joyful2beeblogs

I can understand myself now after the problems I faced with a sick husband and later just getting older. My problem was my husband, who after 14 years of marriage, discovered he had diabetes. His personality changed and he had a severe stroke 10 years later. The brain MRI showed that he had had mini-strokes over the years after we married. After months of physical therapy, he recovered well enough to hold his desk/computer job and walk with a cane. He passed away in 2009 from heart failure.

He had always taken care of the bills, etc. I took care of drawing up his insulin. He still loved me and apologized to our son and me on his deathbed. I had to figure things out and take care of our house and yard.

After he passed away, I realized that I was no slouch in the intelligence department. He had a Doctorate in Old Testament theology. I had a three year nursing diploma and worked 17 years in ICUs or CCUs. The other 20 years, I worked mostly on the heart floors. I know who I am and that I love God, life, my family, people, animals, nature, music, and beauty. I love my life, my family, the memories I have experienced, good and bad about my life. But I came out victorious on the other side of it all.

I am more confident now and love to figure out puzzles, do jigsaw puzzles and brain games on my cell phone or tablet. As I get older, I learn more about my abilities.

I care deeply about people of all kinds. Having been a nurse for 37 years, even though I am retired, I still love to offer help or assistance when there is someone in need. God put this love in my heart and I am so very thankful that He did.

I live by the “Golden Rule.” I am writing this for young adults who are trying to figure out the careers to take in their lives.

Hold tightly that which you know through experience, examination, contemplation, hard work, and lessons learned from life. But…do not run away from life so hard by working all of the time, so that you forget to look for and see the beauty of life around you; that you lose a sense of humor, or lose the ability to love, to find joy and love for yourself. Everyone deserves, at least at first, to have a “good life.”

But some fall sick with diseases, lose loved ones, or homes, or money. Life, in spite of problems to be faced, can be worked hard to be worthwhile and enjoyable, even during  some hard times. I learned this all through my own life battles, trials and tribulations.

I have peace with God in my life and heart. I love people and the beauty of this world.

Some of my photos of nature are wonderful examples of the beauty of this world.

All photos were made by me.