Beginning of My TWU Fall Semester...

Tomorrow (August 27th) school starts! I am currently not quite sure whether I am excited or nervous; I suppose I am a little of both. :)

I will be a senior this year at Texas Woman's University in Denton and I am excited to complete my last year before receiving my bachelor's in kinesiology! It is amazing how fast the years have gone and yet when I look back I recognize how much work has been done. So many days spent studying before a test... so many papers completed... so many stressful classes... so many prayers and words of encouragement from others! God has been a constant presence in my life and He has helped me arrive where I am today! What an example of His faithfulness to us! Praise be to Him!

As was the case last year, I will be living with an older woman. She has agreed to again allow me to rent a room in her home and I am blessed to have such a wonderful living situation! Unlike last year however I will only be living at Mrs. Hanselman's Sunday afternoon thru Wednesday evening. My classes end at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday and I have decided to drive home and live with my family the rest of the week.

So, what does my school day look like? Below I have written a schedule of the courses I will be taking at TWU this year.

Monday & Wednesday:
              Health and Fitness Lab = 9:30 a.m. - 10:50 a.m.
              Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology Lecture = 11:00 a.m. - 12:20 p.m.
              Health and Fitness Lecture = 1:00 p.m. - 2:20 p.m.

Tuesday & Thursday:
              Measurement & Evaluation = 8:00 a.m. - 9:20 a.m.
              Psychology of Professional Development = 11:00 a.m. - 12:20 p.m.
              Neuroanatomy & Neurophysiology Lab (only Tuesday) = 12:30 p.m. - 3:20 p.m.

I am interested in the content of each of these classes and excited about learning new information this year! Please pray for me as I study and learn this school year!

I am also excited about attending a Bible study on Tuesday evenings. This Bible study for college students is organized by the First Baptist Church in Denton and, if you are interested in learning more information about it, visit - overflowdenton.org. I would appreciate prayer that I would have opportunities this year to meet and fellowship with godly Christian peers.

Thank you so much in advance for your prayers! They are very much appreciated! It is my goal to be more purposeful in posting updates of my life throughout this fall semester. Therefore, I intend to publish a blog post at least once every two weeks. It is my desire to be an encouragement to others as I record my life experiences while serving an amazing and wonderful God!

My Journey with a Pilonidal Cyst: Part Two

Here is the third and most recent email update sent to friends and family regarding my recovery from my journey with a pilonidal cyst.

"Hello everyone!

Again, thank you for your prayers, emails, and letters of encouragement! I apologize that I have not recently updated all of you on how I am doing...

I had an appointment with the surgeon, Dr. Valerie Gorman, last week (June 24). We had hoped that she would remove the stitches, however, after changing the packing, it was decided that the wound had not healed enough. She scheduled our third appointment for August 2 and told us that we would evaluate things at that point.

The afternoon of my appointment on the twenty-fourth, I watched my family swim at the Wycliffe pool and then spent some time outside with my younger siblings. This was the most activity I had performed since before the surgery! I enjoyed myself, but my body did not respond well to the exertion. By that evening, I was in quite a bit of pain, the most pain I had experienced since the surgery. I remained on the couch for the next couple of days recovering. My brother, Tella, asked whether or not the activities were worth the pain; it wasn't! :) Please pray for me to have patience during the recovery process.

By Sunday or Monday, I was feeling much better and was looking forward to having the stitches removed. However, on Tuesday of this past week (June 31), I slipped and fell coming down the stairs! It was unexpected and a little startling, to say the least! I landed almost directly on my low back and the wound immediately began bleeding. I also experienced a high level of pain. My mother examined the area directly after I fell and was concerned that the incision might have slightly opened.

The surgeon was unable to see me on August 2 due to illness she was experiencing. However, the nurse encouraged me to come to the office yesterday morning in order to evaluate the potential set-back. She examined the wound and determined that a portion of the incision has indeed opened. This was disappointing and results in some adjustments in the packing process that initially make things a little more uncomfortable. We have another scheduled appointment with the surgeon on Thursday, August 9. Please pray with us as we deal with this new situation.
Classes at Texas Woman's University in Denton begin for me on August 27th. We are considering contacting the Health Center on campus, as it is likely that I will have to continue packing the wound for some time. Please join us in praying that the wound will heal well and swiftly. Also, pray that my transition to school will go smoothly.

Thanks again,
Morelle Cummins"

My Journey with a Pilonidal Cyst

Many of you reading this blog will have known that I recently have experienced some health concerns. However, I decided to create a post that chronicles my experience with my pilonidal cyst. Below are the paragraphs that were included in my family's June 2012 newsletter:

"On June 9, Morelle injured her lower back at her part-time job at an assisted living home. By the night of June 11, she was in extreme pain and had made a chiropractor appointment. The following morning at 4:30 AM, she came into our bedroom feeling nauseous, went into our bathroom, and passed out.  When Cory found her, she was not breathing.  We immediately began to try to rouse her but she was unresponsive.  Julie called 911 and soon after Morelle began to breathe again but was very slow in responding.  When the paramedics came, they checked her vitals and soon believed that she was okay.  After some time, they recommended that she be taken to our family doctor and within four hours we were in his office.  She was diagnosed with severe low back pain and given medicine to relieve the pain and nausea. The next two days she went to the chiropractor for adjustments and seemed to be improving but began to get worse later in the week. Bruising and swelling developed on her low back and by June 16 she was again in extreme pain.  We took her to an urgent care where she was diagnosed with a pilonidal cyst. After treating this area with a heat compress, significant fluid buildup drained for several days.  As of this writing, she is continuing to improve but will need to have this cyst surgically removed or risk the possibility of having a reoccurrence. Please pray for Morelle as we plan to schedule a surgery this next month prior to her fall schooling."

Following the mailing of our newsletter, I received numerous emails from family and friends. Therefore, I decided to send out email updates regarding how I was doing. The following paragraphs are the two emails I sent.

*Email Number One*

"Hello everyone!

Due to our recent newletter communication, I am sure many of you have heard about my recent health problems. I have been improving some, although I still experience slight discomfort when assuming a seated position, and was able to travel with my family to Kankakee, Illinois, this past week. I appreciate all of our your prayers and words of encouragement!

However, due to the nature of pilonidal cysts, it was necessary for me to visit a surgeon and consider scheduling surgery in order to have the cyst removed; pilonidal cysts have a tendency to reoccur unless removed surgically. Yesterday, I visited Dr. Valerie Gorman of Waxahachie Surgical Specialists, who listened to my situation and scheduled surgery for Monday, July 16th, at 8:30 a.m. Please pray for me during this time!

There are still many variables that remain unknown in regards to the surgery. Dr. Gorman was unsure as to whether the anesthesiologist would have to put me to sleep, though that is the common practice in excision surgeries for pilonidal cysts. She was also uncertain as to the width of the incision that would need to be made, as the surgeon can only know once he or she begins surgery. Please pray for peace for myself and my family as we face these and other unknowns. Dr. Gorman was fairly confident however that the surgery would last for only an hour or two and, with the time allotted in recovery, that I should be released by around 1:00 p.m. the same day. Though the wound will be deep, it is hoped that sutures will be sufficient in order to assist the healing process following the surgery. Dr. Gorman did mention that often the sutures do not remain in place and one has to resort to packing and dressing the wound - an uncomfortable and more painful situation. Please pray that the wound will heal properly following surgery.

Recovery is expected to take at least a month, but I am hoping to be well enough to begin my senior year at Texas Woman's University beginning August 27th.

Myself and my family would appreciate all of your prayers during this time. If you are interested in learning more about pilonidal cysts, including causes, symptoms, and prevention, visit this link - Pilonidal Support Alliance. I would also be glad to share more information about my experience and the details regarding my surgery.

Thank you!

Morelle Cummins

    and the Cummins Clan"

*Email Number Two*

"Hello everyone!

I wanted to be sure to give you an update on how I am feeling following the excision surgery for my pilonidal cyst that occurred this past Monday, June 16th. I appreciate all of your prayers and words/letters/emails of encouragement! It was very apparent that God's presence was with me and my family (my Grandparents from Alaska were there too) on the day of the surgery. Every nurse and other health professional we encountered while at the hospital was kind, compassionate, and did their best to assist me in order to ensure my experience was the most pleasant it could possibly be. The surgery itself only took thirty minutes to complete and I was released from the hospital by around noon, much earlier than previously expected. The anesthesiologist did decide to put me to sleep, however I experienced no noticeable affects from this; praise the Lord! Dr. Gorman did inform my parents however following the surgery that the cyst was slightly larger than initially expected; she classified it as medium-sized. As a result, she had to pack, as well as suture, the wound. 

In the days since my surgery, I have been slowly recovering. I thank the Lord that I am not in too much pain however, my body continues to be weak. I also have been fighting nausea off and on. Please pray that I will continue to gain strength and that the Lord will give me patience during the recovery process.

Yesterday (Thursday), I had a follow-up appointment with the nurse in order to have my packing changed for the first time. I had previously been informed that this procedure might be uncomfortable and it proved to be so. The packing in the wound is to be changed once a day and, due to the position of the wound, my mother will take the majority of the responsibility of doing this. We are not quite sure how long this task will need to be done. Please pray for me and my family, especially my mother, as we deal with this challenge. 

I know that God will be with me and my family in the coming weeks and I once again thank you for your prayers and encouragement! I greatly appreciate them!

Morelle Cummins"

I plan to send a third email update tomorrow and will post it on this blog when I do. Thanks to everyone for their prayers and words of encouragement!

My Novel - The Cry of Her Heart

Hello everyone! I apologize for the year-long hiatus, however I hope to be better in writing and publishing blog posts in the next few months. In fact, I plan to publish another post within the next day or so detailing my experience with my pilonidal cyst and the necessary excision surgery!

However, I first wanted to take the time to inform you about a novel on which I recently have been diligently working. I began it approximately three years ago after seeing a moving and inspiring illustration in the Children's Illustrated Classics version of The Three Musketeers. Perhaps a humble beginning, but I am proud of the story plot and the chapters I have written so far! Below I have included a synopsis of my novel titled, The Cry of Her Heart:

Nathaniel was a young man given the responsibility of evicting a woman from her home. He never expected how it would affect his future... Vianna was a woman blessed with love for her son. She never could have imagined the challenges she would face when she opened her door to a stranger... He was a man of wealth and she was a woman of poverty. They both had hidden pasts and possessed secret stories. Yet, when thrown together under unusual circumstances, they find themselves bound by their faith and love for each other.

It is every author's dream to have his or her work read by others and eventually published. My desires are not any different and when I learned about Wattpad.com I was extremely excited! Wattpad provides an opportunity for unpublished authors to post their works on the internet, allowing these novels, short stories, and poetry to be critiqued and read by individuals worldwide. Some works receive several million reads, comments, and votes. My novel has not achieved quite as much acclaim, however in just about two months I have received over 900 reads! It is very exciting to say the least... :)

*I must comment that there are works posted on Wattpad that may contain inappropriate language or themes. Thus, caution and personal convictions/views should be used when determining which works are appropriate to view and read.*

Anyway, I would feel honored to share my novel with those of you who read this blog. I also would greatly appreciate your comments and hopefully your support as well! Therefore, I am including a link below and I urge all of you to take a moment to read my work! You may have to create an account in order to post a comment on Wattpad, however I would love it if you would at least post a comment or critique on this blog regarding your thoughts on my novel! Thank you in advance!

<Click here to read my novel - The Cry of Her Heart>

A Unique Impression

My hair is twisted back in my favorite style and fastened with a silver clip. A necklace of pearls adorns my neck and nicely complements the deep blue shirt that I wear; it is one of the newer articles of clothing that I possess and I appreciate the fact that it highlights the color of my eyes. A flowy, white skirt completes the outfit, as do the black sandals that I wear on my feet. The smell of vanilla apricot body spray is in the air.

It is this image that stares back at me from the mirror. The same two eyes and nose that have always been part of my features I observe in this reflection. Perhaps, I am not dressing too differently than I might when going to church, a party, or even to school. Yet, this time it is as if I am gazing through different eyes. Everything looks different than it might have before. A pile of clothes lie discarded at my feet, remnants of the journey it took to reach this point.

Why all of this indecision? Why this feeling that everything about me must be the best it can possibly? It is because I know that the image I see, the one displayed across the shiny glass hanging on the wall, will be the very one that meets the eyes of all those I encounter at the Villa at Mountain View.

You might find all of this fuss understandable, until you learn that the Villa is a nursing home and rehabilitation center. The nineteenth of August was the last day I spent completing the twenty observation hours required by the master’s program at TWU. I was encouraged by the adviser to get a head start on the prerequisites needed for applying and I have been working closely with all of the therapists on staff at the facility, learning not only about their specific daily tasks but also about the numerous and complex dynamics that exist in such an environment. I have gained a lot of information and have many stories…

However, on this day, I worked hard to display a specific image, knowing that this would be my first impression to some and my last impression to all. And I must admit that I placed quite a bit of pressure on myself! I have known for some time that when I encounter a new situation there are certain defenses that rise into place; I suppose, I have a specific image that I want to display. When I meet someone, I am quick to inform them about the things about which I am confident – my large family, my homeschool history, my present education, my plans for the future.  Moreover, not unlike the pile of clothes that I determined were unworthy of the special moment, I discard (or hide) the subjects that are more sensitive – my faith and my convictions, perhaps. And I happen to think that I am not the only one that prepares themselves emotionally for outings in such a way. In no way do we want to appear weak nor do we desire to seem too firm in our views of issues!

All of this came to my mind, as I spent my day at the Villa at Mountain View. The experience was wonderful and, as occurs every time I am placed in such an environment, it solidified my desire to become an occupational therapist. But, I also learned a very valuable lesson that I feel deserves to be expressed to others - be who you are.

I must admit that I have an aversion towards that specific concept! In fact, I dislike it very strongly, partly because it is often used in a “feel-good” context. Speakers use it to encourage men and women to feel good about themselves – even if that self includes an extra five pounds that could use exercise and a healthy diet. Disney movies market on this underlying theme that one should “never run from who you are”. Honestly, think back on the recent popular kid’s movies… Even one of my favorites, the Voyage of the Dawn Treader, includes that concept and even that specific line. And, perhaps I am being overly harsh and negative, but to me that always seemed an excuse to live life the way you want to. An opportunity to disguise one’s true responsibilities in the pretense of being yourself. There is simply no need for betterment in such instances.

Yet, here I am writing a blog entry about being one’s self and this is why – I see this through a Christian perspective. I felt convicted during the times of interaction I experienced at the Villa. Had I been so concerned about appearing in a specific way that my image in Christ had been disguised? I was not concerned about being “normal”, per se. In fact, I am one that has always desired to be unique and a little different than everyone else. Yet, I still felt as if the clothing, the make-up, the physical was all a façade. Was my faith shining through?

It was then that God spoke to me. Not audibly, but through the words of another individual. As I was saying my goodbyes to the therapists, my supervisor told me, “Thank you, Morelle! You have been such an inspiration to us and we always learn so much from you!” When typed out, the words may seem simple, but to me they seemed to confirm that my fears were unfounded. Despite my attempt to display a specific impression, God had blessed me and allowed my words and actions to impact another individual. I had not necessarily abandoned my faith, yet I must admit it often had been an after-thought. Still, and I must admit that the concept fills me with emotion, I was still able to be a vessel for Christ!

And that is my challenge for you all. Next time you prepare for a first impression, taking specific care to display a certain image, think of your faith in Christ. Wear your convictions and beliefs. Let others see how your faith is demonstrated by your actions. Whatever you do, don’t ever discard those aspects of your life to a pile on the floor. God is one of such bountiful grace and, those times in which we fail, he uses to instruct us and draw others to him! I recognized my flaws in the situation, yet God used even my broken attempts to display his handiwork to another! Let this be an encouragement and also inspire you not to hide behind a façade. Instead, boldly proclaim what God has done in your life! Be who you are in Christ!

The Beginning of My Tale

It is interesting to me that during the times of transitions that occur during my life's journey an urge seem to overcome me. It seems that it is only when things that I had always counted on disappear behind a grove of trees that realize how important it is to record my life's events and the emotions that I am experiencing along the way. Perhaps it is simply an attempt to memorialize that period of life - to ensure that none of it is forgotten. Whatever the reason, I always find that only when I look around me and see the scenery changing do I pick a pen and begin faithfully recording the tales of Morelle Cummins.

And so, this blog is begun - truly an attempt to describe my transition from a community college student to a eighteen year-old girl beginning life as a junior at Texas Woman's University. Also, to describe in a honest and direct manner the struggles I experience leaving the home of my parents to live in Denton, Texas with an almost-complete stranger. I also hope that throughout this blogging experience I will have an opportunity to record my spiritual journey as well, those things that God chooses to reveal to me about his character and his plan for me.

I should also mention that there will be another dimension to this blog as well, one that has less to do with me and is more rigid in its time-table. Amidst my own ramblings, I will be submitting my critical reviews of others' tales. To read more about this process visit the website of Blogging for Books. I also will be sure to explain more about it when I reach that stage.

For now, prepare yourself to begin the journey with me as I record the tales of one whose life may seem very average sometimes. Yet, because of the One to whom I have dedicated my life, I promise you that there will be some amazingly, extraordinary twists that will lead to extraordinary adventures. There are no conditions to accompanying me on this trail I call my life. I only ask that you look for hidden gems along the way. Maybe you may learn from some mistake I make along the way or maybe you may gain some insight from a comment I may make. Whatever it may be, it is my prayer that this blog will truly be A Treasury of Tales - a collection containing the tales of my life that when viewed in retrospect will prove to be a treasure worth it all.

Blessings,
Morelle Cummins