FIBROMYALGIA

DADGUMMIT!!! Sorry - I don't generally give air to my frustration - but I have just spent 30, count em, 30 full minutes trying to get to my blog! I'm just not technical by nature - and so capturing the joy of blogging is really not my experience yet.

But - enough of the complaining - let's get on with life - after all, no one is perfect, not even great gramma's!!! Well, that is to say - not this great gramma although I am sure there are some gg's out there who come close. But again, I don't count myself among them. Most of the time, I figure if all my kids are talking to me - I'm grateful.

My subject for today is weather. Not whether - that would be whether or not. But weather! You know - cold, hot, raining, snow etc.

Now why would I be interested in weather? Maybe because it has so much to do with my usefulness and joy as a fibromyalgia victim. Weather determines much of what I do or don't do. It's a dadgum bother at times. For instance, take my social calendar.

My grandson called me today and invited me to a family barbecue this weekend. My immediate response - was "Great! What can I bring? "
And since I am proficient at teasing Costco's potato salad into something edible, everyone knows that's the first thing I will offer. He was delighted and we hung up, both pleased with our conversation and the anticipation of a fun day with the gang.

Then - I stopped rejoicing and thought about the weather. This can radically effect my keeping this appointment. I used to think that rain was the culprit. Having shared with several of my fibro friends, I have come to realize it 'ain't necessarily so'. Some cramp up if it's sunny - cloudy - rainy- or snowing.

I think I have a reaction to change. For instance, if it's a beautiful sunny day today - and tomorrow the horizon is peppered with teeny tiny little clouds - I become useless! On the other hand, after three days of clouds the sun comes out - I can have another rough day. Now I know that this really isn't interesting to you - but maybe it should be.

Fibromyalgia is one of the most misunderstood syndromes in the medical
field. It is estimated that about 20 - 25% of adults have it - and most of them don't know it. It's very hard to diagnose as it usually has a very long history of symptoms that most docs haven't strung together.

I diagnosed mine after checking it out by listing symptoms and finding fibro as a possible cause. I checked it out with my doctor - and although he wasn't aware of everything about it - he did find after looking at my many kinks through the years ( ie. heel pain for four years; migraine headaches; shoulder pains; pain in my forearms and legs; cramping etc.) that he agreed and started treatment.

I wasn't convinced since I had led him to the decision, so I went to a Rheumatologist and told her nothing but my symptoms. She stepped behind me and stuck her finger in two of the trigger points in my back which I immediately responded to by 'ouching' rather loudly. And she said, "You have fibromyalgia" and here's what we're going to do."

There are things that fibro patients have in common - but are not necessarily the cause of the syndrome. ie. a head injury; a car accident; mononucleosis; or possibly a virus; insomnia; stress; anxiety; etc. They are even finding that some people think it's generic. The only thing I haven't had is a car accident.

The symptoms are extreme fatigue; headache; pain througout the body; severe cramping anywhere in the body; depression etc.

As a matter of fact - there are so many symptoms that this contributes to its difficulty to diagnose. Most fibro patients have trigger points all over their body that can go haywire. For instance I have one in my back that will start my back cramping. The best thing to do with these trigger points is to have someone poke a finger into it as hard as they can, and hold it for about 30 seconds and then the cramp stops. Of course the pain from the cure may continue - but that's preferable to the cramp. The fatigue is another matter and the best thing I have found to do is to give into it and take a nap.

It is not a death threatening syndrome and most people can learn how to live with it in time. Everyone has their own idea about how to deal with it.

I have meds that I take that are helpful but amazingly enough,
I have discovered that the best pill for me is distraction. When I am having an episode I cuddle up with my blankie in front of the TV and find a good movie to watch. I take my meds - love a hot cup of coffee - and quiet. If I don't move too much - it's usually over in a day or so and I feel great again.

Anyway - the reason I am going to the trouble to explain all of this is because sometimes I have to bow out of an obligation at the last minute. I don't want my loved ones to think that I don't value their invitations - I do. I've always been a people-person and love a party.

I have found that it's a very manageable syndrome and regular exercise is essential. I go to a pool (water temp 92 degrees) five days a week and stretch and walk and sometimes do 'ai chi'. But that's another story. It's so relaxing.

If you want to further understand this syndrome - you can check it out on fibromyalgia.com.

CHRISTmas Delights

Where would I be without Christ? If you're like me - you have those days when you wonder if you really are a devoted Christian - or is it all a hoax perpetrated on mankind. Whenever I get in that frame of mind, I remember that my assurance comes from the written Word and is enhanced by all the times that I actually encountered Him in the daily living of my life.

Well, I had another one of those fruitful experiences this past week. It started with Breanne and Scott's wedding on the 20th. It was so very lovely and so Christ focused that I began recalling all the changes that He has brought into our marriage. Too many to try to share - but so real. Then we moved on to Christmas Eve at our church.

We are not a 'with it' church - the 'it' being all the trimmings of the contemporary church - band - drums - praise singers - pastoral jokes etc. We really are a very traditional church with a small congregation - wonderful choir and small orchestral ensemble - reading of lots of Scripture and singing the old Reformed Hymns. On Christmas Eve, we were really drawn back to the miracle of the incarnation. "God became flesh and dwelt among us..."

Our Christmas celebration was festive and fun. The dinner that followed, thanks to the cooking magnificence of Mrs. Chris (Jihae) was a wonderful turkey and ham dinner with all the goodies. But best of all was the warmth and relational interaction of parents to children,- brother to brother - sister to sister - and everything in between. We thank God for all of our loved ones. What a gift he has given us in them.

Watching Justin throw the babies up and down endlessly was hilarious. Meeting one of Chris's police buddies was enlightening. Reliving the wedding while we looked at the pictures that Susie had thoughtfully put into two albums was great. Watching the Suns lose their Christmas Game in the last four seconds was.......Well - you fill it in.

So now we face the start of a new year. It looks like it could be a difficult one in some ways. But - here again - we have to remember that our citizenship is not truly in this world, though we are challenged to participate as if it were. We are reminded again to pray for our leaders and our nation - and for the peace of the world. Maranatha.

Thank God for the Christ that became flesh and dwelt among us.

Thanksgiving - a constant joy!

Well, it's that time of year again - the prescribed day in which to give thanks. But if you're like me - thanksgiving is a habit that started when you first began assessing your life in the light of your faith.



We've always had so many things for which to be thankful - and I confess - that I was not always aware of them. Or if I was aware - I wasn't nearly as quick to thank anyone. But life's training through trial and blessing has made me into a 'pollyanna' of sorts. I truly belive that 'all things work together to good for those who love God and have been called according to His purpose.'



Today I am especially thankful for our sons, Wes and Matt. When they took over the CPA business, they worked very hard and have turned it into a truly successful business. We had the joy of touring their brand new offices today and was I impressed? They are beautiful and very well thought out. We are so proud of them.



But I also have to proclaim that I am still basking in the hard work of our kids (Glenn, Susie, Jason, Barb, Robert and Justin) in reNEWing our home and yard. It looks so lovely and it's such a joy to walk outside and see everything so beautifully groomed and the house painted after 22 years!

And I'm so grateful for the wonderful ministry that Neil and Lisa have. A mother who is so blessed can never be ungrateful. They gave us such a wonderful weekend last month that we're already talking about the next one!



God has worked so many things out for good and we are grateful. I pray that all of you will have a wonderful Thanksgiving - and be praising God for His wonderful plan of Salvation and all the rest that goes with it.

What a wonderful family we have! I am basking in the love of Barb and her crew ( I'm not sure who they are yet) and Glenn, Susie and Jason. Why now? What makes me so specially thankful for them?



I am now 77 - and my honey is 78. We feel like we're a very young 77 and 78 until it comes to doing a major project. When we moved to our present abode 29 years ago - everything was fun. It was fun to see our house planted in the ground (mobile home). It was fun to landscape - decorate - modernize - update paint and jump into all of the projects with gusto!



But something has happened in the last five years or so. It's not fun anymore! But we have mastered the art of accepting things as they are - because we really didn't see how we could change them.



Well, now we get down to the good point of the story. One day a few weeks ago Barb had to drop off some dishes we had left at her house. That night I got a call from her and before I knew what was happening - I heard this angel talking about paint - and trim - and masking tape and ??? She had made an appointment to come and paint our home with her 'crew'. She is starting tomorrow by power spraying the house with water to get it ready to paint.



I had been looking for someone to clean up the yard (just to pass the city rules about sloppy yards) and I had asked Glenn to find me someone. Susie called me a few days later and told me that she had found someone... Jason!!



I can't tell you how thrilled I was because I wanted to help Jason out while he was unemployed - but when Monday morning of last week arrived - we had Glenn, Susie and Jason.



They worked so hard all week - and not only did my yard but Ronnies too. But what was most wonderful about the whole thing was the spirit in which they did it. It was hard work - but they were sooo cheerful and sweet that it made it like a blessed gift.



They aren't done yet - but good news! Jason got a job! We are so happy for him because he's been looking for quite awhile. And it sounds like a great job for him.



Anyway - our yard will be beautiful - and our home will be brand new all because of the blesssings of grown kids who knew just what to do 'for the old folks'. Can't thank them enough.



My prayer for them is that 'what goes around will come around' for them in their later years.



We have been blessed by all of our children and I certainly don't want to leave any out. Each one has a special gift that he or she gives so willingly - and we appreciate all of them.

THE CHALLENGE.....

We had the pleasure of spending the past weekend with our son, Neil and Lisa, his wife, and our delightful great grandchild, Lexie. It was one of those memorable times for many reasons....

I always love to spend time with our kids. And each one has his own special identity - that personality that makes him so special - and the family that each one heads.

Lexie is Neil and Lisa's first grandchild. Oh, yes, I know you didn't think of me as the mother of a grandfather - but in truth, I'm the mother of three grandfathers!

We did so many fun things. Lexie, seven years old, read to us in such a mature and dramatic way. She had gotten fifteen books out of the library for the weekend! And she read several of them to us with all the emphasis, gestures and faces that made them come alive.

And speaking of alive - we went to the Gaslight Theatre and saw "Frankenstein Lives". We laughed so hard that if it's true that laughter stretches your life, I'm good for at least another ten years. It was such fun and so nostalgic.

The fellowship was so very precious. Neil had TIVO'd the Eric Hite funeral. He was the policeman that was killed in the line of duty and was a member of Saguaro Canyon Church. Neil, as his pastor, gave the message and it was beautiful. When he first came on camera I wasn't sure it was him! He was so handsome; gray hair, a suit and tie, and glasses. He looked like a genuine pastor. There were over 4,000 people in attendance and he told us how Eric had always wanted to bring his fellow officers to the Lord and to church. And in God's own special way they all were here - at one time - hearing the Gospel at the cost of Eric's life. Several of these men were truly touched and attended a Bible Study at the church for several weeks.

His message was passionate, loving and kind. The results of that message has affected all of Tucson since it was televised on several channels. He became the best known pastor in Tucson in the matter of just a few minutes. Were we proud? Guess!

But that was just the beginning. On Sunday morning he preached on Revelations 1:9-20. He had prepared a sermon that he discarded after realizing what a WOW moment this must have been for John. So he wrote a new one - and it was right on spot. He reminded us that John was probably feeling that his life's purpose was over and then he saw Jesus after probably at least 50 years - and Jesus gave him a new task.

"Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this."

He reminded us all that our tasks for the Lord are not over. We each have a gift - or a memory - or a challenge to fulfill. What is mine?

I learned a lot from Lisa who was such a relaxed and loving hostess. Her relationship with Lexie is fruitful and full of 'teaching' moments. How lucky Lexie is to have her grandparents love.

On the way home we were filled with such lovely things to talk about. And again, I share the question with you...... What is your challenge from God? What would He want us to be - or do?

Thanks Neil and Lisa for such a lovely memory. We will treasure it.....

Party time and God's precious Gifts.....

Wow! It's been 24 days since my last blog! What have I been doing?

I can honestly say that this has been a very special Month for me because of all the celebrations and parties that I've been involved in. We just barely got through Bob's 78th birthday on August 29th, when I shared my 35th birthday lunch with my dear friend of 36 years, Neysa. More about that later.

Then I shared a wonderful birthday lunch with my dear friend, Mary (whose birthday was two days earlier) and our breakfast-lunch group on the Monday in between. And then, we had a real fancy feast at Red Lobster on the following Friday, courtesy my dear sister and neice. This, too, was shared with our same group of our wonderful friends.

My birthday was blessed with calls from all of my sons starting early in the morning and ending with a beautiful choir rendition of 'Happy Birthday to You' from Wes and Kim's family. What a special treat!

I also had cards and calls from Grandchildren and friends galore! They are all so special to me.

My wonderful husband gave me a brand new desk for my birthday! For those of you who know him, that means that he re-contacted it with a lovely soft color that is very restful to the eyes. He also did my computer table and now I feel quite neat and tidy.

My honey turned 78 this year - and I follow him by one year. Imagine my surprise when I got a loveletter from him celebrating MY 78th burthday!
I wouldn't let him change it - and told him I'd save it and read it again next year.

Now, to get back to Neysa! We started our friendship in 1972 thanks to our Pastor, Vincent Strigas. Neysa had come to our church and it was always Vincent's pleasure to pair people up, so he called me and sicked me on her. My pupose was to disciple her in her new-found Christian faith. She, like I, had always attended church but only recently was led to Christ.

My joy has always been to disciple those that the Lord gives me to the point where they take the lead in the relationship and start to disciple me. And this happened early with Neysa. She was so spiritually hungry that she'd study voraciously and memorize and study some more. She is and was a delight to mentor, and in the process became my best friend.

And that's what this blog is all about. One of the reasons our friendship has been so rewarding is because Christ has always been at the center of it. We have gone for months without actual contact because of our large family responsibilities and busy schedules, but as soon as we are together again, we pick up right where we left off.

We treasure our times together and have many wonderful memories of trips we took - conventions that we attended together - friends we have shared - trials we've shared - and our relationship to each other's kids. What a blessing! She has been with me through the hard times and the fun times. Always faithful and always there.

Many of you are young now and just starting out in your adult friendships. Might I suggest that you make it a point, early on, to include your wonderful Savior as part of each one. Pray together. Confess yours sins to each other. And encourage each other. And then, perhaps, you'll be lucky enough to say 36 years later - that you've tasted a little bit of heaven right here.

OUR TROOPS (serving at home)

This is a picture of
Bob holding Art

It was November 10th, 1951. My wonderful husband-to-be called me at my American Airline office (I worked in Lost and Found at the time) and invited me out to a wonderful night at the home that we would one day inhabit. We had bought this house with a fifty cent down payment on July 28th of that year. Why do I remember the date? Mainly because that was the day we were officially engaged after my dear Bob had asked my Dad four times for my hand in marriage and been denied. The purchase of the house finally convinced him that we were serious about getting married. He approved with the caveat that we not be married before March of 1952.

But - November 10th changed all that. I was excited about this extra night at the house because we were only allowed to date three times a week, but Bob had cleared it with my folks, so here we were. As Bob drove, I peeked in the backseat and could see his blender pitcher sticking out of a bag. On inspection - I saw that it was a pitcher of dacquaries!! Bob's dad made them just for the occasion.

After dinner, we sat down on our secondhand couch and toasted ourselves on our wonderful happiness. Then the bomb fell!

Bob looked very serious - as he revealed that he had received his draft notice, and that he was due to leave on January 8th. My immediate reaction was - "well, then we'll just have to get married before you go."

I won't bother with the details but the fact is that we were married eleven days later. I'm sure that everyone was counting the months to determine if we "had" to get married, but the truth is, that we were both so well brought up that we'd never do anything 'like that' out of respect for our families and our God. Neil wasn't born for two years after that. We were fortunate in that after we were married, we were given a year's delay so that he really didn't leave until 1953.

Once Bob was stationed in Alaska, we had been apart for fourteen months. And that's what this blog is all about. Having had first-hand experience as an Army wife - I need to tell you that when you are praying for our troops all over the world - please don't forget the families they leave behind. I went back to work when Neil was only six weeks old. It was a very hard time in my life.

I remember missing out on a choir party because I oveheard one of the sopranos saying that they wouldn't invite me because I would be 'all alone'. They missed the fact that that was the very reason I should have been invited. I hope I'm not sounding like a whiner because I really had such a wonderful core of friends and family to soften the blow.

But when I read about the number of troops that are away from their families I think of all the things that their families have to deal with. Money - for one. Our troops don't make a whole lot of bucks even now.
It often means that the wife has to go to work and sometimes even bare their fist child alone. I had Neil in a charity ward and although I really am grateful for the experience - it can be humbling.

Then, there are the holidays. This is perhaps one of the most challenging times to get through. I could go on and on - but the purpose of this blog is not to biograph our lives, but just to remind you to pray and 'do for' these families, as well.