Thank you! (+ a prayer request)
"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness."
James 1:2-3
Dear friends,
I just wanted to say a big “thank you!” to all of you who placed an order from my new shop!! In just 2 days, I was able to sell more than 110 cards!! 🥰 I’ve received such sweet words about the store itself which was so nice to hear! Please know your kindness and thoughtfulness in placing an order truly encouraged my heart and is such a blessing—this definitely wouldn’t have been possible without your loving support! ❤️
I saw my neuro-ophthalmologist this past week for my annual visit to check up on the eye muscle paralysis I have in both eyes (called external ophthalmoplegia). I first saw the resident, and he asked me a startling question: have I had any strokes lately? I was totally not expecting that! Sadly, during the exam, something was found in my right eye. There’s a piece of plaque that’s stuck in a small artery in my right retina. 🥺 They explained that it most likely traveled up, and they’re concerned that more tiny pieces could travel up to my retina and cause blindness. So I had to get labs drawn to check my cholesterol level, and I also have to get a heart echocardiogram (I just had one this past March) and a venous duplex carotid neck ultrasound done. They said this can even happen with normal cholesterol levels or normal scans, though.. Regardless, it’s rare, and they haven’t seen this in someone my age.. It’s not fun being “rare.” 💔
It’s scary to know about this and yet another thing I need to leave in the Lord’s hands—so comforting that nothing is a surprise to him. If the scans end up being normal, could you please pray that no more pieces of plaque will travel up to my eyes?
Love you all, friends!
P.S. I sent an email about my store opening to those on my email list, but I realized I didn’t post it here on my actual blog! My store link is: https://www.painwithpurpose.com/store
In honor of my 33rd birthday coming up on 10/7 and to say thank you for your love and support, please use the code 33BDAY to receive 33% off of your order! ☺️ Note: the discount does end on 10/7. 💚
