Life has certainly thrown a series of curveballs the last few years causing a step back from the norm as we knew it.  When a loved one, my mother-in-law is diagnosed with a terminal illness I call "The Big C" it literally stops you in your tracks and redirects you in a direction you never saw yourself headed.  Life becomes consumed with research, medical opinions and choices.  You hear the words "6 months" yet you don't hear it because your brain literally goes into hyperdrive.  With treatment quality is lost and possibly deadly, yet no treatment they say "6 months".  
People start the "you should", "why don't you", "I would" and so forth.  You literally want to implode with all the words coming your way.  Then the judgements of the choices made start flowing.......
A little over 3 years ago "The Big C" struck our lives.... Yes 3 years ago.  It was the hardest and most difficult decision to respect but it was of no treatment as the quality living outweighed the extension of time.  Much to our surprise there was 3 years of quality after those words "6 months".  
The close of 2016 it was time for the decision to ask for help and care from an amazing hospice team.  Who knew 2017 would deal us another big blow with an unexpected loss of a loved one, my stepfather.  January 2017 was the start of the biggest challenges.  We were now full-time caring and preparing for the transition  of one loved one while dealing with the loss of another.  The emotional rollercoaster was just beginning.......
The over capacity of the load on our shoulders was taking over.  Yet while the weight was heavy, our hearts were opened.  Sometimes you realize through challenges there are revelations.  Getting to really know someone closer over that time causes you to understand them more.  It allowed time for heart to heart moments and apologies.  You also come to realize the blessings you had all those years you took for granted.  
January 2017 through May 2017 was beautiful and horrific at the same time.  There were so many treasured times and so many you want to erase from memory.
May 2017 the transition arrived, yet expected for over 3 years, heartbreaking and eye opening.  
See what happens is you realize what your normal was and become temporarily lost.  Your daily routine is no longer your daily routine, yet you find yourself still gravitating to the routine that no longer exists.  You shut down...... Now you have empty space, not just from the loss, but empty space in your mind.  Reflection begins and you realize life is so precious, a gift so many take for granted.  The hopes you had of mending bridges and starting anew come to fruition.  Some cross the bridge and some stay at the toll booth.  We realized it's time to cross even if it means some stay at the toll booth.
For several years and especially the first 6 months of 2017 we willingly put ourselves last not realizing the health consequences it would hold for us also.
This is where my husband and I had an "ah-ha" moment.  We need to be healthy again and enjoy life for as long as we can.  6 months of not eating healthy, sometimes not eating at all really took a toll on our bodies physically and mentally.  We have decided to challenge ourselves and are gearing up to begin that challenge together.. A return to Healthy Living is our challenge. 
You can follow our journey and learn alongside us by following the Healthy Living tab above.  We look forward to sharing and helping others be able to manage the way you carry life's ups and downs.