By Shirley M. Carolan, ATM-G
This past year has been fraught with health challenges for me right up until Christmas. The worst time was between October and December 2011 when I was in excruciating pain 24/7 and I thought my back would come off its hinges. For instance, on a scale of 1-10, the pain was 100! That gives you some idea of what I was up against. Pain killers and muscle relaxants were useless! A CT scan and MRI were also useless.
December came, and I thought about what kind of a life I wanted to live in 2012. I knew I had to get out of this pain first. That was a top priority. Next came seeing myself in good health and walking 1-2 miles a day without oxygen and without a walking cane (as I did the Spring of 2009 before everything hit the fan). Pretty important stuff. Once again, I refused to accept that my age was the sole culprit for my present circumstances.
Well this week leading up to Christmas was a turning point in my life. After a lot of praying for help and relief I experienced miracles happening! Yes, folks, Santa is alive and well! Wednesday morning I had Physical Therapy and in afternoon I saw Dr. Patel, the pain specialist, expecting to have the first in a series of epidurals. (The day before, Tuesday) I saw two MDs. My co-payment for these (4) doctors in (2) days was $150.00.
Would you believe Dr. Patel said I didn’t need the epidural because the physical therapy was helping me and that I should cancel the next appointment on 12/28 but keep the 1/4/2012 appt. I went to check out and Danielle, the secretary, asked me what Dr. Patel did to me. I said “Nothing – he just talked to me.” She said “Wait a minute,” then came back and handed me back my co-payment check! I was stunned. I figured they’d keep it as a “consultation” fee.
So, three (3) miracles occurred:
1. I didn’t need the epidural because I’m not in the severe pain as before.
2. I got my co-payment check back.
3. I was able to give my newspaper carrier (woman) a nice check for Christmas.
Ain’t that something! I’m walking on air! To be out of that dreadful pain is a miracle in itself.
Yes, folks, Santa is alive and well and miracles are happening… Folks, I do hope you are experiencing similar miracles, or kindnesses from your fellow man. If so, do email me at: artistwithaflair@att.net and let me know.
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!
Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Writer ● Speaker ● Artist
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
http://www.shirleycarolan.com
http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com
Copyright© 2011 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article please give me credit and a link back. Thank you.
Labels: Inspiration
Monday, December 26, 2011
Saturday, December 10, 2011
THE NUTCRACKER IS ALIVE AND WELL!
By Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
When I lived in San Francisco I always treated myself, at Christmas-time, to a performance of “The Nutcracker.” I’ve carried on that tradition since moving to Southern California December 1997. To me Christmas isn’t Christmas without seeing a production of The Nutcracker…
I’m happy to say that there are some wonderful productions here in San Diego County. A few years back I got to see it performed by the famous Kirov Ballet Company in Escondido. I’ve also seen it performed by many local Junior Ballet Companies. The costumes are so different, varied and colorful, as are the renditions.
Last night was no exception. I had the privilege of seeing a “dress rehearsal” with some friends of this wonderful ballet featuring The Junior Ballet Ensemble, a non-profit organization created in 1997. (Their mission is to provide under-privileged youth and under-served seniors with a beautiful, and enriching cultural experience).
The cast was superb. Playing Herr Drosselmeyer was Thomas Deak,
Clara was Jessie Fendler, and the Nutcracker was played by Jonathan Shapiro. Of course, the music by Tchaikovsky was exquisite.
Other performances throughout the weekend will be held at the Sunshine Brooks Theater, 217 North Coast Hwy, Oceanside. For more information please call: 760-433-8900, www.oceansidetheater.org.
I encourage you to set a new tradition for yourself at Christmas. If you already have one I’d love to hear from you.
Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Writer ● Speaker ● Artist
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
http://www.shirleycarolan.com
http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com
Copyright© 2011 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article please contact me. Thank you.
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