Tracy Crump

Advancements have made such a difference in longevity and quality of life. Conditions that were considered death sentences a few decades ago are treatable today. Here are a few resources to stay abreast of the latest treatments and medications. tracycrump.com/thankful-for-a… #caregiver

@NimraShahzadin Amazing! One of a kind!

My daughter's getting married in three months and her future mother-in-law keeps making comments about my "homemade" dress. When my daughter asked me to crochet her wedding dress, I was terrified but honored. Her fiance's mother has been dropping hints about "real" wedding dresses from "actual" bridal shops, like what I'm making isn't legitimate somehow. She keeps asking if we have a "backup plan" in case my dress doesn't work out. I've been working on this for eight months. The pattern came from a master crocheter on the Tedooo app who's made dozens of bridal gowns. Every thread was chosen carefully, every stitch counted twice, every measurement checked and rechecked. This isn't some craft project - it's a work of art. The train alone took six weeks to complete. Those pineapple motifs at the bottom? Each one represents hours of concentration and love. The fitted bodice required me to learn techniques I'd never attempted before, but I was determined to make something worthy of her special day. Yesterday my daughter had her final fitting and started crying when she saw herself in the mirror. "Mom, it's the most beautiful dress I've ever seen." She's going to surprise everyone at that church, especially her future mother-in-law. I can't wait to see the look on everyone's faces when she walks down that aisle.

I’ve heard this one all my life. Lie Like a Rug - eepurl.com/jCW1z2

Join us live on #writerschat Tuesday 3/31, at 11 AM ET (9MT, 10CT) for The Power of Christ in our Writing, with the Writers Chat Team! Go to the Writers Chat Members group to find the Zoom link. Not a member? Join today! facebook.com/share/18Q7Eo6Z…

@Loricarolmaloy Amen!

In the storm, the disciples panicked… but Jesus was calm in the same place. Not every storm you feel means something is wrong. Sometimes it’s an invitation to pause, not react—and trust you’re not alone in it. #FaithReflection #QuietFaith #TrustGod #PorchLightPages

@Mr_Husky1 Praise God! He is still in the miracle business today!

For the last nine months my wife Brooklyn has been carrying our baby boy. Early on we learned that he was very sick. Around the three to four month mark doctors told us that he had severe hydrocephalus. In the old days people called it water on the brain because there was too much fluid building up. We were eventually referred to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital where some of the top fetal specialists in the country gave us devastating news. They said his condition was off the charts bad. It was so extreme that they stopped measuring the fluid levels because it didn’t matter anymore. The MRI images were heartbreaking. We were told there was more than a ninety percent chance that our baby would either pass away shortly after birth or survive with such severe cognitive impairments that any quality of life would be nearly impossible. We sat through gut wrenching meetings with palliative care about breathing tubes and the unthinkable decisions we might face. Brooklyn relocated to Cincinnati to be close to the hospital while I commuted back and forth trying to juggle work and take care of Sophie and Lily at home. On July 8th Brooklyn went into labor. Just fifteen minutes before the C section we sat with doctors again and talked about when we might need to remove life support and let our baby go to heaven. And then it happened. Charlie Edward Schnarr came into the world crying. That cry was the sweetest sound I have ever heard. Charlie stayed in the NICU until yesterday and now we are finally home together. He is a beautiful baby boy doing all the things babies should do. He has mild ventricular enlargement that we will monitor but otherwise he is thriving. The doctors told us they cannot explain what happened. Somehow his brain cleared the blockage on its own and rerouted the fluid. Seasoned nurses and highly respected doctors kept using the words miracle and divine intervention. We know that thousands of family members, friends, clients, colleagues and even strangers were praying for us. I believe with all my heart that God heard those prayers. I believe He stepped in and gave us this gift. I am grateful beyond words. Thank you to everyone who prayed, who reached out, who loved us through this journey. Prayer is powerful. God is real. And He still performs miracles. "This story will make you believe in miracles."

Writers groups may help advance your career more than you know! Finding Your Tribe by Deryn van der Tang - mailchi.mp/ea630b8e66c8/f… Finding Your Tribe by Deryn van der Tang - mailchi.mp/ea630b8e66c8/f…

@saniyafatma1278 I think it’s gorgeous! I thought everybody liked retro nowadays.

I'm sitting in my bedroom staring at my grandmother's 1950s wedding dress, and I honestly don't know what to do anymore. Found it in her attic last month - sixty-four dollars was all she paid for it back then. The moment I saw all that delicate lace and the full skirt, my heart just melted. It felt like finding buried treasure. But apparently I'm the only one who thinks so. My sister took one look and said, "You're not seriously considering wearing that old thing, are you?" My best friend was even worse - "Nobody wears sleeves like that anymore, and that neckline is way too conservative. You'll look like you're playing dress-up." Their words keep echoing in my head, making me second-guess everything. But when I put this dress on, I feel connected to something bigger than trends and Pinterest boards. I feel like I'm honoring the woman who raised me, who taught me that real beauty doesn't need to scream for attention. I already found this incredible seamstress on Tedooo app who specializes in vintage alterations. She was so sweet when I explained the story, and she's going to take in the waist and adjust the hem while keeping every bit of the original character intact. I've already paid her deposit, and honestly, even if I hadn't, I don't want to change a single thing. Posted about it in a DIY group yesterday hoping for encouragement, and while people offered suggestions for "modernizing" it, I realized something important. This dress doesn't need to be fixed or updated or made trendy. It's perfect exactly as it is. I'm done asking for permission to love what I love. If walking down the aisle in my grandmother's dress makes me happy, then that's exactly what I'm going to do. Sometimes the most beautiful choice is the one that feels right in your heart, even when everyone else thinks you're crazy.

I was thrilled to get this Bible study in the mail from Crickett Keeth just as I was beginning my long recovery. Looking discovering how I can apply Paul’s words to Timothy in my life. amazon.com/Living-Out-Lif…? @CrickettKeeth #biblestudy #2timothy

Every once in a while, a ewe will give birth to a lamb and reject it. There are many reasons she may do this. If the lamb is returned to the ewe, the mother may even kick the poor animal away. Once a ewe rejects one of her lambs, she will never change her mind. These little lambs will hang their heads so low that it looks like something is wrong with its neck. Their spirit is broken. These lambs are called “bummer lambs.” Unless the Shepherd intervenes, that lamb will die, rejected and alone. So, do you know what the Shepherd does? He takes that rejected little one into His home, hand-feeds it and keeps it warm by the fire. He will wrap it up with blankets and hold it to His chest so the bummer can hear His heartbeat. Once the lamb is strong enough, the Shepherd will place it back in the field with the rest of the flock. But that sheep never forgets how the Shepherd cared for him when his mother rejected him. When the Shepherd calls for the flock, guess who runs to Him first? That is right, the bummer sheep. He knows His voice intimately. It is not that the bummer lamb is loved more, it just knows intimately the One who loves it and has experienced that love one on one. So many of us are bummer lambs, rejected and broken. But He is the good Shepherd. He cares for our every need and holds us close to His heart so we can hear His heartbeat. I am a bummer lamb adopted and loved by The Good Shepherd!! Hallelujah!!

Be great today! instagram.com/reel/DWWLHq7kc…

Caregiver Tip #192: Find joy in the mundane. #caregivertips #caregiving #caregiver #everydayisagoodday

@DianaDerringer Thank you for sharing, Diana!

@TracyCrumpWrite shares encouraging words for a difficult subject. What It’s Like to Watch a Loved One Die tracycrump.com/what-its-like-…

@DianaDerringer Thank you for sharing, Diana!

My friend @TracyCrumpWrite shares words of wisdom.

@DianaDerringer Thank you for sharing, Diana!

Natural disasters are difficult enough. More so for caregivers.

@DianaDerringer sends weekly posts explaining common sayings. Always cleverly done.

Join us live on #writerschat Tuesday 3/24, at 11 AM ET for A Hands-On Look at Vellum and Atticus with award-winning author, Kathy Brasby! fb.me/e/3jD1SdIlU

Press Pause is now an audiobook, too! rbmediaglobal.com/audiobook/9781…

A disaster plan is even more essential for caregivers. Barbara Ragsdale gives tips from the inside view. tracycrump.com/another-time-a… #caregiver #caregivers #caregivertips #caregiversupport

A perfect description of caregiving, going from monotonous to overwhelming in seconds. @DianaDerringer instagram.com/reel/DVyBB5YDc…