Me Time and a Wish For You
This post may contain affiliate links.
Just when I started getting my life back in balance from a tumultuous few years, September 15, JJ had a break-through seizure, or a seizure that broke through her medication. This time, the neurologist sort of kind of thought maybe, possibly her precise seizure disorder is Panayiotopoulos. Which isn’t controlled by medication. And is long (20 – 60 minutes.) And, won’t cause brain-damage, probably. But since that’s not for sure, go ahead and administer a rectal injection to stop the seizures after 10 minutes, just in case. If you happen to be awake. Actually, better have the paramedics do it since the last time, the injection made her go into respiratory distress.
Did we want to take her off the medication? he asked my husband and me.
And the stress moved through my body without my consent . . .Â
Not surprisingly, I got sick. I stopped my healthy eating and exercise just when I was back on track.
My coping skills sucked.
Something needed to change.
So, what did I change?
I let my friends take me to Devil’s Thumb Ranch where I laughed a lot, ate good food, connected with nature, hung out with a really friendly calf, and rode a horse.
Breathe.
I also got off-line and did a cleanse.
Breathe.
I even started prioritizing sleeping 9 hours — instead of 5.
Breathe.
Here are a few moments from my Devil’s Thumb Ranch trip in Winter Park, Colorado. You’ll see how I found my center again.
Here’s the view from my huge claw-foot bathtub.
My special calf friend liked me. We hung out for some time because I liked him, too.
A trail ride connected me with nature . . .
You smell like horse 🙂  . . .
I walked and walked alone in nature.
How is the stress now?
I feel better — peaceful and centered – better than I have in a long time.
Yes, JJ still has a seizure disorder. Unfortunately, we haven’t figured out what we’re going to do about the medication yet. I wish it were an easy decision.
But, I could handle this sleep-deprived EEG.
I can.
Because I’m finally taking care of myself.
. . .
My Holiday Wish For You
I wish that this holiday, you take time for you, too. Take time to read a book, get massages and pedicures, go on a mini-retreat, hang out with friends, go outside and walk, pet a cow, go off-line.
I think you and your family will be glad you did.
The Next Few Weeks
The next few weeks I will share with you my favorite gift ideas from the gift guides – and chances to win different products. No, I’m not becoming a giveaway blog, but I do want to share my favorite things for the holidays — and hope that in doing so, it makes your life a bit easier.
I cherish you and wish you many blessings this season,
~ Melissa
GIFT GUIDES FOR KIDS . . .Â
 Holiday Gift Guide: Books for Kids
 Holiday Gift Guide: Math and ScienceÂ
A timely blog for me, Melissa. Was at Devil’s Thumb Ranch recently too and went snow shoeing for the first time with some long-time friends that we had lost touch. Balance is always a struggle and easy to lose ourselves when looking for answers. So happy to hear you are taking care of you! Lots of love and hugs!
Melissa. SUCH an important post, especially during this crazy time of the year. I’m glad you are re-centered, and I wish you and your family a New Year full of health, happiness, peace, and clarity.
xo
This is such an important post. I can’t imagine the hardship. It is one thing to cope when we aren’t well but when it is our child and answers are missing… I just can’t imagine. I am glad you are finding ways to cope and take care of yourself. I wish your family answers and the very best.
I love this Melissa! It’s beautiful and I’m thrilled you’re including “taking care of you” on your To Do list! I wish for you that you continue to prioritize you 🙂 Love you girl!
Love you, too – even if you mock my backpack! 🙂 Thank you for your cleanse advice and support and lots of laughs!!
Melissa, you have some good friends to pull you up and get you back to a balanced being. I haven’t had to endure the pain and stress that comes with caring for children with a chronic illness, but my close sister has. I’ve seen the worry and pain that goes along with the many doctors’ appointments and so many decisions. Big ones. I’m thinking of you as you make your way through your own family’s difficulties and as you conquer the difficult decision that must be made in regards to the medication. And wishing strength for you family. -heather
I’m sorry your sister is going through all that – thank you, Heather! It helps so much to hear an encouraging word of support and love. I appreciate it!