In the beggining...there was a boy.: Sewing and show

dancing my ass off at Garlows Toys for Tots show

Well I have returned back to doing shows. The last few shows have been good. I did one two weeks ago locally. I made a new costume, 31 yards of fringe. I was very pleased with how it turned out. Then at the show I danced my ass off. Plus we had a great crowd! I feel stronger and more confident that things are headed in the right direction.

Being sick for the last few months has been very scary for me and my friends/ family. It seemed that my life had become nothing but work, doctor appointments, tests and physical limitations. Illness has been difficult for me mentally too. I was weak. I was trying to put on a brave face. I didn’t like being dependant on others. I didn’t want to be a burden. Now I am improving and feel mentally better too. I had the weight of the world on my shoulders, how was I going to pay all these bills, plus work and visit the different doctors. I had cried way too many times over the last few months. The support of friends and family has been amazing. I really could not do anything, but take it one day/challenge at a time. I had gone back to working full time right after getting out of the hospital. But honestly, I was not well. I had no choice. Money pays the bills. So every day, I struggled to be there, be productive and just earn a living. I had also been helped by my family and friends with groceries and gas money when I needed it. These small gifts really helped me get by as I recovered. They also let me know that other cared about my well being. I returned to the Lung specialist and he was pleased with my progress. I have some scarring in my lungs, but overall my pneumonia is healed. My oxygen level are 99%. I was happy with his results. I don’t have to go back to him anymore. I just go to my regular doctor now. (one less doctor to see!)

I know that friends who faced similar health issues understand. I have another friend who was diagnosed with diabetes and she worries about being able to financially afford to take care of herself. I just recently got received the hospital bill. It was over $28,000 for my six day stay in the hospital. My insurance paid the majority but there is still part that needs to be paid. I guess it is like the old saying ‘you can’t get blood from a turnip’. I will pay what I can and try not to stress about the balance that will carry over every month. I will just paying what I can.

I am more of my old self than in recent months. I traveled out of town this last weekend and had a great show. I got to see some of my friends and help out a great charity organization. We raised money for Toys for Tots. There are many groups that do this kind of fund raising. Many children will enjoy a brighter Christmas. I was just glad to help and be apart of the effort again this year. It was a lot of fun and I enjoyed shopping for the kids too. We raised 4700 in cash, a donor gave 2200 in new bicycles, and another donated about $500 worth of new helmets to go with them. The total raised was about 7000$ total! That felt awesome to be a part of it!