It's been a while since I've had to use a cane or wheelchair. But yesterday I found myself with back spasms that had me in need of assistance. And of course, it was a stark reminder that I'm still sick. Some days, I have so much hope that I am getting well. Pain levels will…
Goals and Hope
My doctor is one of my biggest cheerleaders (next to my husband and kids). Every time I see him he tells me "don't give up hope". I am learning that there is a huge difference between hope and goals. A goal (in relation to my health) is simply improvement. This past weekend, I was…
Things That Matter
"War has a way of distinguishing between the things that matter and the things that don't." ~Downton Abbey Anyone who has experienced severe illness has been at war. My family and I have fought battle after battle with Lyme+ and I can tell you that we understand that quote very well. Things that used to…
If Only…
This past week has been one of the hardest in a while. Started out with a good visit to the Lyme doc in the Bay Area, a trip that doubled as girl time with my daughters. Came home and crashed hard. Stabbing pain in my neck and head was unbearable. Hands and feet were numb…
A Christmas State of Mind
Christmas has forever been my favorite time of year. An old poem says "Christmas is not a date on a calendar, but a state of mind". I love the way our home helps to bring that state of mind with warm decor and colorful lights. I love preparing gifts for family and friends. I…
Getting Through The Holidays
Last year, I had 3 good weeks in December. We don't know why. No new meds. No new routines. Just 3 good weeks of shopping, decorating, and enjoying my family. On December 25, things changed. We had a severe flu running through the house and I caught it. We all hate the flu and this…
Rules & Limits
Those of us with chronic Lyme & other tick borne diseases have a lot of cellular damage and nutritional deficiencies. There are a number of rules important for us to follow so that our bodies are able to become nourished and heal. Most of these rules are pretty clear cut - no alcohol, no smoking, diet…
When Life Gives You Lyme…
My artist daughter was working on a drawing when she accidentally spilled a little coffee on the paper. She quickly got up and grabbed a tissue to sop up the wetness. I felt bad for her, until she looked at the picture and simply said "texture". It's the old lemonade adage lived out in art.…
Enjoy The Moment
I am a very active person. I love to hike and kayak - and I love doing all things crazy with my husband and kids. Of course, life has changed over the years. 10 years ago, when I was first hit by this disease, I had to learn manage my energy and pain so that…
Why Do I Blog?
My cousin friend shared her heart with me last night about the difficulties of reading my posts because it's hard to read, to know, what I live thru. Her words of love and compassion hit me so deeply and made me think about the people who read my blog. I've never given any thought to…
PhilippiJoy 