I am learning to hold onto things loosely. To me, holding things loosely as a patient with pulmonary fibrosis means being active in the pursuit of my health, taking care of things I need to, and letting go of things that are out of my control. I’m shifting my focus to holding tightly to the […]
Category: Grief and Change
Self-Care During Tough Times
Four weeks ago, I went to UCSF for my last test to be evaluated for a lung transplant. I had a left and right heart catheterization to test the pressure in my lungs and to see if I had any blockages in my heart. I was nervous about it, but decided to just buck up […]
Health Update and Plans for ???
Hello Everyone! I wanted to share the latest about my health, and fill you in on the way God is nudging my heart. Health update I’m almost through with all the testing to be considered for a lung transplant. I just have one more test to do in the hospital in San Francisco and then […]
Enjoying Life During Hardships
Last week my husband and I celebrated our 40th anniversary! I am so grateful to celebrate this amazing day with this wonderful man! Four years ago, I was told I had a few months to a year to live and was offered no treatment options. Being given such a horrible time frame to live was […]
Breast Cancer Self-Care: Loving Your Hurting Self
Society likes to talk a lot about self-care: which often translates to a box of chocolates, a bubble bath, and perhaps a glass of wine. I had the privilege of being a guest writer on ImTakingCharge.com last week. I take the idea of breast cancer self-care (and all self-care) to a higher level–beginning with […]
Helping Our Kids Grieve
Our kids need our help to process the grief they feel when they go through losses, disappointments, and tragedies. They don’t know what to do with their powerful feelings. They grieve over lots of things – from small things, like the top of their ice cream cone falling on the ground, moving, losing a friend, […]
Soothing Yourself When Distressed
We Need Ways to Soothe Ourselves There are so many difficult things in life that happen that cannot be changed. We have a lot of losses to grieve. What helps during these difficult times is taking the time to soothe, calm, and comfort ourselves in ways that help, not harm. We fall into these practices […]
God Helps Us During Difficult Times
We all go through difficult times. It’s part of being human. Sometimes they can feel like too much to handle. I understand, because I’ve been going through some testing to be considered for a lung transplant. I feel so blessed and honored to be going through this process. It is also difficult and stressful. I’ve […]
Reflecting on Another Birthday
Just a few days ago I was blessed to celebrate another birthday — 61 to be exact! Normally I wouldn’t let the world know it was my birthday, but this year I want to, for a purpose. Birthday girl Every birthday I celebrate is very significant for me. When I was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis […]
Biblical Affirmations for Times of Struggle
It is my pleasure today to welcome my friend, Sarah Forgrave to as my guest on the blog today. Sarah has spent many years dealing with chronic illness and all the emotional and spiritual challenges that go with it. Through it all, even in the isolation, fear and despair, Sarah has sensed God’s presence […]