Vanessa Richardson's Blog, page 4

Faith Abeliever Virtual Book Tour: "D.I.Y Color Confidence" Author Rena Bullard

About The Book



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‘D.I.Y. Color Confidence’ About the Book D.I.Y. Color Confidence reveals tested, tried, and true techniques for using color correctly to beautify your home. You will discover how to use color effectively, just like the pros do. Now is as good a time as any to decorate and transform the home you live in into the home of your dreams. You can do it with color!

Get ready to learn color facts that will make decorating with color easy. Rena shares design industry secrets to help you: 1. Create the perfect mood for your home by choosing the right color. 2. Combine colors and put together unique color schemes.

D.I.Y. Color Confidence will equip you to approach your decorating project based on knowledge rather than trial and error. The end result will be a home you will be proud of and best of all, your friends will envy! Ready? Set? Decorate!   


                                        

About the Author

    
[image error] Rena Bullard is passionate about interior decorating. As a New York Realtor Rena routinely would offer sellers suggestions for staging their homes and has personally staged two of her own homes; both of which sold after only one week on the market. It didn't take long for Rena to realize she had a natural gift for design. In 2009 Rena became a Certified Interior Decorator in 2009. Rena has hosted her Blog Talk Radio pod cast show since 2009, where she freely shares what she has learned with others. She answers design questions, offers decorating tips, and interviews other design professionals in similar fields; like painters. 
Her goal is to provide her listeners with as much information as possible. Rena inherited her love for writing from her mother, who was also an author. Rena has written for blogs like Art & Home, Creating Great Homes, and writes her own blog, Redecorating Tips. She has written numerous articles for Ezine Articles for which she is an Expert Writer. As a member of The Society of Decorating Professionals, Rena contributed to their online magazine, “The Decorator’s Notebook.” Rena’s love of design is evident in the home she shares with her husband, Larry and their two young teens, Isaac and Sarah.  

‘D.I.Y. COLOR CONFIDENCE’By Certified Interior Decorator, Rena Bullard Release Date: August 1, 2013 To reserve your autographed copy by pre-ordering now at: http://www.redecoratingbyrena.com Purchase the Book Online of:Amazon.comBarnesandNoble.comFor More Information:Visit the author online at:Website: http://www.redecoratingbyrena.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/ReDecorating-by-Rena/70138174423Blog: http://redecoratingbyrenatips.blogspot.com/Radio: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/redecoratingbyrena Subscribe to YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/redecoratingbyrena Follow on Twitter: @redecorating
Book Review: If you have read the book, please we do encourage posting book reviews on Amazon.com and other online bookstores.

The Certain Ones Talk Show Hosts: Prophetess Christina Glenn Weeks, KELLE' AVENT, and New York Times Bestselling Author Kimberla Lawson Roby

Prophetess Christina Glenn Weeks is an international conference speaker who travels all over the world proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ so that souls will be saved.

She annually host her Prophetic Encounter To Remember Event ever year in August where many come from all over the world to experience a true prophetic encounter like no other.

She has recently written two books. Her first book entitled " It's Already Done" can't stay on store shelves and the online orders move fast each week. We say "To God Be The Glory."

She is the founder of VOP Ministries in NC where she and her husband oversee the ministry there. Her Parents Bishop Charles and Pastor Janet Glenn Sr. are the lead Pastors of the church. Prophetess Glenn Weeks and her husband have a wonderful church in Duluth Georgia where they Pastor together.

http://www.christinaglennweeks.com  Author, Playwright, Speaker

KELLE' AVENT is a native Baltimorean raised by grandparents from the age of 10 months. She is more than a survivor. Faced with many trials as a result of her parents’ addiction to drugs throughout her childhood, she chose to rely on faith to fuel her future. A 2006 graduate of Delaware State University, Kelle’ has received the opportunity to work in many industries including: radio, film, theatre, and fashion designing to name a few, earning many honors. However, her most prized honors are personal: as a wife to Carlos, mother to Lyric and mentor. Kelle’ mentors teen girls and young women, challenging them to overcome the worst, encouraging to obtain the best, and igniting them to accomplish it all through faith. She is one of God’s prophetic mouth pieces for her generation, committing to be the oil that reminds young and seasoned people of Christ’s undying love and desire to see them well. http://kelleavent.webs.com/    New York Times Bestselling Author Kimberla Lawson Roby has published 19 novels which include A HOUSE DIVIDED, THE PERFECT MARRIAGE, THE REVEREND’S WIFE, SECRET OBSESSION, LOVE, HONOR, and BETRAY, BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU PRAY FOR, A DEEP DARK SECRET, THE BEST OF EVERYTHING, ONE IN A MILLION, SIN NO MORE, LOVE & LIES, CHANGING FACES, THE BEST-KEPT SECRET, TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING, A TASTE OF REALITY, IT’S A THIN LINE, CASTING THE FIRST STONE, HERE AND NOW, and her debut title, BEHIND CLOSED DOORS, which was originally self-published through her own company, Lenox Press.

She has sold more than 2,000,000 copies of her novels, and they have frequented numerous bestseller lists, including The New York Times, USA Today, The Washington Post, Publishers Weekly, Essence Magazine, Upscale Magazine, Emerge Magazine, Barnes and Noble, Amazon.com, Wal-Mart, The Dallas Morning News, and The Austin Chronicle to name a few, and both BEHIND CLOSED DOORS and CASTING THE FIRST STONE were #1 Blackboard bestsellers for four consecutive months in both 1997 and 2000. BEHIND CLOSED DOORS was the #1 Blackboard Best-selling book for paperback fiction in 1997.
http://www.kimroby.com/

Love Lifted Me

Coming Soon!


The Guardian

 Detective Eric Miller was convinced true love was not for him, his failed relationships, led him to believe so. Being a man of stability and control, Eric stoically shunned love; it was too messy—too unstable. This was why he vowed to put as much space as possible, between him and the beautifully intelligent Rayna Peterson. Now, if only his heart would listen. Unexpectedly, fate would force them together, when Rayna is threatened by a hidden evil. He lurks in the darkness, an elusive being. He boldly strikes at the most unusual moments. Eric promised himself that nothing would harm, Rayna, but to keep her safe he would have to spend time around her. Was he willing to risk both his life and heart for her?

The Promise Woman

Attorney Rayna Peterson always knew she a woman promised for greatness. Her faith was something she took great pride in, but of late the strange and evil occurrences had her doubting, everything familiar to her -- and for the first time, she realizes that her faith alone isn't enough to lift her from the pit of doubt. Feeling lost, Rayna unites with Eric. Together they would fight the forces seeking to destroy her and everyone she loved. Would Eric's love be the lift she needed, to restore her shaken faith?

 www.TheCertainOnesMagazine.com

Actor and Singer Tony Terry Visits The Certain Ones

 

Thursday, July 4th at 6:00pm EST, on The Certain Ones Talk Show is the incomparable actor and R&B singer Tony Terry. Be our special guests calling in at (917) 932-1607 or join us live in our chat room at www.blogtalkradio.com/thecertainones.


 His Music
As an artist who needs no introduction, R&B singer Tony Terry sings so sweetly and energetically! He is an exceptional artist with a distinctive voice, stunning looks and loads of sheer star power! Currently signed to Monarchy Records, Tony Terry is hard at work performing and pouring his passion into his new R&B project "iTony" to be released soon. The soul/new jack swing singer from Washington, D.C. topped the charts in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s with such hits as "With You” which reached the Top 20 of the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, as well as was number #1 on the Top 10 R&B chart. “With you” has become an everlasting ballad of endearment and a wedding day anthem and continues to be the song of choice for a new generation of brides.
His Message
Today the master of love ballads and timeless songs is delivering a new message along with his wife and music; one that aims to create awareness about the impact of fibromyalgia on patients and their caregivers. The Terry's were recently named National Spokespersons' for the National Fibromyalgia Association and they are now speaking to audiences across the nation about the debilitating condition. Terry is a dynamic public speaker and shares his story of life as a caregiver for his wife Ronnie who suffers from fibromyalgia. Terry has also performed the song “Remember the Love” which debuted during National Fibromyalgia Association Awareness Day. Terry dedicated the song to the over 10 million people affected by the condition.   http://www.mrtonyterry.com
Tony Terry -- Everlasting Love

Words Of Life, Author LaKeisha M. Hall

 About the Book
Words of life present an honest, raw and vulnerable insight into the healing process through poetry, scripture and prayer. Each poem provokes you to look within and discover your purpose in life and go after it.
Through her own personal journey of loss, betrayal and hopelessness, she has discovered the power of love, peace and forgiveness, and is now revealing how this delicate process can propel you out existing and into living.

Inspiring and provoking, this poetic masterpiece exposes how life’s experience affect us spiritually and can
Prepare to laugh, cry, meditate and glean from each page as these gems of wisdom transform your heart and mind one line at a time. Allow the words to shift your mindset and penetrate your heart.
be healed through God’s Word, prayer and self-examination.

About the Author
Evangelist LaKeisha M. Hall is a Philadelphia, PA native who is loved and regarded by many as a prophetic intercessor; she is a licensed and ordained Evangelist and preaches the gospel with precision, power, and authority.

In May 2004 she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management and will pursue her Master's degree in the near future. She currently resides in Los Angeles, CA where she is an active member of West Angeles Cathedral under the leadership of Bishop Charles E. Blake.
Purchase the Book Online at:
Author LaKeisha Hall ‘Words of Life’
www.amazon.com
www.smashwords.com
www.BarnesandNoble.com

For More Information:
Visit the author online at:
Website: www.lmhenterpise.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lakeisha.hall.96
Follow on Twitter: @LMHEnterprise

Madeline's Protector, Author Vanessa Riley

The Regency and early Victorian eras have always been a magnetizing draw for Vanessa Riley. Even as she worked to complete her doctorate in Mechanical Engineering , she made time for renaissance fairs and any novel or cinematographic work depicting these genteel societies of old. Perhaps, the attraction arises from the kinship she feels with the period being brought up in the restrictive Southern Bible Belt with its stringent definitions of decent behavior and life expectations. Perhaps the common dominator to this appeal is her own thirty day Christian courtship or even the arranged marriages of her uncles; each is emblematic of the nuptials of those earlier times.

A technology muse like Dr. Vanessa Riley is probably not the immediate choice to write about haute ton English society set in the 1800's. With published works such as 'Reducing Deformation by Phase Manipulation,' the common visceral reaction is Providence has given another mule a voice to tell His story. Nevertheless, this mule uses her determined spirit and dogmatic tenacity to discover the hidden nuances of a character making him believable, her touchable, and both ready to be used of God.
Vanessa holds a doctorate in mechanical engineering and a masters in industrial engineering and engineering management from Stanford University. She also earned BS and MS in mechanical engineering from Penn State University. She has been a radio anchorwoman and church announcer. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers Association, Romance Writers of America, and Specialty RWA Chapters: The Beaumonde, Faith, Hope, & Love Chapter, and the Georgia Chapter.

Today, Vanessa juggles mothering a eight year old, her seventeenth wedding anniversary, engineering, writing and speaking at women's events. She is known for her humorous delivery of poignant truths. Vanessa is currently, editor in chief of an online social network, www.busymama.net.
 
About the book
f all the young men of England leapt off a cliff, Madeline St. James wouldn't care. Then she'd have peace. Her nightmares of courtship would end, and she'd cozy up with a Psalm in her aunt's quiet sculpture garden. Yet, a chance meeting and a bullet wound change everything, and Madeline must trust the Good Shepherd has led her to the altar to marry a dashing stranger, Lord Devonshire. Death and pain are no strangers to Justain Delveaux, Lord Devonshire, and he vows his dutiful bride will be kept safe and in her place. Though this compromised marriage is in-name-only, his wife and her unwavering faith both intrigue and allure him. Perchance when he thwarts his brother's killer, Justain will tempt the unpredictable Madeline with the comfort of his arms. But can Madeline and the stubborn earl forge a true bond before the next disaster strikes?

Madeline's Protector - Part One Debut Regency Romance by Vanessa Riley Trailer

The Unlikely Remnant, Author Tracey Michae’l Lewis-Giggetts

 
  About the Author  
Tracey Michae’l Lewis-Giggetts is a writer, editor, and educator. The author of six books including The Integrated Church: Authentic Multicultural Ministry and Interruption: The Gospel According to Crystal Justine, Lewis-Giggetts explores in her work both the personal and collective impact of the intersection of identity and faith.
 About the Book  Faye is a mother in the AME church. She has spent 40 years of her life working for the Lord. Chad is a white, conservative Christian radio talk show host. He enjoys riling up the masses about issues related to race, gender, class, and politics. Jeremiah is a popular, Christian tele-evangelist. The charismatic, African American pastor of a popular mega-church, he is celebrated for his knowledge of scripture.


Rosa is a Hispanic, single mom. An English teacher in the Catholic school she grew up in, she is a survivor of domestic abuse. So what happens when these four very different people find themselves trapped in a historical church in North Philadelphia AFTER THE RAPTURE? More than left behind, the characters in THE UNLIKELY REMNANT are left to deal with the personal truths and tragic secrets that led to them missing God; all while wrestling with the prejudices that inevitably surface in their relationships with each other. Who will press in and who will give up their soul forever?


Purchase the Book Online at: Amazon.com
BarnesandNoble.com


Book Trailer

I Lift My Voice

March was Endometriosis Awareness month, so I lift my voice as I remember the days of years past. “Vanessa, remember you have endometriosis.” Those words swirled around in my head, but my mind refused to process the meaning behind them. My doctor’s eyes compassionately swept over my face, finally settling on my eyes. He patiently waited for his words to sink in; unfortunately they wouldn’t. Firstly, I didn’t know what endometriosis was, and if he had explained it to me during the process of my treatment, it went unnoticed. Secondly, I was battling catamenial pneumothorax at the time, this is when a woman has her menses and within 24-48 hours her lung collapses, roughly affecting 1 percent of women in America. By this time, I’d underwent major lung surgery and had a total of 10 chest tubes, so endometriosis was the last thing I was thinking about.

I recall one fateful night being forcefully awakened by severe pain in my abdomen and lower back. Try as I might, I just could not go back to sleep; I couldn’t escape the severity of that continued sharp pain. This would go on for months — the pain was blinding and crippling, often leaving me bedridden for days. It seemed to me my life was a constant battle to live (not exist) and be happy in life. My battle was against my own body and mind. Yet, I was determined to win.

“I do?” I asked my doctor. I barely recognized my voice; it was weak with pain and disappointments. My doctor nodded his head. “Yes, you do. You have had to be one of my most difficult cases treated. I’ve removed an incredible amount of Endometriosis from inside of you. Remember you also have it on your lung. These tissues may have escaped to other areas of your body. Doing more surgery runs the risk of causing more damage than good.”

Those were not the words I wanted to hear. I wanted to be fixed, to be made whole again. I left My doctor’s office burdened with despair. I was silent and reflective during my ride home. The world seemed a different place to me. In the matter of minutes I had been changed inside forever.

There was a gamut of emotions swamping me. Anger was in the lead. I am not perfect by any means, but, I’ve always been mindful of my deeds and actions. I respected myself and others.
I believed in God and attended church faithfully. Yet, I was living a life of daily chronic pain. “There was no cure for me.” Those words became a song in my head; it played on repeatedly. “There’s no cure for me.” I looked up and noticed the sun was still shining, and almost became angry. I looked around and the world was still going on, oblivious to my struggle. “There was no cure for me.” How dare the world still move forward, and my world had just been turned upside down!

I made a decision that day, I was too young to be bitter for the rest of my life. I decided I would not let this situation defeat me. I was too young to carry this cross for the rest of my life. I went home and began to research what endometriosis was. I was Trojan; I studied and applied what I learned to my daily living. Sometimes it can take up to 10-12 years for a patient to be diagnosed with Endometriosis. It goes a little further here, I had to deal with this weakness, really, who want’s to be considered weak. I realized this weakness was my strength and I would not be embarrassed about it. I don’t want young girls to suffer in silence as I did. Although there is no cure there is treatment.

Approximately 176 million women and girls worldwide suffer from endometriosis; 8.5 million in North America. I’d also learned how to eat all over again. I had to cut out red meats, I’ve gotten rid of dairy products, and I’d removed wheat products out of my diet as well. I start eating healthily. I removed myself as best as I could from stressful situations, as this could exacerbate pain levels. I began to do meditations. I began to come to grips with the fact that, I could live and not exist; in spite of what’s been assigned me. I just had to readjust. Again, I also made it an issue to not remain silent anymore. Respectively, talking about something as private as your cycle can be quite awkward, but this slight discomfort is all worth it; if I can inform and enlighten people (men and women) about endometriosis. I don’t want anyone to suffer needless for years, because of lack of information. So, I continue to lift my voice, sharing my testimony, enlightening people about endometriosis — and I continue to keep the faith, because endometriosis doesn’t have me.

Endometriosis Resources
www.medicinenet.com/endometriosis
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/endo...
http://www.endo-resolved.com/diet.html
Vanessa Richardson can be reached at: vanessajackso90@hotmail.com

This is my story… Joy Elizabeth Turner

Endometriosis. That was the “official” diagnosis. After years of suffering through pain, excessive absences from school/work and extreme fatigue that would often impede upon even the simplest routine, there was finally a “name” to this evil entity that plagued my body. I was told during one procedure, they discovered scarring and adhesions that were situated on a nerve and the risk involved in removing those adhesions could leave me paralyzed from the waist down. Additionally, I’ve always been told that the only “real” remedy to end the endo was through hysterectomy. I wasn’t completely convinced and I also had some doubts about the effectiveness of that particular surgery given the information about the nerve tissue. All of the technical, medical “babble” just frustrated me because I still wasn’t hearing a definite resolution to end my pain.  



Endometriosis. That was the “official” diagnosis. After years of suffering through pain, excessive absences from school/work and extreme fatigue that would often impede upon even the simplest routine, there was finally a “name” to this evil entity that plagued my body. I was told during one procedure, they discovered scarring and adhesion's that were situated on a nerve and the risk involved in removing those adhesion's could leave me paralyzed from the waist down. Additionally, I’ve always been told that the only “real” remedy to end the endo was through hysterectomy. I wasn’t completely convinced and I also had some doubts about the effectiveness of that particular surgery given the information about the nerve tissue. All of the technical, medical “babble” just frustrated me because I still wasn’t hearing a definite resolution to end my pain.

[image error] There was a movie out once called the “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” and although I honestly can’t remember much about the plot or script of this film, the title pretty much sums up what it feels like when symptoms of endo are at their worst. I once had a dear 96-year old woman (I was her caregiver at the time) say to me, ”pain makes you a different person.” That phrase stuck with me, it adhered to me like Velcro as I realized that at times my own endo pain had a tendency of altering my mood to the point where I no longer felt like myself. I became someone else whose characteristics embodied irritability, depression, low-tolerance and a bad attitude. And I’m supposed to be a Christian woman, minister of the gospel, strong woman of faith! Yet, I have this “thorn” that I just can’t shake, and when the pain hits… it hits hard. Even with a “mustard seed” of faith left, nothing could dilute, diminish, erase, cover, or hide the fact that yes… I too am in pain. BUT, there is a silver lining to my story. 

My goal as a writer and entrepreneur is to be able to someday coach and counsel other women who have been suffering with endo and other life-altering conditions to create a better balance in their lives through entrepreneurship and tapping into their individual gifts, talents and abilities. My first book “Content…Right Where I Am” was actually born out of my own struggles, which did include this battle with endometriosis. I truly believe that although I may still have symptoms and require pain meds (AND a heating pad from time to time…), I speak healing into my situation and all of my fellow endo sisters. All hope is not loss and together we unite in VICTORY over endo.
Joy & Blessings!
Joy E. Turnerwww.joyeturner.com

Emma's Endometriosis Epic

I am Emma Latham, twenty-nine years old and this is my story, the story of my health anyway. If I included everything else it wouldn't just fill a page, it would fill a book. Maybe a book I’ll write one day! For as long as I can remember I've always been a sickly child; not sickly as in anything really serious, just colds, flu, the usual bugs kids catch. As I got older I developed problems with my ears from flying, then as a teenager asthma, bowel problems and slight anxiety issues and OCD - not the kind of OCD you would think though. I was obsessed with keeping busy, not stopping; this led to my mind and body giving way to exhaustion many, many times.

Then I met the man of my dreams. I fell pregnant and when my son was around 5 months old the pains started. My periods had always been painful and irregular, and I didn't think they could get any worse but they did. The doctors often suspected appendicitis, but I didn't have that. So I was just given medication to control my periods basically. I do find a lot of what happened before actually getting diagnosed a blur, so I may have missed out bits. That's what the pain does to you: it makes everything fuzzy and makes days blur together. What stands out the most though is the incompetence of a certain doctor at a certain hospital, starving me for a week to do tests, then sending me home stating "No point in doing any tests anyway because we are not going to find anything are we?" I was like “I don’t know” and was sobbing my heart out. I went home the next day and spent the next month in a worse state than the one which I’d attended the hospital in. I was scared to go to hospital and a bit anxious about attending the doctors’ surgery again.
So by then my son was five years old and I was exhausted all the time, in a lot of pain and being treated for tension headaches and depression; I say the word depression loosely because I didn’t feel I was depressed I was just not happy that I was in pain all the time, and found it hard to cope with that factor. And also I was suffering badly with my hands; I had the carpel tunnel operation and it didn't work, and I was too much of a wimp to go through the pain to have the operation on the other hand. I went to the doctors so many times to deal with pain and they just said “Period pains, new drugs blah blah blah”. For a long time I felt like it was all in my head the pain I was suffering and the way I was feeling. I just felt at a loss. For a long time I felt like it was all in my head, the pain I was suffering and the way I was feeling. I just felt at a loss. In between all this going off I tried to stay positive. I went back to university because I’ve always believed writing is a good therapeutic practice and I managed to complete a MA in Creative Writing. During the course though I had a miscarriage, and our son blamed himself. I felt sorrier for him than I did myself. I wrote this poem, and then didn’t really deal with it again.
Until We Meet Again
The magic stick reads:Positive!A million thoughts run through my head:How can I afford another child?We have no space!What If I’m not ready?I already have one child!I need to figure out what I’m going to doAbortion, no I couldn’t do it.One week later sat at the computerThe baby is comingNot to meet life, but to meet deathThe gods decided his or her fateAnd I had no say.
Today, I cope; I try not to think about itHe must have overheard me and his daddy talkThinking he is to blame for the loss of our babyI begin to cry, hold him tightThe gods decided his or her fateAnd we had no say.
Anyway I moved from several towns; my bowels got worse, the periods got worse, the headaches got worse, and yes the mystery pains I was having got worse, and my hormones were so out of control. One minute I'd be okay, the next minute I'd be screaming, and the next minute I'd be in tears. I just didn't know what to do; I didn't know where to turn. I mistrusted doctors and hospitals, but in the end I'd had enough so with persuasion, I went to see the nurse and the doctor. They suggested it may be Endometriosis; at that point I was like “Endo- what- e- what-o??” because I had never heard of it before. It was briefly described to me, but to be honest I was still puzzled.
On February 2011, I had a Laparoscopy; they discovered adhesion's had developed due to me having a C-section with my son, and Endometriosis in the abdominal area. I was lucky; as it was bad in that area but they managed to laser it away, I think! I then went on the Prostap injection not long after surgery. I hated the way it changed me. I know it’s meant to change your body into a menopausal state, but I was just “arghhhh!” How do I describe it, as I said before: the screaming, the crying, the shouting, but worse; my anxiety levels were through the roof. I was like dynamite ready to explode at any second, and I'd get so upset and angry about the littlest things. I had turned into a monster. 
My poor husband barely slept because I was pulling the cover off and on. I kept getting up during the night  because I was drinking so much fluid. I am surprised the whole house didn't catch pneumonia to be honest because of the amount of times I'd left the windows open; when the weather outside was freezing. My Doctor then suggested HRT to me, and I'd seen with my own two eyes what that can do. I did not want facial hair; I am not a man for Christ’s sake! I wanted to use HRT and deal with menopause when it’s the right time to be dealing with it, not before I am 30 thank you very much! I said good-bye to that idea, and hello to the idea of having another child. So the gynecologist sent me away all smiles all happy, with no reason why I couldn't get pregnant and wished us good luck.
My periods started being regular; I know regular I couldn’t believe it either. It took four months after stopping the Prostap -and it felt like I was waiting forever to stop using it. For some reason I thought “ok I’m Endometriosis free, now all I have to do is make love with my knight, have that perfect moment, a bit of magic and ping a little prince or princess will start growing”. But No! Because life isn’t a fairytale! Please understand that Endometriosis, isn’t something that just leaves you simply after one surgical dooh dah! I even went to the gynecologist again asking for more support in conceiving, and what could I do because I was in agony. I was told to choose right then and there to "go away and be in pain and try and conceive, or be treated." I felt awful being put on the spot like that. That health care personnel just seemed so incompetent as she suggested me to try the pill; even after I’d told her I couldn’t due to other health problems. At times I have been in so much pain I’d be screaming and crying “Just take it all out of me, just take it all out” meaning I want a hysterectomy, but I just got laughed at when it came to that remark.
Now this is where time and days blurred even more into one, because I finally convinced the doctors actually I need fertility treatment and what happens, soon as I sorted it out something else would go wrong with my health. My eyes start burning and I become sensitive to the light, I feel the urge to close the curtains and wear sunglasses even though there is no sun outside, it’s just daytime. I joked with the doctor, I think I am turning, turning into a vampire. Turns out I am not a vampire; sadly because that would have been kind of cool except the whole sucking blood thing; I’m practically a vegetarian. Anyway, I was seen by an Optician, who referred me back to the doctor, who refers me to a specialist at the hospital . . . At this point I start to get dizzy. Yes, I am blonde! But that’s not the reason. 
Well, the visit to hospital turned into nearly a three week stay. They found fluid in my brain causing pressure behind my eyes. I nearly went blind. It was scary; I pictured my son’s whole life in my mind, and the thought of not seeing him again was one of the worst experiences of my life. Various scans, x-rays and tests revealed that I have a birth defect: the tubes in my brain that take the fluids out are very narrow, and I also have chronic sinusitis. I was given more medication in the hospital, and the side effects at first were horrible. Some parts of this will make you laugh; some parts you’ll think how can she forget stuff like this? I forget what I am saying, or what I am doing, or where I am going, who I am, who my son is, who my husband is, I just didn’t recognize them. And I was aggressive and swearing and getting really agitated. My mum said I was like a stroppy teenager, she didn’t know how to deal with me because I’d never been like that even when I was a teenager. Just to add to the list of “Em’s Health Problems” I always get acid reflux, I’ve been in and out of hospital and the doctor’s surgery with that also.
When they say pain changes a girl, I totally agree. I have changed so much. I guess I have become more caring, understanding, and appreciative of the family and friends who have stuck by my side, even though I have cancelled on them numerous times. My attitude towards life has changed: I used to be so ambitious, and when I look back even though I wasn’t horrible and nasty I was kind of selfish, I have become selfless. I don’t care about having money or the best whatever material latest rubbish is out today. I don’t care about the big house, the fancy car, the big bank balance, a high end career - I once did though. All I care about is getting through each day the best I can, showing my family and friends and endo sisters that I love them, and helping and being there for them the best ways I’m able. I guess all I want is to make a difference; I just take it one step at a time. My story is not going to end here. I will make a difference because that is my purpose.

Article by Emma Latham