'STAMP OUT THE AGONY of DEFEET'

Thirty-one years as a tool and die worker was reaching the limits of his patience and endurance. As will anything that does not satisfy the human needs and wants. As he was standing around talking with natural health practitioners, in the early 2000's, an idea started formulating 'that maybe he could be a Reflexology Practitioner.' He liked working with feet no matter how many lumps, bumps, twists, & turns the feet took.

My road to recovery as strange as it may seem started lying in a hospital bed from Feb. 20 to March 5, 2002. I had been rushed by ambulance to an Eau Claire, WI hospital because I could not move at home. My body was ravaged by a staph infection. Finding the right antibiotic was a 3 day process finally using the newest one the market called Zyvoxx. When that started working I had 2 operations to clean out the infection in my lower spine & hip areas, 4 pints of blood, and then sent to a Ladysmith, WI nursing home to learn to do everything all over again.

Literally, I could not walk, sit up, get out of bed, had a hard time chewing or smiling, and could not dress, bathe, or go to the bathroom on my own. Living had been chosen for me! Why, time would only tell! Now I had to step up to the plate and 'live life.'

Luckily I got a call from Richard "Lucky" Luckman on May 6, 2002 asking to visit, to talk about old times about his brother (my ex-husband) who had passed away the year before. He didn't know of my health concerns or that I had just gotten out of the nursing home on April 10, 2002, but he could see for himself I had problems when I got out of the car with my reversible walker. Our visit did start a spark growing for my use of vitamins and herbs. Eight months after that meeting, I made arragements to stay in Milwaukee, WI for 3 weeks and visit his store everyday--TO LEARN. He had to consider my almost fatal battle with the staph infection as well as my Multiple Sclerosis, Motor Neuron Disease, Osteoarthritis, and 4 fused vertabraes.

Would there be a light at the end of the tunnel or at least, better health? Time would only tell the story, so before I went to Milwaukee, WI, I started taking a NOW multiple vitamin and CoQ10. So when I got there he recommended a Soy Protein with lots of greens and enzymes. After the 1st drink, I craved it, drinking it was like having a new love--you can't get enough! My body was so depleted of vitamins, minerals, and proteins after years of coping with the symptoms of my diseases. Was there hope? Yes!

While doing some reading (which isn't much when you have MS) I learned about Gota Kola and Hawthorn Berry, asking Richard if I should take them he said, "Sure!" He addressed my lack of metabolism by feeding me every 2 hours and suggested Slippery Elm and Aloe Vera Gel twice daily. Adventually the 3 weeks I spent in Milwaukee, WI were gone, but I felt so good already. Taking Omega-3, Acidophilus, and Lecithin along with the others I mentioned, it was a new way of thinking and living. It seemed strange to think and feel that vitamins and herbs could help my health problems, but I was going to give it a try!

Six months later he moved his business to Ladysmith, WI area to help with my recovery and I volunteered my time to learn about the vitamin and herb business and help with accounting and customer service. That month on July 8th, 2003, I went for my 1st walk--about 1/4 mile. Richard walked with me at my pace--very slow. But I made it and he had me sit down outside-to cool down and gave me a protein drink. I actually walked almost 2 miles on one of those walks and was feeling great! July 29th, 2003, I started working out at my daughter's home. She has a variety of machines. Richard said to start slow and do repetitions while using the lowest amount of weights. So I did. My daughter did 15 minutes on the air walker the first time we worked out. I thought I would never be able to do that, since I could barely do 3 minutes. On Nov. 4th, 2004, I did 15 minutes. Throughout that time, I went to my daughter's 3 times a week and would suffer aches and pains the rest of the week. Taking Calcium with Magnesium and Vitamin D also a green drink eased the pain. Working my arms and legs 3 times a week while doing the routine as fast as I could helped build my metabolism and tighten up. I felt so much better!

I had many set backs, like a car accident, umbilical hernia surgery, heart and circulatory troubles, but through it all I took 2 drugs at 2 different times for a few days when experiencing side effects--I quit. I was learning that fear is NOT a factor for me any more. I have learned to listen to my body for what nutrients I need. That there IS NOT a quick fix. That our bodies are wonderously made to repair given proper nutrients and exercise. That we are responsible for the decisions to help us heal. We have that choice!

Given all that I have been through, I realize that toxins have to be released whether it is with massage, foot detoxing, reflexology, acupressure, ear candling, rolfing, meditation, and that our emotions and spirits need cleaning and rejuvenation. The tools and opportunities start coming into your life when your ready, you, as I did, need to realize when that happens. Having 6 screws and nuts in my lower back made out of titanium can cause lots of pain when my body recognizes them as foreign objects and wants to detox them. But I have perservered and still am on the road to recovery with more detoxing to do while rebuilding.

Back in 2004, I met a man on the internet, just typing back and forth then talking on the phone back and forth, then meeting face to face in April. We have been together since. After all who would want to put up with someone who has as many health problems as I do and the patience to try an understand what I need to do for myself to stay healthy without judgement. Well, Gary Hansen is his name and after 4 years he understands my needs better because he is cleansing his system to help with his diabetes from agent orange gotten from Viet Nam. He became a Reflexology Practitioner to help people and has sure helped my health problems. Who would have thought that after 12 years of seriously dealing with my degenerating health problems that I could feel good enough to have a man around again.

Is there any more that I can say? I am happy, healthier, and participating in life again. People respond to me again and do not look away like they used to. Through it all I need to remember that I need to clean toxins from my body, mind, and heart.

I can only thank those that have influenced my life since April 10th, 2002, in the natural way and for giving me confidence to live life to the fullest and these people know who they are. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Make up your mind today and give me a call. Toxins can effect all parts of our life, let's free those toxins and live life again!

Blessings, Peace, & Light,
Shirley