"I know this is not what you want to hear, but there is nothing more we can do. Go home and prepare to say 'good-bye'. Make this Christmas with your famiy extra special, because it will be your last one." I stood there in my doctor's office stunned. I was 31 years old, and I had just been told that I had less than six months to live. That was the day after Thanksgiving in 1996.
Two and a half months earlier, Hurricane Fran had slammed into the North Carolina coast. On September 6, Hurricane Fran traveled hundreds of miles inland and hit Raleigh/Durham...devastating everything in its path...including my home.
For thirteen days...in record-breaking heat...I dug through the soggy, molded remains of my crushed and broken home. I salvaged photos, treasured keepsakes and my childrens' favorite toys...things that money could never replace. I worked from early morning until no 
light was remaining...day after day. Finally...it was time to let go and move on. 
Since so many families were left homeless, it was very difficult to find housing. My family moved into my father-in-law's vacant lake house. Upon moving in, I realized that the lake house had also flooded...leaving behind some mold and water damage under the carpet. We had nowhere else to go, so I pulled up the carpet and used bleach to kill the mold. I worked for five or six days until the home was safe and dry.
During that week of working in the lake house, I began to experience some respiratory problems. After a few days, the symptoms worsened. I went to my doctor who diagnosed my condition as strep throat and prescribed antibiotics. Upon completion of a ten day course of antibiotics, I was no better...so he prescribed stronger antibiotics.
By the end of that ten day treatment, I had other symptoms in addition to the respiratory problems...severe headaches, swelling, dizziness, confusion and inability to eat without experiencing digestive problems. I went back to my doctor and asked for further testing. After weeks of out-patient testing, my doctor discovered a rare infection in my intestines...requiring yet another round of antibiotics. By the time it was diagnosed, the infection had done extensive damage to my digestive tract. I remember my doctor saying, "Elizabeth, you are one sick girl." I wanted to scream, "I KNOW I'm sick...when are you going to make me better?"
A few days later, I awoke in the middle of the night with unbearable cramps. When I stood up to go to the bathroom, I passed out. Later, I learned that I began hemorrhaging profusely. Over the next few weeks, the bleeding continued...always followed by fainting. In late October, I underwent two procedures...one to stop the bleeding and one to diagnose the reason for the bleeding. My doctor could find no apparent reason for the bleeding and referred me to a specialist.
From that point onward, I was unable to care for myself and my children. I was very weak and fragile...unable to speak coherently...and confined to bedrest. Still...not one doctor had been able to explain what was happening to me. It was the most vulnerable I've ever felt in my life...as I was completely powerless. All I could do was pray.
In November, I began another series of test with a specialist. On the day after Thanksgiving, I had an appointment for him to reveal the results of the testing. He explained that I had been exposed to some rare molds and bacteria...most likely while cleaning the damage from the hurricane...that the antibiotics were not effectively fighting the infections...that my brain and organs were overloaded with toxins...that there was nothing more medical science could do for me. He sent me home to say 'good-bye' to my family.
On the long drive home, I thought about my girls...my youngest had just celebrated her 6th birthday. I thought back to the moment I had learned I was pregnant with my oldest daughter...how I had been told that I would never conceive a baby. I thought about the first time I held them in my arms...the first time I nursed them...thanking God and promising to prove myself worthy of the precious gift of motherhood. As I thought about my girls, I tried to imagine all the moments in their lives that I would miss...school plays, proms, graduation, weddings and watching them become mothers.
In that moment, something rose up inside of me...a determination to fight...to live. I could not leave my girls motherless...they were just too little. They needed me, and I needed them. I owed it to them to live. I had a promise to keep. Instead of going home to say 'good-bye'...I went home on a mission...TO LIVE!
Over the next few weeks, I searched the internet and read every piece of information about my condition. I also made an appointment to see a Natureapath, who performed tests on every system of my body. He then created a specific vitamin and supplement regimen to which I adhered strictly...along with a severely restricted diet of only organic vegetables and grains. Within three months of beginning this treatment, most of my symptoms were gone. I continued to follow this program for a full year...at which time I was perfectly healthy.
Although Christmas has always been a special and sacred time of year for me, it is even more precious to me now. Every Christmas, as I shop, bake and prepare for our family celebration, I think about those words..."Go home and prepare to say 'good-bye'...make this Christmas with your family extra special because it will be your last one." Every cookie I bake is sweeter...every carol I sing more meaningful...every gift I wrap more treasurable...every memory we create PRICELESS.
For months, I have been hoping and praying for a white Christmas...but it did not snow. Still...I received the greatest gift in the whole world. Our home was filled to overflowing with family, love and laughter...and I was here (alive and healthy) to enjoy it ALL! For what more could I possibly ask?
Written and Posted by:
Elizabeth Nieves - Broker, REALTOR® -- The Elizabeth Nieves Realty Group @ Keller Williams (A Bilingual Real Estate Team serving Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill NC and surrounding areas.)
We'll look forward to reading your 50th anniversary of your LAST Christmas!
God wasn't ready to let you go.....since every day of your life is already planned, anyhow?!
Hope you had a GREAT Christmas!!!!!!
Elizabeth - you are truly a miracle yourself. Your story proves that you are here for many reasons. Least of which is to motivate and inspire others. You are a strong yet gentle spirit and I'm so honored to have you as a friend.
I'm glad God left you here. He is wiser than we could ever know.
Elizabeth, What an experiwnce to have your house devastated like that. Were you ever able to return there? ...Nothing irks me more than Doctors who play God... I am glad you did not listen to that naysayer. Mold exposure can wreck havoc on the body. Soo happy you found the right instrument to restore your health..Hugs, Ginger
You have been through so much in your life, and yet you are able to cheerfully put one foot in front of the other and find beauty in everything. How admirable!
Elizabeth, I'm so glad that this Christmas was a joyous one for you and your family.
Elizabeth.... It's tough times like the day the doctor delivered that devastating news that we realize we need to focus on our own destiny. Glad you had the strength to overcome that diagnosis!
Elizabeth, There are doctors and there are healers...how fortunate you were to find someone who can heal. I love hearing "miracles" from people, I've been through one myself and seen a few now. These difficult times makes us always more grateful then we've ever been!
Stories like this make me so angry at some doctors! I don't think a doctor should ever say that to a patient. There are so many alternatives to Western medicine it is irresponsible and egocentric to think that when Western medicine fails you're SOL.
Nutrition can affect your health enormously....can you tell I'm currently reading "The China Study"? lol!
But it is very true!
So glad you are still with us! Look forward to meeting you some day!
Elizabeth, you have such a wonderful heart. Your posts always make my eyes leak a little bit...
I'm so glad you're still here and are my sister. You are always such an inspiration to me. Love you!
Elizabeth, This is such a beautifully written and touching story of a very frightening time in your life and how you overcame it...amazing!
I'm so thankful that you survived and are here now to celebrate with your loved ones and all of us...
Jo
Oh Elizabeth what an amazing thing God has done for you. You are so gifted in writing and I agree that you definitely should write a book. My sister did a couple of years ago. I think you are more gifted than she was and she got some awards. I look forward to reading your posts daily. God has his hand on you for sure and He has chosen to keep you here to bless us and all the lives you touch. Thank you for sharing this story that had such a happy ending. God bless you.
Elizabeth,
Wow youve had some rough CHRISTMAS'. But God is definately not ready to take you home. He still has plans for you here. I for one am glad of that. You are a special person with a drive thats only eclipsed by uour heart. God Bless and keep you.
A truly amazing story! The good book does say we will go thru trials, and the more unbearable the trial the more the reward afterwards!
We know that you are and have been Blessed by God!
Elizabeth,
Once again, you've brought tears to my eyes. I am so glad that the Lord wanted to keep you around a lot longer. Although it saddens me that you've had to go through so much sorrow and pain in the past, you have become such an inspiration to so many people.
Your life is an example of the truth in Psalm 71:20 (NIV): "Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will bring me up again."
May God continue to pour out His blessings on you!
Grace and peace, Sondra
HE truly has a plan for you my dear Elizabeth - and no wonder you have such depth of character come through your writings ...since your trials in life have deepened your empathy for the human spirit! Glad you followed your gut instinct and seeked alternative forms of treatment for your illness! Awesome post.
GBY
Grace
I am glad you did not meet the Lord back then, sis.....
I would not have been blessed with your friendship......
\O/
BILL: I'll look forward to it also...but NOT too soon! I've got a lot of living to do. And...yes...Christmas was wonderful!
CAROL: ME TOO!! Thank you, my friend!
KEN: I can't say enough about natural medicine. The important thing is to find someone with a good reputation.
JAN: I believe that there are many people suffering illness that may be the result of toxic mold. This was a wake-up call for me.
MARY: I'm so glad that He was not ready for me!!!
MARCHEL: You know...God uses all kinds of things to make us better. I don't know why we place our trust solely in western medicine when there are so many other options. Even when I was pursuing alternative healing, there were people who told me that I was wasting time and money. You just really have to follow your heart.
GINGER: We did rebuild, but it took a long time. It was a 100 year old historic property...and I had been restoring it for 4 years prior to the hurricane. After rebuilding, we sold and moved on. It was not the same afterwards. Hugs back at ya!!
ROBERTA: You nailed the heart of the matter...God uses things like this to put life into perspective. For me...things became very focused and clear after almost losing my life.
JASON: YES...God has blessed us more than we can have ever deserved. I'm so glad He is so loving and merciful. You have a wonderful week also!!
PETER: You too, my friend!!
CANDACE: First of all...thank you so much for your love and encouragement. You are such a gentle and loving person. Your words exude your love and sincerity. I am blessed to have you in my life. In your comment you reference all of the many trials I've had in my life. Sometimes, I think...WOW...does this stuff happen to other people? Then, I think...YEAH...it does...every single day. I believe the difference is that a lot of people don't get back up to tell about it. The difference is that God has given me the strength and faith to walk through the fire and live to tell the world of His goodness. That is why I feel so strongly about sharing my experiences...hoping that my story will give someone the courage to keep fighting. I love you, my friend!
KRIS: I hope yours was also beautiful!! Thank you for your kind words!
DAN: I've often wondered how many people receive news like that and walk out deciding to believe it and die. I think that most people accept what comes to them in life without challenging it or fighting it. I just cannot live that way.
CAROLE: And there are both on both sides of the street. There are real healers in both western medicine and alternative medicine...you just have to find the right one. I was very blessed. It sounds like you were also. I'd like to hear your story.
MISSY: GOD IS GOOD...everyday...all the time...without fail! I am so blessed!
KRISTA: I believe that nutrition accounts for the majority of our health. How can I not believe that after my experience?? I have not read that book...but I've read hundreds of books and studies on alternative medicine. I'm fascinated by the connection between what we eat and how we feel.
GAYLE: I would not be surprised. I have read other accounts of MS diagnosis after exposure to toxic mold. It is certainly worth checking into before closing the door on that option. I'd love to talk to you!
LINDA: I'm glad I'm here too! I can't imagine not being here...not being alive to be with my children and family and friends. Life is too amazing!! I love you also, my friend!
JO: Thank you! Me too!!!
NAT: My doctor was the best! He is now retired, but he left behind a tremendous legacy of healing. You know...when people ask me where I found the will to fight...I just point to my girls. I could NOT let them down. They are my life.
MARC: It is so easy to fall into the bad habits of a busy life...not taking time to take care of our health...until it is too late. I hope that some people will read my story and see the value of taking care of themselves today...before their health is in crisis.
JEANNIE: I wrote a letter to the doctor who told me to go home and die...telling him about my recovery. He never responded to me. Interesting, huh?
ROBERT: ME too, my friend...ME TOO!!
TOM: Yes sir!! :-) Me too!!
PAT: With all this encouragement, I think I better get to it. You know...I just love sharing what God has done for me. I owe Him so much...and I believe that it is my obligation to tell the world what He has done. God bless you, my sister!!
HUGH: You are too sweet! Thank you! All I can tell you is that I'm gonna keep fighting until I take my last breath...
ARMANDO: The trials have not been easy, but the blessings have been overwhelming. IF we must suffer in order to understand how blessed we are...I welcome the suffering.
ELAINE: ME TOO, my friend!!
SONDRA: Psalm 71:20 (NIV): "Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will bring me up again." I have not read that verse in a long time, but it is so appropriate. Thank you for reminding me of it.
I am blessed...so very blessed. For every moment of pain I've endured, I've had a thousand moments of joy. God bless you, my friend!
MELISSA: When I read your comment, tears began to flow down my cheeks. I just believe that we can only really understand others' suffering when we have suffered. Then...when we feel their suffering, we are moved to do something to relieve it. IF everyone would follow that principle in their lives...the world would be such a different place. I KNOW your heart, Melissa. I KNOW that you will be the first one to run to rescue someone you see suffering. I'm so thankful you are my friend!
VANESS: What you said is so true. We have to have the courage to go looking for our miracle...to not give up. Happy New Year to you also!
GRACE: Thank you, my friend. I know that God wants me to share what He has done for me. I cannot hold it inside...I'd burst wide open if I tried!! GBU!! Love ya!!
ALEX: Me too, my friend, me too!!
JULIE: You are so kind and gentle. In your words, I feel such love and care. It is like your words wrap around my heart. ALL I can say is that I can't imagine having left this earth without knowing you, my sister! I love you!
LISA: Funny you should say that after everything you have endured and survived. YOU have that same courage and determination inside of you. Don't ever forget that!! :-)
GARY: Yes it is!! :-) Blessings!
Elizabeth - I have included this post in the "Family Reunion" for this week. Thanks!
Elizabeth - Again I am reminded that as easy as the answers sometimes appear to be they are not necessarily the correct answers, right? But, we already know that. Faith, hope and courage. Press on.
Jackie
JASON: Thanks so much!!
JACKIE: You know it, my sister!! You know it!!! Blessings!!
Elizabeth - I am speechless - You are amazing! I feel the same way about my kids - I can't imagine leaving them.. You are a strong lady!
COURTNEY: I still shudder when I think of that day. God is so good!!
GARY: Back at you, Gary!! Many blessings for a wonderful 2008!
SARAH: Me too, Sarah!! I'm just so thankful that God gave me the strength to keep going. GBU!!
Elizabeth, great story. FYI I am excited to be in your office now.
Jim Fischetti
DONNA- Thank you so much!! God is so faithful...so loving and merciful. Every single day is a precious gift. God bless you, my friend!
JIM- HOW COOL! I look forward to meeting you. GBU!
Beth- That is a truly inspiring story. You are so courageous...I think I would have bawled by eyes out. I am so happy you are still here with us and that I was able to meet you. GBU!
What an inspirational story! Thank you for sharing.