Fiercely Independent Pam

Author: Pamela

  • Under a Warm Quilt: Dreams of Things to Come!

    I have a small obsession with a quilt. You see my dad loved all sorts of patterns and designs on his shirts. He mismatched patterns with solids and such. My dear sister-in- law took a leap of faith and created a wonderful quilt using some fabrics from my dad’s closet. The end result is a wonderful throw quilt that I use at least once daily. It sits on my bed and I use it, even when I am not cold as it’s such a comfort tool for me.

    I swear that I feel my dad close by when I am resting or sleeping under this amazing quilt. Erin really outdid herself and created a cross pattern for the reverse of the quilt. It was a huge undertaking for her and I love the end result so much. I often wish I took the quilt with me to the hospital, but hate the idea of getting “hospital germs” on it. Everything needs to be balanced to keep my immune system safe.

    Currently, I believe my dad is sending me good thoughts and warm dreams of my service dog. I know he would be so Impressed with all that a dog is going to be able to do for me. He would’ve getting a kick over all the things that the dog will require including special shoes and sunglasses. He barely thought a dog needed even a leash.

  • Rosary In A Year: Finding My Way!

    On January 1, 2025, I started something new. I thought it was just going to be something different, but I never expected it change me the way that it has. I decided to “jump on the train” and complete the “Rosary in A Year with Ascension Press.” This podcast/prayer plan was going to be my way to bring forward my Catholic faith more this calendar year.

    I have written about being a “Cradle Catholic” before and love my faith. I have always loved the prayers of the Most Holy Rosary and my favorite devotion is that of “Mary Undoer of Knots. Like most Catholics, the Rosary is something that is picked up in fervor during tough times and unfortunately forgotten about when needing to make prayers of Thanksgiving.

    So, when I found out about the “Rosary in a Year” program, I was in! I quickly downloaded the prayer guide, subscribed the podcast, and I was “In.” The plan was well thought of, gentle and totally doable. I love the devotion of Fr, Mark-Mary Ames. Through story telling, scripture readings, works or art, saint reflections and more, I have learned so much about the Holy Rosary, Mary, and Jesus. I have grown closer to my faith, the ability to say yes to God, and how to rally my life’s challenges.

    Each morning, I wake up and put the podcast on. I love that I finally have a morning prayer ritual. The timings have always felt just right while working up prayer muscles to a full Rosary. Having led countless Rosaries at school, I never have felt so connected to the prayers, devotions, and meanings behind both. All of this was accomplished “Little By Little” as Fr. Mark-Mary says. It hasn’t been perfect, but I keep coming back to it!

    I also learned how to complete something. So often. we are challenged to try something long term and it just doesn’t work out.We give up and it’s one more unfinished business item. The power of this podcast is that, even when I missed a day or even a week, I could still pick it back up and catch up. I was successful!

    So, if you are new or old to the Rosary, looking for a prayer routine, or just don’t know where to turn, try this out. I promise it’s time well spent.

  • One More Surgery Before The End of the Year!

    Nothing like finishing the year with an unplanned surgery. Yesterday, I ended up having a surgery biopsy of an artery near my left temple in an effort to learn more about a new possible diagnosis. All went well, I was thankful for my friend to take me and despite being a late add the day after Christmas, I made the most of it. Here is a link to the condition they are “treating for.” Basically, it’s yet another autoimmune issue.

    The hardest part continues to be taking such high dose steroids again. I needed a iv dose on top of everything else so sleep is hard to find. Luckily the pain is well managed with my usual and just a little extra Tylenol. The results will be pending until I follow up with the rheumatologist on Tuesday. still figuring out transportation for that trip too.

    In the meantime, I have a long awaited neurologist appointment on Monday to hopefully establish local neurology care and possibly go back to botox shots for my migraines. I made this appointment over the summer, so I hope it will be worth it. I’ve heard good things about the provider. Its hard to keep my expectations low at this point with a new provider, because even those that weren’t able to make much of an immediate difference, usually have something to give. For example, the neurologist I ended up working with in Florida was convinced I had MS, but his help really came in finding me a way to attain my amazing power wheelchair.

    And it goes like that. Some providers have the clinical experiences and are up to my challenge and others have a human side that rise to meet me as well. There are few in between that possess both features and for that I am most grateful. Either way, I have learned to not burn bridges for you never know when you may need them again. Chronic diseases cause extreme burnout for the patient and the providers, but with some patience, it can be managed.

    For this weekend, I will rest and recover, from Christmas, from surgery, and from chronic illness. I am working hard on a reflection of the past year, so that will be coming up. I think I am finally ready to embrace a New Year’s tradition that doesn’t work around a school calendar!