Brain Freeze and Brain Fog

My dad, oldest of six boys, used to tell about the fun they had watching Uncle Paul eat ice cream because he would always pass out. Doesn't that sound like boy fun? They probably timed him and placed bets on who would be closest to the right time!

That's brain freeze. When a cold object touches the roof of your mouth, the blood vessels contract in response in an effort to prevent loss of body heat. It's like a bad headache. Apparently Uncle Paul was a slow learner or just liked the attention.

Brain fog is something entirely different. I'd never heard of it until I got it. It's also called Widow's Brain. It's a common thing, apparently, but who knew? That's why I'm telling you in my blog, my continuing quest to spread knowledge, bring enlightenment, and look on the bright side of life.

Widow’s brain is a real thing. It is a side effect of grief caused by your brain trying to protect you from the pain. I have learned that it affects all people who experience a traumatic loss. It can leave you helpless and confused during a time when it would be helpful to be in full control. It's a normal process of grief.  You are in survival mode and your brain is doing all the "intellect" functions,but anything to do with emotional thought is being blurred. It's sort of like a grief-induced amnesia.

It helps me understand why I get weepy at church, why I stand around wondering why I'm standing around, why I turned left the other day instead of going straight. I have to think through easy things that I never used to think about.

Case in point: I got gas the other day (thank God I didn't have to pump it myself or I'd have been up a creek) and when I was ready to go, the car wouldn't start. Tried everything. Another puzzle. Got out to look for help (excuse me, I can't start my brand new car that's full of fuel) - everyone's busy. Quick prayer (never fails), glanced back in the car and noticed that it was still in drive! The engine turned over just fine after I got it into park and I was on my way. Who knows what happened? Not me.

Is it my new normal? I don't like that. It's been better lately. It's really helped me to find out that other people have had the same experience. Have a great day.

Life goes on

I was nearly overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support that I received after Dick's unexpected passing August 2nd. I heard the phrases "words cannot express" "words fail" and "words are so inadequate" but I have made a decision to turn again to words to help me focus. I considered retitling my blog Lynn @ Large but can't do that yet.The time will come.

The words that have helped me the most this past two months, because two months ago was when Dick went into the hospital, have been the words of God. God has held me in his arms and scripture has truly become alive to me. It always comforts me and is the only thing that comes close to being adequate to meet my needs.

Just to write "I have made a decision" is huge for me right now. I know not to make any big decisions right now - wait a month, wait six months, wait a year, wait two years. I've heard it. No problem. Not making a decision is easy because it doesn't require anything of me. It's the little things like what's for dinner that are hard.  So deciding to write and then actually doing it ... I'm giving myself a pat on the back. Starting may give me the impetus to continue.