Bella's Butterfly Kisses: A Journey

Monday, April 18, 2011

A Journey

It has been a few days since I have posted anything and I know that everyone is wondering how we are. We are both fine but I have just not been in the mood to share my thoughts or feelings the past few days. I have needed some time to be alone with my thoughts and emotions and took the time to do just that. I still miss her like crazy, as I do every minute of every day. I was recently told by another grieving mother that what we are going through is a journey and in the end we will be better people because of it. I already see the world differently. I appreciate every minute with every person I love. I don't sweat the petty things and do not let ingorance take place in my heart or life. It is sad that it has taken such a trajic loss for me to get to this place. I think that having Isabella in my life has made me a better person and for that I am truly grateful.

3 comments:

Jan Moir said...: Huggs Marisa,

I am going to share this little verse with you....it is something that helped me in a great time of sadness....

Kindness

Before you know kindness as the deepest thing inside, you must know sorrow as the other deepest thing.

You must wake up with sorrow. You must speak to it till your voice catches the thread of all sorrows and you see the size of the cloth.

Then it is only kindness that makes sense anymore, only kindness that ties your shoes and sends you out into the day to mail letters and purchase bread, only kindness that raises its head from the crowd of the world to say "It is I you have been looking for" and then goes with you everywhere like a shadow or a friend.

Huggs again....for there is great energy and Kindness that does surround you and Frank!; April 18, 2011 at 6:27 PM
Chris M said...: Very couragous of you to look for light in the darkness Marisa. We can all learn a few things from you I bet.

Thank you for sharing yet again.; April 19, 2011 at 10:38 AM
Angie said...: Hi Marisa,

Glad to see you're back on the website. We missed you. Take the time and space you need whenever you feel you need to. Just know that we're always thinking of you and Frank and will be here for you when you are in need.

You are so right when you say that you approach life differently now. This is the way we should all think. Love each other and try to see the good in everyone, while we have the chance to.

Isabella has made you and all of us better people by being in our lives, but she's not finished yet. With you as her messenger she will make the world a brighter place. There's so much more to come.

With all my love,

Angie; April 19, 2011 at 10:56 AM

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Group A Streptococcus: The Facts

(Information courtesy of Directors of Health Promotion and Education - http://www.dhpe.org/)

What is Group A Streptococcus (Group A Strep)?
-a bacterium commonly found in the throat and on the skin
-the letter "A" is in reference to the specific classification of bacteria in the genus Streptococcus
-in some cases Group Strep A might cause no symptoms of disease, while in others, it can cause infections ranging from mild to life-threatening
-it is spread by direct person-to-person contact
-can usually be treated with anti-biotics

What are the related infections?
-mild illnesses: strep throat or impetigo
-serious illnesses: scarlet fever, rheumatic fever, postpartum fever, wound infections, pneumonia

Early Signs and Symptoms:
-strep throat: fever, sore throat, swollen lymph glands
-skin infections: red, weeping skin sores
-scarlet fever: the above symptoms plus a characteristic rash on the neck, chest, skin folds and inner thighs

Ocassionally, a more deadly strand of Group A Strep can bring on two rare, but severe diseases:

1. Necrotizing Fasciitis
-often called the "flesh-eating disease"
-an infection that attacks the deep layers of tissue
-occurs when the strain enters through an opening in the skin
-for unknown reasons, the strain becomes very aggressive, releases a toxin and destroys flesh and muscle

Early Signs and Symptoms:
-fever and sever pain, swelling, heat and redness at a wound site

Note: In Canada, 3-7 people per 1 000 000 are affected each year with necrotizing fasciitis, which is approximately 90-200 cases per year. 20-30% of these cases are fatal.

2. Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome
-causes a dangerous drop in blood pressure
-damages kidneys, liver and lungs
-toxin causes irreparable damage to tissue and organs

Early Signs and Symptoms:
-fever, dizziness and confusion
*this disease has no sign or symptom that make it distinctive from other illnesses

In all instances of Group A Strep infectiosn, symptoms will appear quickly, within 1-3 days.

What are some preventative measures?
-wash hands thoroughly and often
-ask your doctor for a throat culture for a sore throat paired with a fever
-keep wounds clean
-seek medical attention for infected wounds paired with a fever

How is Group A Strep contracted?
-the bacteria are carried in the discharges of the nose and throat of an infected person and/or in infected wounds or skin sores
-the bacteria spreads when it comes in contact with the eyes, nose or mouth of an uninfected person
-the bacteria can also enter the body through cuts and scrapes
Note: When an infected person is ill, the risk of contamination is the highest. People who are infected with no symptoms are much less contagious. Household items like cups, plates and toys do not play a significant role in the spread of Group A Strep.

Who is at risk?
Anyone.

What is the treatment for Group A Strep infection?
-various anti-biotics
-early treatment may limit the risk of death but does not prevent it in every case