Hope Blooms

Hope Blooms was birthed when my son was very ill . There was major doubts about his health in the medical community as no one could figure out what was going on with him. I’ve always been an optimist and cheered others in a new direction when they were down.

This time it was me needing the cheering but not much came my/our way.

Not many knew of this situation due to my son's request. The few who were privy didn't know what to say or do. Some family stayed completely away not a word or note of support . How does one handle illness virtually alone? How does one handle seeing a loved one hanging on to only his mothers cheers?

"We will find a way. You will get well." were the words I cheered daily. I was so passionate about finding an answer and when no answer came forth our days were filled with his fears and doubts. I found myself in this whirlwind of losing FAITH, TRUST and the days became more difficult.

I thought about a folio to help others get through the roughest moments of their lives.. A cushion to comfort those who truly need that boost . Support from family and friends is so vital in difficult times .. I also wanted to help others who were afraid to come forward to nurture those in need. As well as ease into this new way of expressing support. A mini folio that others could write personalizing their support and love. I feel personalized thoughts and sentiments are more powerful than the generic greeting cards of today. Contemplation of a mini folio was running through my mind. HOPE>>>HOPE>>HOPE>>>A mini folio about HOPE>>RENEWING HOPE? Hummm...

I thought about a graphic that symbolized HOPE and asked my cousin if she could take a photo of nature in this quest. Daffodils are the flower of HOPE>>>I thought about the image of a daffodil on the front of the mini folio.. I chatted with Janet about this idea. She is a gifted, self taught, photographer and is always at the right place only seconds away from phenomenal photos. . She knew of a daffodil hill and drove one afternoon to take the photo of HOPE...She called me in excitement and wonder that unfolded before her eyes. The wind was blowing a gale that afternoon and there in front of her were daffodils coming together as if they were hugging each other in this powerful wind storm. Supporting, loving, caring. She was emotional about this encounter and when I viewed the photo I knew this was HOPE>>>>HOPE BLOOMS>>>

Not too many things keep me down for too long and with support from a few family members and a couple of friends, my angels and my Sagittarius attitude I brushed the dreariness off and began anew looking at the smallest blessings that came my way. I would share these blessings with my son and even though his depression was in full weeded germination I saw a spark come forth from his eyes.. A moment of joy, a moment of wonder, one moment of thankfulness, a moment of peace.

This didn't happen daily or weekly but in moments and I realized this was a beginning.

In my search for answers even the most distinguished physicians gave us doubts. Test after test, no answers.. One doctors visit that's still fresh in my mind was a respected physician sitting behind his burl desk holding his designer pen with many framed diplomas facing our way. This man came forward with very little hope. I looked past him in his doubt and told him we would find the answers. He looked at me as if I was from another planet. As I dissected this news, his opinion, I sensed I needed to be much more involved I told my sons doctor, “ Joseph WILL GET WELL!! “

As days, months passed it seemed like I swept the entire globe via internet researching anything and everything. I went to the library countless times. I e-mailed strangers in hope of bits and pieces .I talked to friends of friends who knew someone who had Josephs symptoms and begin to place our pieces together...Links here and there.. Bit by bit we began to find more and more answers. And guess what? Joseph got better and stronger .

My son went from taking maybe a dozen strong, mind potent, meds to almost med free. His body is still healing and there needs to be another giant effort to help him find a remission, cure for his rheumatoid arthritis. I believe it will come to pass when he is willing to make that commitment. He's busy now making up for the 3 years of confusion, illness, 20 hours of sleeping and is regaining his life back.

I sometimes see him viewing the blessings surrounding us and a smile comes forth of gratitude. Singing and endless laughter now surround his being. “Hope Blooms” will be a beacon of light for countless who will face challenging times. Thank you, my angels for another gift to share with the world...