Louisiana Has My Heart

   

 

I just saw this picture from Morgan City, where we used to live.  A tropical storm is bearing down on them.  I don’t miss that part of our lives there.  In fact, if it is possible, since Hurricane Andrew, It seems I have PTSD; I get anxious, even here living in Oklahoma, when a storm forms, and my worrying gets worse once it enters the gulf. 

We still have friends there, so even if we don’t talk regularly, we do when storms approach.  We care about them.  We left that life behind, but we didn’t forget the wonderful people, our dear friends and bayou life.

The decision to move from Louisiana was not taken lightly.  We had lived there 32 years.  We grew into adults there, had made it our home, raised our children there and had many very, dear friends.  But God has written our story.  He knew I needed to be in Oklahoma to get the correct diagnosis.  He put it into our hearts that moving here was a necessity.  We had no idea why then, but later realized God always looks out for us, we just have to listen.

Within 2 years of moving to Oklahoma, one Dr diagnosed me, another agreed to oversee me and make decisions I don’t know how to make about what is best for my health.  He made the perfect circumstances for Steve to retire, after my diagnosis, so he could be with me through my medical journey.  This isn’t an easy life.  I can’t get involved like I used to be, and we had moved far out in the country prior to my diagnosis.  We love it here, but it does get lonesome. 

The reality is that with my diagnosis, the less exposure to the public, the safer I am.  So, having left my cherished friends behind, starting life in the country, in another state, prior to my diagnosis leaves me missing those steadfast friends we left behind.  It has been difficult to make new friends here, but I do have one very dear friend and sewing buddy.  And thankfully Steve and I are best friends.  

I couldn’t walk this journey without those we left behind and those we have gained.  I couldn’t do it without my Oklahoma medical team and not without my precious hubby. The strength I had gained prior to our move was forged by deep friendships and southern (soggy) roots.

And I certainly couldn’t be on this journey without God’s guidance.  He has never steered me wrong.


I took this picture last week if God’s promise.

Stay strong my southern buddies.  I love you.  And God loves you more.