Women of Courage

Women Of Courage: Appreciation For Those Who Shared In 2020. 77/2020.

Wednesday 23rd September 2020 by Denyse Whelan

Women Of Courage: Appreciation For Those Who Shared In 2020. 77/2020.

The Women of Courage Series has now concluded.

I like many was sad to see it end, but with no further contributions waiting in the drafts area of my blog and no-one coming forward with their stories after the invitation, it was wrap time! I certainly am delighted too, that 55 women DID share their stories and they are incredibly varied too. But with one theme: courage!

It ran from May 2019 until September 2020 with breaks at certain times. The backstory is here.

The message I added to each post is this:

In 2019 I began with my post, and then numbered each person from #1 onwards. The colour I used in 2019 was this one.

In 2020 I changed to red!

Last week I shared those who told their stories in 2019 here.

2020 Image For the Series.

Leaving January 2020 behind, it was good to launch into the 2020 series with this post: from Jane Caro AM, whose book Accidental Feminists helped me form my plan for a blog series and I will always be grateful for Jane’s support (and likes and retweets each Wednesday) along with those from Rosemarie Milson (#49) who ‘is’ Newcastle Writers Festival Director.

Catching up with Jane Caro: April 2019.

Jane Caro AM

: Maureen #26

: Sandra #27

: Beth #28

: Lorna #29

: Jayde #30

: Cathy #31

: Sue #32

: Sanch #33

: Rebecca #34

: Jennifer #35

: Anonymous #36

: Kathy #37

: Tara #38

: Natalie #39

: Anonymous #40

: Jo #41

: Ann #42

: Christina #43

: Anonymous #44

: Laurie #45

: Christie #46

: Anonymous JT #47

: Julie #48

: Rosemarie #49

: Anonymous. #50

: Anna #51

: Stella #52

: Yvonne #53

: Leanne #54

: My Profile: a variety in the collage as seen here!

To read, or re-read the posts of these Women of Courage: please visit the page at the top of the blog: here.

Thank you all for sharing your stories. I hope you return occasionally to re-read and see what sharing your story has brought to your life.

Were you someone who shared your story in 2020?
How did it make you feel once it was done?

Thank you again for sharing.

Denyse.

Linking here with Leanne and friends for the Lovin’ Life Linky on Thursdays.

Filed Under: Blog 2020., Denyse Whelan Blogs, Stories From Life's Experiences., Women of Courage. Tagged With: 2020 series, appreciation, be well, Blog 2020, blogging, brave, Courageous, Denyse Whelan Blogs, helping, links, Sharing, stay safe, stories shared, take care, tell your story, telling, Women of Courage, writing

Women Of Courage: Appreciation For Those Who Shared In 2019. 75/2020.

Wednesday 16th September 2020 by Denyse Whelan

Women Of Courage: Appreciation For Those Who Shared In 2019. 75/2020.

The Women of Courage Series has now concluded.

It ran from May 2019 until September 2020 with breaks at certain times. The backstory is here.

The message I added to each post is this:

In 2019 I began with my post, and then numbered each person from #1 onwards. The colour I used in 2019 was this one.

In 2020 I changed to red!

Women of Courage 2019 Series.

: Sammie #1

: Megan B #2

: Katherine #3

: Debbie H #4

: Kirsty #5

: Annette #6

: Dorothy #7

: Leanne #8

: Min #9

: Tegan #10

: Kirsten #11

: Megan D #12

: Alicia #13

: Veronica #14

: Deborah #15

: Sarah #16

: Lydia #17

: Margaret #18

: Jan #19

: Tracey #20

: Deb #21

: Joanne #22

: Lisa #23

: Grace #24

One woman’s story was shared anonymously in 2019. #25.

To read, or re-read the posts of these Women of Courage: please visit the page at the top of the blog: here.

Thank you all for sharing your stories. I hope you return occasionally to re-read and see what sharing your story has brought to your life.

Were you someone who shared your story in 2019?
How did it make you feel once it was done?

Thank you again for sharing.

Denyse.

Linking here with Leanne and friends for the Lovin’ Life Linky on Thursdays.

Filed Under: Blog 2020., Denyse Whelan Blogs, Stories From Life's Experiences., Women of Courage. Tagged With: 2019 series, appreciation, be well, Blog 2020, blogging, brave, Courageous, Denyse Whelan Blogs, helping, links, Sharing, stay safe, stories shared, take care, tell your story, telling, Women of Courage, writing

Women Of Courage Series. #54 Leanne @DeepFriedFruit. 73/2020.

Wednesday 9th September 2020 by Denyse Whelan

Women Of Courage Series. #54 Leanne @DeepFriedFruit. 73/2020.

A series of blog posts on Denyse Whelan Blogs to be found here from mid-May 2019: Wednesdays: each week and now the series concludes today with this post. Over the next two weeks there will be a look back at those who have shared their stories. Actually 56 women. The link to all of those stories is here.

Here is the introduction to the series and each woman’s story.

Leanne, also known by her blog’s name of Deep Fried Fruit, has been blogging FOR ever..no, not really. However, I believe she started for a significant ZERO birthday and now admits to being at the next decade. Not one to hide away from her celebrations of life, she calls her birthday a festival. In real life, and yes, we have met, this person is warm, funny, generous and very caring. In fact, she stopped off on her family’s trip to Queensland two years ago so we could meet up!

Let’s get on with Leanne’ story…and I admit, she has written more than was asked but all good. The more we get to know about the ‘why’ of this lady!

Background

I look back and think of all the things in my life that took great courage and I guess most things do. Every new experience requires some amount of bravery.
I used to be timid and shy. As an only child I found safety in the walls of my own home with my tiny family. Then one day my mum was told she only had two weeks to live and suddenly my safety was about to be stripped.
Her bravery of fighting the disease and winning, changed who I ultimately became. Being timid in life was no longer an option. I learned if you want to achieve results you have to stand up and take responsibility for your existence. You had to find courage.
As a result, I’m someone whose meta programming is set high on the “challenge” meter. Some people take the path of least resistance in life, others take the path of most challenge. I’m the latter.

That’s how I live my life. I spend a great deal of time striding down great big long tunnels to turn that bloody light switch on. Which means I need a fair bit of courage I suppose. Although I don’t necessarily recognise it at the time.

What have you faced in your life where you have had to be courageous?

My mum’s leukaemia, backpacking overseas alone, buying my first home, completing my degrees, creating a career, marrying into a readymade family, having kids, dealing with fibromyalgia. The standard stuff.

I think there are some major milestones that took more courage than others though.

“Retiring” from a well-established career at the age of 36 to concentrate on my family
Becoming the creator/founder of several small business initiatives
Deciding to self-publish my children’s book series
Watching helplessly as cancer took our (my husband’s) eldest child
Re-entering the workforce at the age many retire

While point number 4 is probably the one jumping out as the most challenging event anyone could possibly face, it’s still too hard to talk about. So, I won’t be talking about the loss of a child today.

Instead, given it’s current, I’d like to chat about number 5.

Re-entering the workforce.

How did this change you?

For the past 15 years, skipping merrily outside the boundaries of the paid workforce as a sole trader and finder of cool projects, I’ve been striding through many tunnels turning on a shitload of Sarah Henderson-esque light switches.
You’d think that with all the results I’ve achieved when I was out there on my own, re-entering the workforce would be easy. I mean, I’ve done so much! I’m a force to be reckoned with, aren’t I?
I would have thought so too, but no.
Going back to work” has honestly been one of the hardest things I’ve had to do.
Why? Because I discovered something when I went back to work in corporate Australia. I’m old!
I know right. Shocking revelation.
I thought I could waltz right back in there and just be amazing. But it turns out I’ve got a bit to catch up on in the corporate world and apparently my brain isn’t quite what it used to be.

Re-entering the workforce changed me. My confidence, resilience and emotions hit an all time low.

Is there something you learned from this that you could recommend?

Every single challenge in life presents an opportunity for growth.
While wallowing in self-pity, I realised I’d bumbled into this job without much thought nor planning. Somebody needed me to fill a gap, so I filled it. Then somebody else needed me to fill another gap and I filled that one too. That was my re-entry. I didn’t create my new work life; I simply fell into it.
It’s hard to stride down a tunnel with purpose when you’ve fallen into the tunnel.
So, I downed tools, re-wrote my resume, contacted recruitment and said, “hello world, here I am, and this is what I have to offer you”. I took back control and started striding forward on my terms again.
I guess I’d like to say out loud for all to hear, if you find yourself in a job you aren’t enjoying, or that doesn’t suit you, or that makes you feel less-than, then do something about it. Don’t stay there for staying sake.
I’m now focussing on my strengths, adding value where I know I can and not putting so much pressure on myself to be able to do everything.

I have decided to create my job, rather than have my job re-create me. Or more specifically, rather than have my job deflate me.

Do you think you are able to be more courageous now if the life situation calls for it?

Absolutely, 100%, without a doubt. Our challenges make us stronger. My challenges have made me stronger.
Facing problems can be hard. At the time it can even feel like the end of the world.

But looking back at the times where courage has been required is a fantastic reminder that we do survive them, 100% of the time, because we’re still here!

Is there any message you would give to others facing a situation where courage could be needed?

When you’re younger you tend to put up with a lot more heartache in order to get your foot in the door, particularly when it comes to jobs and careers. I know I did whatever it took to show my value. I worked hard from the ground up.
When I re-entered the workforce, I thought I’d waltz back in without that need to go back to grass roots, and it was quite a dent to my pride to discover I wasn’t as shit-hot a I thought I was; or perhaps as I used to be.
When I hit rock bottom, I thought “wow, does this mean I have to start again? Has my experience over the last 30 years meant nothing?”
No. We don’t need to start again. Everything we’ve done previously is still part of us, only we’re even better off because we not only have that experience, we also have a proven track record of resilience, growth and acquired wisdom.
If like me you don’t like your job, and the light at the end of the tunnel is dimming, then just stride down there and light the bloody thing yourself.

Anything else to add?

This “being back at work” thing is new, and I am still finding my feet.
But if there is one thing I know for sure; I still have a good 15 years of work life left in me in which to create something that suits my strengths.
I may well create my dream job or a whole new career, or I may just decide that my current income generating activity is simply that, an income source.
The bottom line is, if the world feels dim, I’m now old enough and wise enough to know where to find the light switch.

Thank you Leanne, you are an amazing friend and definitely a great woman of courage and it’s my privilege to share your story as the final one in the series over the past 2 years.

Thank you to all of the Women of Courage.

Over the next two weeks, there will be a farewell and appreciation for those who shared in 2019 and in 2020.

Denyse.

Social Media:

Blog/Website: www.deepfriedfruit.com.au

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/DeepFriedFruit

Instagram: @DeepFriedFruit

On Thursdays I link here for Lovin Life with Leanne and friends.

Filed Under: Blog 2020., Denyse Whelan Blogs, Stories From Life's Experiences., Women of Courage. Tagged With: 2019 series, 2020 series, Blog 2020, blog posts, Bloggers, blogging, celebrate, changes, community, Deep Fried Fruit, Denyse Whelan Blogs, education, family, Final Post in Series, health, helping others, honesty, honouring, Leanne, learning, life, life changing, life stories of transition, memories, midlife, one year, remembering, Resilience, Sharing, sharing life stories, telling our stories, time, wellbeing, Women of Courage, Women of Courage Posts, Workforce, writers

Women Of Courage Series. #53. Yvonne McClaren. 71/2020.

Wednesday 2nd September 2020 by Denyse Whelan

Women Of Courage Series. #53. Yvonne McClaren. 71/2020.

A series of blog posts on Denyse Whelan Blogs to be found here from mid-May 2019: Wednesdays: each week until the series concludes in 2020.

Here is the introduction to the series.

Whilst I have not ‘met’ today’s Woman of Courage in real life, as they say, we have most certainly connected by the common (and not ever-welcomed) diagnosis of Head and Neck Cancer. Yvonne, who is 54, has shared her story below via the responses to the questions but to know even more about her and how she is facing life full-on these days, check out her links! Recently she appeared too as part of the Beyond Five live video segment relating to food preparation and eating for those affected by head and neck cancer, particularly as in Yvonne’s case and others, relating to swallowing.

The link to the video is at the end of this post.

Thank you Yvonne for sharing.

What have you faced in your life where you have had to be courageous?

There are a few times in my life where I have had to reinvent myself both professionally and personally. I think my latest challenge with finding a large tumour on my left tonsil has been my greatest challenge.

There have been other life-threatening situations – involving motorbikes, but this was really out of my control. Once diagnosed I responded with ‘silence’ – I went into myself I realise now.

It was a difficult time as I had relocated countries, left my full time job to start a new life and career and had my heart broken all in the space of 8 weeks, then a cancer diagnosis.

Suffice to say, I had little time to grieve anything, it was get on with it and start the treatment. Everything was put on hold in terms of dealing with loss of income, loss of love and in some respects the loss of my beloved father a year earlier.

It’s only now, 18 months after diagnosis, that I am starting to mentally deal with some of the other issues going on in my life at that time.

How did this change you in any way? Please outline further if this has been the case.

I had no time to consider anyone or anything else really.

I was on my own and thankfully had my mum still in her own home where I could live whilst going through the treatment.

I had had a sore throat for many, many months and jokingly said to a friend “I think it’s cancer” not really believing it, turns out 6 months later I was right.

How has it changed me?

I listen to my body really closely now, I use to before, but this has made me very aware of what thoughts I have running through my head, what niggle is going on and why… it also made me realise that every second you spend worrying about some insignificant thing is wasted time.

Get on and do it and do it now. Whatever it takes.

I lost the last five kilos I couldn’t budge and then some, so that was great for me, not an ideal weight loss programme but it started me back on my fitness journey 15 kilos lighter.

I now have to learn how to eat again and for a foodie I have found this the most distressing, depressing and difficult side effect.

Food was/ is my world and I have had to retrain and rethink what that looks like now. It also made my fledgling idea about teaching culinary pursuits in a foreign country come to fruition.

Is there something you learned from this that you could recommend to help others who need courage?

You always have choices, for me, I sat with it and the implications and thought about the worst-case scenario.

I was also told by a well meaning nurse that my cancer treatment had not worked and there was nothing more they could do for me. That sort of puts things in a very stark perspective, it’s humbling and it’s frightening.

It’s also incredibly motivating when I discovered that was not the case.

Learning to manage emotions is something you also can practise and become the master.

I then figured well if that’s as bad as it gets (death / inability to function normally/ disability) then make the most of what you have now.

I also discovered that you lose “friends” along the way, whether they can’t handle the new you, or who you have become or are becoming is too hard for them I don’t know.

I have had to make an entirely new circle of friends and have reacquainted myself with ones I have not had much to do with for years.

What I can say is, you are innately very strong you just don’t know it yet.

Do you think you are able to be more courageous now if the life situation calls for it? Why is that?

Yes, I am doing things now that are very much out of my comfort zone, although some would say riding through Vietnam and Laos on the back of a motorbike during a typhoon is getting out of my comfort zone too, but this disease and its side affects have made me realise that everyone has a message and a story.

In many ways this disease has focused my life’s purpose, I had all the scaffolding ready but now I have the ‘reason’ to hoist the flag on top of the scaffolding.

Is there any message you would give to others facing a situation where courage could be needed?

Don’t spend time worrying about things that might happen, focus on the now and take it one step at a time.

There is literally someone else worse off than you, I’d hate to be that person by the way whoever they are, I guess it’s all relative.

Do add anything else that you think would help others who read your post.

My job as I see it now is to spend my time doing what I love, what I love is cooking and if I can help others with eating difficulties as a result of HNC and its treatment then that’s what I am going to do.

I come from a family of teachers so it is not surprising to me that ultimately, I want to use my skills to help others.

I have set up The Food Manifesto and Soup hug as a way to bring a community together that suffer from this debilitating side effect.

I like to think of myself as the food curator for dysphagia, the link between your dietitian and your kitchen.

What a story of resurgence here. I can say that because I did not know Yvonne until she found the friendly facebook group for Head and Neck Cancer Patients, Carers, Professionals and Families. It is here, too, where I ‘met’ another Woman of Courage Maureen whose story is here. There is another Woman of Courage called Tara Flannery who shared about her head and neck cancer here.

And this Woman of Courage shared her story. She is Julie McCrossin AM, who is also a Community Ambassador for Beyond Five and is part of the webinar Yvonne appeared in below.

Thank you again Yvonne. I am so pleased you are doing all you can to be well and help others too.

This is the penultimate post in the Women of Courage series.

Denyse.

Beyond Five, where I am a Community Ambassador released this video live just before World Head and Neck Cancer Day 2020.

Please take some time to view…and see what Yvonne shares from her kitchen and share with others who may benefit.

Thank you.

Social Media Links for Yvonne:

Blog/Website: www.thefoodmanifesto.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/McclarenYvonne

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/sustainablefoodandtravel/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_food_manifesto/?hl=en

On Thursdays I link here for Lovin Life with Leanne and friends.

Filed Under: Blog 2020., Denyse Whelan Blogs, Head & Neck Cancer Awareness, Health & Mindfulness, Stories From Life's Experiences., Women of Courage. Tagged With: 2019 series, 2020 series, Blog 2020, blog posts, Bloggers, celebrate, changes, Denyse Whelan Blogs, dysphagia, education, family, food, head & neck cancer, Head & Neck Cancer Australia (formerly Beyond Five), Head and Neck cancer diagnosis, health, health education, helping others, honesty, honouring, Julie McCrossin AM, learning, life, life changing, Maureen, memories, one year, remembering, Resilience, Sharing, sharing life stories, Tara Flannery, telling our stories, time, wellbeing, Women of Courage, Women of Courage Posts, writers, Yvonne McClaren

Women Of Courage Series. #52. Stella. 67/2020.

Wednesday 19th August 2020 by Denyse Whelan

Women Of Courage Series. #52. Stella. 67/2020.

A series of blog posts on Denyse Whelan Blogs to be found here from mid-May 2019: Wednesdays: each week until the series concludes in 2020.

Here is the introduction to the series.

I welcome Stella, who is 70 years old, to share her story as a woman of courage. However, I also need to share that ‘we’ have known each other for decades. In fact we grew up in a similar area of the Northern Beaches in Sydney and ended up being in the same classes from time to time at Manly Girls’ High. We are both in this photo. Can you find us? This was an image I shared in N.S.W. Education Week a few weeks ago. Stella and I ‘found’ each other again via facebook and another friend from that time, who has shared her story too. Ann Thanks for the nostalgic trip!

Stella Shares Her Story In Her Words, Here.

This year is the 20^th anniversary of the scariest time in my life. I was 50, really healthy, working full time and bringing up my two teenagers. Life was good and I had no worries.

One afternoon after work, I lay down to read, and saw in the wardrobe mirror that I had a very swollen abdomen. It was big enough to make me head straight off the bed and to go down to the doctor. He was very off-handed, and said “So you’ve gained weight – what do you expect ME to do about that ?”

Until that point I’d always been a very shy and diffident person, and his words would normally have made me apologise for wasting his time – and gone home feeling stupid. Which could have been a death sentence for me.

For once in my life, I knew that I had to be courageous and speak up, advocate for myself and demand that he pay some attention. He did that , and sent me for an ultrasound which revealed a very large malignant ovarian cancer.

Within 24 hours I was in the hospital and had had a very long and serious operation. A week later I started having chemotherapy. I faced all of that alone, since I had downplayed the situation to my family. My Dad had recently died, and I couldn’t bear to tell Mum and my kids that I might be going on the same path.

I plucked up all my courage, and did the whole thing solo. Every day I would meditate, and go for walks around the hospital, thinking positive thoughts and just enjoying little things like a new flower growing in the ward garden. I read good poetry , words to give me courage to face another day. The staff remarked on how calm I was, but it was really courage which was keeping me in that serene frame of mind.

One night my doctor popped his head around my door and told me had news. All the results had come back and as far as he could see, my cancer was in remission. It was great news, and I was able to go home and back to work without too much stress. The courage which I’d found within myself on that first day, stayed with me and gave me a very positive outlook.

Since that experience, I’ve become a spokesperson for women with ovarian cancer. I also trained as a phone counsellor, talking to women who’d just been diagnosed with the disease. I think that the courage I found on that first day, gives me a good inspiration when I talk to women – encouraging them to dig deep to find their courage, to demand good treatment and good communication with their doctors.

Ovarian cancer used to be called “The Silent Killer” because women didn’t know they had it until it was too late. 80% of them used to die. I’m one of the fortunate 20% , and with some courage in my back pocket I can speak for those 80% of sisters who didn’t survive to tell the tale.

Stella Burnell 2020 .

https://www.ovariancancer.net.au/

https://www.facebook.com/OvarianCancerAustralia/

What have you faced in your life where you have had to be courageous?

I’ve had many experiences where courage was needed – in my work as a nurse I’ve often had to pull up my “big girl pants” and tough it out, but it was really my own experience with cancer which used my courage to heal myself.

How did this change you in any way? Please outline further if this has been the case.

I’d say that since the day that I first got the diagnosis, I’ve never again been the shy and retiring person that I used to be. It was a defining moment and I often use it when talking to other women, to illustrate how courage can help you to assert yourself in health situations. I am no longer the “invisible older woman” but have found my voice and I help other women to find theirs.

Is there something you learned from this that you could recommend to help others who need courage?

I learned that you don’t always need other people to support you, when the going gets tough. In the particular instance that I mention, I had to “fly solo” and in fact I found that it was easier because I didn’t have to be around other people. Solitude was a great healing factor !

Do you think you are able to be more courageous now if the life situation calls for it? Why is that?

Yes, I am. I found my courage at that time, and it stands me in good stead every day now.

Is there any message you would give to others facing a situation where courage could be needed?

In a health situation like mine, I’d say that education is a great thing. If you find out everything you can – as scary as that can be – you will be able to face up to any eventuality with courage.

Thank you so much Stella, education is so important in keeping our health under some person control and if not, then to know who to go to for more help. You did this is so many ways and as I know, via the links above, have most likely helped many women who have faced a diagnosis of ovarian cancer.

Denyse.

Joining each Wednesday with Sue and Leanne here for Mid Life Share the Love Linky.

On Thursdays I link here for Lovin Life with Leanne and friends.

Filed Under: Blog 2020., Denyse Whelan Blogs, Health & Mindfulness, Self Care Stories, Stories From Life's Experiences., Women of Courage. Tagged With: 2019 series, 2020 series, Blog 2020, blog posts, Bloggers, celebrate, changes, Denyse Whelan Blogs, education, family, health, health education, helping others, honesty, honouring, learning, life, life changing, memories, one year, Ovarian Cancer, remembering, Resilience, Sharing, sharing life stories, Stella, telling our stories, time, wellbeing, Women of Courage, Women of Courage Posts, writers

Women Of Courage Series.#51. Anna. 65/2020.

Wednesday 12th August 2020 by Denyse Whelan

Women Of Courage Series.#51. Anna. 65/2020.

A series of blog posts on Denyse Whelan Blogs to be found here from mid-May 2019: Wednesdays: each week until the series concludes in 2020.

Here is the introduction to the series.

I’ve been following Anna on twitter for quite some time. She is an author of a number of books, see below, and is aged in her late 30s. I have learned a lot about Anna’s resilience and her vulnerabilities via her tweets because she tells things as they are. For her. Yet, she always has something kind to say about many. When I asked Anna to be part of the series, COVID19 was in its early stages of infiltration in Australia. Now, at the time of publication, Anna’s hometown of Melbourne, Victoria is doing this hard lock down for several weeks. Anna tweets about that and more and she is admired and cared for by many.

Thank you Anna, let’s catch up with your responses now.

What have you faced in your life where you have had to be courageous?

As someone who lives with significant mental health issues, I find it hard to understand myself in the context of this word ‘courageous’. I have had to find fulfilment in the small things, and be satisfied with minute progress day to day, and I suppose that manifests as a kind of courage – a will to carry on and to always find new reserves.

How did this change you in any way? Please outline further if this has been the case.

This has always been the way.

I do think the challenge of chronic illness has given me skills to better deal with acute crises; when a situation calls for it, I can draw on the decades I’ve spent understanding myself, my feelings, my actions, and hopefully present more courageously!

Is there something you learned from this that you could recommend to help others who need courage?

Go to therapy, if you can!

It helps with so many facets of being a human.

Do you think you are able to be more courageous now if the life situation calls for it? Why is that?

Yes, as above – years of trying to undo what my brain believes has taught me to push back on fears.

I’m still wildly anxious, but I’m much better at rationalizing it now.

Is there any message you would give to others facing a situation where courage could be needed?

It’s within you, I suppose.

There’s a good chance you’re stronger than you think.

The responses may be brief here but there is a lot of wisdom and experience evident in Anna’s reflections on the questions. Thank you again, for sharing your views based on experience and truth. I always appreciate catching up with you on twitter.

Denyse.

Anna Spargo-Ryan
Copywriter, essayist, novelist

@annaspargoryan
Twitter: http://twitter.com/annaspargoryan
The Gulf & The Paper House
“Extraordinary” – The Saturday Paper
“Anna Spargo-Ryan is a writer to watch.” – The Monthly

Joining each Wednesday with Sue and Leanne here for Mid Life Share the Love Linky.

On Thursdays I link here for Lovin Life with Leanne and friends.

Filed Under: Blog 2020., Denyse Whelan Blogs, Health & Mindfulness, Stories From Life's Experiences., Women of Courage. Tagged With: 2019 series, 2020 series, Anna, Author, Blog 2020, blog posts, Bloggers, celebrate, changes, Denyse Whelan Blogs, education, family, health, helping others, honesty, honouring, learning, life, life changing, memories, mental health, one year, remembering, Resilience, Sharing, sharing life stories, telling our stories, time, wellbeing, Women of Courage, Women of Courage Posts, writers

Women of Courage Series. #50. Anon. 63/2020.

Wednesday 5th August 2020 by Denyse Whelan

Women of Courage Series. #50. Anon. 63/2020.

A series of blog posts on Denyse Whelan Blogs to be found here from mid-May 2019: Wednesdays: each week until the series concludes in 2020.

Here is the introduction to the series.

Anon, who is 60, and I first met via social media and then, totally uplanned, in person. Just a quick catch up but it was good. When I asked Anon sometime later if she wished to share her story as a Woman of Courage she replied “yes”. That said, this story may not be ‘as in the five questions’ but it is ONE woman’s story and done her way! Thank you Anon.

As with others who have shared their stories anonymously, there will be no replies from this Woman of Courage, but I know she will be reading with appreciation.

The Story Commences Here:

At age 23 & pregnant with my 3rd child, I left my then, very self-destructive husband, taking the children to a refuge where we spent a month before receiving emergency public housing in Sydney’s Far Western Suburbs, having left a waterfront home in a Sydney beach suburb.

Unbeknownst to me, my husband had developed an extreme gambling problem & had stopped paying the mortgage amongst other things & our home was sold from under us. I had nothing.

What Happened Next:

It changed me in many ways. Prior to this happening, I probably thought I was somewhat entitled to a particular lifestyle but what could have been a very negative situation, proved to be a huge turning point in my life.

I learned just how strong, capable & self-sufficient I was. I was friendly with the neighbours but didn’t typically socialise with them, as we mostly had different values.

When my youngest child was 2yrs old, I attended the family law court to obtain a divorce & the following day commenced my first day in the very first intake of college based (now university) Nursing education.

I excelled in this environment, especially on practical placements/6wk blocks within various hospitals around Sydney’s West.

At the end of year 2, the college asked me to consider returning there as a lecturer once I had attained my degree.

More To The Story:

Through-out these years my ex-husband, had maintained a close relationship with our children & me, whilst working on getting himself together.

As I was to learn 20yrs later, he had quite a few demons from his childhood, none of which were of his making but which are things we now know a lot more about. That was over 30yrs ago now.

We managed to get back together, many people we met in later years have no idea we’re actually divorced.

Unfortunately I never finished my 3rd year of nursing, I had a major seizure, which was never explained but I think I was simply trying to do too much.

I did however, go on to a very exciting career, in which I travelled the world for many years.

My ex-husband & I seem to have a somewhat envied relationship which makes me think to myself… if you only knew.

I do say to people, we’ve had our fair share of bad times, we were just lucky to get ourselves back on track but I doubt they’d ever imagine just how bad things once were.

And Continuing The Story:

There have been many bumps on the road in my journey, the worst of which concerned my children.

These things really rocked me, not to mention them.

Things that I thought might initially break me but in reality they only made me tougher, stronger and more resilient

There is nothing that frightens me these days.

In Conclusion:

The other thing that I think is really important to remember, is that regardless of who you are, no ones life is perfect.

It’s easy to get you get sucked into social media, (pre COVID_19) thinking everyone else has these amazing lives and perfect children & grandchildren (okay the grandkids are pretty perfect) and that they’ve found something you haven’t.

Trust me, they have their flaws and are still finding their way like the rest of us.

I recall my mother coming to me a few months after the upheaval I’d gone through at 23 and saying that standing back to watch while I dealt with everything, rather than jumping in to ‘save’ me, was the hardest thing she’d ever done.

There was a part of me back then that did wonder why she hadn’t come to my rescue at the time but thank God she didn’t because it was the making of me.

As women, it can be easy to underestimate just how courageous we can be but when the time comes to put it to the test, we can be proud of the courageous stuff we’re made of. As women we should always be each other’s champions.

There’s actually a song that has been my mantra since I first discovered it 20yrs ago, Strength, Courage & Wisdom by Indie Arie.

https://youtu.be/NsC1vA5Gcr8

Thank you Anon. I do hope that sharing has helped you as readers will see what happened over time.

Denyse.

The following information may be helpful to you or another. These are Australian-based.

Joining each Wednesday with Sue and Leanne here for Mid Life Share the Love Linky.

On Thursdays I link here for Lovin Life with Leanne and friends.

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Women Of Courage Series. #49. Rosemarie. 61/2020.

Wednesday 29th July 2020 by Denyse Whelan

Women Of Courage Series. #49. Rosemarie. 61/2020.

Trigger: miscarriage and infant death.

A series of blog posts on Denyse Whelan Blogs to be found here from mid-May 2019: Wednesdays: each week until the series concludes in 2020.

Here is the introduction to the series.

I have yet to meet Rosemarie, who is in her late 40s. However, we have connected! It was at Newcastle Writers Festival, where Rosemarie is the founding director and that is where I heard Jane Caro speak in 2019 and which was the beginning of the series of posts called Women of Courage. When 2020 Newcastle Writers Festival was cancelled due to COVID 19, I was saddened but of course that was the case for everyone to do with the much anticipated Festival. Yet, Rosemarie rallied and organised a series of on-line and web-based events which were a great way to remain connected to the great love shared between authors, and their words…their books. I was chuffed that Rosemarie agreed to share her story of courage. And thank her for the way in which she has done so. We will meet up I am sure!

What have you faced in your life where you have had to be courageous?

The loss of two babies in the second trimester and the decision to try and have another baby afterwards required enormous courage.

In both instances, I went into premature labour and was forced to give birth knowing my baby would not survive.

The first time, when I lost my son Joe, medicos described it as an unfortunate but not uncommon occurrence.

The circumstances were particularly traumatic and the timing – a week before our wedding – meant that it took us almost a year before we were ready to take the risk again.

I then had a healthy baby boy and we didn’t look back.

My biological clock was ticking so we decided to try again quite quickly for another baby, buoyed by the trouble-free pregnancy and birth of our second son.

When I was 18 weeks along with my daughter, I was woken by the familiar onset of labour.

Contractions are not easily mistaken.

I remember going to the bathroom at the back of the house to phone the hospital.

The midwife said they had a room for me and to come in as soon as possible.

I wept, and waited for as long as possible before waking my husband.

I don’t think we – or anyone else – thought we would ever have another baby.

I remember holding my tiny, perfectly formed daughter, who we named Alice, and realising that I could not bear for her to be my only daughter.

So, with the support of a brilliant obstetrician and the guidance of another specialist whose area of expertise was miscarriage, we tried again.

My second daughter will be 10 in September and she represents the courage I managed to draw on a decade ago.

How did this change you in any way? Please outline further if this has been the case.

It may sound strange, but I remember feeling that a lot of my ‘every day’ fears were unnecessary.

I had faced arguably one of the worst things a woman could experience – enduring giving birth to two babies I knew could not survive – and worrying about the appearance of a wrinkle, or being attacked by a shark while swimming at the beach, suddenly seemed so silly.

I let go of a lot.

I didn’t feel naively invincible, but I felt like I had the ability to face whatever life threw at me.

Is there something you learned from this that you could recommend to help others who need courage?

The whole experience demonstrated to me that there are few things more soul-destroying than the loss of hope.

When you’re in the midst of a crisis, it can be hard to hold on to the idea of a future, but if you can put one foot in front of the other, more often than not, you will make it through.

Do you think you are able to be more courageous now if the life situation calls for it? Why is that?

See above.

Is there any message you would give to others facing a situation where courage could be needed?

I was lucky to have the support of my partner, family and friends, but ultimately you have to rummage up the courage from within.

As an avid reader, it helped me to turn to books by other women who had endured challenges.

While everyone’s circumstances are different, reassurance can be contagious.

Thank you for sharing what happened during this time, Rosemarie. There is a sadness that never quite lifts, of course, but I found comfort in the ways in which you not only named your children but included them in your family life. I have learned from you too that there is indeed comfort in the stories of others and thank you for your generosity and frankness in sharing your story of courage.

Denyse.