Life after a coma
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Recovery Week 8: The Waiting, the Weary, and the Word
Week 8 of shoulder surgery recovery brings frustration, faith, and slow progress. Andrea reflects on healing, the reality of pain, and strength found in Scripture. Happy Sabbath / Saturday ☀️ (This one’s short—but real.) We’re at Week 8 of recovery, and let me just say…This is taking way longer than I anticipated. My doctor warned… Continue reading
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Teaching isn’t my job, it’s tied to my purpose.
Let me share my powerful journey from coma recovery to classroom presence, showing how God’s detours are often divine redirections—especially when it comes to our calling. Teaching Isn’t My Job—It’s My Purpose Tomorrow begins a new academic year in my district, and as I prepare, I’m feeling two things at once: excitement and uncertainty. Physically,… Continue reading
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Trusting Good in a Physical World
I think one of the most difficult things that a human being encounters is the notion of faith and belief. Because of our human nature and the physiology of the human creation, we are created with senses. We are naturally inclined to hear, smell, taste, touch, and see. The more I mature in my walk with the Lord,… Continue reading
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“When Life Gives You Lemons… Grab Some Popcorn”
Post-surgery pain and Texas heat couldn’t stop Andrea from making sweet lemonade out of a sour season. Here’s how I turned recovery into a summer of solo movie dates, healing, and fun on a budget. When Life Gives You Lemons… 🍋 Make weekly lemonade.That’s exactly what I did this summer. Between constant pain, surgery, and… Continue reading
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“Scars & the Unapologetic Me: Learning to Love Myself Again”
Real confidence isn’t about perfection—it’s about loving yourself through the scars. In this deeply personal reflection, Andrea shares her journey of rediscovery, faith, and reclaiming self-love unapologetically. Scars & the Unapologetic Me “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil…”— Ephesians 6:11-12 I’ve… Continue reading
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“If You Say So: Changing the Way You Speak and Think”
Your words carry weight—and power. Let me share why negative thinking must be replaced with bold, faith-filled declarations and why sometimes God simply replies: “If you say so.” If You Say So… Negative thinking can truly be the death of us—not just spiritually, but emotionally and mentally too.I’ve learned this firsthand: if you don’t change… Continue reading
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“Recovery Week 7: Ready or Not, I’m Going Back to the Classroom”
At 7 weeks post shoulder surgery, Andrea shares her latest progress, pain management with natural remedies, and returning to the classroom while preparing for another surgery. Healing continues—one day, one choice, one step at a time. Recovery Week 7: Ready or Not—Here I Come! Well, ready or not, school starts Monday…And that means:Back to the… Continue reading
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“Cyberbullying & the Collapse of Kindness: Late Night Thoughts on Humanity and Social Media”
Cyberbullying has become far too common in our digital lives. In this honest reflection, Andrea shares how one woman’s story—and her own experiences—shed light on the painful cost of online cruelty. Cyberbullying: What Happened to Human Decency? When did we become so desensitized to each other that attacking strangers online feels normal?How did we become… Continue reading
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“I Am My Own #WCW: A Woman Crush Wednesday Celebration of Survival and Strength”
From surviving Sickle Cell and a coma to achieving a master’s degree and touching lives with her smile—Andrea shares why she’s her own Woman Crush Wednesday, living proof that faith, fire, and fight still win. I Am My Own #WCW Woman Crush Wednesday—better known as #WCW—is usually for tagging women we find inspiring, beautiful, or… Continue reading
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“Shoulder Replacement Recovery: Weeks 5–6, Muscle Pain, and Learning to Slow Down”
At six weeks post shoulder replacement, I’m still in pain, still pushing through physical therapy, and now preparing for a second surgery—my hip replacement. Here’s what recovery looks like when life refuses to pause. Weeks 5 & 6: Recovery, Real Talk, and Pain Management Let me start by saying:I wanted to write this last week—week… Continue reading
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“How Are You Doing? The Question We Ask, But Rarely Mean”
“How are you doing?” is a question we hear daily—but do people really care? Here’s a reflection on chronic illness, invisible struggles, and what that common question truly means for those living with lifelong conditions. How Are You Doing? It’s one of the most common greetings in the world.Right after “Hello,” we say:“How are you… Continue reading
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“Fascination with the Body: My Sickle Cell Journey and Discovering Avascular Necrosis”
Living with Sickle Cell Disease has shown me how remarkable the human body is—and how faith, persistence, and the right questions uncovered years of hidden damage. Here’s my AVN timeline and what I’ve learned about pain, patience, and healing. Introduction: The Body Is a Fascinating Map Part 1: The Start of the Pain – 2016–2017… Continue reading
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Going through hell
Devotional: Going Through Hell We all know what it feels like to be in the thick of it— It’s that “I just don’t know what to do” feeling.But deep down, we actually do know.We know to turn to God.We know to pray, to lean, to trust.It’s just hard to remember that when the fire feels… Continue reading
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Recovery week 4“Week 4 Shoulder Replacement Recovery: Pain, Progress, and a Bun Goal”Recovery week 4
Four weeks after shoulder replacement surgery, I’m off narcotics, gaining strength, and starting to see real progress. Here’s what recovery looks like—plus a few reflections on shared pain and support from unexpected places. Recovery Week 4: From Pain to Progress Finally!These last three days have been the best I’ve felt since surgery. 🙌🏽 Sure, there’s… Continue reading
About Me
I LIVE LOVE LAUGH LEARN – the only way I know how to survive this life! I am a free-spirited, independent, or uninhibited person. I began this blogging journey years ago for sharing my thoughts on everyday life. Since then, so much has happened including me being in a coma because of Sickle Cell with brain damage and extreme trials in life. I am still struggling, but I feel someone can be motivated through my journey, thoughts, feelings, and life.
Phoenix: Live Love Laugh 