As we meander a Path of Positivity, we are challenging you to create something inspired by The Unexpected. Of course, you can share anything positive you like, the theme is always optional.
Now this theme is a bit tricky this month! The idea is to reflect upon the past and create a project based upon an unexpected event that changed your life in a positive way. Lisa explains it very well over at PoP; so you might want to drop by for her explanation.
Remember, you may share any sort of artistic medium over at PoP: writing, cards, journals, scrapbooking, painting, sewing, baking, needle crafts, etc as long as it is positive. The theme is always optional.
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So, here's my "unexpected." My daughter was very anxious to start a family but was told after several months of waiting, her chances of conceiving were very low.
Obviously, the family was heartbroken, but we suggested she go back to grad school and finish up a masters. Then she might be ready to consider adoption.
In the meantime, she became very ill with asthma and a plethora of auto-immune issues. For months her asthma was uncontrolled and she was in the ER frequently with breathing problems; doctors were having a very difficult time managing her issues.
One of her doctors sent her in for a scope on her upper GI since she was now having digestive issues. The nurse came in to take blood and of course asked if there was any chance she could be pregnant. She looked up with a sad eye and said, "I can't get pregnant. There's less than a 5% chance I can conceive." The nurse apologized for having to take the test anyway. Katelyn understood. I did my best to change the subject and move on to other topics while we waited.
Well, we waited and waited...and waited some more! Finally, the nurse came back with a perplexed look on her face and said, "I had the lab run this twice to be sure. I didn't want any false results on this test!" She held out the paper for Katelyn to read; the pregnancy test was positive!
Needless to say, there were tears and phone calls. The surgeon came by and said he couldn't explain many of her issues, but he could probably figure out the GI problems! ;) The nurse suggested Katelyn get with her OB/GYN before leaving the hospital to set up the earliest appointment since her health was so precarious.
Sure enough, it was a long 9 months full of worry, emergency hospital visits, and tests. Finally, in January 2016, a healthy baby Cass was born.
Unexpected for sure!
Update: Katelyn was finally diagnosed with AERD and Dermatmyositis. She has had ups and downs with her condition. We can't say she is fully in remission; but she is able to work part time, stay out of the ER (for the most part), and take care of her family.
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Interested in creating a Digital Layout in Canva? Check out the video below.
Material List:
Sharing with these challenges:
Such a wonderful, unexpected event, Katrina! I can only imagine what a joyful experience that was for you all. Beautiful digital page to capture your story! xx
ReplyDeleteA fabulos digital layout, Katrina. Thank you for sharing your lovely project with us at the Conjurer of Dreams “Anything Goes” Challenge.
ReplyDeleteGood luck and we hope to see you again soon!
Carole at Craftilicious Creations
Thanks for sharing your personal family's unexpected event and for the blessing of little Cass and your daughter getting diagnosed and how she's currently feeling. At first I thought you were going to say your learning curve for digital cards and layouts was your unexpected. For MTTC's 'new' theme, having new digital papers, any new crafting element, is always exciting! Wonderful digital project! -- Becca
ReplyDeleteI never thought about using the digital journey as unexpected, but you are so right! Five years ago I would have said I would NEVER do digital scrapbooking! hahaha
DeleteLovely work. Thank you for joining the challenge at My Time to Craft and Christmas Crafts all year long. Hope to see you again.
ReplyDeleteLove this and love the story!!! Thank you for sharing your project with us at the Conjurer of Dreams “Anything Goes” Challenge. Good luck and we hope to see you again soon!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful page for an even more beautiful story! I'm so happy for your family and your daughter!! Thank you for sharing your project with us at the Conjurer of Dreams “Anything Goes” Challenge. Good luck and we hope to see you again soon!
ReplyDeleteLove your layout and theme. Beautiful. Thankyou for joining us at 613 Avenue Create this month. Hope to see you back here again soon. Judy DT https://avenue613.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful happy ending ... I should really say beginning :-) Your project is so beautiful and festive. Love it! Thank you for playing along with us at Christmas Crafts All Year 'Round.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Lena ~ DT
Oh Katrina what a story! I'm SO HAPPY to hear both she & her little girl are doing well! Cass sure is a cutie!! Lovely layout and be sure to copy/paste this story on the back of this layout for future reference when Cass grows up. What a blessing she is!
ReplyDeleteWe had a similar situation with my granddaughter Morgan ... very difficult pregnancy and unfortunately the only child she'll ever be able to have but we are blessed with (although a preemie when born) a healthy and very active 5 year old Charlie! We are blessed!
Thanks so much for joining in the fun at our Peace on Earth challenge and sharing your story! Good Luck and we hope you’ll come back often.
Darlene
DAR’S CRAFTY CREATIONS
Peace on Earth Co-Owner
PS: Have you seen we have another new challenge beginning Feb 3rd called NEGLECTED STUFF? Please come check it out!
Oh Katrina, what a wonderful event. I'm so happy to hear your daughter and little Cass are doing well. And what a great card and project to reflect on the past. What a beautiful photo and design with those amazing papers and all the different beautiful details.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this stunning card and story with us in the current Everybody Art Challenge.
Hugs Uschi
Love your story and your layout is beautiful. Adorable girlie!! Thanks so much for participating in our CHRISTMAS CRAFTS ALL YEAR 'ROUND challenge!!! I appreciate that you play along and I enjoy visiting your blog!! Have a happy crafty day!! Deanne at A Little Bit O’ Paper
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful creation - love all of the elements you used. Thanks so much for sharing it and your story with us at Peace on Earth.
ReplyDeleteHi, Katrina! I was touched by your story! I have Dermatomyositis and I understand the challenges your daughter faces daily. I was on IVIG infusions for four years, Prednisone for six, Acthar and a host of other medications for three years. It was rough, but I have been in remission for four years so it was worth it! I will keep your daughter in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteYour layout is a wonderful expression of the miracle that is your granddaughter. Thanks for sharing those memories with us at A Place to Start!
Hugz,
Chana Malkah
Many of those meds are familiar to me! She has had the IVIG, pred, and Rituxan. Rituxan is part of my life since I have EGPA. These auto-immune issues seem to run in our family. Thank you for the prayers!
DeleteWhat a gorgeous layout!! Thank you for sharing your project with us at the Conjurer of Dreams “Anything Goes” Challenge.
ReplyDeleteGood luck and we hope to see you again soon!
Another amazing project. So glad you also shared on Festive Friday.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! Thank you so much for entering our challenge at Conjurer of Dreams with this lovely creation. Looking forward to see you again next challenge.
ReplyDeleteRegards,
Mia
Designer for Conjurer of Dreams
craftartista.blogspot.com {My Blog}