I told my story

I had an amazing experience last week. A man who works with Caleb told him his sister-in-law was just diagnosed with this really odd disease and she’s having a terrible time with the symptoms. She keeps getting dizzy and hasn’t been able to make it to work in the past two weeks. Caleb asked if she was diagnosed with Meniere’s Disease. Sure enough, the man looked at Caleb with the biggest surprise and asked how he knew about it. Caleb told him about my experience and suggested his sister-in-law call and talk to me.


About two days later I received a phone call from her (Sandra). As soon as I heard Sandra’s voice I knew God had put me in her path. A few months ago she woke up with a loud noise in her ear and couldn’t hear very well. A couple weeks later, she started having uncontrollable vertigo. Of course, with the vertigo came nausea, weakness and vatigue. Her first experience only lasted about 15 minutes, but each time lasts longer and there’s no time to prepare before it happens. She’s tried to go to work, but hasn’t made it an entire day. Her husband is away from home due to his work schedule/location and her daughter tries to help as much as possible.

I could hear the frustration, anxiety, fear and hopelessness in Sandra’s words. I’ve been there. And at that moment I could see myself back home in our living room. So sick I couldn’t move, speak or breathe; Caleb rushing to the bathroom for the trashcan and putting ice water on my neck, me just praying over and over again that it would end.

I had to tell Sandra my story...and I did. I told her about every dizzy episode, every medication, every steroid injection, every surgery, and every doctor visit. I kept it honest and direct. I shared some tips on what to do when an episode happened, which she could share with her daughter (Caleb developed a choreographed routine that saved us many times). I suggested writing these tips as instructions on an index card with emergency numbers and keeping it with her at all times. When an episode happened she could show someone the card so they would know how to help and who to call.

The good news for Sandra is the medication and adjusted diet has helped decrease the severity and length of her dizzy episodes. This means these things are working. She has an appointment for steroid injections this week.

I think the best advice I could give her was 1.) listen to the doctors and do exactly what they ask and 2.) be patient- with the doctors and the people around her. This disease affects each person in a different way. The doctor needs to determine what is best for her situation. Also, the people that love her and take care of her will sympathize with her, but will NEVER understand what she is going through. The term vertigo doesn’t do this horrible disease justice.

After I hung up the phone, I did two things. First, I cried. I’ve spent almost an entire year healing and recovering from Meniere’s Disease. It was an overwhelming moment for me to relive what I went through and my heart hurt for Sandra. I cried for the both of us. Second, I made a promise to share my story with as many people as possible. There is not enough information out there about this scary and life altering disease.

This post is my first “share”.

Patience

"But these things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled.  If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass.  Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day!" (Habakkuk 2:3)

Embarrassing video alert

Oh geez! During my last semester at Baylor, I was a member of the first Public Relations Agency. One of my clients, Prof. Maxey Parrish of the Baylor Journalism Department was taking the first Journalism study abroad group to Florence, Italy and needed some advertising pieces.

I created this concept for a short video of Baylor Journalism students finding a lonely bear on the sidewalk in France and taking him siteseeing.  The video could be easily accessed through a QR code found on a poster I designed. I also wrote the video script (originally with a group of Baylor students) and chose the background photos. Of course, little did I know that I would be the actress!!  I was so embarrassed and complained the whole time, but of course I had fun too!

Thank you to Prof. Callaway for taking the photos, Prof. Perry for coaching me through my first acting gig, and to Brittany and Colton for helping with the editing.  Thank you Colton for finishing this project and making it into an actual video!

Check it out:  Baylor University Florence Field School

Mr. and Mrs. Means

Well, pigs are soar'n through the sky and the devil is danc'n with the penguins!  My brother, Chris, is married.  The happy event took place in the church where we grew up, Lakeview Baptist Church in Waco, and it was BEAUTIFUL. No big bands or formal invitations needed.  Just our immediate family to celebrate. I completely surprised my brother when he walked in the church.  He had no idea I was driving three hours home that morning to be there with him.  I'm so glad I did, the look on his face and the gigantic hug will stay with me always.

What is that you ask?  Of course, I brought my camera!  Take a look at Chris Means and his blushing bride, Rachel.

Roll Call!

Rachel has four children.  From left to right: Michael, Joey, Robyn and Lizzy.  Chris's daughter Taylor is center

Our new big family!

And, Chris had another surprise waiting- our grandmother made it to the wedding.  
Truly a special day.

So, now that Chris has added four new grandchildren, it appears that Caleb and I are in the clear for a while!  Thanks brother!



Shine on Sunny Side! Shine on.

Bridal Portraits with Tara

Wedding Date: January 28, 2012
Wedding Location:  Las Vegas

Enjoy!

Catch Up

So sorry to those who actually read this crazy blog!  I have been so busy lately that I haven't posted all the recent happenings.  Weddings, Vegas, bridal pictures....I promise to work this weekend on the updates.

In the meantime, I have to tell you about a very hard decision I made.  My special little girl, Taylor, is turning seven this Thursday.  How time flies!  Unfortunately, Uncle Caleb and Aunt Becky won't be able to make it home for the birthday party.  I'm super sad about it, but with Caleb's new schedule, our time is limited with each other- especially our weekends. I called Taylor to tell her my decision, and her very grown-up response was, "Of course I really want you to be here, but I know how difficult it is for you to travel home.  You have to drive three hours just to get here.  I will not be upset or cry."  Geez I love that kid!!

We have a "special" birthday planned with us here in Houston during her spring break, and she's really looking forward to it...and me!

Love you bug!

J-O-B

Caleb started his new job as a lead manager with National Oilwell Varco.  Monday was orientation and he enjoyed every minute of it.  They use golf carts to get from place to place around the buildings and everyone greets you with a "hello" and "how are you".  They gave a tour of the facility which included numerous cafeterias and break-rooms, an on-site clinic and on-site gym. Most importantly, they have Keurig machines in almost every break room.  WHAT?  Yep, any flavor of coffee you can imagine is free of charge. 

Caleb works the second shift, 3 pm to 2 am, and every other weekend.  For those who have been with Caleb and me during the past six years of our relationship, you know how common it is for us to be apart.  Once again, we won’t be seeing much of each other.  BUT at least we live in the same house and city now (and he can still take out the trash). It will be kinda nice to have power of the remote control again and eat cereal for dinner. (Oh Candice how I miss you!) 

Caleb was slipping into bed when I was waking up this morning at 4:15…good morning…good night.

Here’s a link to the NOV website if you want to check it out.

http://www.nov.com/