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