Handmade Nurse Get Well Card

Click on image to enlarge.

I made this colorful get-well card for a special person in my life who will be having surgery tomorrow. I hope it puts a smile on her face and lets her know she is in our thoughts and prayers.

The base for this card is a blank Strathmore card that measures 5" by 7".

I chose the digital stamp "Nurse" from Mo's Digital Pencil to feature on the front of the card. I printed the image on white cardstock and hand-colored it with Copic Sketcher markers and Winsor & Newton Promarkers/Brush markers. I love to mix and match my alcohol markers.

I used digital paper from A Happy Place II by Ephemeras Garden on Etsy for my background. I love the bright colors and collage elements in this design. I printed the digital paper on matte photo paper using my HP photo printer and Instant Ink. I have a large collection of patterned papers in my stash, but I really like the vibrancy of digital paper. 

I added a distressed sentiment "thinking of you" to the top of the card.

I will enter this card in the following challenges:
Crafting With an Attitude Challenge #53
Lil Patch of Crafty Friends Challenge #110
Mo's Digital Pencil Challenge #281

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Book Review: Chief Complaint; Brain Tumor

Chief Complaint: Brain Tumor

Author: John Kerastas

Publisher: Sunstone Press

Date: November 15, 2012





About the Author
John W. Kerastas has worked at a global advertising agency, at several technology start-up companies and as a free-lance writer. Now, in addition to non-profit and charitable work, he spends his time blogging, speaking and writing about brain health, brain tumors and rehab.

Meningioma (The Blob) 
"CHIEF COMPLAINT: BRAIN TUMOR", that was the subject line on the memo sent from John Kerastas' neurosurgeon to his general practitioner.

This memoir chronicles the first year the author spent addressing tumor-related health issues: preparing for his first operation, discovering a dangerous skull infection, having the infected portion of his skull surgically removed,learning about his substantial vision and cognitive losses, undergoing rehab and radiation treatments, and learning to live with his "new normal".

Mr. Kerastas is brutally honest about the challenges he faced during his operations and treatments.  He depends on his humor to sustain him during the emotional highs and lows that come with a serious illness.

My Thoughts
I am sure that the Kerastas family has been through a very difficult time during the past several years. I wish I could give each one of them a big hug. A serious illness like this has a ripple effect among the entire family.

This story is a wonderful example of the power of laughter. John did not find his brain tumor funny but he was able to look on the bright side and laugh at himself during the difficult days that he experienced.

John's occupational therapist gave him lessons from Lumosity to increase his brain function. This site is is an online tool for cognitive enhancement. The author would take tests and work puzzles each day to improve his memory, focus and attention. I had never heard of this site so I went to Lumosity to test the condition of my brain. I scored in the top 85% of all who have taken the test on my first day. I will go back each day and see if I can improve my score. 

I think this is an outstanding book about exactly what happens when you are diagnosed with a meningioma brain tumor. However, you don't have to have a brain tumor to benefit from reading this book. This is a story of courage, persistence and determination. You will draw strength and inspiration from John's story. Highly recommended!

My Rating: 5 Stars out of 5

FYI ~ The author sent me a complimentary print copy of this book to read and review.

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Thanksgiving Week In The Hospital

Last week I became very ill and had to be admitted to the hospital. I had a serious gallbladder attack on Monday and had surgery the next day. During the surgery, I experienced a rare complication. The right side of my lung collapsed.

The week passed by in a blur. I have had some time to reflect on this unexpected experience. Here are some things that I have been thinking about;

• Life really is very fragile. I was going along fine one day and the next day I was seriously ill. Good health is the most precious blessing that we have. Health really needs to be a top priority in my life.
• I will strive to never take my family and friends for granted. Even though I was too sick to visit, I was so glad that friends and family members called me or came by for a visit. Many more were praying for my recovery. I was especially pleased that my husband and daughter took turns sleeping at the hospital so I would not have to be alone.
• Everyday will be Thanksgiving Day. My husband and I ate Thanksgiving dinner in my hospital room. I ordered turkey and dressing from the hospital kitchen and he bought a turkey dinner from the cafeteria. When times are bad, I should not stop counting my blessings. An attitude of gratitude helps me keep things in the right perspective.
• I will live life to the fullest. Life is good even when things around me are bad.

My life has been changed. I pray that I will have the strength and courage to make a difference in the world before it is time to leave.