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Thursday, May 20, 2010

Nichola's Story on Blogazine

Hi everyone this is Christi again! I came back to help Mom and would you believe that she  insisted she was getting behind on her Blogazine stories. Since I am here to keep her in bed and happy I am trying to do the next Blogazine post ....lol...So while she is lying her on the ice pack with a new pain med I am learning how to blog.
 Update on Mom...she is still waiting for the Workman's Comp to authorize her to see the Neurosurgeon and she did not sleep well last night because she has difficulty finding a comfortable way to lay.

I think not being on here visiting with her friends is harder on her than the pain! Being a strict caregiver I have limted her usage of the computer to seven minutes morning and then again in the evening. No I am not paying her back for all the times she sent me to my room but that is a thought....

Thanks for all your sweet comments and wishing her well. 

Here is Nichola's and  her story...you can find her at  http://nmcclenaghan.blogspot.com/



 I'm a child of the 70's, born and bred in Belfast in the height of the 'Troubles'. My mum and dad met when they were very young - mum got pregnant, dad got shot. Shocking, I know - and it happened two weeks before I was born. As a result, dad has been in a wheelchair, paralysed from the waist down ever since.

Now , there's a number of things about this that amazes me:



*Dad is still alive - he was only given a few days, then weeks, then months to live. It's 36 years later and we still have him (thank the Lord!).

*Mum and dad are still happily married - of course they have an incredibly difficult life (mum cares for dad full time) but they love each other and have gotten through an amazing amount of 'near death' situations.

*They never display any bitterness - in fact they have taught me the important of tolerance and respect for others (regardless of religion, race, class).

*They sacrificed their life to make mine the best it could be - and it has been great! I was the first in my family to go to university and get an Honours Degree - I did it because they believed and empowered me to do so.



*My childhood was happy, safe, secure, loving, fun - and I could (and still can) talk to them about anything.

*They adore my daughter and still find energy, finance, and passion to invest themselves in her development.
Oh, I could go on and on (I've huge tears running down my face). My parents have helped to make me who I am today (of course there are other factors - God especially) but they made me believe anything is possible, from a very early age.
When my school teacher advised them not to let me sit the Transfer Test (because I would never amount to anything, due to where I came from) my parents insisted that I should reach for the highest of goals and dream big! They are so proud of me - a primary teacher and assistant pastor - and tell me regularly. I secretly guess that they would say the same, regardless of my job or what I do. They are proud of ME (the person I am). It makes you stop and consider how much more God feels about us.
I have wonderful childhood memories - it wasn't a bed of roses by any means, but it helped to craft a character within me that's not easily moved by circumstances. I love my mum and dad with my whole heart and am truly grateful for everything they've done for me.

I’m married to a wonderful man who I’ve known from I was 16 years old. We have a beautiful daughter, Emily (11 years). I’ve suffered a few bouts of really dark depression and battled an eating disorder. I’m still recovering in so many ways. I’ve watched my church split and then saw God rebuild it stronger and more dynamic. I’ve been deeply hurt by ‘friends’ in the past but I’m still willing to reach out to others and connect with them. I’m seeing God do greater things with me now that I’m ‘broken’ and yielded to Him.



I love painting (anything creative), writing and talking (lol). I adore teaching – kids always open your eyes to the ‘new’. I’m beginning to trust God as He uses me as a mouthpiece for His Kingdom…as assistant pastor I’ve got to do my fair share of preaching.

I’m beginning to learn to enjoy the journey to where I’m going, dropping the insecurities, comparisons, fears along the way…step by step. I’m at a fresh new chapter of my life and so excited to see what’s next.

p.s. and it’s amazing to know that I’m not alone on this journey – chin up fellow traveller!!!
Nichola
http://nmcclenaghan.blogspot.com/

Some of my art!
Thanks for sharing your story with us. I know I enjoyed reading it very much as did Mom.
Christi
PS Mom said did you tell everyone Hi for me!  heehee I told her if she did not go to sleep I would take a picture of her without her make up and post it on here. ....Quiet now!

26 comments:

stefanie said...

oh, you are strick!!! I bet she can't handle only seven minutes!!! poor baby...you take care of her!

Diane at Crafty Passions said...

7 minutes is not a lot for a diehard blogger..LOL!!
I am so glad your taking care of your Mom.
Love and tenderness is what the doctor ordered!
Not to worry I will come by everyday and say Hello , wish it could be in person to keep your mind occupied.
Do what your daughter says !!!
Diane

www.thewhitefarmhouse2.blogspot.com said...

It is so nice of you to take care of your mom like that. I know when I get to my senile years my kids will probably dress me in plaid and polka dots at the same time and parade me through town. You must be a great comfort to her in her time of need.

I wish her well and will keep her in my prayers. Last night my bitty one was saying her prayers and asked God "to help mommy's friend who broke her butt." No, honey, not her butt her back. "Oh, the lady who broke her back, we don't care about the lady who broke her butt." Now honey, that is not nice. "Mom, he has alot of people to hear right now, can he just go and take care of them now?"

sjmcdowell said...

Hi Maggie and Christy,

I am so glad you are there again Christy to help your Mom and keep her in bed...most of the time!!! I know she is hurting and we are praying that she will be able to go to the Dr. very soon so they can treat her and help her to feel better.

Gods Healing Blessings to you Dear Maggie

Susan

Bunnym said...

I guess 7 minutes is better than nothing...buy her a lap top...lol Nicola's story is fascinating...just proves some people don't know what they're talking about. I'm gonna go check out her website now. And your you..missy maggie, listen to your daughter...after all, your the one who raised her. Stop laughing!

bunny

Andrea said...

Please tell your mom..we love her and miss her! We are storming the heavens on her behalf.

BTW: 7 minutes is not very long...but as long as your motives are keeping her still, safe, and healthy...I am with you! No need for her to take any chances...

Lisalulu said...

thanks Christi for taking care of your mom~ and torturing her ha ha, 7minutes, what a joke!

Welcome to the Garden of Egan said...

Loved your guest poster!!! What an incredible story.

Now you behave and do what you are supposed to do.
Sorry you have to do anything with Workmans Comp....they are a nightmare!

Julie Harward said...

Good story here! Give Maggie a big but gentle hug for me! And do continue to make her take it easy or she'll be out there on the tractor! :D

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

Oh baby, you don't understand bloggin' do ya! I thought my parents were strict. Watch out sweetie, ya don't want to mess with Mrs. Pearl.
Heeehehe!!! You are a precious daughter to take good care of your Mama. Give her a soft hug and a big howdy from me.

I so enjoyed reading about Nichola's story. She sounds like an accomplished and amazing woman. I'm off to check out her blog.

God bless you Maggie and know your in my prayers and on my heart!!!

Kathy @ Sweet Up-North Mornings... said...

Goodness...
I stop by here and find all this not so fun stuff going on.
MRI's and Pain meds, oh My!
Sweet heart...lets get to the bottom of this fast!
We can't have you laid up for long...
Hugs to your sweet daughter,
What would we do without our daughters????
I'll be checking in on you to see what you find out...
Hugs to you both!!!
xoxo~Kathy @
Sweet Up-North Mornings...

myletterstoemily said...

christie,
you are an angel. my kids make fun of my
blogging. you help your mom do it. i am
in awe!

yaya said...

What a sweet tribute and I'm sure you're a real help to your Mom. She sure raised a wonderful child!

Arkansas Patti said...

Christa, you are indeed a treasure. Bless you for taking such good care of your Mom. Love your slightly ornery tone and can see you are very much your mother's daughter.
Totally enjoyed your story Nichola. What a lesson in acceptance and making the best of a bushel of lemons. You were blessed with wonderful parents.

Anonymous said...

Wonderful, encouraging story on the blogazine!
At least, your mom still sounds feisty, so that's a good sign!
Susan

NitWit1 said...

WOW! I am not sure I could tolerate a restriction of so few minutes, although you are certainly saving her Internet access fees!

Glad you are helping out

Karen Whittal said...

Give your Mom greetings from South Africa, she is in my prayers.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful story!

Thank you, Christi for putting out the guest story for your mom. And big hugs to you for taking good care of her. Leaving hugs for sweet Maggie and I hope she gets to see the neurosurgeon soon and he will have good news for her.

Blessings to you both!

My Grama's Soul said...

Christi.....what a fine daughter you are to help your mom out with her Blogazine. I loved reading Nicola's story. She comes from strong stock and sounds like a pretty strong and fantastic gal herself. Thanks for introducing her to us.

Keep your mom in bed.......so she will get well!

Blessings to both of you,

Jo

Meghan said...

Nice job at blogging, Christi! And tell Maggie that we miss her!

sjmcdowell said...

Hi Maggie and Christy,

Thinking of you all day!!!! Sending lots of prayers and love your way!!

Love and Gentle Hugs,

Susan

Kissed by an Angel said...

Hi Christi, so sorry that Maggie is still in so much pain!! Hopefully it will pass soon!!!
Thank you to Nicola for sharing her wonderful story!!
xxxx

Queen "B" said...

Aloha MAggie,
so fun to visit you!!I have been off in kid land and traveling and getting ready to move to the West Coast, My life is taking some turns but we are all together and well,
Thanks for visiting and I am so Happy to be back in my Blogsphere
all my Aloha ,Brandi

Sniffles and Smiles said...

Thank you Christi!!! You are a terrific daughter! Tell your Mom that we LOVE her...and pray for her speedy recovery and physical comfort! Nichola is delightful! I thoroughly enjoyed reading her story...Will have to visit her soon! Oh, and tell your mom that I love Israel Kamakawiwo'ole...He was brilliant...and I love his rendition of Somewhere over the Rainbow especially...recognized it immediately when it started to play here...Love to you both! Janine XO

Anne Lorys said...

You're a good daughter for taking such good care of your mama like that! Except for the 7 minute thing, of course! ;-)

Love to your sweet mom!

Hugs,
Anne

Susan Anderson said...

What a touching story. Thanks for sharing it! And get better, Maggie!!

=)