THANK GOD FOR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS!

By Shirley M. Carolan, ATM-G

As many of you know, I’ve just completed my 5th week of suffering the agonies of Shingles! Mercifully, I’ve turned the corner of this debilitating disease. While I still experience the occasional stabbing pains and incessant itching, it has lessened considerably in intensity and duration! For that, I am most grateful. To say that my personality has suffered is putting it mildly! My little dog no longer recognizes or listens to me! She sees me as some out of control moaning monster. Little does she know she is responsible for my even getting out of bed every day! Hence, she’s become a big part of my recovery.

But, I am also very grateful to friends and neighbors who rallied behind me and offered many services and help, e.g., driving me to doctor’s appointments, x-rays, lab work, etc., picking up prescriptions, driving me to the supermarket when I could stand long enough while clutching on to a cart for balance; others brought me home made soups, dinners and desserts! I am so blessed to have these folks in my life and hereby thank them again: Willeen Hassler, Darlene Siddons, Bev Hodges, Judy Carlisto, Barbara Cornell and Rudy, Louis and Bob Tharp, Gail Stillman and Bergie and Jack McClendon, to name a few. You all brought joy and hope into my life.

Today, I’m listening to my body and not my head! If I feel tired I will rest until I can carry on again. This week marked some precious milestones for me. I was able to drive myself to my doctor’s office and took my little dog with me. The freedom I felt was wonderful! On Friday, I got out my oil paints and some canvases and started painting again! While it only lasted 2 hours, it felt good to use my hands again. Saturday, I did my first laundry in 6 weeks – tons of sheets, towels, pillowcases, etc. Prior to this, I couldn’t even bend down to pick up a dropped pen or pencil I was in too much pain. I couldn’t even pick up the laundry it felt so heavy. While it might seem trivial to some, it’s a major milestone for me.

Each day brings me more independence, increasing good health, and gratitude for everyone and everything in my life. Lastly, I want to thank everyone who prayed for me! The power of prayer is well known and the results are unmistakable!

Ciao,


Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Writer ● Speaker ● Artist
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
http://www.shirleycarolan.com
http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com