Courage, End of Life, Grandmother, Gratitude, Hope, Life Courage, Myasthenia Gravis, Pain, Rheumatoid Arthritis
Tune in tomorrow at 6:47AM to hear Pain Awareness Month talk hospitality of www.MIBigShow.com host Michael Patrick Shiels.
LiveStream is available to all at above website. Lansing viewers TV Fox 47 and 9 more radio stations in mid and west Michigan.
See more about Pain Awareness Month and resources available to people living with pain, their loved ones, and health professionals at www.Michigan.gov/pm and #MIPAM15
See also WOOD Radio Grand Rapids for last week’s podcast on pain management information
As with Spring comes renewal: thank you to Tepel Brothers Printers for the visionary renovation of the Coraggio Book 4 cover texture and coil; to Devereaux Beauchaine for colors that POP like spring growth, and to Harriet Tepel, Martha Harper, and Amy Roberge, for the invigorating cover unveiling celebration!
May the new Coraggio Book 4 bring Hope to this season of Promise and inspire those who hear the six Coraggio talks now through April. check out the dates and locations on this website’s home page for a talk near you!
On the last day of Pain Awareness month, check out the “State of Pain” in Michigan report. The report was picked up by the Associated Press and media outlets around the country heralded Michigan’s resources for accessing pain treatment and management. http://wnmufm.org/post/mi-agencies-address-chronic-pain-management
Read the recommendations of the Michigan Advisory Committee on Pain and Symptom Management; and all the best practices and pain self-management tips here: http://www.michigan.gov/lara/0,4601,7-154-35299_63294_63303_45947—,00.html
Myasthenia Gravis Awareness month came on the heels of grieving my dear Papa’s passing. A minor flare in symptoms served as a good reminder of the mind-body connection. Even though I am consoled by the blessings through his life and his last days, with recognition of facial muscle weakness and inability to draw a deep breath, I made a conscious effort to say out loud each morning and before sleeping,
“I am well, I am well…All is Well”.
As I affirm that I love every working muscle and every muscle needing a little encouragement, wellness settles into body and soul.
With only four days left of MG Awareness month, I invite you to “Like” the Facebook “Coraggio—Lesson from an Italian Grandmother” page, and while there grab some courage and join me in shouting, “With Courage I Can!”
Extreme heat can worsen symptoms of Myasthenia Gravis.
But did you know that extreme cold can also exacerbate symptoms of this neuromuscular disease?
After diagnosis, it was suggested I to try to select my environs as if a hothouse orchid – moderate temperatures.
With the sub-zero wind howling against my window tonight, this Southern-Italian-blooded girl rather imagines the viticoltore (grapevine grower) who caringly selected the spectacular setting in this photo for his beloved crops. Nestled along the Naples, Italy, coast, near the homes of cousins Flavio and Daniela Starnone, the soft Mediterranean breeze soothes the plants from the summer heat. Yet the caretaker of the vines knows the modest winter temperatures will nurture the purplish globe fruit to optimal sugar content and succulence—without bringing harm.
Tonight I am reminded to care for myself as the viticoltore does his grapevines. It is okay to turn the thermostat up a couple more degrees, nestle under a fluffy comforter with my photo album, and convey myself to a sunny seaside stroll between the rows of a Neapolitan vineyard. Salute and stay warm!
For those of you who struggle for hope this day…I reflect on the hope of the rosebud outside my window. As darkness fell each night this week I yearned for it to bravely endure despite frosty air. At dawn’s first light I rushed to glimpse—Yes! Vibrancy amid the grey!—its endurance brought me amazement’s inspiration.
A Rosebud’s Hope
The hope of the rosebud, that no matter how dark and despairing the night, it must continue, to bring the full potential it bears. For the bud knows that by its mere existence at the break of the dark, desperate struggle, its exquisite beauty and miraculous endurance will shine inspiration upon all whose gaze it greets. Hope. Always Hope. Spero sempre.
Lisa Gigliotti is an attorney who has lived for more than twenty-five years with severe rheumatoid arthritis and serious myasthenia gravis. Through those years’ thirteen major surgeries and use of a wheelchair Lisa has maintained a fulfilling and positive life.
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