Happy New Year of 2016!
As you can see I am already running late but I decided to give you a lil summary of my life. If you didn't know, I started this blog in September of 2012. That was right after Carol, our daughter got married and moved to Gatlinburg with Cooper. And I was planning on having a surgery at Wake Forest NC called Deep Brain Stimulation (or DBS for short). Yes, I was reaching the conclusion that Parkinson's disease was eating my lunch and it was time for a drastic change.
Now how many people do you know that have 2 electrodes in their head and battery packs on their chests? I think it is pretty cool. It is right up there with heart surgery.....they keep you in the hospital only until you can pee and poop (sorry but that's what they call it too) and then you get to come home and try to regulate pain meds. So I had brain surgery in Oct 2013 and then in May 2014 with great results. I am almost bionic...had my left foot operated on in Jan 2015 so I am just about reconfigured from head to toe!!! I am hoping that I can get back to a normal life with no surgeries in 2016.
In between those times of Sept 2012 and my first brain surgery, Carol passed away at the age of 19 and only married 6 months. It is still hard. She made such an impact on her world. I guess that is why I was determined to write about her life and legacy in a self published book called: "Carol's Smile, the Life and Legacy of Carol Hensley Singletary". And I got it done and published by Zulon Press in Oct 2014, right after her 21st birthday. I am not sure I am cut-out to be a writer, but was determined to do it.
It will be 3 years in Feb that Carol died. I am learning that Bill and I grieve very differently (as do most male /females i.e. dads /moms). One grief group I have found and find solace in is called "Compassionate Friends" for those who have lost a child. There is a local group that I participate with and get alot of comfort from that. I also have been volunteering for 2 years at a store called "Redeemables" where I get to go and re=purpose some things, make some new things, and have a good time while at it. And my "bosses" there are great! (ah, I should know flattery will get me no- where on my 'volunteer salary' but I can try!)
So much more I could tell but that is enough for now. Thank you to my family and dear friends who have prayed and loved me through such times. I am praying for less drama in 2016 and a renewed spirt to help others.
I am most blessed and I wish God's blessings on you!!!
Judy
Jan 5, 2016
ps. just so you'll know this is my 56th published blog since I started it in Sept 2012!!!! Thanks for your support!!!
