Today is my 66st birthday and I wasn’t going to write about it because, well frankly, the less said better.  But then a friend sent me a little article that inspired me. The Friendly Societies

It had been a cool spring, a strong breeze was gently caressing our skin where the Florida sun had warmed us. Mom and I had settled on the back porch, her with her scotch and

The year 2003 felt more like a hurricane that would never end rather than a storm that would eventually lose steam and drift off. It started with a routine mammogram in March that suddenly was

I recently gave a talk to a group of mature and worldly ladies and was posed this question. “How do I get my 40 year old son to seek medical attention for chronic back pain?” 

I am dismayed at the large number of children not being allowed to attend public schools.  Half the school year is over!  Parents are upset and frightened at how the ramifications of time away from

“The most beautiful things are not associated with money; they are memories and moments.  If you don’t celebrate those, they can pass you by.”  Alek Wrek. Do your senses open up the memory box of

When I share the events that have led me to the ripe age of 65, many are wide eyed with amazement that I am not more crotchety, bitter, or as spirit-filled and energy-able as I

Forgiveness is unlocking the door to set someone free and…realizing you were the prisoner!  – Max Lucado  Our past has a way of influencing our future especially when it houses the hurts that foster habits

I find myself surrounded by women who show great faith and perseverance during catastrophic illness and/or end of life issues and I wonder how they do it. Could I have that kind of strength of

2020 – Sigh. 2021 – Uhhhhh? Which way to go, what path to take?  How will we know if we will be safe? There are no promises as we venture out of this year and

Rejoice!  For Jesus is Born!  “To those gathered with us and to those gathered without us, to those less fortunate and those with the wisdom to help; here’s to the light in each and every

The Best Tenderloin Ever! The year 2020 has been complicated but Christmas dinner doesn’t have to be. If you are still in a quandary about what to make why not try the Best Tenderloin Ever. 

This been a year like no other.  How are you holding up?  Are you feeling the holidays might be what puts you over the edge?  Or maybe you feel like you need to escape the

This Christmas we find ourselves in a changing world.  Maybe you’re like me wanting to hold onto things the way they were rather than moving on with our life as it is today.  Maybe this

As we gather at this time of sweet and savory aromas, family gatherings, and time of thanks it is difficult not to think of the challenges many have faced this year.  I ask the Lord

My husband must have been a baker in his last life.  In this life he is a man of science.  Thad brings the same methodical precision to his passion for baking bread as he did

On September 11of this year, I catapulted over a piece of wood that I used to keep our little Liesl from using the two guest room carpets as a pee-pee pad.  I  subluxated my left

It seems that medical mayhem is working overtime and my prayer book is filled with voices from friends and family asking for prayers.  I like getting up early when Liesl (our new long haired mini

I don’t like secrets.  I don’t like it when people keep details or information from me.  Call me a curious cat that needs satisfaction but I want to know things.  Things that will help me

Last night I got wonderful news about a friend of mine.  The pathology from her recent surgery showed no spread of cancer and there is hope that the procedure is the cure.  Weeks of worry

Here is a recipe that is healthy and tasty too.  It comes from a blogger who I follow.  Beauty Beyond Bones shares her experience as a survivor of anorexia and uses her brokenness and redemption

Do you ever have a desire to revisit or recreate a memory?  During the COVID-19 Pandemic I have had time to take a trip down memory lane.  And one such wonderings of my mind may

This is a great recipe anytime of the year but the colors remind me of the fall. This recipe is healthy, tasty, and simple to make – even the grand kids like it. INGREDIENTS 3

“O.K., Mom, now pull your belly button towards your spine, tighten your gluts, keep your shoulders down – out of your ears, and stick your chest out as you step forward.” My daughter says this

As I age I have become more fearful of all the things the world tells you to be worried about.  And I am not talking about sagging breasts, crepe skin and droopy eyelids.  What I

Today I am taking leave of writing my own blog to share something I ran across Facebook by author John Rodel.  It’s a conversation with God that many who have experienced medical mayhem have had

Today we remember those that lost their lives because of hate and those whose lives were saved because of love for their country, their commitment to their work and the goodness within.  Many sacrificed their

How do you handle medical mayhem?  Do you rant and rave, turn angry or bitter or perhaps turn inwards clamping down on your feelings, shutting out the world?   I have two friends, both single, going

Ever feel like you’re the typical dog that is intently sniffing the ground when suddenly you spot a squirrel and you’re off to try and catch it!  “Squirrel alert!” The squirrel or distraction in my

The whole world is in a constant state of evolution.  I don’t mean that I am a proponent of evolution over creation rather that once God created the world and man, He allowed it and

I am a multitasker.  In my younger days I thrived on seeing how much I could do all at the same time.  I was a wife, mother, and business owner, caregiver for my mom, Girl

A friend of mine didn’t know he had low blood pressure until he was well into middle age, and then he learned it only by accident. His doctor of many years was out of town

He was my daughter’s hairdresser.  He was my grandson’s barber.  When my second grandson was born and I was visiting; my daughter asked me to go with her so that I could hold the baby

With the worldwide pandemic I find that I have gotten away from writing about what I am most passionate about.  And that is Surviving Medical Mayhem, being a caregiver and/or being a care receiver. It

Are you dealing with a cross in your life?  Maybe it’s an addiction, a failed marriage, a child who is lost in a sea of decadence and self-indulgence.  Or COVID-19 has infected your life or

The weather is hot, hot, hot in Florida this time of year and no one wants to be standing over a hot stove or heating up the kitchen with the oven.  This is a simple,

I have survived cancer, heart disease and deep depression but at 65 years of age I have never before seen what is happening to America.  I find myself discouraged with feelings of hopelessness for this

And the man I have lived with for 45 years who didn’t want any more animals in the “Schoen Zoo” turned to me and simply said – “I miss a dog, too.”  See my blog:

The pangs in my heart knew what my brain didn’t.  It was unconditional love, devoted companionship, and the constant entertainment that doesn’t fail when a rainstorm or FP&L (also known as Florida Flash and Flicker)

Remember when you thought about having a baby?  You worried about getting pregnant, could you handle the pain, and would it be healthy?  You worried whether or not you would be fit parents, could handle

There are those in my family that feel I spend too much time thinking and talking about death and dying.  Perhaps I do think about it more than most – but not in a sad

I talk a lot about what it’s like to be a caregiver.  It is often described as something most of us take on out of love but find ourselves thrusted unexpectedly in a world that

Leg braces from 9 months to three years of age and a plethora of medical issues spanning my 65 years on earth  has taught me to find the message and meaning within the medical mayhem. 

COVID-19 is a monster.  I know monsters.  As a little girl my biggest fear was climbing out of the bed at night to use the potty.  I thought my bed was my castle and the

Like a yearly physical, you need to periodically test to see what you can and can no longer do.  This was made clear to me recently.  For the past month we have been dealing with

Is anyone else having a problem with the need and dependence on all the technology to navigate through this pandemic? I am not totally devoid of knowledge in this area.  In the course of my

I have recently traveled back in time and I do it every time I pass by the kitchen bar counter. Thad recently got me a Digital Picture Frame for my birthday as our old small

I had made it to age 20 without one single, solitary scar.  I was proud of the fact that I came through childhood unscathed.  There were no blemishes, no marred surfaces to remind me of

You just found out your best friend has the COVID-19 virus.  Or maybe its one of your parents, but you don’t dare go over because you have a child that is immune compromised.  You want

Have you ever been blinded?  Blinded to  addictions or bad habits you have garnered along the way.  Blinded to the destructive or perhaps dishonest practices encouraged at your job.  Blinded to what is going on

In times of stress, I always try to find the funny.  Its a prescription I use repeatedly in surviving medical adversity.  I thought we could all use a little levity at a time like this.

Whenever I see the entire United States map covered in COVID-19 red anxiety and dismay strikes within me.. Yet, I know fear is the devils work and what I really need is Trust. Trust that

Has the news been filling you with fear – even more than usual?  You can’t turn on the TV, radio, or go into a grocery store without being reminded that the world is dealing with

I have had a love/hate relationship with Medicare since 1978 when I took a job working for a Home Oxygen Company in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  I did the billing for patients who needed oxygen due

Sometimes we call ourselves “The Golden Girls”.  Often we argue about who is Blanche, Dorothy or Rose and depending on what stunt we have pulled off during the past week determines which character we are. 

 In 2003 I was diagnosed with breast cancer, had a lumpectomy, radiation, and told I was cured.  But was I healed?  What is the difference between being cured and being healed?  Healing and curing are

I don’t often talk about Valentine’s Day mainly because it means different things for different people.  Many do not have a spouse, a boyfriend or girlfriend, or a significant other.  Valentine’s Day can bring on

The overeating of the holidays brings New Year Resolutions of strict fasting, cutting carbs and purposefully healthy eating.  But with the advent of the cold (or if you are from Florida like me, cooler) weather;

As I sat listening to Sunday’s sermon on the importance of small groups; I realized that part of the message can be applied to surviving medical mayhem.  Whether you are the caregiver or the care

Have you noticed how sometimes change can inadvertently bring you unexpected gifts?  Consider it a bonus for all the hassle that change can bring. It all started with a queen size bed for our guest

I recently learned that a friend of mine was going through medical mayhem.  I was concerned and upset.  She had been there for me when my world was turned upside down and I wanted to

“Mom, you sound just like Presley”. My daughter was commenting on my groans which indeed sounded more like the growls and whining of my grand dog than moans and groans of an adult human being.

Fresh HOPES, Fresh PLANS, Fresh EFFORTS, Fresh FEELINGS, Fresh COMMITMENT. Welcome 2020 with a fresh ATTITUDE. Wishing you pure joy, laughter and peace of mind in this New Year. Happy New Year! Loretta Start the

  May the blessings of Christ be with you in all the ups and downs of your life.  May your life be happy and joyful today, tomorrow and always.  Blessings for Health & Wellness.  Loretta  

I admit it.  I am absolutely defenseless when it comes to abstaining from biscotti.  Specifically Thad’s biscotti.  He got the recipe from a dear friend who spent an afternoon teaching and sharing the recipe with

I used to celebrate Christmas in a big way with miles of garlands and icicle lights outlining our home that illuminated night into day and a tree in every room.  Those days are long gone

 Medical mayhem is something I know personally.  It has “moved my cheese”, made me “lose it”, and even at times wished God would just end it (it being me). Are you there? Maybe your grown

This Thanksgiving let’s share some Ubunto (pronounced Oo-boon-too).  Ubunto is a practice or belief system in certain regions of South Africa. When someone does something wrong, he is taken to the center of the village

I have spent 64 years with this person.  I thought I knew exactly who she was. In the recent years I have noticed that who she is not who I am.  The things that I

Whether you have breasts or balls’, checking them for lumps is a must. I have just spent a month blogging about breast cancer awareness, but today I would like to bring awareness to testicular cancer. 

What to Do with an Hour? We turned back our clocks one hour last week.  Many of us were all a-twitter as to what we could do with an extra hour.  Sleep in, go for

Where are you in the battle of the Cancer Dragon?  Has it just set its eyes on you leaving you cowering in fear or perhaps wanting to pretend it isn’t there?  Perhaps its beating you

I had a friend who was diagnosed with breast cancer but because she was afraid of the healthcare industry, doctors, surgery, and possible treatments chose to go untreated.  Nine years later, when she could barely

Have you recently run across a lump that shouldn’t be there?  At my age if I didn’t run across lumps and bumps I would think that by some miracle I was regressing in age.  I

Have you ever left the doctor’s office stunned and speechless and not because of the sticker price of the visit?  Maybe you didn’t hear them correctly?  But you keep hearing the words that have taken

Yup, sometimes we need a reminder.  We find ourselves getting complacent.  Mainly because things are chugging along, the potholes are minimal and not too deep, and the road is fairly flat. And then – Your

I’m at an age where my brain thinks I’m 20, can do anything and I act and can pitch a ‘hissy fit’ like I’m 5.  At the end of the day (4 pm) I feel

Seeing my childhood dream of writing and publishing come to fruition has been filled with so much emotion and learning that it is difficult to put into words. But try I must.  Not unlike the

Today as I sat in church I rested on the knowledge that Thad and I had done everything we could to prepare for Hurricane Dorian when and where it should hit.  Living in Florida this

No two friends could have been closer.  They did everything together.  Whether helping each other lose weight, going to Walmart or traveling to visit family, they were inseparable.   While they were not of the same

TORTELLINI SALAD I love this recipe because it is so versatile.  Whether it be for company, going to a pot luck dinner or because I just don’t feel like cooking or eating a hot meal

Have you ever met someone who seemed to just glow with happiness, energy, and light? I met someone just like that at the German American Club in Casselberry where Thad and I and some neighbors

Thad and I were having our personal training session where my daughter, Francesca works.  She enjoys the office because the doctor, office manager, massage therapist and the other rehabilitative exercise therapist work together as a

My friend and writer’s accountability partner has just published her debut book, Anticipatory Grief – The Journey of a Thousand Losses and Endless Grace by Tracy Pratt.   I had never heard the term before but

Here is a recipe that won’t heat up the kitchen, is healthy and satisfying and perfect for those hot summer days with an index heat of 110! This is taken from The Cancer-Fighting Kitchen, by

Thad & I recently celebrated 45 years of marriage.  You think you know someone after all those years, right?  But he came home the other day with an Inversion Table.  Inversion therapy involves hanging like

I recently went back to my old home town of Boca Raton for a Christening.  It was a busy weekend with seeing family especially those we hadn’t seen in a long time.  But we did

You know you’re getting old when you schedule your colonoscopy for the day after the 4th of July.  While everyone will be over indulging on burgers and dogs, corn on the cob, red, white &

As I trudged into the bathroom for my third visit of the night, I began to review my health status.  The review went something like this.  At 64 I have more aches and pains than

I just attended my first Vacation Bible Study.  Like some children, I had my reservations. I had my reasons: I didn’t really know if I’d like it, didn’t know a lot of people, and thought

I have some wonderful memories of my dad: making up songs or singing U.S. army songs with my dad as he and I ran errands around town – “Over hill, over dale, we have hit

Seventy Five years ago today the world joined forces to defeat a ruthless invader whose sole purpose was to annihilate those that were deemed less than perfect.  Today as I watched the Remembrance of D-Day

Do you ever find yourself getting impatient with someone who is elderly and walking slowly ahead of you?  Or maybe they are as slow as molasses in a checkout line at 5:30 pm when you

You would think I had a newborn in the house with how little I sleep.  I haven’t slept through the night in about ten years.  And it’s only getting worse.  I have no problem falling

The Love Bug Seasons of Life.   Having just celebrated our second year in Central Florida I have finally found something I do not like about living here.  The Love Bugs. Last September we went to

Is there a woman that has made a difference in your life?  Someone who influenced, motivated and whose characteristics you try to emulate? There have been a few in my life.  My Aunt Dot was

Chloe Pearson believes consumers need reliable, well-researched information to make the best decisions about their health.  She works as a freelance writer and research specialist at Consumer Health Labs.  Consumer Health Labs explores and researches

This Mother’s Day give the women in your life something that not only feeds their bellies but most importantly is good for the body, mind and soul. Everyone knows someone who is battling a health

What do you do when you are scared or in pain?  Besides panicking about the worst case scenario, I mean. Thad and I have had a few of those moments in the last couple of

Because He gave up His life for us, every Lent we give up chocolate, bread, liquor, or some particularly addictive habit.  For me, it’s taming my tongue.  We count the days till we can imbibe,

Although Thad and I have become experts at surviving medical adversity, heck I even wrote a book about it, we need a little fine tuning.  Maybe it’s our age; after all even the simplest things

When It Takes Two to Canoe – Part III For the past couple of weeks we’ve been exploring the rivers of caregivers verses care receivers and have noticed that each crew member shares many of

Ever met a doctor you loved?  Yup.  Ever met one you disliked as much as having to drink the bowel prep for a colonoscopy?   Oh, yeah. For the most part, doctors have chosen the profession

Last week I blogged about how to be a good care giver https://www.lorettaschoen.com/2019/uncategorized/2033/when-it-takes-two-to-canoe-part-1/ Today I would like to talk about being a good care receiver.  If you are a person in need of care giving

When It Takes Two to Canoe – Part 1 Being a Good Care giver Do you find yourself feeling anxious, to the point of panic?  Are you frustrated, tired, have feelings of isolation, hopelessness or

I turned 64 this today.  I have enjoyed the many well wishes that make me feel loved.  I did get a special one from my brother who simply said “Happy Birthday, Old Girl”. My first

I wasn’t going to write about food again.  I had previously boasted about how I was going to give the gift of health to my hubby for Valentine’s Day by eating heart healthy and then

Its confession time.  In my last blog I talked about wanting to give my husband a healthy heart for this Valentine’s Day.  I wanted to insure many more days ahead.  I would choose foods that

Thad and I have celebrated 45 Valentine Days and that included a lot of chocolate for me and peanut butter/nuts/chocolate for him.   But since he now sports two stents in his heart and I have

Have you ever had a problem with your computer where you had to call on tech support to solve the problem?  Often times they will ask if they can “remote” in and take control of

A few days ago I wrote about anticipating what God had planned for me at the Mountainside Marketing Conference for Writers. See https://www.lorettaschoen.com/2019/blessed-while-stressed/1971/are-you-fearfully-anticipating-gods-plan-part-1/ My trip started with a series of expectations and much anticipation and

I pride myself on being organized, taking initiative and thinking ahead at all the possibilities.  I fully endorsed the Girl Scouts Motto to “be prepared”. So when this opportunity came up to attend the Mountainside

I may have a small addiction brewing.  While I have never thought of myself as a serious coffee drinker; I do like my morning coffee and have taken to having a coffee in the afternoon. 

Have you ever had evil thoughts enter your brain?  Sure you have.  Who hasn’t?  Well maybe Mother Theresa never did.  Nevertheless, every once in a while these evil thoughts about what I could do slither

Christmas is  a time to cherish family and friends, whether past or present.  We celebrate Christmas by re-enacting the story of the birth of Jesus, decorating our homes in celebration and exchanging gifts.  It is

I didn’t need another item on my “To Do” List which has lists for my list!  To add to that was the flu Thad and I caught while helping to care for our two and

Right now, I am trying to find a rose colored glasses, flower powered medical and aging perspective. Help me. You see, I am now sporting dental braces for the third time in my life.  Why,

Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.  – Melody Beattie I recently read this quote and it got me to thinking about how I am grateful

I cannot create a better list than what Bridget Gazlay has done.  Here is some great advice for anyone suffering from chronic illness.  Bridget Gazlay is a freelance writer and artist (and is also chronically ill).

Prayers and blessings for a safe, fun, and worry free Halloween.  

A neighbor’s house is decorated for Halloween using posable skeletons: 2 human like figures and a dog.  Every day the wife conjures up positions to put them in and every night the husbands sets up

My grandson, Ryker has a fascination with anything mechanical, specifically the washing machine.  He studies the machine as it seeks to level the clothes out, then marvels as the water begins to fill the wash

October makes me think of Halloween and I begin the season of decorating my house with funny, cute and scary things like witches welcoming my grandchildren in for a “spell”, warlocks peering out through the

I recently did some air travel and was very proud of myself for downloading my boarding pass to my phone in lieu of wasting paper.  While I am a product of the generation that feels

Thad and I had some friends over and as good hosts had wonderfully, scrumptious foods with all the calories, sugar, fat and carbs I could think of.  The friends brought their delicious contributions as well. 

Aging isn’t pretty.  Watching it happen takes courage, faith and humor.  I’ve been watching the aging process for years. My body has shifted southward starting with my eyelids which have become hurricane shutters for my

Have you ever had a dream that came and went and then came again?  At times, it felt so out of range that it was merely an unobtainable pipe dream.  There were times when the

My first blog was July 10, 2014 and it read: “I’m fine as in F.I.N.E. Freaked out, insecure, neurotic and exhausted.  It all started when I attended my first writer’s conference – Write-To-Publish.  It was

I would like to share this post from Today’s Caregiver Magazine because frankly when it comes to being a caregiver, I cannot say it any better than Gary Barg did in his recent post. For

I had a friend who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at the age of thirty, and by the time his young son was born, my friend was in a wheelchair. Although he did a lot

This past week we lost an incredible human being.  He is described as an intellectual genius, who impacted people through his words, his ability to discuss highly volatile and controversial topics with respect and grace. 

I have some wonderful memories of my dad.  He was creative and talented.  When we would be running errands in the car he and I would sing songs and even make some up.  He could

There has been a lot going on in my life lately.  We completed the renovations on our three bathrooms with just a few hiccups that were solved by a talented and honest contractor.  Maintaining our

Here I am supposedly a seasoned survivor of medical adversity, a guide on how to navigate the medical industry and the “Pu-Ba” of all things medical. I made sure that when I moved from South

  The memories of my mom are like the varying colors of tulips; each distinctive in the color and hue.  It is the variance of memories that come flooding back to me as we celebrate

President Trump stated in his proclamation: On this National Day of Prayer, we join together to offer gratitude for our many blessings and to acknowledge our need for divine wisdom, guidance, and protection.  Prayer, by which

Back in February we returned to our old town for three action packed days filled with appointments with the financial planners, accountants, doctors, and to visits with two family members who, each are in the

I recently put a “Pop-Socket” on the back of my cell phone. This is a handy little pop up that attaches to the back of your phone or I-pad to help you hold onto your

Ever have one of those weeks when every corner of your life seems to have had a hurricane blow through?  Well, this past week has been that way for me.  I won’t go into the

Disease comes in all shapes and sizes, long or protracted, mental or physical; one impacting the other until they often meld into one disease state. My cousin has watched her son sink deep into the

  As I began my walk the sun was desperately trying to come out but was no match for the fog that had begun to roll in.  When I walked around the lake, the steam

As I prepare for the mornings event, dread takes over my movements so they are slow and deliberate as if I can slow down time with slow motion.  Fear grips my body like King Kong

I have been spending some time thinking about priorities.  Where do I spend my time, my money, my thoughts, and my prayers?  These questions come to me periodically, at times when I find balancing life

With President Trump having delivered his first state of the union address, and the first week in February being Women’s Heart Week, I began to ponder – How is the state of my heart? The

It’s been a few weeks since I posted. I have been a little busy and somewhat distracted. Ever feel like fire balls are being launched at you?  The more time I spend putting them out,

I was cleaning house the other day and as I dusted a picture of me and three other women I was struck but the specialness of our relationships.  Standing tall and smiling, we are linked

With the joys of the Christmas Season came also the the cold and flu bug into our household.  So while I am not quite up coordinating thoughts, words and my fingers, I wanted to at

Tis the season where traditions are created and followed – many of us may not even remember how they began.  Some are faith based; some sweet and some can be downright troublesome.

The fog begins to lift but I so want to remain within its midst, devoid of all thought, to continue my slumber.  I glance at the large red numbers on the clock: 4:30 am.  I

A wonderful blog from Linda Mowles that is worth repeating here. O HOLY NIGHT DECEMBER 5, 2017 | LINDAMOWLES Dr. Jeff Sanders begins his article entitled “The Story Behind ‘O Holy Night’” with the following words: It’s

I have often said that I would rather have a baby than go to the dentist.  But at 63, I may have to rethink that statement as I am exhausted after a full day with

While most of us collect keepsakes, I seem to collect scars.  A coronary artery bypass scar, breast cancer scar, a hysterectomy scar, two hip replacement scars – you get my drift.  They are like the

Two key chains reside in an outside pocket of my purse with their charms hanging just outside for easy access.  One holds my car keys and has a silver paw on it – showing my

My cousin has been battling breast cancer since 2001.  In the last four years it has spread to her lungs and spine and she has exhausted all pill forms of chemotherapy and hormonal therapy available.

  Have you ever wondered if God was working in your life? Have you been looking for Him in your life? Maybe you think these events are merely coincidences.  But for those of us that

  I’ve been a Florida resident for over 40 years and have had a plethora of experiences with hurricanes.  The names change but the effects are the same: fear, exhaustion and destruction.  Not only physically

I am not one to get involved in politics or even engage in political discourse.  But as I watched the recent events in the news I am compelled to share my thoughts of despair and

Have you ever wondered where God is in your life?  Or what he’s doing in your life?  Is He even aware of the hopelessness you may be feeling? We’ve all been there – whether it’s

 I was fired up and ready to blow! I received a text from a friend of mine asking for prayers for a medical situation.  She was acting as a health advocate for a mutual friend

Having lived in Boca Raton, FL for 40 years, one of our biggest concerns with moving from South to Central Florida was finding good healthcare providers.  Being – ahem – of mature years and having

In the last two and half months since moving from South Florida to Oviedo, I have been shocked, amazed, and left speechless (not easily done) at the people in my new home town.

I was doing due diligence and had scheduled to have a dermatology full body scan as there were a few places that appeared questionable.  Sure enough there was a basal cell carcinoma on my chest. 

“What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?”.  Matthew 16:26 I have always prided myself in being efficient, goal oriented, doing whatever it took to accomplish a mission. 

Moving is challenging physically, emotionally and mentally.  But I was confident that we were up to the task.  After all, I had moved many times in my life.  In fact, at an early age my

The challenges were piling up and I was feeling scared and alone: Our last pet passed to greener pastures and we have agreed not to have another pet for a while. Our home had been

It’s been a while since I posted because I have been living in a maelstrom of moving from Boca Raton, FL to Oviedo, Fl.  Packing up, moving, and unpacking have been my 24/7 purpose these

I walk the familiar streets of my neighborhood knowing there are precious few days left.  I reminisce about block parties, impromptu neighbor visits under the shade of an oak tree enjoying a beer or a

 “He who learns must suffer and even in our sleep pain that cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart.  In our own despair, against our will, comes wisdom to us by the awful

As my life has progressed I have come to have a different perspective.  There is less tolerance in general and a sense of impatience that although I always had, seems to have morphed.    I seem

Living with Dying  I’ve had a lot of time to think about dying.  I experienced death at the early age of 5 with the loss of my first dog, then at 11 with my dad’s

When did a nice catholic girl educated in parochial schools start cursing? I believe it began after raising a child, being a caregiver for multiple family members, nine surgeries, and 62,000 miles on the body

Today I am not writing about overcoming medical adversity; but about loss.  For I have lost someone very dear to me. Heidi came to us having been a puppy mill dog that had been bred

 I am going to discuss a matter that is usually shared with your spouse, mother, father, or close friend.  But I am willing to do this because it is the perfect example of making a

The orchid plant in and of itself is not a particularly beautiful plant.  Often in its dormant season it will look dead, barren of any texture or softness.  Some say they require much attention to

How do you discern what God wants for you?  Some people tell me they hear the clear voice of the Lord directing their path.  Me?  I often need a cast iron skillet over the head

Along my entry walkway I have three terracotta pot people.  Each made using terracotta pots of varying sixes placed together to form a man, a woman, and a child.  Overtime these little pot people get

Because of cellulites infections and lymphedema due to breast cancer and sleep apnea; I wear a compression garment on my torso and a C-Pap machine at night.  Picture the Sesame Street character, Snufflelupagus wearing a

It’s that time of year when Thad and I send out Christmas cards with a one page letter highlighting the year’s events.  Our criteria for selection are those people who impacted our lives in the

God has placed this blog on my heart, nudging me awake at 4:30 am for many mornings until I began to listen and put these thoughts into words.  Throughout this time He has put articles,

  Have you ever notice that as we age some of our gifts and talents fade, rust, and just plain disappear?  If you haven’t then you are not as old as I am. I used

Recently a longtime acquaintance saw me and was so surprise that I had lost weight that she couldn’t seem to be happy for me.  Her surprise seemed to over shadow her ability to believe that

The actress, Pauley Perette plays Abbey Scuito, a forensic scientist on NCIS.  Recently she spoke about being through many seasons in her life – some good and some bad. There was a season when she

With so much rancor, frustration, fear, and just plain nastiness this presidential election brought forth, I was determined not to post anything on Facebook or write a blog post that would worsen an already volatile

There is a debate as to whether one can ever be cured of an addiction.  Some say once you have changed the behavior for a long period of time you are cured.  Others believe that

My husband Thad and I help organize our weekly Communion Ministry at our church.  We needed two people to help serve as those that regularly serve this particular Sunday were out of town.  My husband

We have just spent six days taking care of our almost 9 month old grandson, Ryker, while his parents and older brother were in NJ celebrating a wedding.  We were excited to have the opportunity

I am sharing the story of this young woman’s journey and celebrating her cancer-versary with you.  Hope it inspires you as it did me.   There are lots of things in my life that are

She was unplanned.  We didn’t want a second dog.  We finally knew who chewed the woodwork, tinkled on the floor, and generally wreaked havoc while we were working to keep our pet in the lifestyle

It’s been eleven years since the last hurricane came breathing down the coast of Florida and I was a little rusty.

I was sitting at a stop light next to a Volkswagen Westphalia and its tag reads: Historical Vehicle. What?  It’s not that old!  Is it?  Made in the early 1950’s until 2003, the Westphalia was

I was walking my usual exercise route when one of my neighbors who I had not seen in a while came out of her house.  She stopped abruptly and took a double take and said:

Had to share this with my readers because it exemplifies what God wants for us – to conquer evil with love. Enjoy this story written by Joseph J Mazzella.

People say that things come in threes.  It’s usually connected to bad events that happen in our lives: deaths, broken appliances, home repairs, health issues.  I think I am in one of those times.

While prayers and time with God allayed my fears I must confess that my need to worry and anticipate was in high gear for the week prior to my right hip replacement surgery.  (see previous

I will be scrubbed with disinfectant.  I will be stripped of my clothing.  Devoid of makeup, jewelry, even my wedding rings that show I belong to someone – that I am loved will be removed. 

I have known my son in law longer than I have known my daughter.

Have you ever doubted that one person can make a difference in someone’s day?  If you have, read on. It had been a tough month: my sister in law died, I had an irregular EKG

When my medical history is shared, people are always amazed at how much of it there is.  They wonder how I managed to get through it and still have a good disposition.  My husband would

My sister in law was called home this month.  Suffering from vascular dementia for many years; it was a long goodbye.  A talented musician, a gifted nurse, and a loving wife, mother and grandmother her

This is written by a blogger I follow. I think it needs no further introduction.  I hope you find it as true to your life as it is mine.   We’d been lying in the

Orlando, Florida, our nation and our allies are still stunned by the attack on innocent victims at the Pulse Club in Orlando, Fl. this past Sunday. Lives were lost, blood was shed, and countless tears, fears,

I think this is a wonderful way to connect and create community. Please feel free to post a brief description about your blog. Many blessings for the day.

I was visited by my archenemy this week. Breast cellulitis. Again. Despite receiving two bags of Vancomycin in the hospital in November after my left hip replacement. Despite taking a low dose antibiotic every day

  A friend of mine is battling stage IV metastatic breast cancer that has metastasized to her bones.  The disease was diagnosed almost ten years ago but she didn’t start to fight her disease until

A recent conversation with my cousin got me to thinking about how long I could afford to live.  Recently my cousin returned to her oncologist after an experimental protocol she was on failed to keep

I almost lost my husband to testicular cancer.  Not once, but twice.  The first time was when he was 31 years old and our daughter was 11 months old.  Then second time she was 16. 

On a recent visit to NY for a family christening we experienced everything from summer weather to a winter storm.  The first two days were mild with sunny weather and a high of 70.  But

There is nothing like visiting family to make you feel old.  From the grand babies that seem heavier than our kids were, to toddlers and young children who have so much energy we tire just

Our friend was having brain surgery.  Again. The Melanoma kept insidiously attacking our friend and the three of us were going to visit her and help pass the time until she was taken to surgery

  2016 started off with many blessings for our family.  With the expectation of a baby, our daughter and her family sold their starter home and moved into a four bedroom home. Two days after

Between bowels in an uproar or on strike, worn out hips, knees, and shoulders, and the aches and pains of undetermined origin, my husband and I need to stick together so that we can function

When you have been plagued with a plethora of medical adversity, you may decide at some point that if you die, you die; you have seen what you have seen, done what you have done

Welcome here whoever thou art If friend, we meet the hand & heart. If stranger, no longer be. If foe, our love shall conquer thee. -unknown

I was on the phone with my nine month pregnant daughter who says to me “I have had enough.  Baby Ryker needs to vacate the premises, his lease is up and I hurt from him

Have you heard about a friend, a family member, or a work mate whose medical care was so poorly administered that its consequences were life threatening or lethal?  I think we all have.

This Christmas has been a special one.  Not only were we celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ but we were celebrating the upcoming birth of our second grandchild.  And for the first time since our

On March 4, 1920 a father rejoiced in the birth of his son.  It was a birth that was not to have happened for his wife had a weakened heart. And yet, there was his

Christmas is that time of year when we celebrate the birth of our savior.  It is a time of wonder, delight and sometimes strife.  It can feel like the devil’s using this time to strike. 

  The good Lord has been providing me with opportunities to practice patience and balance in my life.  To be truthful, it’s an ongoing journey; having not reached the destination of being comfortable with setting

If you have ever watched the Cinemax TV series The Knick then you will readily guess what I am thankful for this Thanksgiving season.  Set in New York City in 1900, the Knickerbocker Hospital operates

I read this on a blog post entitled Morning Story and Dilbert.  As a bicyclist and a Christian, I could so relate.  I hope you can as well. At first, I saw God as my

I went for my pre-surgical visit this past week having gotten clearance from my cardiologist, infectious disease physician and internist that I can survive hip replacement without having a heart attack, cellulitis infection or a cold.

I have shared in previous blog posts that I am more of a “Martha” than a “Mary”.  I am more comfortable scrubbing toilets, setting up the dining room supply area, and unloading a truck at

I have been afraid of needles since I was a little girl with brown, Shirley Temple curls and training wheels on my bike.  Somethings never change.  While as an adult I understand the need for

There is a rise and fall that occurs in our lives, a roller coaster ride of ups and downs, push and pulls, give and takes, waves crashing in and seas flowing back into the ocean. 

I was receiving medical care recently and the nurse was reviewing my medical history.  There is a lot of history, folks – a plethora of history – a history that makes one tired just reading

Recently, I have been blessed to be a medical advocate for a friend of mine.  She has been through a series of health hurricanes within the last ten years.  It began with a lesion on

We recently went to Orlando to visit our grandson, Aiden, to celebrate his 7th birthday.  I was struck by the similarities in our lives. Aiden has just crossed the threshold from Kindergarten to First Grade. 

I had been receiving antibiotic infusions for the last ten days and had not seen a doctor since that first late afternoon when I presented to their office with cellulitis of the breast.  I was

I was visited by an old nemesis this week. One I knew well but had not battled with in five years.  Cellulitis of the breast due to a lumpectomy in 2003 came roaring into my

I was recently watching DIY networks Yard Crashers.  This is where a DIY personality searches home improvements stores for homeowners who could use a pro’s expertise to transform their backyards from drab to grand!   Who

Its morning and I wander into my favorite room– the living room.  It’s away from the beehive hum of the house and bombardment of world news on the TV.  It has a warm, study like

It’s a good thing I am retired because I wouldn’t be able to hold a fulltime job with all the doctor’s appointments I have.  I accept and expect that as I age (not well, by

While I enjoy shopping when I need to, it’s not something I want to do every day.  I don’t have the bank account for it nor do I need much to make me happy these

Recently Thad and I went looking for dining room furniture.  My brother and his wife have enjoyed many years of consignment and antique shopping and suggested that they take us to several of their favorite

I plan.  God laughs.  I plan a lot so God spends a lot of time laughing at me.  I probably have my own theatre up in heaven eating popcorn, watching and laughing. You see, I’m

Working on an Emmaus (Christian Retreat) Team is filled with leadership training, working with diverse populations, planning, executing and ultimately serving throughout the weekend.  It is also filled with the love of God and the

Thad and I recently spent 10 days in France.  We learned about Chateau’s and wine, beautifully architecturally designed buildings, wine, cathedrals, wine, rich culture, wine, history and delicious foods.  Did I mention wine?  We visited

Who ever said shopping was fun was only half right.  While it is fun, it can be humiliating, tests your patience and ability to make decisions and is downright exhausting! I was in JJill desperately

It was 7:30 am and Thad and I were already having “a discussion”.  Not a great way to start the day.  Maybe it was because we were rushing around getting dressed, feeding and walking the

Breakfast at The Pancake House turned out to be a special gift and it wasn’t the pancakes.   A young, smiling waitress escorted us to a table near where three older men were seated.  Obviously retired,

Picture this.  A French village in the late 1950’s.  It is governed by a mayor who takes his job and religion very seriously.  The doctrine of “giving up” something for lent is required in mass,

Five years ago on a Good Friday my chest was opened up and 2 blockages in my heart were bypassed with veins from my left leg. I was frightened but mildly relieved that rather than being

I have noticed that as we age we lose things.  We lose our eyesight; we lose our hearing.  We lose our hair, and even the elasticity of our skin.  We lose muscle mass and bone

Have you ever been driving or sitting at a stop light and happen to look over at the car next to you only to find a person ranting and raving to absolutely no one else

2015 hasn’t started out to be a good year with regards to my health.  I fell victim to the flu and cold right after the New Year’s celebration and spent almost a week trying to

It was 23 years ago this past week that my mother died.  She had battled breast cancer for 10 years and spent much of that time beating it into submission, living a good life, but

If you are in a care-giving role, you may be feeling like you are a worn out floor mop used once too often and lost most of its ability to mop up the dirt and

I don’t want people to look at me and say “Boy, she’s had a little work done (plastic surgery)”.  You all know what I mean.  I live in Boca Raton where having plastic surgery is

Last week I wrote about the persecution of faith.  I asked if God was being pushed out of our lives and if so, what are we doing about it. And it started me to thinking. 

We are living in a society that is so afraid of being politically incorrect that we are denying our rights rather than allowing our rights to be exercised.  I am talking about the persecution of

Since Thad retired two years ago, there has been a tradition.  On December 31st our health insurance coverage gets dropped.  We usually find out by going for a doctor’s appointment or picking up prescriptions from

I said I would need prayers and I do.  I knew it would be hard and it is.  Oh, it’s not the end of the world hard, but rather human weakness that has got a

Oh, boy, a new year has begun. New beginnings, new promises, new commitments, new resolutions – and I have made and done them all.  These are just a few: eat healthy, exercise daily, let go

Although Christmas is my most favorite time of the year there was one Christmas where I found myself in a very dark place. My business was a seasonal one and I was working a second

Today my calendar was a scheduled dichotomy: a memorial service and a delivery of gifts to a family in need.

 My husband, Thad grew up in the rural farm lands of Indiana where he and his older brother and sister spent wonderful times visiting their mother’s childhood farm.  On one such occasion, his brother and

When I was nine months old I was diagnosed with elongated tendons in my legs causing me to walk on the inside of my feet.  I was placed in leg braces which I wore 24/7

I would like to share a blog from Scribbles and Crumbs.  She is an amazing writer who shares her grief and loss of her baby with bare pain and strong faith.  She discusses the questions

There is an image that will stay in my heart and soul forever to remind me that we are born for relationships. Our new pastor came to our couple’s bible study recently to meet us

This morning on my walk I saw Christmas lights adorning the trim on a house and a blow up Santa Claus already poised in a yard.  Really?  It’s not even Thanksgiving yet.  With Halloween being

While walking the dogs I ran into a neighbor who had recently brought her mother to live with her.  I asked her how she was doing.  Between homeschooling her ten year old and caring for

Why was I more freaked out over having a biopsy of a blemish on my scalp than I was over my lumpectomy, or my coronary artery bypass? It had been a few years since I

It was a chance encounter.  I had brought my friend to the outpatient surgical center for a procedure.  While in the waiting room a young man sat in the chair next to me.  He had

Patrick Morley has done it again,  He condenses all of life’s infinite decisions and distractions to a simple idea.  This is a good question for all of us to ponder and to set our priorities.

Luke 10:38-42The Message (MSG) Mary and Martha As they continued their travel, Jesus entered a village. A woman by the name of Martha welcomed him and made him feel quite at home. She had a

So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you

Most of you reading this know that I have written a book which I am trying to publish.  It’s been a nine year birthing process and like a mother-to-be in her final trimester; I am

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.  Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NRSV) This past week Thad was given the go-ahead to stop wearing the “Transformer” Shoulder Sling!    After six weeks

I often quip that Thad and I need to remain a team because it takes two of us to make one fully functioning brain.  We will enter a room and can’t remember why we went

Within the last month the world has lost two great comedians – Robbin Williams and Joan Rivers.  This means we are going to have to work twice as hard to keep laughter in our lives

http://youtu.be/LR2qZ0A8vic Published on May 30, 2014 Part Two Senior Conference On Aging. Held at the First Church of the Nazarene of Pasadena. Keynote Speaker Fritz Coleman NBC4’s weathercaster is a Southern California broadcasting icon.

There are two schools of thought when it comes to responding to friends and family going through a medical morass or the loss of a loved one.  The first is to wait for time to

Oh, Monday morning, you gave me no warning of what was to be. Monday, Monday, can’t trust that day; Monday, Monday, it just turns out that way…  Monday, Monday by The Mammas & The Pappas.

It’s been two weeks since Thad’s shoulder surgery and I am beginning wear down.  How am I going to maintain stamina, not to mention, the right attitude?  Unless he has some miraculous healing there will

If you are fortunate enough to have a smart phone, you find that you utilize all sorts of apps simultaneously: photo, banking, calendar, email, investment sites, grocery lists, books, fitness, flashlights, calculator, music, Facebook, texting

It wasn’t what we’d hoped for.  It wasn’t what we’d prayed for.  It wasn’t what we had thought could happen.  But here we are, hearing the doctor’s words: “I have never worked on a shoulder

I have just said good-bye to my husband.  They have wheeled him away to have his shoulder rebuilt.  This is elective surgery.  He doesn’t have to have it done.  After all the surgeries and procedures

I recently spent the day with two friends in two separate hospitals.  And yes, it was one of those days when you wish you could be in two places at once.

Forty years ago, my husband and I chose each other for better or for worse.  Some days I think he got the worse.  I was once this vivacious, voluptuous, attractive woman in a Sophia Loren

The Lord will cover you with His feathers and under His Wings you will find refuge.  His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart

I’m fine. Really. I’m fine as in F.I.N.E. Freaked out, insecure, neurotic and exhausted.  It all started when I attended my first writer’s conference – Write-To-Publish.  It was eye opening, fun, overwhelming, productive, and informative-