Lisa Gallagher

6 years ago · 4 min. reading time · ~10 ·

Blogging
>
Lisa blog
>
Pictures Speak A 1000 Words, A Re-Cap of 2017

Pictures Speak A 1000 Words, A Re-Cap of 2017

Fh

[3

MELA

-
«
°

                                Photo Credit: Lisa Gallagher 2017


There are many moments we can't and would never want to capture in a photo. I realize we are supposed to be extremely thankful for our time here on planet earth and those who surround us. I can honestly say, I'm very thankful for those people who do surround us and I'm also thankful for those who have bared their inner souls, for you allowed me to walk away quietly and with dignity.  There are days I question my role on planet earth and I can honestly say, I'm not all that thankful on those gloomy days. I'd love to sugar coat things, you know, lie?  But, I can't lie and won't. Life isn't filled with butterflies and roses for everyone. To say everyday sucks would be a lie too. I guess it's a fine balancing act. You should not have to pretend for the sake of others that your feeling as though the wind is at your back when it's smacking you in the face, it takes more energy to pretend than to just be yourself! 

The good, the bad, and the ugly

Lets start with the ugly: 

As I wrote on my last buzz, my husband's lungs are deteriorating. He has 3 diagnoses but after our last visit to his Specialist in Pittsburgh, they decided they want to look outside the box. They want to make sure there isn't something else that has caused his shortness of breath to become much worse over the past year and a half. I'm thankful they are being thorough but I'm sad that I see such a vibrant person putting on a strong face for everyone, when inside, he's crying.  He has always been a hunter and a 'woods dweller,' and he's been unable to go out into the woods to even hike this past 2 years. He managed to do a hunt with my son in Colorado this year but he confided that he wasn't able to keep up on flat ground even though the guys were going very slow for him, he confided that he went back to the tent ahead of them more than once and "bawled." Yes, this breaks my heart. I'm a fixer and I can't fix this!  He's still working but is working a lot more from his home office instead of going in. Work helps him to keep his mind busy so he's not worrying about himself during those hours.  We've spent more time in the Emergency room than I'd like to admit this past year and made numerous trips to Pittsburgh to see his specialists. Pittsburgh is a 3 hr drive one way for us and in the winter this can be nerve wracking due to weather conditions. I'm thankful he has a great team of Doctors who care, keep in touch and also interact with each other.  I pray for more answers in January (hope). 

The bad:

I've hesitated sharing this but maybe it will help others to know they are not alone. When you are in Business for yourself, things can take off wonderfully and without notice contracts can disappear as fast as the favorite food on your plate. You can try to prepare for the unknown but unknown circumstances can creep up on you before you know it's hit you. We lost a few part time contracts over the past 3-7 years and it had nothing to do with the services the company provided, just changes in administrations which decided to provide their own 'in house' services because of consolidations with larger Health Care Facilities (yes, our business provides IT/Network support for Health Care Organizations) along with Governmental Organizations.  We not only lost a portion of our income but it became difficult to pay personal quarterlies because the money was no longer there. We are now on a payment plan with the IRS, which is very stressful.  He has been taking time while he's working from home to devise a few new business plans and one is beginning to add more income, so we are hoping that we can pay them off and get caught up in the next year. One mistake my husband made long ago was to charge our local County Government less than he should of. He felt he was doing a great service for them by trying to save them money. I'm going to guess he also felt he'd be rewarded at some point but that's just not reality.  People take you for granted and once you've under cut your worth, it's hard to gain it back financially. So, we owe... I'm sure there are more people than other's are aware of that struggle financially, it's a topic that's very hard to discuss and it's one of life's other biggest stressors. How many people "Rob Peter to pay Paul," each month? I honestly didn't picture this as a scenario at this point in our lives but it's our reality today. 

The good:

I want to end this on a good note. I am so thankful for my family and good friends. My son and his wife paid for an entire winter's worth of plowing and shoveling at our home because my husband isn't able to do this chore like he used to. My daughter and her husband are always checking in to see if we need anything and my son in law would be over in a millisecond if my husband needed his help with anything, my daughter is very helpful too. I am also so grateful and in love with my grandchildren. Grandchildren remind you of the innocence we may neglect to see all around us. Grandchildren put smiles on your face even on the dimmest of days. Grandchildren do not know hate, they love unconditionally and if we are able to hone in on their innocence along with curiosity of the world around them, it's contagious and reminds us that we too, can learn to enjoy the the many simple things we take for granted through the eyes of a child. 

I will leave you with some photos that were the highlight of my year. 

add5c8cd.jpg
7331166f.jpg




















 

Above: 

Out to dinner with our Favorite Granddaughter and Papa is always smiling when he's with her.  She's our only granddaughter ;-) 

And, a park in Colorado when we drove out to visit my son, daughter in law and grandsons. Time spent with family always leaves me with wonderful memories.


40580c49.jpg             Louisville, Kentucky,  highly recommend a trip to Louisville, home of Jim Beam and Makers Mark- May 2017

473615e7.jpg

      A Great Memory from Oct 2017, my trip to Nags Head, SC with Pamela 🐝 Williams and walking the beach!


I realize this buzz began with negatives but this is life for many and it's my hope that people don't feel they have to pretend to be breezing through life when life is throwing some major curve balls. I admit, I tend to share a lot more when I write vs. spending a lot of my time complaining when I'm just trying to tackle each day as it comes. Writing does help me to vent and once I'm done, I feel it was good therapy, I'm just sorry I had to drag all of you along to my therapy sessions! 

Wishing everyone a peaceful, healthy and beautiful New Year. May 2018 bring with it more peace for all. 

"""""
Comments

Lisa Gallagher

6 years ago #19

#24
That's what's nice about Skype! My son has it hooked up to his large screen TV and the boys love to run around (you know how boys are) LOL... so eventually daddy has to say, Ok, enough, sit down and talk to Nana and Papa. I think it's normal to admit when a person is overwhelmed. I rarely share how I feel openly to others and it seems so many people are tied to their PC's or phones that they don't reach out like they used to. I'm going through a hard time with this new age of Social Media. Don't get me wrong, I love Social Media but when it comes to "socializing," I'm not into it online. I don't mind quick chats but not an entire conversation, that goes with texting too. I actually thought about deactivating my FB page because I feel too many rely on that as their main source of communication instead of the old fashioned way. My kids are good at keeping in touch though, so that's a positive! I hope others take comfort in what appears to be courage, I almost deleted this because I felt like I read as a whiner after I wrote it. Thanks again Lisa Vanderburg

Lisa Vanderburg

6 years ago #18

#21
We skype with the overseas lot, but we'll meet her in person in April - can't wait! You're spot on Lisa \ud83d\udc1d Gallagher; just how much we overcame in our vibrant years...so easy to forget! I guess we're more 'finite' now; maybe just tired? But two very important lessons you have addressed in your courageous buzz: 1. Even though it makes us feel more vulnerable, it is perfectly REASONABLE to admit to being overwhelmed and to feel the plethora of emotions our difficult and demanding lives bring us. You're way less snarky about it than I am :) 2. While we may be loathe to give voice to the child inside us as we share, it truly helps us to overcome that feeling of swamped as, what do we do with our scared little girl? We comfort her, and that re-strengthens our resolve. Others take comfort in your courage, lovely Lady!

Lisa Gallagher

6 years ago #17

#18
Thank you Hector Fong, I am being very hopeful for a beautiful 2018. As my mom used to say, "It could be worse." She was always right. Wishing you the best too! :))

Lisa Gallagher

6 years ago #16

#20
My husband and I both agreed tonight, 2018 WILL be better! I have faith :)) Wishing you the best for 2018 Aleta Curry and thanks for stopping by!

Lisa Gallagher

6 years ago #15

#19
Hi Lisa Vanderburg, thank you for words of encouragement, yes... encouragement. I think when more people are able to share or admit that life isn't always a bed of roses, it allows us to not feel so alone. I realize that things could be much worse and believe me, I really do stay positive 98% of the time but I think there are times some of just need to let loose. I look back when we were younger and laugh because we actually had it much harder when we began our journey so young together. We knew times were tough but took it with a grain of salt and kept forging forward. Life is so unpredictable but one thing that can stay fairly predictable is the love we share with others who love us unconditionally, having that love and giving it back means more to me than anything. That's where our fun loving grandchildren come in too, I can smile and laugh on the worst of days when I'm near them. Of course near my granddaughter much more than my grandsons but we do skype and talk on the phone. I didn't know your granddaughter is in a different country, how often do you see her? Thanks for your comment Lisa!

Lisa Vanderburg

6 years ago #14

Good for you, lovely Lisa \ud83d\udc1d Gallagher - tell it how it is! I applaud you sharing your truth with us; it's a privilege and a timely reminder that life doesn't get easier usually - it's fluid and hell-bent on staying that way when we'd really rather like things to 'stay put' awhile :) I acknowledge your plight of 'ugly' and 'bad' with the deepest camaraderie, empathy and sister-hood. Same too with the 'good'. Now that we have two grandchildren ourselves, I'm reminded of the sublime and ridiculous nature of our lives; the joy and sheer fun of little people! I'm sure they are bestowed at our journey's mark to remind us that all is just and righteous, because we too will pass (along with all our suffering). I often look at my grandson (granddaughter's in a different country) and think 'dude....you crack me up!' Love and kindest regards, sweet lady!

Lisa Gallagher

6 years ago #13

#4
The grandkids are very healing on the soul. My daughter just called on FB video chat and we were able to watch our granddaughter pull out all her fun tricks for almost a half hour. She laughed and we laughed. It was good for all! She was even feeding us with her tea set and plates, it was so cute. She has a laugh that's contagious. Thanks Louise Smith, wishing you a happy NY with many blessings!

Lisa Gallagher

6 years ago #12

#5
Thank you Yogesh Sukal, eloquently put and wishing you a lovely NY!!

Lisa Gallagher

6 years ago #11

#3
Thank you for taking the time to read my negative buzz which I tried to end on a positive note Eileen Doyon! Wishing you a very nice NY- 2018 :))

Lisa Gallagher

6 years ago #10

#7
Franci\ud83d\udc1dEugenia Hoffman, beBee Brand Ambassador, thank you for entering my self imposed therapy session lol. I think as I told Ken, I felt very angry last night. I've been holding it together for a long time and it seems it just came to a head. Better today. Wishing you and wonderful 2018!

Lisa Gallagher

6 years ago #9

#8
Thank you , much love and good wishes for a beautiful 2018 to you!

Lisa Gallagher

6 years ago #8

#6
I was feeling angry and sad last evening. I've been actually putting on my own good face (I have to) for him and wouldn't have it any other way. Today is better. Thank you for your wise words . Blessings to you and yours for a great NY

Lisa Gallagher

6 years ago #7

#9
I could have used that spoon last night Ken Boddie, I was in the mood to bang the shit out of anything last evening ;-) I SO love your poems. Today is better mentally- the anger fueled more desire to keep moving forward and not stop until we get more answers. I realize I don't have control over everything, I just need to keep reminding myself of that. Wishing you and yours a very blessed New Year!

Ken Boddie

6 years ago #6

“Little Miss Muffet Sat on a tuffet, Eating her curds and whey; Along came a spider, Who sat down beside her ..... “ So she banged shit out if it with her spoon! When life keeps sending you spiders, Lisa, make sure you have a really big spoon handy. Wishing you guys a healthy and prosperous New Year.

🐝 Fatima G. Williams

6 years ago #5

I love the photos Lisa \ud83d\udc1d Gallagher We've seen your journey in 2017 and wish you all the happiness you deserve in 2018 with good health and love

Mohammed Abdul Jawad

6 years ago #4

Lisa \ud83d\udc1d Gallagher I presume that you must have taken lots of courage to pen down a passing ordeal with unexpected outcomes. Life is all composed of happiness, sadness and nothingness. And, in those circumstances, all we have to be is sometimes grateful, persevering and content. Life goes on, but when there's faith and hope, there comes helpful means by the grace of Almighty Lord. Beyond our expectations, sometimes succor swiftly reaches us. May the Lord of humankind bless your husband with good health. Amen!

Louise Smith

6 years ago #3

Lisa \ud83d\udc1d Gallagher Lots & lots & lots of good wishes for 2018. Spending time with your children & grandchildren sounds like it's healing time. Take care of yourself too ! Louise

Lisa Gallagher

6 years ago #2

#1
Thank you Debasish Majumder, A very happy new year to you! Appreciate the shares too :))

Debasish Majumder

6 years ago #1

lovely buzz Lisa \ud83d\udc1d Gallagher! enjoyed read and shared. thank you for the buzz and merry Christmas and happy new year in advance madam.

Articles from Lisa Gallagher

View blog
6 years ago · 4 min. reading time

Some of you may have already heard that I will be meeting a fellow 'bee' in Nags Head, North Carolin ...

6 years ago · 4 min. reading time

How Anxiety Disorder Can Dampen Vacation · Plans · The excitement of going on vacation is replaced w ...

6 years ago · 4 min. reading time

I have so many wonderful memories of my childhood and not one of my memories or activities included ...

Related professionals

You may be interested in these jobs

  • TRS Healthcare

    Travel Nurse RN

    Found in: One Red Cent US C2 - 1 day ago


    TRS Healthcare Rensselaer, United States

    Registered Nurse - Medical Surgical · TRS Healthcare is seeking a Registered Nurse who is licensed to work in IN, and has Medical Surgical experience. The Registered Nurse assumes responsibility and accountability for incorporating the vision, values, mission and critical goals o ...

  • Airgas

    CDL Class A Driver

    Found in: Jooble US O C2 - 4 days ago


    Airgas Cheyenne, WY, United States Full time

    R CDL A Driver Hazmat (Open) · Cheyenne, WY (ADI) - Bulk cryo logistics - (AMG) · Airgas is Hiring for a CDL A Bulk Driver - Cheyenne, WY · At Airgas, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces the diversity of our employees, our customers, patie ...

  • GeorgiaGov

    Veterinarian 2

    Found in: Talent US 2 C2 - 13 hours ago


    GeorgiaGov Bleckley County, United States

    We at the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) take our responsibilities to you very seriously and are committed to protecting and promoting Georgia's agriculture through superior service and leadership. · The vision of the GDA is to continue to be a globally recognized leader ...