About Me

My keen interest in health stems from my own personal experience. I watched my mother's health deteriorate over the years, and, ultimately, she lost her battle against complications due to long-term diabetes. Four years ago at my parent's 50th wedding anniversary was the last time I saw her alive.

For me, the saddest thing was to see my mother sitting when she really wanted to be participating in our family activities. She just didn't have the stamina anymore, and even the slightest exertion left her breathless. In spite of that, she was thrilled to finally have all of her children together for the first time in years.

Before we left the resort, we all got kind of goofy. My brothers and sisters and our kids climbed a tree and spread out among the various branches. Dad joined in the fun by standing at the base of the tree. We tried to persuade Mom to come over and get in on the picture, too, but she didn't even feel up to that. Mom always loved her family pictures, though, and she especially wanted a few shots taken of our "family" tree!

Little did we know that this would be our first family photo without her in it. Two weeks later in the middle of the night, I got the dreaded phone call. I knew it would happen some time. I just wasn't ready for it to be this soon.

Up to that point, my husband, my children and myself had already made a number of changes in our lifestyle, particularly in the area of nutrition. With all of the serious health issues in both our families, including heart disease, we knew this was an area where we needed to take more responsibility.

My visions of old age did not include what has become the norm for so many--chronic disease, doctor visits, prescription drugs, chronic pain and hospital stays. Instead they include vibrant health, vitality, clarity of mind, happiness and being a participant in my families' lives, not just a bystander as my mother, through ill health, was forced to be.

This vision was brought sharply into focus again two years later when one of my younger sisters, unexpectedly, died the day before her 50th birthday. Her family went from planning a surprise birthday party to planning her funeral. She also suffered from diabetes. Hers was another devastating loss for our family.

At that time I was already anticipating the birth of my first grandchild. Now I was more determined than ever to do everything in my power to stay as healthy as possible. My sister would never get to see her children married or hold her precious grandchildren.

Being Grandma has been one of the most wonderfully rewarding experiences of my life. I want to enjoy that for a long long time yet to come. It saddens me to think that my mom never got to see her beautiful little great-granddaughter, and I miss being able to share all the joy I'm experiencing as a grandma with her. Mom and Sis, you left us way too soon!

I know that my health mission is not just for me, but for the generations to come in my family. What a privilege and joy to watch my children choosing to not only eat more nutritionally but also to make healthier lifestyle choices as well! I'm incredibly proud of them all.

It is not always easy to ignor the constant bombardment of food advertisements or pass up those tempting treats in the grocery aisles or at the checkout counter, but I’ve gotten a whole new association in my mind when it comes to all those processed, sugar-saturated foods. Simply stated it as follows: “Hazardous to My Health”. Saying, “No” has never been easier!

So why am I starting a blog now? It's been four years since my mom passed away and a year for my sister. Why after all this time?

Recently, I heard a story that was the catalyst I needed to finally begin to take action now. An associate shared with me an unforgettable experience of his while he was working in Africa a few years back. His indigenous coworkers were looking to start a new initiative in their neighboring communities. The more that he thought about their plan, the more concerned he became. He was sure that they were biting off way more than they could chew. He felt compelled to write down several questions that he thought needed to be addressed first.

When he presented them to his coworkers one of them quickly glanced at the questions and graciously told him, "We appreciate your concern, but we don't have time to discuss all of these questions. They are waiting for us to do something now." His coworker continued, "You know the problem with you Americans is that you load, and you aim, and you aim, and you aim, and you aim, but you never fire!"

Suddenly, several images of opportunities, plans and ideas that I hadn't followed through on flashed before my eyes. I load, and I aim, and I aim, and I aim, and I end up talking myself out of doing it for one reason or another!

It has been so liberating to finally start firing! My aim might not be totally dead center yet, but at least I'm doing something. This blog is just one of several actions I've been putting off for some time now.

Obviously, I'm not an expert in the natural health field, and I don't claim that "one-size-fits-all" either. I'm just one voice sharing what has helped me and my family enjoy living "well".

I'm deeply grateful for the support and encouragement of my youngest sister. Without her insistence AND assistance this blog would not have happened! Also a big thank you to my own family, too. I love you all!

Hey! I've finally stopped aiming----and fired!