Hi, it’s me. Vicki. Shouting a big “hello” from the other side of Hades. It’s been a seriously rough couple of years but I finally, FINALLY feel like I’m out on the other side. The other side of cancer, empty nest syndrome and a big ol’ midlife crisis just to hit the high point. YEOW!
Here is the timeline, if you are interested.
- May 2014 – Husband diagnosed with prostate cancer
- July/August 2014 – I’m diagnosed with breast cancer – two lumpectomies and one serious infection
- October 2014 – Husband has prostate removed – while I was fighting previously mention infection
- November & December 2014 – Radiation treatment
- January 2015 – My mother diagnosed with acute myeloid lukemia – Watch her fight for her life for 8 months
- May 2015 – Youngest child graduates from college and moves 1,007 miles away two weeks after graduation
- July 2015 – Step-Daughter marries and I become a grandmother by marriage
- December 2015 – I celebrate my big 5-OH
- October 2016 – Oldest son marries – this freaked me out BIG TIME
During that time I lost a writing gig that had been paying my bills and my husband was also trying to build a business from the ground up. Also from about March 2015 to October 2016 I dealt with the worst bout of depression I’ve ever experienced. It was BAD and I’m not ashamed to admit it.
But, hey, I’m still here and I’m doing fine.
In fact, all of the things I went through have given me perspective and have made me realize what is important to ME.
- Home, and having a safe place for family and friends
- Giving back to the community
- Being the best human I can be
- Art
- Gardening
- Writing
I got SOOOO into gardening last summer that I’ve decided I want to become a Master Gardener. I keep saying that I’m turning into my grandmother (I loved that woman!). I dried, canned and froze a whole bunch of produce from the garden. We’re still eating yummy, from the garden, food several months after the last hard frost. And it’s FANTASTIC!
I’ve started teaching art and craft classes for Parks and Recreation in my area and I’m enjoying teaching (and learning) and making new connections. I host an open fiber art studio that is a whole lot of fun too.
I’ve started writing again. I even started a new blog A Bit Witchy because I wanted to share some of the natural things I was doing . I do have to say that two blogs is a lot to keep up with and I think that I’ll be combining them soon.
I’ve come out the other side of 2 years in Hades and realized I don’t care so much about a big, fancy, money sucking life. The highlight of my summer last year was sitting on the ground watching a toad eat a worm. It was gross and fascinating all at the same time! Seriously.
People, good food, amazing friends, artwork, fresh plants and sun drenched food. Writing my thoughts here to share with a few people (I love it when someone comments “me too!”), teaching, traveling and snuggling my grand daughter. It’s truly all I want in life.
Sometimes I keep feeling like I SHOULD go out and get a “real job” now that the kids are gone but I just can’t make myself do it. I’d rather do without some of the things I like than spend 40 hours a week in a cubicle.
Blogging my brains out because I feel like if I’m going to spend this HUGE amount of time on something that it should earn some money. Pfffft! I get all caught up in Sally Sue saying she made $10,000 dollar last month on her blog and I was lucky enough to pay for hosting fees. I’m not Sally Sue. I won’t sell this space to make a couple of bucks selling drain opener.
I’ve also realized that some of those things I thought I needed aren’t really necessary at all. Adding new clothes to the closet full of clothes I hardly wear just because the seasons are changing? What was THAT all about? I mean, most of what I own is covered in paint or grass stains anyway. Right?
I’ve just changed. I want to do what I want to do now. I know what is important to me and what isn’t.
Home. Art. Writing. Gardening.
What is important to you and what would you spend your days doing if you could?
Aww, Vicky, thanks for letting me know I’m not alone! I too have been struggling a bit with depression and haven’t updated my art blog. I’ve been creating here an there, but the idea of sitting down and writing about it is overwhelming. I’m just going to start writing what I’m up to now, and post my art as I feel like it, have a wonderful time in your new world.
Hugs,Carmen
Carmen,
I think that nasty depression hits most of us at one time or another. We just have to get through it the best way we can. Medication, meditation or art. Whatever works. Hang in there and know that 1. YOU are LOVED and 2. Your creativity adds value to the world.
xoxo Vicki
Happy dance for you! What an adventure you’ve been on! I enjoy everything you share and see so many similarities to what I’m thinking and feeling. I find myself thinking so much now about what really matters and what I want to work hard for. So happy to follow along on your journey.
I love you, Vicki! You have come thru a time in your life that has made you stronger, happier, and more centered – like steel – forged in fire. I have learned so much from you about not letting circumstances become barriers – only hurdles to cross. The hurdles you’ve crossed have been high, but even in your lowest moments you have held onto the vision of what is really important in life. Yes, your journey has helped shape that vision, but your seeking and finding, done in gratitude, has been inspiring to me. Thank you – for being you – and for having the courage and vision to share it with me/us. That’s why I love you!
Yay ????????????
Good for you for coming through a heart
wrenching 2 years, way on top of the mountain!
And thanks for sharing so much of this time – I know this must have helped many people feel not so alone in their own personal “hades”.
All that you do is amazing and reminds me to
keep doing what’s important to me.
Thank you.