Soon after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, in 1998. The prayers I had prayed for the chefs earlier, was given with my resignation. Then Terry, my husband, and I sold Herbal Gems.
In an effort to keep my mind active, I bought and read books on how to write a book, and did extensive history on herbs. My pray journal would become the foundation for a book. With a play on the word horticulture, each prayer was entitled, ‘Hearticulture’, and with that, in 1998 ‘Herb Seed for Thought’ went to press. The printer’s proof was shared with my friend and mentor, Madilyn Hill, world-renowned herbalist. The book was not off the presses when I was invited to speak at the Wahington National Cathedral.
The week before my trip to Washington, I had a grand mal seizure which revealed the real problem in my head, a large brain tumor.
Before the date for my surgery and the arrival of the first boxes of “Herb Seed for Thought” reached my home, I was able to speak in the Cathedral on the National Day of Prayer 1999. Little did we know that after surgery, I would not be able to read my own book.
This is when I need to tell you something that I truly believe; when a true believer in Christ goes through not knowing who God is, due to something beyond their control, God will carry them. I did not know that the building I kept asking to go to, was the Church I had gone to for more than 30 years. Nor did I recognize the people that so loving inly greeted me back, and helped me to remember many things that I had lost.
When I could, I made a promise to God that I would write another book, if He would allowe me to learn to read again. Learning to read again, was greatly aided with the help of a Christian Teacher, and 3 years of earnest effort.
While learning to read, I began to illustrate and later to write my second book, “There is a Little Toe”, but that’s a story in and of itself.
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