As I passed my 50th birthday, I wondered if I would ever be able to complete some of the dreams I had carried with me for decades. So many things had happened to me. I had been sent to juvenile hall at fourteen, got myself kicked out of school by fifteen, and married by sixteen. We had our firstborn son when I was seventeen, and my husband abandoned my son and me by my eighteenth birthday. Thing went downhill from there. I experienced abuse and trauma. After a gang-rape by six young men I turned to drugs to try to cope with the emotional pain.
By the time I hit my twenties, I was seriously mentally ill. Soon I would lose a brother and three years later, a father, to suicide. I went through another abusive marriage and divorce.
But I worked very hard to recover. These events changed me, but I grew as a person and changed my life. I eventually married a wonderful man. My children grew and became husbands and wives, with families of their own. I had the joy of a house full of grandchildren. My Christmases were no longer the nightmares of drunkenness of my childhood, but instead full of light and peace and the sweet laughter of children.
But now I had fallen down a flight of stairs and broken my neck! It seemed as if life was over.
Then one day I saw a quote by a woman named Mary Ann Evans. She used the pseudonym George Eliot because in her era women authors were not well received. She said, “It’s never too late to become what you might have been.” Since this quote was on an illustration in a magazine, I snipped it out, framed it, and hung it on the wall above my desk. Could I dare to think I still had time to make my dreams reality?
One dream I had since I was in my early twenties was to become a psychotherapist. I wanted to help others as I had been helped. I had attempted some classes at the local community college, but the trials of life kept getting in my way. I eventually gave up. Was it too late? Not according to George Eliot!
I entered college at 51-years-old and began my journey. I worked hard and won a partial scholarship to an award winning four-year liberal arts private college. At 55-years-old, I graduated Maxima cum Laude. I won a much-coveted spot in a masters program at the University of Montana. I was on my way to fulfilling my dream.
Then, in the month I was to begin my new studies, a strange circumstance changed everything. I had torn my rotator cuff and needed surgery. When I woke up in the recovery room, the anesthesiologist leaned over me and said, “Mrs. Hoenigsberg, I need to tell you something. I saw a large mass in your throat. I’ve never seen anything like that in 25 years. You need to have a CT scan right away!” You can imagine the fear that coursed through my body.
Two days later I had the CT scan. There was nothing at all in my throat! But in the very top of the scan, they noticed something disturbing. There, on the very edge of that scan, was a spot. It was a brain tumor.
I was sent to two neurosurgeons in a larger city. Both told me it was inoperable. I had approximately one year to live. This tumor sat close to the brain stem on the underside of my brain and it was growing rapidly.
Something told me that this was not “it” for me. I called a famous neurosurgeon in Los Angeles and asked if he would look at my MRI. He agreed. I’ll never forget the call I got a few days later. “Linda, I can help you.”
The recovery from a very risky six-hour brain surgery was horrendous. I had double vision. I lost the hearing in one ear. I couldn’t walk without help. I had terrible tinnitus and a horrible buzzing in my head that woke me up many times a night. The fatigue was the worst. But if I had learned one thing in my life, it was to never give up.
So I began my master’s studies lying in bed with a patch over one eye and a laptop on a pillow on my lap. For the next three years I studied diligently. By the time I went to my first weeklong residency, I needed a power chair to get around. By the following year I had one reserved for me at the hotel, but I did not have to use it. My tinnitus and the buzzing in my head had disappeared. Then I had enough energy to do my practicum and internships. Soon I had to work a full time job at an agency in order to earn my hours for licensing. It was hard, but I was determined.
Now I am in psychotherapist in private practice. I work with teens and adults and focus on problems similar to those I faced as a young teen and adult. I worked hard to become certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, which treats seriously ill people who have suicidal or self-harm behaviors. I did not think I could deal with suicide, since I had been a witness to the suicides of my own family members, but it has only strengthened my resolve to help.
It is my belief that no matter what a person has experienced, no matter how old a person is, they can still become what they might have been. It is never too late.
Photo by anurag agnihotri
Amazing! You are amazing! Thank you for sharing your story of overcoming so many obstacles and helping others.
Hi Sherri,
Thank you so much for commenting. That is so encouraging. Have a very blessed Christmas.
Agree with Sherri, thank you for posting your story and making me think about what I really want to do (At 42 it is certainly not too late)….
Simon
Thanks Simon. I actually learned how to windsurf when I was 40! I got into the best shape of my life and had a blast doing it. Breaking my neck certainly put a damper on that but I am so glad I got to do that for a few years. God bless and keep going!
I just read your amazing story in Chicken Soup for Soul. You are obviously a fabulous woman and have overcome so much.
We recently moved to Jefferson City, MT.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful journey!
An amazing story. Very inspiring. May you live many many more years and help many others to reach their dreams.
Thanks so much!
You have indeed lived a inspirational life..Love and respect from Nepal.
Thank you so much Rajesh!
Thank you so much so much! It’s people like you all who keep me going. : – )
What courage you displayed throughout your life…very encouraging to me and I’m sure countless others! It’s amazing that each person’s story somehow enriches the lives of others. Thank you for your bravery, your desire to help others, and your willingness to lay it all out there and not give up on what you wanted!
Thank you Jodi! People’s comments are just blowing me away. I am so glad that this helps others.
Linda,
My name is Purna from Bali Indonesia.
I had a background in domestic violence and it affected my mental health.
I cannot afford a shrink because it costs $70 per half an hour.
But reading your story, I feel inspired.
I am feeling scared with how my life will unfold since I do not really have a supportive family.
You are strong and thank you for sharing your story.
I need it.
Sincerely,
Purna
I have been so depressed about the mess I have made of my life, just 4 days ago I turned 35 and felt like the world had ended for me. Your story has given me hope , god bless you for sharing!
Jamie…I hit that spot at 40, so I know the feeling. I was 40, single again, and lonely. That was when I met some windsurfers and mountain bikers. I learned how to windsurf and became passionate about it…the first time in my life I had been athletic. I ended up in better shape than when I was 20! It was a fantastic time of my life. It is truly never too late. Don’t give up! You deserve a wonderful, joy-filled life and your past will help many others.
Wonderful story and so glad you made your dream come true. I felt compelled to comment on this topic because I have the same quote on a picture I bought at a dollar store. I am 53 years old and on disability because of severe arthritis in my hips and spine. I asked my daughter recently if she thought I would be able to go back to school and pursue my passion if interior design. She said “Mom, I’m afraid you are just in too much pain to do anything anymore”. While she is right about the pain, it saddens me that I’ll never be able to make my dream come true. I feel like I am just waiting to die and that certainly is no way to spend what should be the best years of my life. Your story has me thinking of ways to overcome my disability and become productive again. I’m telling myself that if she can do it, I can do it. Thank you for the inspiration.
Hi Jennifer. I’m in chronic pain too. The broken neck injury gave me arthritis and chronic upper back muscle spasms. I deal with it every week in some way shape or form. I cannot even grocery shop anymore…carrying a half gallon of milk is too much. I don’t carry a purse. Yesterday my wallet caused me to go into pain. I cannot compare my pain to yours, obviously, but I am determined not to let it stop me. I think if we are doing something we love, the pain seems minimized. It’s when we stop that it is hard to not concentrate on it. I hope that helps, because I believe you can do it!! :o)
Oh dear Linda,
Do I ever know what you mean about grocery shopping! I have to use one of those motorized carts to shop anywhere. I feel like I’m 20 years older than I really am. I’m terrified to have anymore surgery (hysterectomy in 2009) but I’m terrified to go on like this too. Heartfelt gratitude goes out to you for sharing your miraculous story and proving to us all that the best is yet to be. Gentle hugs to you. Oh P. S. I also have Fibromyalgia which is no fun. I’m used to giving and receiving gentle hugs.
Hi again! I have a handicap placard and feel kind of embarrassed getting out of my car and “walking” into the store, but I cannot carry anything far! It makes me feel older than I am too..know the feeling. I also got chronic fatigue syndrome after the brain surgery…I think it’s similar to fibromyalgia. No fun is right! There was a time I had to stop going to church because the hugs would feel like they were shattering me! Now I can take stronger hugs…but not too strong! Ouch! ;o). The best is yet to be, Jennifer!
Linda, just wanted you to know I am reading your life story and I am originally from California too. Your story is so detailed and fascinating. I grew up in California in the 70’s and although I am a bit younger than you, I somewhat remember the culture. I cried when I started reading your website because I could have written your words about how horrible anxiety and depression feels. Reading about the path your life has taken has reassured me that healing can still take place, even at this stage of my life. I have feelings that I have intentionally buried because allowing them to remain at the surface is just too painful. With your permission, may I consider you to be my mentor? I would be honored if you would consider becoming my friend on Facebook. Thank you for opening my eyes to a whole new world. You are a fascinating and very wise woman.
Hi Jennifer. Absolutely. Look me up on FB and invite me to friend you. I cannot do “therapy” but I can help, for sure. ;)
Jennifer,
Do not let anything, or anyone trying to protect you, to keep you from your dream. My husband’s doctor wanted him to retire for years with a really bad back and problems like yours. But he didn’t. He just persevered and blessed so many people. I would so encourage you to start back to school next semester. Focusing on something else will be the best medicine.
Penny
Wow! That is utterly amasing. Good for you and keep on living!
Thank you Dale! I plan on it… ;o). Now I have 10 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren…too much to live for. Not bad for someone who became the matriarch of the family at 34-years-old, huh? :o)
That is truly fantastic. I thought my grand-mother became a grand-mother at 39
and I thought that was young!!!
My big 5-0 is next April and I now have even more confidence in MY future. You are an inspiration.
That’s great Dale! :o)
Linda,
Thank you for sharing your story. I recently got a client for ghost writing and when she expressed that she fears she may be too transparent in her writing my response to her was readers appreciate transparency and vulnerability. We read to get to know the writer for getting to know others is how we get to know ourselves.
What a wonderful resolve you have. I love it! Again, thank you for sharing. Firstly, because others like me have been there. Secondly, it reminds us that we can’t judge a book by its cover.
Rock on, sister!
Jule Fobert
Thanks Julie. You are so right. I know that people would never guess about my past, knowing me now. In school I was taught to not be very self-disclosing, but I find that my clients sigh with relief. I “get it.” You do too! Thanks so much for your comments…precious to me. :o)
Wow! Absolutely inspiring and written with such clarity and grace and not an ounce of self-pity. I’m in my 40’s and slowly changing my life. A reminder that if someone can do it in the face of such tremendous obstacles, anyone can.
Thank-you for such an honest piece of writing.
Thank you, Rachel. It’s people like you who cause me to not being being completely honest!
Linda,
Thanks for this article.I have been through several challenges to my dreams and this has continued for over 20 years now.But your ability to achieve your dream after the terrible days is quite inspiring and encouraging.
Thanks for sharing.
Yes…perseverance is key. And…I cannot leave out one important thing in my story. It is my belief that I would not have been able to achieve any of this without the help of the Lord in my life. :o)
Linda, I am so proud of you!!! How anyone could read your story and still complain that they are too old to start anything I don’t know. Amazing what we can accomplish just by changing the way we think. I never tire of reading more of your story!!! ♥
Thank you Jodi! People’s comments are just blowing me away. I am so glad that this helps others.
Thanks Dixie Chicks! (Dixie is a very close friend). I can always count on you to read my “stuff.” :o)
Reading your headline gave me a bit of a shock. That used to be my motto. My personal mantra sort of speak. I even used to tell others about it. Now I am stuck in a rut. Living under difficult circumstances. I had completely forgotten about that quote. I have forgotten my dreams and I have in the back of my mind thought it was to late.
I must admit I cried reading your article. In sympathy for your pains and in recognition of my own. I have been through a lot as well and in my current situation I had given up. Tired of the beating life have given me.
So thank you for this Sunday of reminding me of this quote. I am going to find my dreams again, even if it seems such a long time ago.
Hettie, I am so glad you found this, this morning. I know there have been many times in my life that I felt like giving up and letting my dreams go. I know God has helped me so much. I know you can find your dreams again as well. ((HUGS))
So inspirational. You have touched many lives by persevering and through your writing today. Thank you.
Hi Chris! Thank you so much for saying that. Have a beautiful Christmas!
Linda… your story is incredible! You are incredible! I am so proud of you! You are an inspiration to me & have already helped me move up a few rungs from where I sit right now. Your courage, power & inspiration has moved me to my dreams, & up & out from what looks & feels like a slim escape to where this 50ish woman wants to be:) Thank you for that! And for sharing your story, God bless:)
Wow…thank you so much Sue. Women like you are what keeps women like me going! God bless you too. Have a wonderful Christmas!
after all the comments people have given, i have not much to say.
I am amazed. I am simply amazed.
I found this personal story of yours in the crossroad of my life in my thirties when I feel everyone gave up on me, and giving me useless advice, yet there is still so much i want to do, and i feel time is running away and i’m getting older. I know it sound ridiculous comparing to your story.
i will frame YOUR story, as a reminder for me, not to give up. and come back even stronger.
thank you millions!
you are wonderful and a bright light. many love.
I am SO happy you were inspired by my story! I love it that you will frame it and remind yourself not to give up. I hope I am growing and changing and learning and helping others until I take my last breath…it is never too late. Much love to you, too!
Linda, your story has given me renewed hope. Thanks so much for being vulnerable. I also want to become a psychotherapist. At 30, I don’t even have a BS. This is often considered pretty disappointing for someone of my generation. Anyway, I signed up for Psych 101 at my local community college and dropped out because I felt like I was over my head. I love psychology but didn’t feel like I could really dig in and absorb, just rote memorization. I lost the confidence to continue since I didn’t even complete a basic class. I lost more confidence when I realized that it will take a long time to get my degree since I work full time. Reading your story is so inspiring. I was literally crying as I read it. I’m going to print it out and post it as a reminder to not give up. It is a blessing that I your story popped up in my inbox. It will be a lot of hard work to get my degree but if you can do it, I can do it.
Sydney – your comment made ME cry! I am so thankful you got this message today. I care about you…keep in touch!
Thanks for sharing your story, Linda. You life is truly inspirational and you radiate hope.
Love and hugs.
Thank you so much. People like you make me want to share it.
A truly inspiring story! I’ve met so many people whom complained to me that they are too old for doing something but time and time again I read stories like yours that it’s never too late to start living a completely new life. Thank you Linda for sharing your story.
Thank you so much! I’m so glad I didn’t think it was too late for me. When I thought about staring college, I would think, “Well..what will four years from now look like if I don’t do it? It will still be four years later!” You are very welcome!
So true! It’s never too late. The rapper Riff Raff wrote and published a song about that. I think that the title of it is It’s Never Too Late.
Thanks Michael…I am going to look up the lyrics to that song. :o)
It is an amazing account of courage, determination and self-belief. Despite the cruel way life has dealt with you, dear Linda, you have done the incredible by resurrecting yourself from agony and despair. You are truly an inspiration for those, like me, who tend to give up at a slight jolt that life and people give me. What makes me going is ,” The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want “.
Thank you so much…and absolutely the Lord is my Shepherd. I would never have made it without His help. I am working on a book about all the incredible experiences I had because of Him in my life. Thank you again.
Hi Linda,
Thank you very much for sharing. Goes to show what someone can achieve with the will within themselves, when they want.
Allen
Yes Allen, and thanks for your comment! Have a wonderful Christmas.
Your story was powerful and confirmation of my personal Mantra .. “never give up .. not even when that fat lady sings!” It brought tears to my eyes and made me proud to be one of the EVER STRONG WOMEN that we are! You’re truly blessed as I am for delving into your article!
Thank you.
Yes Nadine…not even when the fat lady sings! I love that! Thanks for your comment. ;o)
You never cease to amaze me! I am honored to count you as a Friend!
You too, my friend!
Hi Linda. You are most likely the strongest person I have ever read about. You are remarkable! I am facing some health challenges which were completely unexpected and I am having a very difficult time emotionally. You are truly inspiring. I will remember your story and draw upon it for strength. Thank you.
Michelle, I am so sorry about your health problems. I do live with mine, and it’s not fun, but it has helped tremendously to find what I think of as my purpose and use what I can (my brain) when I can no longer have the strength to do a whole lot physically. Please know that I care.
Powerful Linda, Thank You.
Be good to yourself
David
Thanks David! You too ;o)
Wow!
Just amazing, When I read your story I thought to myself how could it be? How strong a person can become to overcome such terrible problems. My question is how do you find/obtain such perseverance?
God Bless,
Alireza
Hi Alireza. I do not know if you have ever given birth to a baby, but one thing that happens a lot is that the woman will feel the strongest urge she has ever had…to push! Many times a nurse or a doctor will tell them to stop pushing…the doctor is not ready to deliver, or the baby needs a baby position, etc. It takes everything in that woman to NOT push in those moments!
That is how I have felt. I felt like I could not stop pressing forward in my life no matter what. It felt impossible! The analogy of giving birth was the only thing I could think of to explain it. But deep down inside I have always believed that it was a gift of perseverance given to me by God. I felt like the Lord put that gift in me in order to help me fulfill the purpose he entrusted to me…to reach out and help others who are hurting.
That’s the truth! Sometimes now, that I am actually working, I don’t always feel that same perseverance. But it lasted for years. Thanks for asking me that question!
That’s really inspiring, I started to feel like I have no excuses to be angry or sad with the really silly things that happen to me….
Good Luck
Wishes
I still feel angry or sad over little things too…it’s human nature. But it helps to have a wake-up call once in awhile, right? :o)
Linda, as someone who worked with kids in a public school setting for years, and has seen the system by and large give up on the most troubled ones, I want to thank you for all the good you do. It’s rarely what we say to kids. They watch what we do…and who we ARE. You are a tremendous role model…and I’m sure you’re a great therapist.
Thank you so much for saying that, Larry! When I was in my twenties and suffering so much, I thought about becoming a therapist so I could work with the teens who had no one pouring anything good into their lives. It is so rewarding. :o)
Linda! What an amazing woman you are! Thank you for reminding us that we have the ability to move and be moved by so much more than we think is possible! I am so happy to for all your success!
Hi Tamara! Thank you so much. I believe in you too, as you well know!
Wow, just wow. What an amazing story. Just when things seemed to be getting better, something had to come and mess it all up. And yet you still kept on. Thank you for sharing with us, Linda. I keep this and other stories like this in mind whenever I feel like life is throwing me some trouble, because nothing compares to what others have witnessed, lived through, and been able to rise above.
Thank you so much, Ryan. I will never forget how, back in the late 1970’s when a lot of this was happening, I would read an article in every month’s Reader’s Digest. The column was called “An Encouraging Word.” The articles were about all sorts of “good news” items. Pollution was going down…people were healthier than ever…someone was a hero, stuff like that. I LOVED reading those articles…good news..stories of other’s overcoming…they are life blood sometimes!
Wow. Great. I officially now have no excuses.
I know…me neither..that was the only bummer about all this (kidding). ;o)
So very proud of you, my friend. You’re doing it—a light shining in the dark!
Thank you so much for reading this one, Michelle!
Linda,
I loved your post because you made me curious about what gave you hope and you told me what inspired you. I enjoyed reading about your tenacity to get back up and dust yourself off, then start again. You were going to live your dreams.
I am an older women and have had many bumps in the road. I certainly have made many of my dreams come true in my life. I am having a new bump now that I am working through.
I have new dreams now, and you have certainly inspired me to reclaim the tenacity to make my dreams come true and live them.
Thanks Again,
Susan
Susan, I loved your comment. I really do believe that we can grow and change and make our dreams come true until the moment we take our last breath. Why not? (That’s my motto!). Take care and make those dreams come true. ;o)
Thank you so much Linda for sharing your inspiring story. I also had a tragic childhood, and I had seen many stories of others who had been in worse situations than myself and I would carry disappointed for the fact that I was not able to drag myself out of my whole. I had self esteem issues for most of my life and therefore felt that I had no right to have dreams. The father of my sons passed away from lung cancer in 2010 and that experience helped me realize just how short life is.
I had always believed that if I could have found help at a younger age, that I may have had the change to become something earlier in life. So I wanted to go into counseling to help kids who had the same experiences as I did. I was 43 when I entered my freshman year at the University of Montana (Missoula College) and I have had some health issues that made long hours of studying very difficult. I struggle to keep up in classes and I am not very good at test taking. I was told about the addictions counseling program and after looking at the schedule I realized that I may have bit off more than I could chew.
I was about to give up on my dreams until I was referred to a Vocational Rehab counselor who helped me change my major to Accounting. I am still struggling with my classes but after reading your story and how you found the courage and strength to keep going and you were able to stay positive through your illness. I honestly believe that I will be able to make it to graduation next year. Thank you.
Victoria
Hi Victoria…thank you so much for your comments and for telling me about your life! I went to Carroll College in Helena, MT and was slated to start at the U of M when I got the brain tumor diagnosis! Keep going…you can do it…just take one day at a time and don’t be hard on yourself. Take good care!
Hi,
Wow what an amazing story. One of the most inspirational and life forward and life honoring stories I’ve read. I’ll take on a great deal of learning into my story. I also appreciated the alignment with the metaphor of giving birth and having a compelling and absolute urge towards life.
As a modeller of excellence I would ask you how did you know in and through you? How did your body get organized? How did you breather? How did you move? All this wen you absolutely and profoundly knew. I’m learning into what were the somatic and physicologic markers of living and leading your life the way you did.
Thanks for sharing your profound lived story,
Primitivo
Hi there…thank you so much for commenting! I will tell you what I honestly believe. I believe that I got better and was able to persevere and continue my healing because I asked God to help me. I read what the Bible says about how to think (Philippians 4:8) and other Scriptures that talk about how to have peace. I changed the way I think, and this changed and lowered my anxiety level and depression. I was healed from grief over the suicides of my brother and father. I suffered terribly for three years and then one day and Christian woman came and told me that the “days of my mourning are over.” I expected this to happen by the following morning, but it was not like that. Instead, it happened over a period of three months. One day I woke up and knew that I was not grieving any longer, and like the last time you hiccup, I did not know when it ended….I just knew I was healed. So, I have to say, that in my own experience, I trusted God. But I do believe that by following HIs principles (righting your thinking, letting go of bitterness, forgiving others, being grateful, etc.) that anyone can become happier and better their life. Thank you for asking!
Wow. What an incredible story. What a huge credit to you that despite all the odds, you created a life that you love. You are a gift to so many and I am so grateful for you.
Sending you infinite love,
Jess
Hi Jess,
I have been on your website and have watched your video about you and your life as well. I LOVED it. You are such a blessing and you have a gift to share with the world! Thank you so much for your comment. :o)
I came across this website while watching a Marie Forleo video and saw your name. Your story interested me so I Googled it and here I am. I am blown away by your story. I have had a heart to work with survivors of trafficking for a long time and next year I’m looking to do life coach certification and look to build opportunities for survivors of trafficking to become leaders of their own life. Many have experienced multiple traumas like you but don’t know how to get out of the spiral. I”m so grateful for people like you who, despite almost losing everything including your life, still make a choice to get up everyday and keep going. I can’t believe what you’ve been through and yet here you are, making the world more beautiful. Thank you for what you do! You inspire me.
Beth…it’s people like you who encourage me to keep on no matter what. Thank you so much for your kind comments and blessings on all you do to help others. I am a contributor to Exodus Road, an organization who has boots on the ground in rescuing those enslaved by sex trafficking. It is close to my heart as well. God bless!!
Beth and others on this site…I wanted to tell you that I teach about out of control emotions and what to do about them at http://changeyouremotions.com. Visit me any time!
A coincidence that you posted this reminder of what one can overcome and BEcome the day before my layoff from a job I adored, and a week after my cancer surgery and my dear father dying?? I think not!! You are, in so many many ways, a blessing to me (and, clearly, by the comments posted above, to so many others :). Your strength, your wisdom, your compassion…all such amazing gifts to those of us feeling a bit beaten down by life. Thank you, dear one, for opening your heart, your arms, your doors to the likes of me. How blessed I am that you are in my life. Definitely feeling that all things are for a reason, and perhaps I needed a little nudge from life to propel me back to yours. Thank you for positively touching the lives of so many! To say that you are an inspiration is an understatement ;)
Pam…I am SO sorry for all you are going through. There were many times in my life when I thought, “this is it! I’m done!” But like you, I kept going, and it’s in the looking back that I can see the amazing gift of perseverance I used to get there. And when I say “gift,” I mean that it seemed as if God has placed it within me for a purpose. I am so glad you found this as well. Keep in touch if you would like. We’re all in this together!
I am so moved and inspired by your story Linda! You are an amazing woman. Others would have given up years ago but you kept going no matter what. Thank you for sharing this piece of yourself with us. I’m so thankful to have read this today :)
Thank you so much Michaela! When people like you tell me things like that, it makes it all worth it. You have a very, blessed life, you hear me? :o)
Wow thank you Linda for sharing your story. What a journey you have been on and it’s wonderful that you are now helping others with theirs. Well done.. Sharon x
Thanks Sharon. I am so glad my story is still touching others. I so appreciate people like you who encourage me!
Wow, just wow!
I’ll be sharing your story, Linda, with both colleagues and clients.
–John in Cincinnati
Hi John! Fancy meeting you here! :) Thank you so much…talk to you soon. :)
Hi… I wasn’t sure I was reading a blog… it watching a movie by the time it was finished. Took my words away. Just can’t imagine the pain, the journey and the strength & stamina it took to get to this point. Yet… maybe O get some of it. Life throws us all some pretty brutal curveballs and your story is the poster girl for ‘10% of life is what happens to you, the other 90% is what you do with it.” You’ve touched my life with your words. They are humbling and life giving. Thank you.
Thank you so much Adeline. What is so ironic, and The Change Blog community does not know this yet, is after the last comment before yours I just found out that my brain tumor has come back and I have to have brain surgery again!! And you know what? I have such a great peace. Yes…the usual fears, but a knowledge that I am in His hands as well. I’m so glad you were inspired. That is what I hope for. Thank you again.
Dear Linda… God did not bring you through all this for no reason! He knows your love for him so he has inspired peace & strength within. You are & will continue to be such an inspiration to us through him. I will pray for you. Have a blessed Thanksgiving:) You are an amazing woman!
– Sue
You too, Sue! Thank you so much. That meant a lot to me. :o)
Linda,
I knew some of this about you but as it all links together I didn’t know. Thank you for both sharing your story and listening to mine. We are so similar… It’s amazing. I feel deeply honored to comment on your blog. Yes I will be visiting you in the future! Thank you also for you having gone before me to help pave the way for me.
Warmly,
Dana
Dana…..thanks for commenting. I cannot wait to meet you too!
Linda, what an amazing story of resilience and grit. It’s so inspiring to see how you have taken so many knocks and have turned your life into one of serving others. God bless you!
Thanks Anna…so many things happened after I wrote this…both good and bad (but I know God uses all things for my good…). I’m encouraged to write another post!
Linda, I read your story elsewhere recently and had to find you. I am so glad I found this blog. This is one of the most powerful stories of fortitude I’ve ever read. I feel like crying and cheering at the same time and I feel so much hope too. Thank you for writing this. I’m looking for your book. I’m following you on Substack. I just wanted to say thank you so much. ♥