About Deb
I know you want to learn more about me, but first I have to tell you about my mom, Millie. This website and blog is in her memory. Why? Here’s the story:
Mom was legally blind as a result of the wet form of macular degeneration. This means her central vision was gone, but she had peripheral vision, what she called her getting around vision. And did she get around. Until her death at 92 she lived alone – independently – and took care of her shopping, laundry, cooking, as well as volunteer work, and fun activities with her friends. How did she do it? What contributed to her positive attitude? The Yes I Can blog answers these questions.
Some people like to know what time it is. Some people could care less. Mom was the kind of person who liked to know the time – always! Check out our Resource Page to learn more. I think the person who designed mom’s watch must have figured the wearer had low hearing. It was loud. Every time mom “listened” to the time, someone would ask her where she bought her watch.
This always led to a conversation about how mom handled low vision. At the end of the conversation she and I would look at each other and one of us would say, “People don’t know what help is available.” After about the hundredth time, I said, “Let’s tell them.” Yes I Can” is the result.
Millie often talked about her old life and her new life. Her old life was before she lost her vision. Her new life with blindness and macular was a happy one, full of purpose. Active in volunteer work in three places, Millie felt God using her in each place – in nursing homes, in the library, and visiting newly diagnosed.
After I wrote a devotion called Thank You Times Ten, Millie developed the habit of giving God thanks for 10 things that happened the day before. This habit helped both of us develop positive attitudes.
Even following the day the neurosurgeon told me I had a brain tumor, I could give thanks for ten things the next day. I started with thanks my tumor was benign, not malignant. It’s a rare (one out of a 100,000 people) tumor and on the list of rare diseases. I want to share info on this website how I reached my treatment decision. By the way I’m a nurse and had never heard of this tumor.
Most diseases and illnesses dictate one form of treatment. Not so with an Acoustic Neuroma. Various surgical approaches, and various radiation approaches, as well as a wait and watch approach for smaller tumors combine to make for a difficult decision. I feel like my decision steps – which really consist of prayers with specific bible verses – can be used with any major illness.
Besides all the health stuff, I want to share pictures of my amazing husband, Harry, and the 3 L’s who are the greatest grandkids in the world: Luke, Lily, and Levi.
When I’m not traveling with Harry or playing with the kids, or more often watching them play (gymnastics, baseball, soccer, and football), I’m writing. Sometimes it’s fiction writing featuring an amateur sleuth who just happens to be a nurse trying to figure out whodunit in a cozy, Christian mystery. I want to finish the sequel before I try to publish the first book. At some point I will put the first chapter on this website.
This is a good place to wrap it up and ask you for your questions and comments. Would love to hear from you and I hope to answer each one.