Intro

My name is Dana. I am a wife, a mother of 3 and grandmother. I am starting this blog in order to bring encouragement and support to those of you who suffer from anxiety, depression and sadness. 

First, I am not a doctor nor do I claim to know everything that these issues bring with them. I would, however, like to share this journey we call life with you and perhaps bring light to your darkness.

Let me tell you a little about myself. 
I have been married to my husband for 26 years. We have raised 2 beautiful daughters and continue to raise our 3rd. We have had our share of ups and downs over the years. Our biggest obstacle came in 2001 when our oldest was diagnosed with a tumor in her left eye socket at 9 years old. She had surgery to remove it and we learned that is was cancer. First thought, no way not my kid! This is a bad dream! We researched all possible avenues to find a cure. At one point we were told that her eye would have to be removed and that she would live only 5 years. This was not acceptable. Now it was time to pray harder. Anxiety set in, worry set it in and the thought of losing our daughter was almost more than we could bear. We found a doctor in Boston who invited us to be part of his medical trial for this particular cancer. He had significant results and was sure he could help us. We went. March of 2001 we packed up (we only had 2 kids at the time, 9 and 6) moved to a hotel in Boston and stayed for 2 months. There I lived with my girls alone in a strange city. Taking the train to Massachusetts General and renting a car to travel to Harvard College where some of her appointments were. 
This was a very difficult time in our lives. Although I tried to have some fun with my girls when we had down time, it wasn't easy. I was not an adventurous person. I did the best I could. I remember feeling lost and alone. I felt like my friends had abandoned me. I wasn't a strong Christian then, only a few years into my walk, so prayer and seeking God didn't come easy. Sleep was difficult for all of us. The 3 of us slept in the living room of this 2 bedroom long term apartment with the t.v. on all night. Needless to say, 2 months felt like 2 years.
Finally it was time to go home. My husband came to travel home with us. We ventured out to see some sights before going home. This was the most fun we had in 2 months. 

I tell you this story, in order to let you know that I can sympathize with some of what depression and anxiety can do to you. When we returned home life was different. Everything revolved around whether or not Madison had been cured. I would wake up in the middle of the night in the throws of a full panic attack. Sometimes they would happen while I was driving, other times, while I was just sitting quietly. It took months before I was able to gain control over the anxiety. A friend of ours was a chiropractor and suggested I try an adjustment. I had never been to a chiropractor before but I trusted him. The adjustments started helping. Don't get me wrong I'm not saying that this was a cure all. I still struggled. It was better than the anti-anxiety meds the dr. put me on. Those made it worse. 

Good news is, Madison is cancer free, married with a beautiful son. She is a strong Christian teaching pre-school at a Christian School and thriving. I thank God every day for this miracle.

Today, I am a stronger Christian. I will always have some struggles as does everyone. I understand better now how to deal with difficult situations. I have learned over the years to better discern who my real friends are and who I don't need in my life, no matter how much I want them to stay forever. That is for a later date. 

I hope you will be blessed by this blog and find some comfort in it as we go along. Watch for more. May God give you peace and comfort. Remember to Always Keep Fighting!