Encounters in the American Mountain West, A Review

Encounters in the American Mountain West: A Sinner Amonst the Latter-Day Saints by Ian R. Michell. Encounters (which is how I will refer to this book from now on) is a book that I recently finished reading and semi read aloud or regurgitated to Christopher.

We were visiting the library several weeks ago to re-issue my library card. I had a temporary card in August and needed proof of address. Lalalala...and I finally got around to proving I lived in SLC and they let me have a permanent card.  SLC has many lovely looking libraries. The main library downtown is, is....very modern and futuristic. Chris thought it was cool.....me....I was actually frightened by it. It reminded me of some futuristic movie where everything is glass and metal. Cold. Sterile. But, that's just me - an old fashioned gal who's brain automatically reverts back to the 1920s or before. :-P So, when I discovered the library down in Sugarhouse, I was overjoyed. An actual 1920s library, small but overwhelmingly charming. It reminded me of my two favorite library buildings  - The Wyomissing Library and the Beach Haven Library (both early 1900s buildings.) I was enchanted and when I feel the need to haunt rows of book shelves, I plan to go there. Yes, I will do the 10 minute or so drive verses the seven minute drive (haha) and park in a real parking lot. Folks from SLC may laugh. But I am, deep to my core, a country girl.

Just Breathe

February 16th, Salt Lake City 

I would if I could. I mean, I am breathing, but not like I want to or like I did in the good old days. 

Lately, I have been pondering reality. What does reality mean? Webster (1828) says "1)Actual being or existence of any thing; truth; fact; in distinction from mere appearance. 2)Something intrinsically important, not merely matter of show..." 

'Not merely matter of show'... My last illness related post was written to help fellow sufferers be heard - to have a voice. This post - is on the reality of it all. Our reality is very different from you who call yourselves "normal" or "healthy". What makes it even more difficult to live in this reality is... it is a new reality, a new normal. We remember how we felt before. We remember feeling good. The rug was taken out from under us. Our lives are radically different that they were a week ago, a month ago, or several years ago. 

Recent Travels

February 9th-13th  

Our most recent travels were a result of the passing of my (Elisabeth's) beloved Grandfather. We were blessed to be able to travel to Pennsylvania for his Celebration of Life service and that Chris was able to get the time off from work. Health wise...it was not something I should have done. But, there was no way I was not going to not be there. My doctor said..."do what you have to do." So, I did it. 

Our travels from late Monday night through early Friday morning, took us through five states in one week (and six states for Christopher - he just got back from California Monday afternoon.) 

"Hidden" Chronic Illnessness

Or...

What to Do With Your Sick Loved One When They "Look Fine"....

Lately, I have been putting pieces together and slowly understanding what has been happening to me gradually over the last year and beyond. Crazy revelations and I am so thankful for more brain power to stand up for myself, read, research, and to find out what was wrong.

We experienced a newlywed nightmare: newlywed life abruptly interrupted with a health crisis and then being marooned and separated for four months! NOT fun or in the plan. But, there is a reason and Chris and I are growing and learning in amazing ways.

Here are some thoughts on my biotoxin journey as well as a few thoughts on how to reach out to others with illnesses you may not understand. I really hope this may help someone out there that is dealing with something like I am or someone trying to understand how to care for their sick loved one.