Life Chat October 2024
It’s been a heavy week in a lot of ways. It’s been a happy week in a lot of ways. I’m struggling a bit balancing out the counter emotions and toying around with what to share and how much to share online. Some of my favorite blog posts and your responses have been from times I’ve been most open and vulnerable. Some of my absolute least favorite moments in blogging have been when I’ve been open and vulnerable. Yet there seems to be a part of me that can’t resist getting on here and letting it all out from time to time. This is feeling like one of those times.
In our personal world…
David totaled his truck two weeks ago and first and foremost all I care is that he is safe. Truly. I’ve had some level of increased anxiety with the steep increase of travel for him based on his new position but also the fact that we don’t live in his territory yet so he’s having to be a road warrior. We can replace things, but not people and I feel deeply grateful he’s perfectly well. Figuring out how to move forward with figuring out a new vehicle has been a bit of a headache we didn’t anticipate, especially with time being of the essence because of his travel, us moving in a few weeks (and depending on his truck for parts of that), and the fact we just bought a camper that is currently living in mom’s driveway and won’t be able to move until we figure it out. But figure it out we will!
My Nannie is 91 and over the past few months her dementia has gotten worse. My mom and her siblings and a couple helpers trade off on round the clock care for her right now and we are so grateful she’s able to stay in her home. It’s a lot of my mom, even if she may not recognize it fully, as she has the biggest, most altruistic heart in all the world. The silver lining is the girls and I have been able to see Nannie and we know she’s very happy to be in the house she loves so much. Last week she was approved for hospice and while I logically know this means extra helping hands and comfort, not imminent death, it’s just a reminder of time and how it passes and makes things change.
Less importantly, but also a literal pain in the neck:
I had a neck flare up last week that has persisted leading to lots of ice and Advil, and I hate taking medicine. The only thing that has really helped prevent these episodes over the past few years in chiropractic care, which I went to regularly at our old house. Being without that care for two months caught up to me and I’m kicking myself a bit. The good news- I went last week to a new chiropractor in Greenville who seems wonderful, so help is on the horizon.
Hurricane Aftermath
We went to check on the new house last week and saw firsthand the endless number of giant trees uprooted, power lines down, and bridges washed out. And we were in what many would call the lucky area. I have friends in Greenville that were without power for 9+ days. And again, they are some of the lucky ones. Our neighborhood had flooded so badly a neighbor had to ferry people who needed out across in his bass boat and we could see the caked on muddy water line remaining on the bushes and trees. Our house was unscathed by the hurricane, leaving me feeling deeply grateful and simultaneously guilty.
It hasn’t gotten the national news coverage it deserves, but with my social circles being largely plugged into the North Carolina and South Carolina circles, I’ve seen up close a lot of the sincere devastation Helene left in her wake and it is gut-wrenching. It’s hard to convey the catastrophic damage to communities in the greater Asheville area. The land has been geologically resurfaced. It’s not like waters can recede and people can rebuild; the land is completely different now. A friend of mine in the Black Mountain area says they’ve been told it will be months before they get water back, so they are misplaced for at least that long. It’s heartbreaking. I have another friend in Augusta, GA that told me Augusta was decimated. We are currently an hour from Augusta and haven’t heard anything about this beyond a higher number of people than usual at mom’s grocery store because the stores in Augusta were out of power.
At the same time, seeing the people of the surrounding these devastated communities come together to help has been awe-inspiring. Former military men building land bridges over rivers and helicoptering in supplies. Strong southern women organizing donations and efforts and leading the charge to get information about this dire situation out to the world. Residents banding together with chainsaws to clear paths so people can start to find each other. I’ve personally donated to Samaritan’s Purse and the Aerial Recovery Group if you’re looking for vetted organizations making a difference, but I know there are so many ways to help and I’ve cried more than once watching the efforts all kinds of people are making to help these areas. American people are so good and so strong and in that they are real heroes. Citizens are the ones with boots on the ground, helping people immediately, and making up for the seemingly lackluster response from our federal government who is at best creating bad optics by proudly announcing the billions of dollars being sent overseas while American citizens whose lives have been destroyed here on our home soil are struggling with a humanitarian crisis of epic proportions.
I was talking to a friend last week about the happenings in the world. The hurricane of course, but also Israel and Iran, port strikes, and more. I pondered whether the world has also been so full of high tensions and I’m just seeing it more now looking through the lens of a mother looking out into the world she’s trying to prepare her kids to enter, or if stakes really are higher then in other times of modern history. We weren’t sure.
My blog is an unusual blend of hobby and business.
I’m struggling right now to create gift guides or publish recipe content while it feels like such real things are happening in the world. It’s hard to promote shopping and meal plan ideas when so many people are lacking the very basics of shelter and water right now. But I figure two things can be true at once: I can share simple things that hopefully make small tasks a bit easier, like picking the right gift or feeding your family a meal they all love, while praying for and sending support to help those in need. In fact, if I continue to do what I do, I have more resources available to be able to contribute.
So I’m doing what I have no doubt so many of us are doing- finding a way to do what needs to be done in my daily life while loving my people and looking for the daily sparks of joy we are undoubtedly blessed with while also continuing to look for ways to make a positive impact in the larger and harder situations when and where I can. Sending love and peace to you all; thanks for listening. <3
Heather says
Conflict in the Middle East has existed ever since Israel was established as a country and before even that. You have two and really three religious groups believing they have an established right to that land.
There has always been conflict around the world. However, if, in the past, you have made a choice not to pay attention (whether by accident or on purpose), then I guess it does come as a shock.
Katie Paulson says
Sending thoughts and prayers to you Brittany during everything going on in your life. We just lost my father in law to dementia and it is very hard to see a loved one go through. So glad your husband was not injured in the car accident and hope you will be able to find a new vehicle for him soon. We are in Omaha and experienced the tornadoes this summer and cannot imagine how impacted so many are now from the hurricane damage. It is heart wrenching and yet as you said encouraging to see everyone come together to rebuild and help each other.
I struggle with sharing deeper things too but my husband’s grandma made such a lasting impact on my life as such a safe person and someone who was always praying for others that I hope I can do that for others too and will pray for you and your family.
Brittany Dixon says
I’m so sorry for the recent loss of your father in law, Katie. It is so hard to watch someone progress with dementia. Praying for you and your family as you navigate this challenging time.
Your words mean a lot to me, as do you prayers. Thank you so much for taking the time to send them my way.<3
Ashley says
I love this post. Thank you for being honest. It’s annoying when people only share how perfect everything is. Thanks for being a real human being.
Brittany Dixon says
Thank you for your kindness; sometimes it’s helpful to be given permission to show our humanness. <3
SHU says
Brittany thank you for this honest post and the reminders. I am going to donate today. My heart goes out to the devastated communities.
Brittany Dixon says
Thanks, Sarah <3 I know being a Floridian that you are no stranger to damage that can be caused by massive storms. Also, have been thinking of you and whatever behind the scenes stressor you've had going on. I'm so glad it sounds like things might be looking up!
Desiree Campbell says
May I ask that you expound on the following… “making up for the seemingly lackluster response from our federal government who is at best creating bad optics by proudly announcing the billions of dollars being sent overseas while American citizens whose lives have been destroyed here on our home soil are struggling with a humanitarian crisis of epic proportions.”
The governors of the impact states have praised the response from FEMA and the federal government.
What facts are you basing above observation on? This seems like a divisive observation not necessarily based in fact, which is unlike what I’ve read in this space thus far.
Brittany Dixon says
Hi Desiree- not trying to be divisive. Simply sharing the truth I’ve witnessed through first hand accounts of people in the impacted areas.
Desiree says
I am happy that both David and your new home are well, and am sending support in the form of good thoughts and money to the victims of Helene. My in-laws were displaced by Hurricane Sandy years ago. It is upending and soul crushing and frustrating (and, and, and… so much more).
Sometimes it all feels like a bit too much… and yet we rise. Be well:)
Brittany Dixon says
I’m so sorry your in-laws were displaced by Sandy. I remember how horrific that was in 2012 and know it’s not a quick fix kind of situation. I hope they are well now. <3
Hope your week is a good one; thanks for the conversation!
Hillary says
https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20241006/federal-assistance-hurricane-helene-survivors-surpasses-137-million-biden
Carrie says
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/06/us/hurricane-helene-north-carolina-misinformation.html
Brittany Dixon says
I’ve seen these and other mainstream stories, but you are welcome to continue to post them for your own sake. I’m always open to reading other opinions and sources with an open mind. My opinion shared above is not based on what NYT or the government website says; it’s based of first hand stories from people living in these impacted areas and who they say is there helping and who they have not seen. I also follow several relief and rescue groups that share daily updates and videos of the good work they are doing. I hope these people can get all the help they can, and if more help is there than I’ve seen or heard proof of, the better.
Desiree says
Thanks, Hilary. Facts are important, as is the lived experience of the victims of Helene. Disaster recovery is long, slow and very complex. Conflating FEMA’s response to money being sent overseas is neither fact based nor empathetic to the lived experience of the victims of other tragedies in the Middle East and Ukraine. In the end, aren’t they (and we) all God’s children? It is not either/or.
Maureen says
Thank you for eloquently stating what I could not. Your response is perfect.
Christina says
I too have seen the impacts of dementia in loved ones….as well as the toll that being a caregiver to a loved one with dementia can bring. I encourage you and your family to see if there is an “Opening Minds Through Art” program near your grandmother – OMA I
is an amazing program that offers art programs to older adults with dementia. I can’t say enough wonderful things about it.
Brittany Dixon says
I’m sorry you’ve been impacted by the horrible disease that is dementia, too. Thank you so much for the recommendation. I’ll google that now <3
Jaime Varisano says
Brittany, these are verbatim my feelings about what’s going on in this world and post hurricane. My heart feels so heavy for our world and especially the people affected by the hurricane. It’s hard to focus on still living a “normal” life while so many people are suffering and still can’t locate loved ones. My heart is breaking. But as you said, I’ve done what I can by donating to vetted organizations, and will continue to pray as that is all we can do. Praying for you and your family as you navigate through life with everything you mentioned above going on.
Brittany Dixon says
Sending you a big hug to start off this week, Jaime! Thank you for listening and for your prayers <3
Katlyn H. says
I am not about to go on a political rant but when you say “federal government” I think it is important to note that Congress approved $20 billion for FEMA’s disaster relief to fund the government through Dec 20, but left out billions of dollars in requested supplemental disaster funding with all “NO” votes for the measure coming from 82 Republicans including the following from NC, SC, and GA:
Dan Bishop – NC Rep and running for Attorney General
Marjorie Taylor Greene, Rich McCormick, Andrew Clyde, and Mike Collins – GA Reps
William Timmons, Ralph Norman, Nancy Mace, Russel Fry, Jeff Duncan – SC Reps
Ted Budd – NC Sen
Tim Scott – SC Sen
Biden wants to call Congress back during a break to pass emergency supplemental funding for hurricane victims but Speaker Mike Johnson (R) said that there is no need for lawmakers to return early.
A vote for any of these people in the upcoming election is a direct vote against those affected by this disaster and in direct conflict with with any emotional response you might feel in the moment. If ones choses to ignore this and still vote to keep these people in control then know it is actively hurting those most in need at this time so I encourage everyone look deep into your heart and ask yourself if you really want to help those in need or continue to vote party lines.
I am not saying I know how you vote or plan to but I do think it is important to look at the voting track record of those who make the most noise (aka MTG) and how they actually help their constituents. A President is largely a figurehead but it is local and state elections that help determine how we are assisted in our everyday lives <3
Praying and donating for all of those in need and thankful your new home was unscathed, David was safe after his accident and your Nannie is getting additional assistance in her advancing age.
Kelly says
WELL SAID! Could not agree more.
Marie says
Thank you ALWAYS for sharing what is your heart. That is why your readers support you and enjoy your social media content. Many bloggers are not as “real” and I’ve always appreciated this about you so much. I feel like we’re raising our families together, even with miles and miles between us. I think you views are what many of us are feeling right this minute. Thank you for being unafraid to share those thoughts in a respectful way. Have a good week, and keep the great content coming our way! Take care.