Well this has been a year of big ups and recently, some terrifying downs!

Recently, I received a concerning health diagnosis that is now, thankfully, resolving!

To summarize: Our family was in Berkeley, CA a week ago (May 13) to celebrate my eldest son’s graduation (Congrats Ian!) Within 12 hours and culminating at the graduation (right before he walked,) my eyes started to blister, swell, and my vision became cloudy. So I went to first aid and missed that special moment, but sort of saw from the side and heard his name being called.

It got worse, so I went to the ER/ED. I got blood work done, a CT scan, and photos taken. It was determined that I had “orbital cellulitis.” Not good! They began admitting me, started IV antibiotics, and wanted to prep for surgery (threats of vision loss loomed.)

Mike went into action and asked people for prayer! Luke was sent home on his own via plane, bus and train! (He did it willingly and did a great job!)

I started listening to worship music and heard “spirit of wisdom, open my eyes again… I wanna see….” (Jesus, you’re beautiful”) The next song said, “Are you hurting and broken within…” It kept going like this. My eyes were almost shut with swelling, all the emotions of missing Ian’s graduation and all the unknowns ahead made me sob. But I also felt God‘s strength and peace.

Specialists from UCSF were brought into my case and ultimately determined… I probably didn’t have the original diagnosis and could fly home as long as I saw specialists within 24-48 hours. Now, I still have to see an oculoplastics doc to make sure what’s in the back of my eye is not a threat. Thankfully, I’m much better!

It’s like I miraculously went from “being blind” to seeing! (So if you pray, please continue!) I was reminded how life can suddenly go up or down. And I have a renewed gratefulness for sight, health, family, friends (and the list continues!)

NOW…

1. I’m headed into end-of-the-year school visits/signings, with 1500+ children.

2. I’m writing more!

3. Planning ‘24-‘25 school year visits/events! (Reach out if you’re interested or know of a school or group that might be!) Whether elementary, middle school, high school, or adults, I have a program/workshop for each group!

4. Tomorrow, May 22, 2 PM PST, tune into my 1st “Instagram Live” interview/chat with the wonderful Marie Chan (who is fast becoming a good friend because we have so much in common!) You can have us in the background while you wash dishes… and/or participate in the chat to join the fun! Hope to see you there!