Chin.Deep.In.Life.

Dear Readers,

I hope this post finds you well. I remain grateful for your support and visits. The growth I have experienced through this platform has been tremendous.

At some point in our lives, each of us, regardless of our belief system, must call upon a higher power to intervene on our behalf. The circumstances are usually extenuating. We are driven to ask for protection, strength, guidance, and deliverance, either for ourselves or loved ones. Permit me to share one such experience today. In late 2015, I shared with you my diagnosis. Part of the reason for being in USA, was to have this looked into. I had to seek other medical opinions, and give myself the best chance for coming out okay.

My type of aneurysm is caused by three things: smoking, family history of aneurysms, and uncontrolled high blood pressure. I don’t smoke, and there is no family history, anywhere. All the specialists I saw agreed the diagnosis was caused by untreated high blood pressure. In the two years leading up to my diagnosis, I somehow made it through the most emotionally charged, and incredibly stressful time in my life, to date. My blood pressure spiraled out of control. I often visited the GP; saw different doctors, who didn’t see it fit to put me on medication, until it was too late. The reason? After several tests, the high blood pressure was caused by the stress. Hindsight is indeed foresight; I should have insisted they put me on something. However, all I could think of during this time, was avoiding a nervous breakdown. I came close. I never thought it would come to this. I’m here now.

Back to the issue at hand. The diagnosis is life threatening, the surgery incredibly high risk. I consulted two different neurosurgeons here, and had more imaging. The advice was the same; due to your age, the location, and size of the aneurysm, I should have the procedure. Sooner or later I would need to. For months, I weighed the risks of waiting and watching, versus surgery. The younger I was when I had the procedure, the better my chances were in the long-term. If the aneurysm did rupture, it could result in death, profound handicap, or minimal disability. Furthermore, there was also a chance it wouldn’t rupture for years. However, as the years passed, the chance of a rupture increases. There was no telling what would happen.

Less than a month ago, I decided to go for it. I was encouraged by the fact that, the surgeon I chose, was well-known and highly skilled. The hospital is ranked in the top ten in the USA. People from all over the country, and the world, chose this facility for the procedure I needed (balloon assisted coiling). I needed divine intervention more than ever. I’ve never doubted my family and friends love for me. Wouldn’t you know, they had people (some of them strangers) in more than seven countries praying for me? Talk about eternal gratitude.

I once worked for a medical practice in Florida. I remained in touch with them, and even closer with one particularly kind, loving, and gentle soul. Two weeks before my procedure, while at a retreat, she asked for a special prayer chain to be carried out on my behalf. She didn’t stop there; at the exact time, I was supposed to be heading into surgery, she arranged for the doctors and the entire office staff to come together to offer up even more prayers. With so many cries going up on my behalf, I truly felt I would be taken care of. If you’re one of the many who cared enough to pray for my well-being, THANK YOU. To those who followed up, and is still following up to see how I’m getting on, again THANK YOU. For the rest of my life, I will not forget your simple acts of kindness!

I remember looking at my family one last time before being wheeled into the operating room. I could see the fear in their eyes. It’s not hard to imagine what was reflected in mine. However, we all hoped the prayers would be heard. Hours later, the Anesthesiologist woke me up and stated: “Wake up, wake up Miss Williams, your surgery was a success”. I’ve never heard sweeter words! An overnight stay in the ICU, is the status quo for this type of surgery. My mom and sister stayed with me the entire time. I was discharged the next day. Recovery is what it is. My mum took two weeks off work to take care of me post op. I didn’t want for anything! Today, certain physical activities are limited. I’ll need periodic MRI’s, which will eventually be faded out. The Surgeon has assured me, that in a few months I should be back to normal. It’s more than I can ask for, considering the circumstances.

I realize I am one of the blessed and lucky ones. Aneurysms are often asymptomatic. In my case, it was discovered while investigating something else. When aneurysms rupture, the majority of people die. Others suffer life changing cognitive and physical disabilities. The extremely lucky few have few handicaps. A friend told me “Your work on earth isn’t completed yet” She is right. A large number of people prayed for me. God listened, and answered.

My dear readers and followers, I know sometimes it seems you’ll never get through a particular trial. The road you’ve been asked to travel is long and hard. Please don’t give up. I’ve been there, often enough. There is hope and help available. I’ll be celebrating another earth strong day next week. Two years ago, I made the decision to live my truth. Subconsciously, I must have seen this test coming. Every minute counts. I have a million and one reasons to celebrate life, love, happiness, and everything in between. There is no doubt, each and every future accomplishment will be memorialized.

“When life gives you a hundred reasons to cry, show life that you have a thousand reasons to smile” Unknown.

Until the next post,

Best,

Juan

Photo: Your Beautiful Life

A year ago this week, I was living in the UK, driving to work, when I collided with a cyclist. It was the most horrible experience one can have. I was in a state. The events seem to be happening to someone else, as I looked on. I remember getting out of my car, which was parked in the middle of the street, walking over to the cyclist, asking if he was okay, and falling apart. I just couldn’t handle it. A small crowd had already gathered. While we waited for the police to arrive, the cyclist and I talked for a bit. HE was trying to console me, even joking about the situation, in an effort to find some humor. He was a kind man. The majority of British people are. Thankfully, he didn’t need to be hospitalized. Cyclists/car drivers incidents in Bristol are alarming.

Where am I going with this, you wonder? Well, I will get to that. As I sat on the cold pavement waiting, a lovely, kind, and compassionate lady, Theresa, who was on her way to work, and saw the entire incident, came over to comfort me. As we spoke, she gently rubbed my shoulders. Thinking about the incident now, moves me to tears. One kind stranger, helping another. I apologized for keeping her from going about her business, to which she replied “It’s okay my dear. Please don’t worry about it.” She would later share that she did have a meeting to attend, but she felt like she was needed there. I was floored.

Amidst all the mayhem, I had forgotten to take my jacket out of the car, and was only reminded how cold it was, when yet another kind stranger, came up to me, and asked if she could buy me a cup of tea. I looked into her gentle features; the concern on her face was unmistakable. At my nod of consent, she walked away to the nearest café shop. All I could utter upon her return was a “Thank you”. She smiled warmly at me, wished me all the best, and told me she had to be off to work. My attitude was one of immense gratitude.

Present day: I’m in the NYC at this time. Public transportation is the way forward. A few months ago, I was on the select bus; one stop away from my place of abode. As passengers boarded the bus, I heard a young lady, a few rows behind me, pleading with the passenger next to her, to call emergency services. I have medical training, so of course my antennas went up. She was in acute physical distress. I got up from my seat and approached her. The passenger by this time, had moved ahead to tell the driver of the medical emergency. She was sweating profusely, vomiting, and had a “glazed” look in her eyes.

I asked the normal questions; name, date, where she was, etc. She was lucid and aware of her surroundings. I spoke to her in soothing tones, asked her to hang in there, as help was on the way. I assured her that I would stay with her until EMS arrived. By this time, another young lady, who later identified herself as a nurse, had joined us. I briefly checked towards the driver’s seat, and was stunned to see the bus was empty! All the passengers had vacated, and got on their way. New York is the best city in the world; it can also be a harsh at times! I didn’t have time to process anything else.

The nurse and I stayed with the ill passenger until rescue came. We kept talking to her in an effort to keep her calm and reassured. We told her the medical professionals in the hospital would take good care of her, and she will be okay. I offered her the tissues I was holding to mop the sweat off her face. I asked her for the phone number to a family member. The person who answered was ever so grateful that someone reached out to let her know a family member was ill. After EMS departed, I called the family member again to let her know where she was being taken. I thought about this young lady over the next several days. I hoped she was okay, and that her medical issues were sorted out on time.

I share this story for two reasons; the incident left an indelible impression on me, and we have a responsibility to pay it forward. Earlier in the year, strangers recognized I was in a bad way, and because of their kindness, a burden was made lighter. Months later, a situation offered me the opportunity, to be of comfort to someone one else.  At home later that night, I thought about the young woman, nurse, and the bus driver, all whose paths crossed with mine. I was never happier to be in the right place at the right time.

We all want better for ourselves, and hopefully the same for others. Paying it forward results in mutually shared joy, and keeps the flame of hope burning in people. Creating ripples of kindness helps to make the world, “a better place, for you, me, and the entire human race”. Life is a continuum. Sometimes it’s not about you or me. Life can deal shitty hands at times. Yet, we often find ourselves s in a position to save someone or vice versa. We are able to learn the mechanics of reciprocity, when stand together and rise.

Until the next post,

Best,

Juan

Video : You tube

Obama’s last day in office was yesterday. Last week, I tuned in to watch his final address to the nation. Cried like a damn baby. A grown woman. I couldn’t help it. I suspect I wasn’t alone. Regardless of how anyone feels about him personally, he loves his family. The tribute to Michelle, Sasha, and Malia, was emotional, heartfelt, and loving. # relationshipgoals#

I wanted to use this forum, to thank the man, who has led America for the past eight years.  A man globally respected. One who never lost his cool, or stoop to the level, of those who attacked him and his family. A man who has brought about change, and helped so many believe “Yes, You Can”. I can’t begin to list his accomplishments. The accolades are many. THANK YOU VERY MUCH, MR. PRESIDENT.

Thank you isn’t nearly enough. I’m ever so grateful, I lived to witness history. Below is Obama’s final letter to the nation.

My fellow Americans,

It’s a long-standing tradition for the sitting president of the United States to leave a parting letter in the Oval Office for the American elected to take his or her place. It’s a letter meant to share what we know, what we’ve learned, and what small wisdom may help our successor bear the great responsibility that comes with the highest office in our land, and the leadership of the free world.

But before I leave my note for our 45th president, I wanted to say one final thank you for the honor of serving as your 44th. Because all that I’ve learned in my time in office, I’ve learned from you. You made me a better President, and you made me a better man.

Throughout these eight years, you have been the source of goodness, resilience, and hope from which I’ve pulled strength. I’ve seen neighbors and communities take care of each other during the worst economic crisis of our lifetimes. I have mourned with grieving families searching for answers — and found grace in a Charleston church.

I’ve taken heart from the hope of young graduates and our newest military officers. I’ve seen our scientists help a paralyzed man regain his sense of touch, and wounded warriors once given up for dead walk again. I’ve seen Americans whose lives have been saved because they finally have access to medical care, and families whose lives have been changed because their marriages are recognized as equal to our own. I’ve seen the youngest of children remind us through their actions and through their generosity of our obligations to care for refugees, or work for peace, and, above all, to look out for each other.

I’ve seen you, the American people, in all your decency, determination, good humor, and kindness. And in your daily acts of citizenship, I’ve seen our future unfolding.

All of us, regardless of party, should throw ourselves into that work — the joyous work of citizenship. Not just when there’s an election, not just when our own narrow interest is at stake, but over the full span of a lifetime.

I’ll be right there with you every step of the way.

And when the arc of progress seems slow, remember: America is not the project of any one person. The single most powerful word in our democracy is the word ‘We.’ ‘We the People.’ ‘We shall overcome.’

Yes, we can.”

Until the next post,

Best,

Juan