Forever Beloved

Faith, Love & Truth

TWENTY SEVEN | MOVED

Today’s prompt: Something that made you laugh or cry recently. It could be a video, a picture, a post, a memory. Anything that moved you.
Last week I spent some time reading back through all the statuses, posts and pictures on my Facebook from when I was sick.  With tears in my eyes, I was reminded again how blessed I am to even be here.  I was reminded of how even on my sickest days, I felt myself surrounded by love.  I was reminded of those times I was being prepped for surgery, knowing so many people had me covered in prayer.
If you’re new to my blog, and haven’t heard my story, I’ll share it with you.  It’s a true testament to how good and faithful God is, and how He brings beauty from the ashes.

In October of 2011 I went in for a routine laparoscopic hysterectomy. One of the first cuts the doctor made hit a main artery. A 9 inch incision, 2 units of blood, 1 unit of plasma and 1 unit of platelets later I woke in ICU. I had nearly died during the surgery. And during the surgery the doctor also missed a huge cyst on my left ovary. Four months later I went in to have that removed.

During that surgery, the same doctor put a clip on my ureter and put a hole in it. Three days later I had emergency surgery for a kidney that hadn’t drained in days. They installed a stent, hoping that would help the ureter heal.

Over the next 7 months, I had 8 surgeries to replace the stent. Each one would get corroded and calcified and cause a kidney infection, which would knock me on my butt. Finally the doctors at the Cleveland Clinic determined I needed a ureter reconstruction.

In October of 2012 I had a 14 hour surgery to repair my damaged ureter. While they were operating, they also found I had a partial bowel obstruction and that was fixed as well.

The surgery was a success! But sadly, my kidney had too much damage done to it. It was no longer functioning at all and was causing more harm than good. In February of 2013 I had my kidney removed. It was a routine surgery but unfortunately, I had a small stroke during it, awaking to a completely numb face on the left side.

Thankfully over time, my body healed itself and the stroke is barely noticeable. Although I do still have days where the drooping on the left side of my face is very noticeable.

I have issues with abdominal scar tissue, but that is an issue I’ll always have. My body just seems to love that stuff and grows it like crazy. I’ve had another surgery for lysis of adhesions to fix another partial bowel obstruction and free up what it was wrapped around.

Throughout all of this, the support I had was so, so amazing.  My husband drove me all over for doctor appointments, surgeries and follow-up appointments.  The days I could only sit in a chair, he completely jumped in and picked up my slack with my littles right by his side helping.  My church family and friends brought us meals daily so I could just recoup and not worry about cooking.  The number of people faithfully praying for me still brings tears to my eyes.  

I survived all of this solely because of God’s amazing grace and love. He has a beautiful, perfect plan for my life that didn’t end during those scary surgeries. Now it’s up to me to make sure I’m fulfilling it.

I am so blessed to have the most amazing husband, parents, children, church family and friends. I love you ALL and could never thank you enough for all you’ve done for us over the years!

 

TWENTY THREE | FAMILY RECIPE

Today’s prompt: A family recipe (if grandma allows, of course!)

When I was growing up I was blessed to not only have a Mama that grew her own food, but canned it as well. Not only my Mama, but all the women in my family. Many family gatherings would include a circle of women chatting about their recent crops and what they were planning on canning with them. It was a given that once I had a household of my own, I would follow in all their footsteps. And proudly, I have.

This is the spaghetti sauce recipe that my Grandma, Mama and now myself use. It’s absolutely our favorite and store bought sauce doesn’t even compare to it.

Spaghetti Sauce
  • 1⁄2 bushel tomatoes
  • 2 bulbs garlic
  • 4 hot peppers
  • 3 lb. onions
  • 1⁄2 cup salt
  • 1 1⁄2 cup sugar
  • 3 tbsp italian seasoning
  • 8 cans tomato paste
  • 2 cups oil

INSTRUCTIONS:

Put everything into a blender and puree. I cut the stem part off the tomatoes, quarter them and put skins and all into the blender. I also leave the seeds in two of the hot peppers to add some heat.

Bring it to a boil and cook until thick. I cook mine for 4-5 hours, stirring occasionally.

To can, pour into jars. Place rings and lids on jars, making it fingertip-tight. Place on a cloth-covered or wood surface, several inches apart, until cool.

TWENTY TWO | FALL FAVS

Today’s prompt: Fall favorites. Share your must-haves for this season.

It’s no secret, Fall is my absolute favorite season. So this topic is incredibly easy for me to write about. Let me be more specific…

Fall Favorites 
Leaves changing colors. Pumpkin flavored creamer. Ladies Bible Study. Knitting. 
Boots with every outfit. Truck pulls. Cozy Scarves. Pumpkin Candles. Golden light. 
Carving Pumpkins. Scary movie marathons. Burlap Wreathes. Crisp air.
Curling up with a book. Friday night football games. Chili. 
Bonfires. Dressing in Layers. Halloweentown. Mums. Thanksgiving.
Caramel Apples. Craft shows. Warm soup on a cold day. Hay rides. Pumpkin patch.
The smell. Driving through falling leaves.  Trick-or-treating.
Decorations. Boot socks.  Thanksgiving.  Fall festivals.  Apple butter.
Wearing layers.  Boot socks.  Christmas is around the corner.
Potato soup and bread bowls.  Annual family photo shoot.