Good Day Folks,

A year ago today I lost all memories of this day and my head went platinum.  I remember most of March 2nd but not March 3rd. I went to the ER in my small city thinking I needed some fluids for the flu after being ill for 9 days. This was right after turning 50 and the next day was in bed with flu symptoms. I did go to the ER in the middle of the 9 days but their was a bunch of chaos so I told my husband to take me home. Anyway the second time going to the ER on March 2nd, I walked in with my husband at my side weak and my left brown eye had moved towards my nose. I had double vision and thought I will get some fluids and feel much better. I guess I was complaining of a head ache but do not remember that. The ER doctor immediately put me in a bed and called to have me transferred to a hospital in Grand Rapids. I did have a scan which showed I had two bleeding aneurisms. The ambulance arrived and I enjoyed chatting with the nice young woman EMT person sitting next to me.   Upon arriving at the hospital they set me up in intensive care and then rolled me down to have another scan. Jim my husband arrived by the time I was returned to my room in intensive care and a neurosurgeon arrived to inform us about my condition. Pretty much the last thing I remember. The next day March 3rd I had brain surgery. I do not remember any of this day. They placed two platinum coils in my arteries to stop the bleeding.  It worked and and they did not have cut open my head. They went all the way to my brain from the inside of my thigh. The little tiny wound never bothered me at all. I remember my second visitor Chris Fox. Sorry Amy Bowling I don’t remember your visit.  March 4th,I remember arguing with a nurse about getting up to go to the bathroom. She wanted me to use a bed pan. Nope not doing that as long as I could get up. She told me I was an unusaul patient in ICU with my condition most are unconscious. When I told my friends this they all laughed and said nothing stops me from talking and being bossy.  On the 5th day they moved me out of the ICU and discharged me from the hospital. I walked out on my own.

A year later  enlightenment.  Upon arriving home my kids all hugged me and were happy I was home. I found out my wonderful neighbors the DeBolds picked up my kids at school and made dinner for them, hung out with them at the house so my husband could come down and be with me. My mother in law did not have to to come out to help. Luckily my husband was on sabbatical so he could be with me 24/7 during my recovery. I was really lucky I also discovered all these people in my small city of Big Rapids who care about me. My friends Robin Stratton and Chris Fox  set up an update page on Facebook. My friend Candice Simpson posted on my pages for me. My publisher delayed the release date for book 4 Amongst the Clouds, she told me to  just let her know when I am able to read the edits from the editor. I am really a truly blessed person.  My recovery has been remarkable. I rested for a couple weeks. Then began making dinner again, my kids were so happy because their dad just does not cook very well. In may I started walking around the block and increased the distance when I felt strong enough. When the snow came I started yoga+ low impact work out. My husband was concerned I may slip so did not want me walking by myself. It got to cold anyway. I traveled to Orlando to pick up a best childrens award for Helga Returns by myself.  I got to meet some people who I met on Facebook in person and they are more wonderful in person and now friends in the real world too. MCV Egan and Jodi Stone two talented authors and truly beautiful in person been traveling this writing adventure with me for years on facebook it was so wonderful to hug and laugh in person. It  is quite interesting traveling with double vision. My spectacular  in-laws arrived in June and helped me around the house. My vision was back to normal and they took the kids a week later on a wonderful trip to D.C and Niagara Falls. I started writing again while my kids were on vacation. This was one of the things I was truly worried about not be able to spin a story again. My dearest pals picked me up for ladies night out when I was ready to be in public it was fun seeing two of each at the dinner table and I managed not to spill anything in the restaruant. 

One of my first outings in town was to stop in a pick up my favorite chocolates down town at the Old Pioneer store and the wonderful owner ran up to me gave me a hug.  Carleen told me how happy she was to see me alive and doing so well.  This past year I have traveled, inspired a classroom of children to write, talked about writing to Ms Cosper’s  university students, talked with families and children in Cadillac. Brought in 20 authors to our community library with the help of Diane Scarpelli and Library director. Worked with some incredible people in the community. Published two more children’s books. My muse from my novel visited me every time I slept help to heal me and told me the story of the New Moon Brethren. Fun times and travels with my family.  I recently joined local writers group to help with my writing and discovered some more incredible talented folks. And it helping me focus and be able to write for longer periods of time.

I have had a fun filled year of adventure and was enlightened of how blessed I am with family, and friends and what a wonderful community Big Rapids truly is.  Enjoyed a fun filled family Christmas trip southwest.  I still walk a little funny but it hardly noticable and at times stumble with words but it is truly wonderful watching my children grow and achieve, talk with my husband every day. I make sure I tell my family I love them every day.  I want to thank everyone for all you do and how spectacular you are. Every day we wake up is truly another wonderful magical adventure so enjoy each day!

Thanks for dropping in. Enjoy the adventure every day brings you, WB   

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