I am now 46, but I have lived with chronic pain as long as I can remember. When I was 8, my small town family doctor, unable to find the cause of my pain or lack of sleep, gave me Donnetal, a yucky green liquid to drink to handle the pain.
As I grew older and wiser I sought information on my pain and found a great health care professional who works with me. I vowed that I would work to educate others alone and in pain in the best way I could. I hooked up with Chip Davis and we got the FMS Community off the ground to educate, inform and give away educational books and other materials.

I also volunteered to help facilitate online chat groups as my health and energy allowed, as they have saved my life more than once, I want to insure that these groups flourish for those in need.
Before I found this life, I roamed around going to school, I worked in bars and health care. I started driving at the age of 12 and have pretty much been self-sufficient since then. 

One of my earliest jobs was breaking mules so they could be ridden at the sandstone mines and working in my grandpas greenhouse.
I also worked at a  horse ranch taking people out on horse riding tours, teaching them how to saddle up, stay on the saddle and more, lol. I have worked in retail, ringing registers. I did automotive body work, automotive engine work.

I was a bar tender for 4 years as well as short order cook, that was fun and I made a LOT of money doing this.
I took a second job working at a nursing home, bathing, dressing and caring for the residents, I got FIRED cause I spent to much time with each person, combing their hair or making sure they could meet their families with dignity.
From there I went to our local hospital. Here I worked myself up to management and worked for workers rights the rights of the special needs employees. I spent 18 years working for employee rights and had my own
department.

It was here I met my second husband, who was a miracle for me. My health declined and I had to give up my position at the hospital. I devoted my energies to my medical advocacy and my family. I also turned to my artistic side and picked up my paint brushes, pencils
and cloth again.

I now make my  money by selling original paintings, hand crafted purses, red hat items, hand carved items and collectibles and books. I have also taken up candy making, creating wonderful items out of fondant, fruits and chocolate that your friends and family can enjoy is a
wonderful thing.

My medical advocacy remains in the forefront. I am a mother of two, both grown children at ages 29 and 27. I am currently raising my 3 grandchildren due to my daughters substance abuse and emotional issues. They are ages 9, 8 and 6. I have a new grandchild, from the same daughter, she is 5 months old. I am not raising this one and I hope my daughter gets healthy soon so she can take over raising the 3 that I have now. I will not be here forever and they need their mom to be there for them.