About Me

How should I describe myself to you?

I am a woman who loves the Lord and desires with all of my heart to be faithful and representative of Him as I struggle with daily migraines and chronic pain. There is nothing particularly special about me except that I am deeply loved by my Heavenly Father. 


I have found that the journey of chronic pain involves not just the physical but also the emotional, the financial, the social, and the spiritual aspects of my life. I have been greatly blessed to have a wonderful support network, including family, friends, and my migraine family. And, of course, I cannot forget my constant companions and fur babies, Marlie and Milo, who spend the long days of being virtually homebound with me and help to keep me sane (although some may question that!) 


Nonetheless, living with migraines and chronic pain can be quite a stormy journey. I figure I can choose to look at it with loathing and despair or look at it as an opportunity to grow and learn. Although I know and believe the words of Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, Plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope" - it is not always easy to focus on the good. However, I choose everyday of my life (frequently with the constant reminder of my friends) to look for hope and grace in the situation. My hope with this blog is that I might share the journey with you, my friends to be, who also suffer from migraines and/or chronic pain.

I have so much to celebrate in my life that I love and enjoy: my family, friends, Marlie, Milo, my relationship with the Lord, books, laughter, and a warm and safe home. Oh, and you, of course!  It is these upon which I long and choose to focus.

Lest you think I am being trite or trivializing pain, I am not. I have had migraines for as long as I can remember and now have chronic, intractable migraines which forced me to give up the career I adored about five years ago. I am one of those who does not respond well to medication and currently have no prophylactic or abortive medications - my doctor has suggested that I may be from another planet! :) I have been diagnosed with migraines with aura, migraines without aura, hemicrania continua (a cluster variant), retinal migraines, hypothyroidism, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and a platelet coagulation disorder (which just means I bleed easily). I have also experienced deep depression, anxiety and panic attacks which thankfully are now under control (knock on wood).

Prior to going on disability, I had a private practice in counseling where I worked with children, families and women. Marlie went with me to work everyday as a therapy dog, so she has had to retire as a result of my disability. I have a doctorate in education with a collateral in school psychology, and am a licensed professional counselor, a licensed senior psychological examiner, a registered play therapist -supervisor, a board certified Christian counselor, and a board certified educational therapist. I have had the joy of working as an elementary school teacher, a college professor, a school counselor and a private therapist. 


My passion in my career and in my life is children, play, laughter, learning, and trying to help even one person's life be a little bit better because they have known me. One of my favorite quotes is by Emerson: "To laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; To appreciate beauty; To find the best in others; To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived; That is to have succeeded."

2 comments:

  1. You are a beautiful writer conveying many wise ideas through words.
    Lauren Falkner

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lauren, thank you so much for your kind words! I'm so blessed to meet so many wonderful people through blogging!

      Delete