Robbed of my voice, I've been given a voice

In the spring I developed a sore throat that wouldn't go away. No cough, or other symptoms, just a sore throat. I'd been singing in the church choir and I noticed I couldn't hit the high notes. OK, I'm an alto to start with, but my already low range seemed to be getting lower. Finally I went to my GP who sent me to an ENT, indicating that it might be acid reflux. The ENT confirmed (after sending an optical scope down my throat) that I had "classic acid reflux" (GERD). This was causing the chronic laryngitis.

He put me on Zegerid, which I've been taking for ~6 months. He also declared my septum "severely deviated" and recommended surgery. This had nothing to do with the acid reflux, but it a problem he could correct. I had that surgery in May. One major motivator was that I was waking up in the middle of the night with an extremely (I mean extraordinarily!!!) sore throat from breathing through my mouth. I don't regret the surgery, but on my last follow-up visit I commented that my throat was still sore and I was still having trouble swallowing. He sent me to radiology for a barium swallow. He called last week with the results. I have a hiatal hernia.

So...now I'm waiting to see the GI guy; I have an appointment for next week. And all of this is my way of explaining how I went from a yackety-yack talker to a blah-blah-blogger.

Two, two, two blogs in one... too many?

I'd started this blog a long time ago, and the focus has been on my beautiful yard and other life adventures. I wanted to start a blog specifically on parenting, so I kicked off "amothersangst". Now, when I make comments on other blogs, it leaves a link behind that sends folks to my profile. If they want, and are interested, they can pick a blog. I haven't seen any others set up this way. I'm not sure how to make the link I leave go directly to the other blog. I'm not even sure if people are reading either blog, or just departing in disgust (or whatever emotion).

{sigh}

I am committed to writing. I want to write. I'm compelled to write. Having a blog that no one reads is a little like keeping a journal that you leave laying around in the open. It might get read.... So, I'll keep writing, regardless. I am delighted with how many literate, articulate, passionate folks there are blogging away. You (or "they" if I'm talking to myself) are truly an inspiration.

Visiting my husband in jail

It's not what you think! My husband is an active leader in a prison ministry called Kairos. Today was the closing ceremony. It is always very moving and uplifting to hear the men talk about how the weekend has affected them. It means a lot to them that people on "the outside" care about them. The letters we've written, the prayers we've lifted up, and our presence at the end....all speak volumes. Sometimes these are the only letters/visits these men have received during their stay at Bartlett Jail. It's unfortunate there's not more of a program for them after they get out of jail. It's sorta like AA - a weekly meeting is a must! It is wonderful to hear how they have been changed, but it would be better to know that the support system will carry them through the huge transition of returning to life outside.

Any thoughts? Anyone out there have a story to tell about a loved one who's "done time"?

Renewal

What an interesting journey I've been on! At least from my perspective. "Interesting" in the chinese curse sort of way, perhaps, but I am not the same person I was 2 years ago, that is for sure.

Two years ago..... I had only one grandchild, and great hopes. In September '06 I delivered (yes, literally was on the receiving end) my 2nd grandchild. A granddaughter. She now lives in Washington, DC with the parents who adopted her. Last month they informed us they have changed their mind about letting us see her. I'm thinking of starting a grandparent's rights advocacy group. When our granddaughter was born, I hit a seriously low point. I lack the vocabulary to describe how low. From there, up or out were my only options. Fortunately, it was "up". I hope to spend some time documenting all I have learned since '06. It's been quite an adventure. I've started a separate blog - "A mother's angst" to document the heartache and learnings. I hope to get lots of feedback from folks, and to share "what not to do's".

I will post new pictures of my fabulous backyard on the alternative "oasis" blog, because it was easier to load photos there. I am blessed to have such a retreat.

I will use this blog to talk more about general goings on and commentaries on life in general. I've been reading, reading, reading lately. I'm currently engrossed in "Eat, Pray, Love". Have you read it?

I'm also writing. Last year I wrote a manuscript for Guidepost Magazine, which I finally submitted. I was trying to get into their Writer's Workshop, but instead they accepted the article and are planning to publish it in January, '09! I've become a regular contributor to my Church's monthly newsletter, and now... I'm back to blogging. My sister pointed me to Mrs. G, and now I'm really inspired! Is it too late to be a part of Project Ass '08???? Plus - it's great to realize there's a whole world of bloggers out there! What a community!

I'm looking forward to being a part of it.