Depression Recovery Group

So I got sick again as soon as I got home from California. I've had this cold that I can't seem to shake and it does affect my energy level more than usual. Plus, I hate feeling like there's an echo in my head. I sure hope that's only the cold and not my brain cells dying :-( When I was in Cali, Frendell started the Depression Recovery Group at our Chicago church. We have more than 10 people attending. Last Saturday, he went on a retreat with the young adults from our other church, so I was in charge of facilitating the group. It was great to share with others about the things we've learned about Nutrition and how it affects depression and nutrition and how it helps with healing. Sharon helped me out alot and I am glad that she was there. I made several things for people to try: walnut maple cookies, walnut spread, lentil spread along with cut-up vegetables and crackers and the flax-walnut sprinkle, used best for cereals. Everyone seem to like the food... and they were easy enough to make. When I made stuff on Thursday and Friday, I did not heed my pain and kept going and I paid for it. My arm was throbbing all week-end and I'm hoping that it will start to settle down now. Would you believe I drove myself to church? It was kind of a weird feeling... before all of my surgeries in the past years, I drove around all over the city and suburbs of Chicago, seeing patients and all. After my surgeries, it hurt too much to drive, so I haven't driven consistently in a long while. I didn't do too bad at all... in fact, I felt good that I almost drove up to Wisconsin... just kidding... I was tired and my arm was throbbing by the time I got home from church late that afternoon.

I have alot of paper work to do... I am so grateful to be able to take experience these things again. Cancer changes you but not all the changes are bad. Our friend, Mariezel, came to speak at our church at Frendell's request. She told of her experiences and challenges as an only child who took care of her dad, who died of multiple myeloma. She had put her career on hold to take care of him. He lived more than 2 years past diagnosis when initially he was only given 2 - 6 months. Two years later, she had to face similar feelings and challenges as her Mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. Mariezel has always shown a very strong faith in God and watching her go through these experiences challenged us to stay faithful and strong to God as well, regardless of what we're going through. In her young life, she's already faced what most people won't even face in a lifetime... and in spite of these things, her character reflects God's love in her life. Her story touched my heart and I was glad to see her and her Mom again. Going through this journey of cancer re-iterates in my heart and in my mind the resilience of the human spirit and it paints the very bold picture of a faithful God who is there through all that we go through.

Watch out for details for WALK TO EMPOWER CHICAGO MAY 9 - Mothers Day. I hope all of you will consider walking with our MPOWER team.... last year we raised close to $1000.00 for breast cancer. This year, we hope we can surpass that goal. Faith has so willingly and graciously agreed to be our captain again... she is awesome and I thank her for her time and sacrifice. So, start saving up your dollars and change.... and even if you don't walk with us, please consider making a generous donation. Have an awesome week!!! :-)