One Tough Mother (Who Needs Help!)
Donation protected
Well, it's not the challenge I trained for, it's not the challenge I signed up for, but it's the challenge I'm facing. Landed myself in the hospital on February 15th, when my antibodies decided to attack my kidneys. I am now in the process of plasmapheresis for 7 to 10 sessions and doses of cytoxin and prednisone. You all know that I'll make the best of this and I am sure I will have stories to tell :-). My overwhelming feelings are of gratitude and a state of Grace. My body feels very strong throughout all of this. My final diagnosis is “Wegner's Vasculitis.” It is a rare and aggressive auto immune disorder, which is treatable but not curable, which kind of sucks, but it is at least livable. Not sure what my new normal will be yet but I will figure it out in time. What I would ask of you is that you visualize me as I visualize myself-in my Tough Mudder tee-shirt running up Mount Snow. I am already well. Do not think of me as sick; do not think of me as getting better. Instead please think of me as already well, healthy and strong as I am “One Tough Mother” (just ask Brooke and Austin!).
My Spirit has been strong and steadfast in all of this. Through the “Artist’s Way” I have learned to trust my gut, and this has made all the difference.
Having fingers looking of frostbite has reminded me not to let truth get in the way of a good story. I’ve decided to tell people I’ve climbed Mount Everest instead of explaining the challenges of “Vasculitis”. It’s a much more interesting story (lol). My motto has always been “it'll all workout; it always does”.
Life is a blessing. My son Austin and daughter Brooke have been by my side constantly. The care of my brother Doug and Mary have been an extraordinary gift as well as their children. The presence of my brother’s and mom’s spirit have lifted me up. Friends have provided me with comfort and joy. I have so many of you working behind the scenes helping me to overcome this obstacle.
I got word recently that I will not be returning to work anytime soon. I’m not quite sure what that means so I’m spending my time thinking about what I can do, not what I can't do. One of the things I can do is my photo work: my trigger finger still works fine and I have a lot of photos to work with already. I can also write because of dictation! And I do not need fingertips to facilitate the “Artist’s Way” which is a large part of the reason I'm doing well. Lessons I have learned through facilitating (this enlightening program) the past 15 years have served me well. I want to continue to share its life lessons with others. Phil and Wendy have also been extremely gracious and even though I've lost nearly two months of work they've held my job open for me. I'm not sure what capacity I can return to but it is an amazing gift to know that I am welcome. In Phil’s indomitable sense of humor he said, “Even if I have to blow into a straw to make the computer operate I'm coming back to work.” I'm pretty sure I’ll be able to at least cook for them still:-). I know that will make Wendy happy!
At this moment in time I've managed to make it this long with the funding I have. The funds are low now, and I am applying for disability but I don't know when that will kick in. So I have had friends graciously offer to help me with a “Go Fund Me Page”. If you're able to donate in any way shape or form it would be greatly appreciated. If you would prefer to donate directly by check and send by mail, the address is;
Laurie Ferguson,
PO Box 444,
New Hartford Connecticut 060 57.
please make checks payable to Laurie Ferguson. <3
This is a very humbling experience especially since I feel like we just went through this with John not that long ago...although it's been almost 12 years. People have been so kind to us over the years and I realize this is bigger than us. Life brings us opportunities to help each other on our journey. Graciously I accept your help now. Looking forward to sharing stories from my porch with you once again. God bless, all my love,
Laurie
My Spirit has been strong and steadfast in all of this. Through the “Artist’s Way” I have learned to trust my gut, and this has made all the difference.
Having fingers looking of frostbite has reminded me not to let truth get in the way of a good story. I’ve decided to tell people I’ve climbed Mount Everest instead of explaining the challenges of “Vasculitis”. It’s a much more interesting story (lol). My motto has always been “it'll all workout; it always does”.
Life is a blessing. My son Austin and daughter Brooke have been by my side constantly. The care of my brother Doug and Mary have been an extraordinary gift as well as their children. The presence of my brother’s and mom’s spirit have lifted me up. Friends have provided me with comfort and joy. I have so many of you working behind the scenes helping me to overcome this obstacle.
I got word recently that I will not be returning to work anytime soon. I’m not quite sure what that means so I’m spending my time thinking about what I can do, not what I can't do. One of the things I can do is my photo work: my trigger finger still works fine and I have a lot of photos to work with already. I can also write because of dictation! And I do not need fingertips to facilitate the “Artist’s Way” which is a large part of the reason I'm doing well. Lessons I have learned through facilitating (this enlightening program) the past 15 years have served me well. I want to continue to share its life lessons with others. Phil and Wendy have also been extremely gracious and even though I've lost nearly two months of work they've held my job open for me. I'm not sure what capacity I can return to but it is an amazing gift to know that I am welcome. In Phil’s indomitable sense of humor he said, “Even if I have to blow into a straw to make the computer operate I'm coming back to work.” I'm pretty sure I’ll be able to at least cook for them still:-). I know that will make Wendy happy!
At this moment in time I've managed to make it this long with the funding I have. The funds are low now, and I am applying for disability but I don't know when that will kick in. So I have had friends graciously offer to help me with a “Go Fund Me Page”. If you're able to donate in any way shape or form it would be greatly appreciated. If you would prefer to donate directly by check and send by mail, the address is;
Laurie Ferguson,
PO Box 444,
New Hartford Connecticut 060 57.
please make checks payable to Laurie Ferguson. <3
This is a very humbling experience especially since I feel like we just went through this with John not that long ago...although it's been almost 12 years. People have been so kind to us over the years and I realize this is bigger than us. Life brings us opportunities to help each other on our journey. Graciously I accept your help now. Looking forward to sharing stories from my porch with you once again. God bless, all my love,
Laurie
Organizer and beneficiary
Brooke Ferguson
Organizer
Torrington, CT
Laurie Comstock Ferguson
Beneficiary