I’ve been a caregiver all my life. It’s just who I am, what I do. An innate gift from my Creator which I love. It started with playing with my dolls, then taking care of my younger siblings. Then I became a mother … kissing boo-boos, rushing to the doctor, administering medicines, soothing and caring for my kids.

The most intense, heart-wrenching experience was when my son Andrew was diagnosed with Aplastic Anemia and underwent a bone marrow transplant, and then, a double hip replacement when he was a teenager. I immersed in his care, his comfort for months and handled all the details regarding tests, medicines, appointments, doctors, etc. He stood at death’s door. He fully recovered. It was a miracle.

So, when Bruce had a heart attack, I again stepped into the caregiver role. It was different this time. I didn’t expect that. Instead of seeing progress and recovery, Bruce slipped further and further away from life. Day after day, for 13 months, I did all the same things I had done for Andrew and waited for signs to give me assurance he was going to be okay.

I watched my husband dying a slow death, sinking into deep depression, suffering with pain, vomiting, not eating … giving up on ever feeling good again. Calls with his doctors, a psychologist, and a nutritionist and visits to the ER only resulted in adding more medicines … a *try this* kind of treatment.

I held it all together pretty well, most of the time, but behind the smiles and well rehearsed positive statements, I was crumbling with exhaustion and fear. Most days, I could and would carry on with all the tasks and responsibilities in caring for him. But, there were days when I it all came to a head and I had no idea what to do anymore … no energy, no motivation, no hope.

I wanted to scream.

And, of course, on my days of desperation and exhaustion, I couldn’t hide that from Bruce. He sensed it. It brought tears to his eyes as he apologized over and over for putting me through this. He felt so guilty. AS IF this was all his doing? I would assure him I’d be okay – it was just a moment of overwhelm, I’d get through it. And I’d always tell him, “I’m here for you, with you for always – this is what I do!” 

My solace and comfort would come when I’d unload my stress on my daughter, my sisters, or a few close friends who would listen, understand and then ask me, “What are you doing to take care of yourself?”  Ha! That was a question I couldn’t readily answer for all of my focus and attention was on caring for Bruce.

I did find my peace, my solace in nature when I walked the desert wash collecting colored rocks for my creations at our campsite. That was my Calgon *take me away* time. This was my escape, the solitude I needed to restore. The project I was working on was massive – a 16 ½ foot circle filled with the rocks I collected on my morning walks. Initially, it seemed I wouldn’t finish it before we left our winter home.

But something told me to keep on, little by little … complete the circle before you leave. In a way it was a little sign of hope, a purpose to achieve that would turn the page, so to speak … signify completion and open a door for change. I secretly held this hope, this *wish* in my heart – that healing was coming for Bruce.

Our miracle came just days before those tests when our dear friend Thell Prueitt called, concerned about Bruce’s health and excited to share what he had discovered … stem cell enhancement supplements from Cerule. Within minutes of talking to Thell, I KNEW this was our miracle. And was it ever!

We arrived at the VA for the tests, still with some fear of what they would find, but also feeling that no matter what the outcome, we had the answers and it wouldn’t come from more medicines or treatments – it would come from the supplements.

The results were staggering and overwhelming … so many issues found in the stomach, esophagus and colon, all explained as serious and could lead to cancer. Yes, another medicine added and a scheduled follow up GI test in 8 weeks.

We got our miracle!

All of Bruce’s symptoms are gone – and then some! He started walking within one week of taking the supplements – something I’ve tried to get him do for the past 14 years. Within a few weeks of starting them, he quickly built up to walking five miles a day – without any muscle pain from his sedentary life. The chronic back pain he’s endured since an accident at age 18 is GONE! His energy is sky high! He’s happy! He’s healthy!

I have my Brucie back, and I am relieved of caregiving duties. I have my life back, too. We made it through 13 months of hell. We got our miracle.

Listen, I’m here to talk to you more about this for I am sure either you or someone you love is struggling with health issues. Don’t hesitate to reach out to me. This miracle wasn’t just for us – it can be for you as well.