Copy of Green Tie Gala

My Journey with Our Lady began in 2004. I was a recovering alcoholic, with 4 boys under 10. My husband wasn't sober, and I couldn't stay sober. I turned to Mary, asking her to do the impossible---Heal My Family.

I had a beaded Madonna that I prayed to every morning and night. I prayed that Mary would intercede on my behalf. I needed a miracle. Within three months of prayerful dedication, my petition was granted, and my husband and I both got sober.

 In my astonished gratitude, I began to bead Madonnas. With each bead I placed, I prayed for the peace and grace that poured out from Our Lady. I still do this. Every single Madonna is infused with over 120 hours of petitions for the peace of the recipient. I use only Czech Glass Beads, Freshwater Pearls, and Swarovski Crystals; The Best.

I wish I could say that was a tidy ending to a heartbreaking story, but that's where it gets interesting. My husband didn't stay sober. We divorced. I used to think it was because of his drinking, and while that was definitely a factor, my undiagnosed Mental Illness was the Reason.

Although I've stayed sober, I have been high ADHD, PTSD, and BI-Polar/Hypomanic with a sprinkle of Asperger's my whole life. All undiagnosed until the Pandemic. I lost my job, isolated alone and came face to face with my Madness.

As with Alcohol, I was the LAST person to know I was ill. It took me losing contact with my cherished boys and all my significant relationships for me to seek professional mental help.

 Like Mary said Yes, I said Yes.  Yes to Help, and Help appeared. I found a Catholic Counselor, and a great psychiatrist. I started the arduous journey of medication. It took TWO YEARS to find the right combination. I'm just now seeing the progress. The mind is a mystery. It heals on its own time. God speeds up the healing.

Throughout my crisis, God never let me fall. He made a way for me every single day. Just like in A.A., It's One Day at a Time.  It's Our Daily Bread. It is the continuous NOW where Christ shows up in the Church. Every time I was about to lose my electric/water/heat, and when I was about to lose my house, someone would help(God with Skin On). These people didn't know each other, but they all knew God. They Said Yes Too.

I am healing through the Power of the Intercessions of Our Lady. I can never repay the grace I have received. But I can give my finest back to God. This is my most intricately beaded piece. My prayer is that she showers you with peace as well.