Rose of Sharon Jewelry

Today is the first post in a series devoting to educating women (and men, too) on strokes. What you don’t know (or ignore) can kill you!

As readers know, my Mom (Betty of Rose of Sharon Jewelry) suffered a stroke in the wee hours of January 3rd. Thankfully she was aware enough to call a neighbor for help or this story might have a much different ending. As of today, she is getting CAT scans and a neurological check-up in preparation to be released from a care facility. She’ll be able to return home with the assistance of my brothers, niece, church members and her beloved “second family" – Bret and Theresa Anderson and their extended family.

Overall her health has returned to about 90% (happy dance here) but she has lasting conditions which require extended recovery and continued medical supervision. Her blood sugar has been erratic during this stressful event and she has memory and mental agility issues.

The plan is for her to come to our Sparks, NV home to recuperate! We are excited and think that the stimulus of working on Rose of Sharon Jewelry, exercising with me and keeping up with her great grandsons will be really good for her.

What is a stroke?

A simple explanation is that a block clot blocks an artery or a blood vessel breaks within your brain. It is a kind of “brain attack” that cuts off blood flow to a portion of your brain.

This disruption in blood flow causes the brain to swell and cells to die.

Depending upon which part of your brain is damaged, the results can affect speech, movement, memory or even death.

Here are a 10 facts to get your attention and keep reading this series.

Stroke Facts

1. Stroke is the 3rd leading cause of death in the U.S.
2. Strokes are the #1 cause of long-term disability.
3. Every 40 seconds someone suffers a stroke.
4. High blood pressure is the most important (but not the only) risk factor for strokes.
5. Strokes can strike at any age. One fourth of all strokes strike people under 65!
6. Stroke symptoms are different for women than men.
7. More women (about 55,000 per year) have strokes than men.
8. African Americans are almost twice as likely to have a stroke.
9. Strokes cost (directly and indirectly) over $73.7 billion annually.
10. Acting fast can make all the difference in recovery and long-term prognosis.

• Monday’s post will cover the different types of strokes.

Want to learn more now? Check out the American Stroke Association.

16 days ago Mom had a stroke and this Sat. she will be released from the care home almost back to normal. When the stroke hit, her world was spinning violently but she was able to call a neighbor who summoned the ambulance.

The next day we thought she was going to be released with no significant physical or mental change. Then the swelling started and the only response was surgery to relieve the pressure and remove dead brain tissue from the base of her skull. All life-changing procedures for sure.

Days in ICU with a tube in her throat then 4 days in the Stroke Unit and now a few days in a care home and she is almost 100%. When she was released from the hospital, she still had double vision but was able to walk with a walker, handle hygiene and feed herself.

This week her strength and vision started to return to normal. The official word is she will be released from the care facility on Saturday.

As with any sudden illness and major surgery, she has an extended road to full recovery of strength, memory and stamina but your well wishes and prayers were successful. That’s why I call it the “Miracle in Oregon.”

Starting next week, I will begin a series on women and strokes this is a must read series so please be certain to subscribe by email, RSS Feed or read via the Rose of Sharon Jewelry Facebook Fan Page .

What I learned this crisis filled January could save your life!

Mom is arriving this afternoon for Thanksgiving.  We’ve got plenty of beading projects planned. Mom even had to get another rolling suitcase to bring all the beads!

  Our goal is to 1) not become consumed with taking product photos; 2) make some wedding jewelry for a potential April wedding fair and 3) master some new jewelry making techniques.

Mom is great a learning new things as she never gives up until she masters it. Me – I have limits and tend to tuck things away and try again later. That’s why I have a dedicated work-in-progress bin which is always full.

Wedding jewelry isn’t just white pearls any longer. Splashes of colorful crystals along with all the shades of ivory, creams and peaches. I promise show off some of our newest creations in upcoming posts.

If you’re interested in a custom design for your upcoming nuptials, we’d be glad to bring your dream to reality! Contact Sharon for information on custom handmade wedding jewelry.

I’ll try to sneak off early each morning to share some creative insights and write new blog posts – but mostly I’ll be enjoying Mom’s visit.

Mom in purple!

Happy Birthday to my wonderful hubby, Arden. I’m so glad you are mine and love every moment of life’s journey with you.

You’re a wonderful husband, father, brother and grandpa. You are our rock and our “Jewish Mother”.

Today is National Grandparents Day! As a Grandparent and a granddaughter, I know the power of this relationship. Grandparents are life lines in many families. Grandparents are safe arms in a hostile world. Grandparents are living history. Grandparents are love.  Grandparents live forever in YOU.

Here are the three wonderful boys in my life who make me a very GRAND – parent! Hunter is 13 now and the twins, Kael and Orion are 4-1/2. SWAK

Learn more about Grandparents Day!

Millions of Baby Boomers are now busy caring for an aging parent – sometimes for decades.  Here are 3 critical steps to take now to insure you’re prepared for caring for your parents.

Before Your Parents Are In Need

1. Talk to your parent(s) about their wishes – this includes medical directives, living wills and residency. Most people avoid these conversations but discussing these details is critical to implementing plans that will be workable within the family, maximize finances and avoid family squabbles.

• Questions to ask aging parents from Real Simple Magazine.
• Talk Early – Talk Often web site.
• The Federal Government provides info on advanced directives.
• Advanced directive information by state is available from Caring Connections.
• Talking with Aging Parents about Finances
• Long Term Health Care – Early Planning Pays Off (Mayo Clinic)

2. Call a family meeting to discuss parental care. Not every family member has the resources to have a disabled parent move in. Others simply aren’t willing to lift a finger. Better to know who you can count on and how they will contribute. Hashing out the details without your parents around is often best as buried hurts and wounds can arise when discussing parents. Doing this well in advance also gives brother and sisters time to rethink opinions and adjust to compromises.

• For help on holding a family meeting, check out Family Caregiver Alliance.
• 9 Mistakes Adult Siblings Make When Parents Are Aging, Sick and Dying.

3. Encourage parents to create a “need to know” book. Many parents prefer to not share all their financial details until it’s necessary so putting together a guide is critical. And make certain that the book/file is safely stored and someone trusted knows where it is kept. You can also open a safety deposit box at your local bank were at least two people are required to sign in for access.

•  54-page guide from Wells Fargo Bank on financial conversations with adult children.
• Aging Parents: During Emergencies, Details Count at the Mayo Clinic web site.
• Help Your Aging Parents – free forms from Boomer Books.

The title of the advice web site above – Talk Early – Talk Often – is great advice. Western cultures often ignore talking about death and dying which can be a critical mistake for you and your love ones.

Happy Birthday, Josh! You’re 34 today [July 5th - Blog finally decided it would post this one.] Sure seems like yesterday when you became my son. Mommy Sharon loves you.

As a stepmother, I’ve been blessed with a son who came into my life as an infant. I’ve always been your other mother and you named me Mommy Sharon. Now you call me Sharew (there’s a whole family store behind this one).

I know it was hard to grow up Fullen as we set some pretty high standards for you but you surpassed them and have created your own family and a wonderful life. Your Dad always sent you off with the words “make us proud, you’re a Fullen.” And you sure have.

You’re a husband and father now but you’ll always be my kid!

My #1 grandson, Hunter becomes an official teenager today! He is an adorable guy with a passion for Kart racing, looking cool, cooking and being a great big brother.

Since the first day we met him as a very talkative 7-years-old, he charmed us. That little smile is a joy to see.

Here’s a link to a Happy Birthday slideshow I put together to look back on Hunter’s life with Grandma Sharon and Grandpa Arden.

For You, Hunter

Hunter –

• may you be forever young,
• may you always know what it means to love and be loved,
• may you find a career path that feeds your soul,
• may you discover the joy of learning is more than good grades (although we do like those too),
• may you find a sport/exercise that keeps your body healthy and strong,
• may you always be an great example for your little brothers,
• may you never forget your Grandma Sharon and Grandpa Arden and
• may you continue to become a kick-ass Kart racer.

We love you!

P.S. Happy Birthday Captain Jim, too!