A New Me!

I am EXCITED! I am excited about life and good health and all things positive.

"Did Melissa go a little nuts over the summer?"

"No, she is just feeling great!"

I had very rough time last winter & spring & summer. My health was failing, I was losing control over the family and the house, and I was starting to feel like things were never gonna be normal again. What a difference 6 weeks makes because now I am getting stronger and stronger every day. I am back in control in all areas of my life and I am looking ahead to a bright, healthy future. There are suddenly so many things I want to do, and I have a list of goals for the next year. It is funny how being so sick and hitting bottom makes you stronger. Yes, I am stronger because of all of this. How can you not be?

The last time I had a bad relapse, my son wasn't born and my daughter was a year and a half years old. I have had small little month long set backs since then, but nothing as severe as this past year. It hit my family HARD. I am not going to even go there because this is supposed to be an uplifting post. I am proud of my family for getting through this and now I know we can make it through anything.

6 weeks ago when I got my PICC pulled and got the okay to start doing some of my normal routine, I started walking. First it was just a walk down the driveway (which was difficult for me). Then it was down the block. Now it is a full 2 miles, uphill, downhill, and with 25 mph winds blowing at me. I feel good. I have already lost 12 pounds and I am feeling energized! I have to pace myself and listen to my body. When I get tired I need to rest and when I am having a bad day, I need to back off.

My doctor was terrific throughout the last year. He gave me wonderful advice recently. He asked me if I knew about airplane safety (like what would happen in an emergency). He said, "When those masks fall down, what are you supposed to do first?"

"Put my mask on my face and then help my kids."

"Yes! You are always supposed to take care of yourself first and then you will be able to help the kids. If you don't take care of yourself first, how do you expect to care for the kids properly?"

My doctor is wise. It also helps that he has 2 kids close to my children's ages. I am learning that Mommy comes first. Yes, the kids are the most important in my life, but I need to be on top of my game in order to fully be there for them.

I am still not 100 percent yet; I am still on meds and I still have a little ways to go, but I am stronger and getting healthier everyday.