Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Our fight against Lupus...

When you prepare for battle you need strength, wisdom and determination...


As my middle son approached graduation last year he shared with me
his passion to help others build strong healthy bodies. After my diagnosis
he began a mission to help me fight Lupus with him right by my side...

He enrolled in the academy and became a personal trainer and certified
nutritionist. He is also CPR and first aide certified as well. His goal to help seniors &
others with disabilities learn how to strengthen their core and gain mobility
back into their lives living to the fullest.

Battle was something Christopher was all to familiar with. His Asthma since youth
lead me on a mission during his four years of varsity wrestling in high school. We worked
as a team as I watched him struggle till he won his champion titles his Senior year.

Now we are a new team as he is leading the way...



He has a heart that blesses me each and everyday.


Pride of a lion just like his mama...


Most people see me smiling and bouncing around at

Country Roads, the flea market or when I am

in the midst of planning a wedding or event

Christopher sees me at my worst when the Lupus

takes me to the ring and the gloves are off



Lupus like any auto immune illness is very cruel to the body.

It steals like a thief, it breaks down, attacks and destroys

the good. It is a fight and a mental one at its best. My son

has taught me through nutrition and supplements to help

restore some of what Lupus repeatedly takes from my body.



I fought kicking and screaming as he went through

the list of items that I needed to remove from my diet

 I still have to have some from time to time

Of course I give him warning " mom's eating junk "

The one thing that I never realized was how much meds I

did not have to take due to his knowledge and that I

could achieve the same benefits from food without

using drugs that the pharmaceutical companies push.



Christopher and I have shed many tears together

especially when I look back to the woman I once was

who could do just about anything to the woman now who is

smiling when she can fly a kite with her precious

Gracie on a windy day.




Gods grace is the one weapon that will never fail me and the

love and support of my family.

Gods blessing through this illness is priceless...

Last week I was chatting with Sue at the counter

at Country Roads and when we left I looked

at Mr. Dior and I said " if I did not have Lupus I would have missed

out on all of this " He replied " I know " as his eyes filled with tears.

I have another Family now that gives me an incredible

amount of love and support along my journey...

Sue's daughter Katie will know just by looking at me

when I walk in the door and will say to me with her

beautiful smile " todays a good day Huh Kate?"

" Yes " it is a GOOD day...



 the friendships that I have made

through the business, well words cannot express how grateful

I am. So many wonderful women and bloggers have blessed

my heart tremendously.


The mornings that I cannot move and the pain is unbearable

I have an angel who has to carry me to the bathroom.

He does it like its nothing and first sentence out is

"how's my girl this morning?" thats when the river of tears flow

His love never fails. When you stand there taking vows you

never really think about the " for worse ".



this little diva reminds me everyday there is a

whole lotta Better!!!!

My love and grattitude to all of you

and to my Christopher

my cup runneth over

We start training next week at his new facility

Wish me luck! I want to look like Demi Moore by

summer! I think I forgot to tell him that part.



Photography by the father of my children

Rick Maxwell our anchor in the storm...

45 comments:

Ido said...

You made me cry, many blessings for you and your family!
XXX Ido

Vintage Market Place said...

my keyboard is going to short out over the tears streaming down my face
oh my goodness Kate, I can't even express how my heart goes out to you and your fight against this disease.
For your son to take this fight on with you is amazing. I am totally against using drugs, I hate to even take aspirin. It is so great to figure out what you can use from nature.
You have a strong core around you and so many people who will stand by your side thru this fight.
wishing a good day and full of life and health
Hugs
Amy

All That Jazz said...

Such a beautiful sentiment to your family, Kate! I LOVE the photos, so unique. You are so strong and such a role model for others dealing with Lupus or any health issues really. I admire that you are eating healthy and working out. I know I need to do it but it is hard sometimes to find the motivation. Blessings to you and your beautiful family, they are your angels but you all have many others looking over you, too! ;-)
~xo/michelle~

Anne Lorys said...

It takes a strong woman to see the blessings in suffering. And you my friend, are one of the strongest I know.

Much love and prayers for you, always!

XO,
Anne

melifaif said...

Wow, what an awesome post, Kate. You are tremendously strong...and I see that runs in the family. You all are so inspirational. Keep up the good fight. Many blessings.

Robyn said...

Kate, you and your family are an inspiration for all of us. I am sorry that you have to fight so hard but thank God you are blessed with your lovely family.

Sandi~A Cottage Muse said...

Thank you Kate for sharing...

Your strength inspires me so much!
After my heart surgery this year I now know I can do anything. My family was very supportive too...couldn't have done it without them!

I also know how wonderful it is to have the support of fellow shop girls and great blogging friends.

Life is good!

Sending you a hug...@}---

Jan said...

Your story is so inspiring! May God continue to bless you and your precious family!

Crystal said...

What a wonderful post!! I think we should all be thankful for what we have and not focus on what we don't, or things we can't do. I really needed this post today...I need this post EVERY day to remind me of how blessed I really am!! Thank you!! Thank you for your inspiration and thank you for sharing. What a beautiful family!!

GLENDA CHILDERS said...

Kate, This is so beautiful. While I have a sister and neice with lupus, I really don't know what it is like on a daily basis . . . this so beautifully gives a picture into auto immune disease. So glad your family is right there with you. (And they are beautiful, too.)

Fondly,
Glenda

Cheryl ~ ZanyMayd said...

Dearest Kate ~ What an Amazing Son, Your Blessings do Overflow, Your always in My Thoughts & Prayers.... Demi Moore should want to look like YOU! xox
Cheryl

Ana said...

Love you mucho Ms. Kate.

♥Ana

Debra@CommonGround said...

love you, dear girl. lots of hugs and love to you and your sweeties!
Debra

jewels in the garden +: ) said...

Kate, God bless you and your family.
You will be in my prayers.
Julie

Mandy said...

blessings to you Kate...

Lolo @ The Adventures of Stig and Lolo said...

What a gorgeous family you all are inside and out!
Much love and blessings to you for your courage and strength my dear XOX

Sheila said...

Oh Kate...
You are so incredibly strong with courage and inspiration...I love that you are so true and real and vulnerable to show us all that live can go on regrdless of illness, sorrow and pain. i am honered to know you and to call you my friend. Keep being strong through the strength that the Lord provides you with you...good luck on the Demi goal, I know you will achieve it.

xo,
sheila

Anonymous said...

Hi Kate,
What a beautiful and heartfelt post. You are truly an inspiration to those out there that are also struggling with a debilitating illness. You are a truly remarkable woman and you are so blessed to have your children who are definitely your angels! My thoughts and prayers go out to you sweet girl!
Have a lovely day!
Sincerely,
Melinda

fleurcottage said...

i love 'redemption' stories, esp when they don't end up 'perfect' but do end up being glorious! it's sooo true that when one thing is taken away we often get something better! GOD BLESS YOU & YOURS!

It's me said...

Tears in my eyes...i will pray for you darling.....lots of love Ria....xxx...

Irma@CosasBellas said...

TY so much for sharing Princess Kate. I am having a painful day today but with your story of inspiration and these verses from God's Word
I will make it through the storm. And, yes, in EVERYTHING there is a PURPOSE.

"O Lord, my STRENGTH, and my fortress, and my refuge in the day of AFFLICTION" Jeremiah 16:19

"God is my STRENGTH and POWER and He maketh my ways PERFECT" 2 Samuel 22:33

"God is our refuge and STRENGTH, a very present HELP in trouble" Psalm 46:1

Love you much Kate,
Irma

Unknown said...

Kate,
I sit here with tears in my eyes. What a BEAUTIFUL post. I have to tell you that you are such an inspiration to me. Yes you inspire me with your sense of beauty but you also inspire me by your gentleness. I wish sometimes that I could give you a hug and say, Thank You. You have helped me threw so many dark times in the past couple months and knowing that your prayers were being sent my way, helped me tremendously. I only hope you know that I send MANY prayers and positive energy your way. : )
I have faith that you will LOVE (and accomplish) everything Christopher will teach you next week.
Your friend
~ Deanna

Sue said...

Okay girl, you got me with my own tears! You "understand" the real meaning behind Country Roads, that it IS family. As we learned recently not everyone feels the same way. I think many of us have our own personal battles we fight daily, but that positivity and feeling of real family here at CR seems to help us all fight those battles more determined to win!! I admire you for the strength you exhibit each and every day. Even when it isn't a good day, you work your way through it. Your son is awesome in the career he has chosen and so correct in that food, and what you "choose" to put into your body, makes a huge difference to our health. People are brought into our lives for a reason. And myself & my CR family are very grateful that you are a part of our daily lives. And by the way, beautiful photos!!

Take care my friend, Sue

Bohemian said...

Oh Kate, this Post really touched my Soul! You are precious and you have a most amazing Family that support and encourage you through the storms of Life! I know you are so proud of them all, what beautiful Spirits you all are and very good looking too! *winks* Your DH has taken an amazing series of Family Portraits of you and the Children. Now... after your Son gets you in Demi Shape... please, please share the knowledge *winks*... I'm mos def all in for that Goal!

Blessings from the Arizona Desert... Dawn... The Bohemian

Seawashed said...

This is so beautiful Kate. Your entire family is beauty shining forth in the world. Your son is living such a meaningful life. How very proud you must be. I know his servant heart must tug at the deepest parts of your heart. I also have a B.A degree in Nutrition. We have rarely had to use meds in our family due to eating healthy, taking vitamins, and exercising. I like that he wants to help the elderly. I have a heart to also. I've tried to find work at our Senior Center and Senior Living Centers, but there have been no openings yet. I are so beautiful and I am sorry that you suffer such pain. His grace is sufficient. You are one coming up out of the wilderness leaning on your lover. Song of Songs 8:5 Blowing kisses to you xx

Polly said...

This post is just just heart warming and touching. The "silent" diseases are so hard for people to understand. My mom has RA, an autoimmune disease in the same family as Lupus. It has been so hard for me because I can't fix things for her. I do everything I can to help her. You are so blessed to have your strong and supportive son to help you in his own special way!!

Thinking of you Kate and wishing for all of your days to be good days!!!

:-)
Hugs~

Polly

Rosemary@villabarnes said...

My prayers are with you. I've always admired your blog, but I admire you and your strength more. Keep fighting!

Unknown said...

You are a courageous women Kate and you have been blessed with a wonderful family. I can only imagine the struggle your life is but know that through you the Lord touches many people and that you are blessing others immeasurably. Keep strong and thank you for sharing. xx

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

This is a beautiful post, Kate...the love in your family is so apparent...I am glad you have so many who care about you! Sending good thoughts and prayers your way for many GOOD days!

Karen said...

Thank you for your strength to share this story. So beautifully said.
God bless you and your family.
Karen

blossoms vintage chic said...

My Dearest Kate...there is so much beauty in your strength, wisdom, and loving friendship!
God bless you and all your Dior's!
Bunches of love always,
Deborah

Nicole Dorfmädchenglück said...

so sad, but so strong!
Be strong!

wonderful photos♥

Best wishes
Nicole

The Paper Mulberry - Glenda Steel said...

Kate, with a wobbly chin and wet lashes I send this message - YOU DO LOOK LIKE DEMI MOORE, actually better, your son is delicious (can I say that???) and you family divine. Hugs - Glenda xxxx

Annie Louise said...

Oh Kate, such a sweet post. Thank God for your wonderful family. My thoughts and prayers are with you each day.
Jeanette

trash talk said...

Kate, you were born with an indomitable spirit that even Lupus can't put down. God has blessed you with not just outer beauty, but with an inner beauty and strength that is a blessing for me to behold. I can see that this same spirit and beauty has been passed down to your children. What a legacy.
Debbie
P.S. Your anchor's photographs are stunning.

the old white house said...

What a beautiful young man inside (where it counts the most) and outside. How blessed you are Kate that he took the lessons of grace that he learned from his mom and uses them in his life everyday. You have a wonderful support system in your life, that is obvious.
I was just reading recently a piece that I think rings so true for you... sometimes we are given our challenges to show a miracle of grace in how we handle ourselves through those challenges to those who are in our lives. You are showing a true blessing of grace to those who know you Kate. My thoughts and prayers are with you, and I hope today is a GOOD day. xoxo

Ron and Jamie said...

love you girlfriend!!! though we are far apart in miles now, we will forever be close <3

Candy said...

What a sweet touching story with such strong support. Lovely photos. And my prayers and blessings are with you on this journey.
I also enjoyed the floral chantys and all the eye candy post.
God bless ;-)

jewelrygirl said...

What a wonderful post. I admire you and your family very much. My mother had Lupus and I have several autoimmune problems.

It takes a lot of strength and soul. You and your family certainly have that covered.

Jenny

Sibele Saraiva said...

Kate, minha filha é fisioterapeuta, ela tem 23 anos e cuida dos idosos como teu filho lindo. O desejo dela, é que consiga realizar uma graduação no seu país. Reze a virgem Maria para que possa se livrar de Lupus assim como um milagre de Deus. Creia somente e será realizado em vós todas as misericórdias divinas. Parabéns pela força de mulher e família linda!! Cura para você anjo!!

All That Jazz said...

Just wanted to pop back over for your kind comment on my bedding post and your willingness to ship it to me if it was available in Calif! I wish I'd thought to look, I was just in Palm Desert last week. Oh well, I think I'm going w/the other bedding which I found here but I will let you know if I change my mind.
Happy weekend sweet Kate!
~xo/michelle~

Unknown said...

Kate, what a beautiful post. I have ulcerative colitis, and thank God each day for my friends and family who keep me accountable and ASK how I'm doing, and love me and are there to help when I need it. Your son is a shining example of wonderful parents, faith and having a focus. Awesome. Thanks so much for sharing.
xo
lynn

A Shabby Moment in Time said...

Kate,
My heart was so touched by your story and I want to tell you the main thing I saw shining through your words was that beautiful spirit and faith. What a blessing also to have a family who loves you so much to stand strong beside you. Your sweet attitude reminds me of some lyrics from one of my favorite worship songs "Blessed be the name of the Lord" ~
Blessed be your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's all as it should be
Blessed be your name

Blessed be your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be your name

Every blessing you pour out,
I turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say...
Blessed be the name of the Lord ~

I will be praying for you...that you have way more "good days" than bad, and that the Lord would meet you at your every need.
Blessings and Hugs,
Karen

FABBY'S LIVING said...

What a courageous and inspiring post you've shared with us, because the courage comes from you allong with your precious children. You're a beautiful family, inside and out!
God bless you all.
FABBY

Sue said...

KATE,
I KNOW WHAT A KICKER LUPUS IS--I HAVE RA AND IT KICKS ME---GOOD DAYS I UNDERSTAND BECAUSE I LIVE FOR THE GOOD DAYS.

COULD YOU SHARE YOUR DIET CHANGES MAYBE IT WILL HELP ME.

LOVE YOUR BLOG YOUR TALENT AND YOUR LOVE FOR YOUR FAMILY .

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