My name is Ginny, and I reside in western New York. I am in my late 40’s. My husband, Phil, and I have been blessed with two grown daughters, whom we had the privilege to educate at home.
In 2005, just after turning 51, Phil was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma and resultant kidney failure. That dual diagnosis changed our lives.
The most important thing in my life is to bring glory to God. He reached down, convicted me of my sin, and adopted me into His family through my faith in the Lord Jesus Christ’s atoning death on the cross of Calvary in August, 1979. The verse I have chosen to guide me through life (my “life verse”) is Philippians 1:6 – “God is the one who began this good work in you, and I am certain that he won’t stop before it is complete on the day that Christ Jesus returns.”
When I’m not caring for my husband and daughters, I enjoy listening to music – both Christian and classical – reading, and doing many crafts. My craft interests include sewing (clothing, craft, and home dec projects), smocking, counted cross stitch, crocheting, card making, silk ribbon embroidery, and jewelry making. I have dabbled in One Stroke Painting, something I would like to do more of. I also enjoy gardening, although my oldest daughter knows more and seems to have a greener thumb than I do. I ran my own business for nearly five years, selling handmade soap and toiletries. I still enjoy making lotion, and would love to resume making my own soap, although I have a lot left over from my business.
I have been surrounded by music since I was a child. I studied flute and piano. After we married, Phil and I discovered that we could sing together, and for many years enjoyed a blessed music ministry. Perhaps we will be able to sing together again. I also had the privilege of being lead female vocalist in a worship team for a time. Talk about a life changing experience . . .
Favorite Authors: Michael Phillips, Ted Dekker, Beverly Lewis, B. J. Hoff.
Favorite Movies: The Bourne Trilogy, Stargate: The Ark of Truth. Gettysburg, Gods and Generals.
Favorite Music: Third Day, Chris Tomlin, Todd Agnew, Casting Crowns, Hillsong, Paul Baloche, Robin Mark, Michael Card, Rich Mullins, Twila Paris.
Ginny,
I enjoyed reading your introduction. I actually read it after reading about your husbands diagnosis.
I, too am a caregiver for my husband who began Hemodialysis in January 2006. His kidney doctor had told him to start preparing for it by searching for a vascular surgeon. She had a particular doctor in mind and while we were seeking insurance authorization, he collapsed from weakness and for a brief time was not coherent. While at the hospital, he received his first fistula and a catheter access for dialysis until the fistula matured. He received his treatment at the nearest center until we sought out the facility teaching a partner to learn the procedure using the Fresenious K@HOME machine. We’ve been doing this since last October 2007. We have had our ups and downs, but have come a long way. We live in Kentucky, just outside the Louisville area, and I would love to ‘talk’ to anyone about how they get through the rough times.
Ginny I will keep you and your husband in my prayers.
Sincerely,
Judy C.