Tuesday, April 10, 2012

From the heart...

Most of you are aware that our youngest daughter suffers from migraine headaches, or as we like to refer to them...the "sometimes silent, not so well known debilitator." 

She missed 25 days of school last year, not including those days she checked in late or checked out early.  She has probably missed an equal amount this year.  A silent disease, not well recognized.  I hope to put a face to it.  She is a beautiful, loving teen, someone who puts others before herself.  An honor roll student taking AP/IB classes and doing the best she can.  Yet, is often misunderstood...overlooked. Migraines are VERY real.  Often debilitating.  My prayer is that over time more will be done to explore the causes and advance treatment.   In the meantime, pray for those who suffer. 
I love this quote by Maya Angelou, and wanted to share...

“I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights. I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life. I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as making a "life." I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back. I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision. I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one. I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. I've learned that I still have a lot to learn. I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Maya Angelou

No pretty pictures, just reality today.  A plea to think twice before judging those around you...you never truly know what they are going through.

17 comments:

Karena said...

Wonderful Lauren and all is oh so true.

When I started taking Nuerontin for nerve damage, it acted as a preventative against most oncoming migraines,

You might ask your doctor about it and whether it could help in this case for your daughter.

xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena

Maillardville Manor said...

LOVE the quote!
You're all in our thoughts and prayers. Migraines are definitely something people don't take seriously enough! My dad has very bad attacks, infrequently but still it's completely debilitating!
For me I've only had one and it was brought on my GYM lights . . . and it was terrible! What I was most shocked about is that there's not much they can do for migraines!
Hope she's feeling better!
Ashli

Nothing But Blue Skies... said...

I'm sorry to hear that your daughter is a migraine sufferer. I too, get migraines. They are NOT fun, and if I don't catch mine at the first twinge, it will likely hang around for a week or so. It can get depressing, since there really is not much that can be done.

She is so fortunate to have such a caring, thoughtful mom! Prayers going up for healing and strength!
xoxo
-Lisa

Katie said...

i am so sorry that she struggles from migraines. I went through a short but really intense period of having terrible migraines. it was my freshman year in college and I ended up in the hospital many times in just a few weeks. I had so many tests done and it was really scary. then they diagnosed me with migraines and i went to SO many doctors and was put on tons of medicine. thankfully after about 3-4 months on the med. I was able to start gradually going off them, and they never came back as severe. I get them occasionally, mostly due to stress and I think hormonal changes was a part of it too. Praying that they can find something that works for your daughter, as that is SO hard. And I'm sure so hard for you too!!

Isaiah 55:8-9 said...

Hi Lauren - I'm so sorry your daughter is going through this. I used to suffer tremendously from migraines. I rarely get them anymore... they began recurring less frequently when I discovered I was gluten intolerant. Now I'm off all gluten, dairy (for the most part) and processed foods - especially those with sugar. I don't know if your doctors have checked into food allergies/intolerances, but it might be worth a shot. You might even try playing with her diet on your own. I never would have believed food could make such a difference, but it has for me.

Bring Pretty Back said...

I feel so sorry for your daughter ( and you because when our babies are hurting , so are we)Our oldest son had migraines when he was little - elementary school. And it was a nightmare. He somehow outgrew it . I am so sorry your family is dealing with this .
p.s. me and tangles christmas lights usually ends with me swearing then throwing them in the trash . yes ... not pretty .
Have a pretty day!
Kristin

emily said...

Oh, I totally feel for her. What a horrible, debilitating illness to have to suffer with. You guys are in my thoughts.

Unknown said...

I'm so sorry your daughter is going through this. It's amazing how she has accomplished so much while going through all she has been through. It must be hard for you and your husband to watch her go through the agonizing pain. Sending her prayers of health.

natasha {schue love} said...

Really great perspective and well-timed too. I hope your daughter finds relief soon. I've only have a few migraines in my life and they were truly horrendous!

Megan // Honey We're Home said...

So true! I'm so sorry for all of your daughter's suffering. It's got to be painful for you too. Will keep y'all in my prayers.

The mum of all trades said...

I can totally empathise with having an illness that isn't obvious straight away to people. It can be hard as you can't go around al the time saying, I'm ill.

Laura@Elegant Nest said...

Hi Lauren. I’m awarding your blog with The Liebster Blog Award! Congratulations! You deserve it! Here is the link to see the post in which your blog has been featured...
http://elegantnest.blogspot.com/2012/04/liebster-blog-award.html
Have a great day ~ Laura

Unknown said...

Hi Lauren,

Congratulations on the Liebester Blog Award. I am another one of Laura's recipents. I put a link to your blog on my site to let others know you also received this award.

I hope you daughter gets better. I friend of mine also suffered from migraines as a teen, but then grew out of it. Hopefully your daughter will do the same.

Best,
Laura

Cole said...

I've suffered with migraines for about 20 years, and the thing that helps me the most is accupunture.

I hope your daughter is getting some relief from those awful headaches soon!

Unknown said...

Just checking in on you. How are you. It's been a while since your last post. Praying for you and your sweet daughter. The words you posted have become all so true in my life. Very nice reminder. Hang in there.

Karena said...

Lauren just wanted to check on you and your family! I hope you will be in touch!

I am featuring Designer and Paper Artist Anita Rivera from Castle Crowns and Cottages on my site! She is amazing!

xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena

Sarah said...

I can't even imagine how hard that must be for her. I've only had a few in my lifetime and oh WOW. No thank you. And then to have to make up for all that you missed in school and life in general? And the worry of the anticipation of the next one? Ick. Total support from my end for both of you. And I love your last sentence...totally true.