The following article is an account of Mary Beth’s surgery. With sincere and heartfelt gratitude, I would like to thank my family and friends, both met and unmet, and friends known and unknown, for the support, prayers and comfort offered during this time. The response has been overwhelming and the results are a gift. May God bless each one of you. – Alex
4:24 a.m.
My eyes opened before the alarm had the chance to remind me of the need to wake early. Mary Beth took anti-anxiety medication last night upon the recommendation of her doctor. The pill was working – perhaps the most comfortable rest she will have for a while.
I found my way through the dark house and into the kitchen where I turned on the coffee maker and searched for something to take for my headache. I used wine last night as my anti-anxiety medication. Some old habits can resurface when enough pressure is applied.
After drinking a large cup of water to wash down four acetaminophen tablets, I poured a cup of coffee and then opened the lid of my laptop computer to glace at email. The caffeine was bringing me back to life. It was time now for Mary Beth to get up. She was confused when I touched her shoulder. The lingering effects of the Xanax had a soft grip on her clarity and awareness.
It took my wife a few moments to take in what I was saying. She slowly sat up and then found the strength necessary to swing her legs over the side of the bed and land them on the floor. The day had arrived for her. Read more
If all I had was one last prayer I’d pray it because I know You’re always listening. – Casting Crowns
Article written by Alex Blackwell. Connect with me on Facebook.
A number of medical schools teach their students this adage, “When you hear hoofbeats think horses, not zebras.” The meaning is clear: When confronted with a set of complex symptoms consider the simplest or most obvious cause first. However, when doctors leave medical school and begin treating patients, some need to realize zebras can also be the reason for the sound they hear.
My wife Mary Beth has been hearing the hoofbeats for the last four years. My hope is the noise has not turned in to a stampede. We will know on Thursday when she undergoes a six hour operation on her brain to repair a Chiari Malformation. Read more
It is a wise father that knows his own child. – William Shakespeare
Having children is an amazing and life-changing experience! When Brandon was born, our first child, the excitement Mary Beth and I felt about having the opportunity to give life and nurture another human being was both incredible and humbling.
Along with feelings of happiness and pride, we also understand the tremendous responsibility it takes to raise a child. My wife and I are still learning that no matter the ages of our children, or what’s going on in their life, they will always be dependent on us. That’s just how nature works – and that’s just fine with us.
After Brandon, along came Caitlin, Andrew and then Emily. We often comment about how remarkable it is that our four children, who share the same mother and father; and who slept within 20 feet of one another; and who received the same parenting (more or less), are each so appropriately unique from the other.
In a few weeks, many of us will celebrate Father’s Day. This day is intended to give children the formal opportunity to thank and honor their fathers. It’s also a day to acknowledge the contributions their dads have made in their lives. Read more
Without faith, nothing is possible. With it, nothing is impossible. – Mary McLeod Bethune
My son Brandon and I took in a baseball game recently. Like always, a night at the ballpark recharged my batteries and allowed me to relax and shift my attention from the challenges that are ahead of my family right now and to simply relax and do nothing for three hours.
The pace of the game is soothing for me. The chess-like strategy between opposing managers along with the smell of bratwurst and peppers simmering on the grill appeal to my senses and lead me to appreciate the faith-challenging paradox of a game where the chance of success is less than 50%. Read more
Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking. – Marcus Aurelius
Article written by Alex Blackwell. Connect with me on Facebook.
How we achieve happiness can be different for each one of us. Our passions, expectations, life experiences, and even our personalities all contribute to the level of happiness we experience in our lives. Some find happiness in their careers while others prefer the bliss found in their marriages or other intimate relationship.
No matter how you define happiness for yourself, there are certain universal and time-proven strategies to bring, and sustain, more happiness into your life. The following 14 timeless ways to live a happy life can be adapted and even customized to fit your needs. Over time, these strategies will become positive and life-changing habits that will begin to bring more happiness, joy and peace into your life. Read more
