globe and offers the industry’s only suite of Hollywood book-to-film services. Committed to providing the highest level of customer service, AuthorHouse assigns each author personal publishing and marketing consultants who provide guidance throughout the process. Headquartered in Bloomington, Indiana, AuthorHouse celebrated 15 years of service to authors in Sept. 2011.For more information or to publish a book visit authorhouse.com or call 1-888-519-5121. For the latest, follow @authorhouse on Twitter.

Gentle Rain of Thoughts sent to printers!

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Authors, Books, Poems, Poetry, Promoting, Social Media, Spiritual

I received word yesterday that Gentle Rain of Thoughts, my newest book pf poetry, was sent to printers. It should be ready to publish and be online within two weeks. This book consist of my latest poetry, some excerpts from Wounded Heart in Flight, published on October 21, 2015. Please keep checking Amazon and Barnes & Noble for it.

Harsh Reality But No Pity Please

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Blogging, Spiritual

Hi guys, I’ve been under the weather a little lately. Nobody likes a depressing post, including me. Yesterday, I didn’t receive a very good report. I went to my regular neurologist yesterday morning. The doctor advised that the autoimmune (Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome) illness is worsening. He prescribed a new medication used to improve muscle strength in patients with a certain muscular disease (Myasthenia Gravis). It helps with neuro-transmitters to improve strength and to feel better in general. He also increased frequently of IV-G infusions to monthly again.

Harsh Reality Challenge – My Daily Life In ______

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Authors, Blogging, Books, Creativity, Fiction, Inspirational, Media, Non-Fiction, Reading, Social Media, Spiritual, Writers, Writing

I accepted Harsh Reality’s Challenge. My daily life in Marietta, Georgia, located in the southeastern region of the United States, is filled with variety. Marietta is located in central Cobb County, Georgia, and is the county’s seat and largest city. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 56,579, making it one of the Atlanta metropolitan area’s largest suburbs. Marietta is the fourth largest of the principal cities (by population) of the Atlanta metropolitan statistical area. Atlanta is the capital of and the most populous city in the US state of Georgia, with an estimated 2013 population of 447,841. Atlanta is the cultural and economic center of the Atlanta metropolitan area, home to 5,522,942 people and

the ninth largest metropolitan area in the United States. Atlanta is the county seat of Fulton County, and a small portion of the city extends eastward into DeKalb County.

Blogging 101 Assignment: Be Inspired To The Neighbors

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Blogging, Creativity, Media, Spiritual

The several blogs I commented on yesterday were all awesome. One stands out that I really enjoyed reading. It was creative, spiritual and enlightening “Awakening” for me. In the past few years, I have been there in my journey. I give Maia Blessings an “Excellent” for creativity, appearance and attractiveness of her blog to readers. https://maiablessings.wordpress.com/2015/01/10/guardian-blowing-love-hearts/