This time last year, I almost died from an accidental overdose. Key word, accidental. I caught the flu and was vomiting for four days straight. Volumes I couldn’t possibly have consumed. It was awful. Moreso because I went into withdrawals from not taking my pain medicine.

My back was killing me. All I could think about was the relief I would get once I reintroduced the medicine into my system. I took a half. But then when it was time when I took my long acting, time released pill. I started to feel better. I started to keep food down. I didn’t know I was dehydrated and that my judgment was compromised. In eight hours, I took another time released pill. It was supposed to be twelve. Normally I was so careful. I barely knew what day it was. I fell asleep early.

The next morning, I woke up with a fountain of white foam in my mouth, trailing down my right cheek and shoulder. My mom came in as I was wiping it away. I told her I was still tired, and wanted to go back to sleep. I passed out. The next thing I knew, I was being rolled in my bed. The EMT’s hands pressed firmly on my ribs, causing me to scream out in pain.

“Who are you?! What’s happening!?”

“It’s okay ma’am! You’re going to be okay!” The EMT reassured me as she then stabbed my thigh with Narcan. Twice. I was covered in my fluffy sweater that was a Christmas gift from my big sister, Esther. It was freezing. My head felt like it was in a bell. I could only hear the nervous barking of my dogs. While I was blue with purple lips moments before, my best friend Natalie had administered gentle CPR by lightly tapping my sternum, at which time, I’d take a quick breath. In my life for over forty years, God sent her that morning to protect me from the potentially overzealous pumping on my chest, potentially breaking my ribs. She saved my life. God knew. Three of my sisters came to the hospital to nurse me back to health. And Shea Jackson, her daughter Trinity, Pastor Chris Ritchie, and Al Patitucci all came to pray for me. Since then, my pain has been so much less, God healed me. I haven’t had nor needed a strong pill like that since.

In the spring, I was sitting in the back of Encounter Church. I didn’t want to get in the way. One day, a man named Stan approached me and asked if I’d like to sit up front with him. I declined. I was overwhelmed and unsure. He persisted, inviting my mom and I out to lunch after church. I was okay with that. Eventually, I started sitting up front and engaging more. I have made so many sweet friends, and am grateful for Stan getting me out of my comfort zone.

Then God sent Wayne. Wayne is such a good friend to me. He gives me bites of food when the fork is too short, then wipes my mouth when the bite is too big. For me this is a huge trust, as I used to solely eat in private due to my jaw issues. He is a great musician and fantastic artist. He makes me laugh and I can be silly without judgement He prays with me and sends me sermons and songs. I could go on about all the friends I made, but then this blog would never end. I’m so grateful for the loving, and caring people in my life. Family.

Starting in the summer, I participated in discipleship at Encounter for six months, and I have grown by leaps and bounds! Entering into to true community and learning about the character of God has been the highlight of my year. Learning who I am in Him has been the most freeing and wonderful thing so far! My small group is so encouraging and prayerful. We have become sisters. I look forward to the second semester in January! Join me if you can.

Next year, I’m planning on writing more in 2020, while exploring other gifts. Im in Tony Robinson’s Master Dream Academy getting in touch with my dreams. I’m working on a children’s book series and this blog, for starters. Praying that as my words reach you, that you remember that God loves you beyond all telling, and He died for our sins.

Love,

Tisa