How Our Marriage has Weathered Life’s [Many] Storms
Thirteen years ago Jordan and I said “I do” on February 2, 2007. We promised to be faithful in good times and in bad. And Marjorie’s hospitalization last week was another stark reminder of just how good we’ve gotten at weathering the bad.
Life has thrown us our fair share of curveballs. And on our lucky thirteen I thought I would share how we’ve managed to survive the storms together and find joy in the ordinary.
Two Years Gone: Lessons in Grief & Guilt
January 14, 2018, the day my best friend died. This second year in grief marked a big change for me. The waves weren’t as violent and life wasn’t as hard. Life went on and so did I. It goes without saying, she is on my mind and in my heart every minute. I still spend […]
Finding Stillness and Gratitude In a Heart Attack
If there is one thing I’ve learned in my journey with Marjorie, it is that life can change in the blink of an eye. No matter how much we plan or perfectly color code our calendars, life happens.
And with adversity comes miracles. My family and I are counting our blessings extra this Thanksgiving as we received a miracle that could only be written by God Himself…
Seven SMASHing Years Later
Today, Southern Smash turns seven!
I often get asked, “How did you start Southern Smash? How did you make it what it is today?”
The answer is simple:
I have no idea.
Well, I have *some* idea. It all started with a promise I made eight years ago…
Hi. My Name is McCall and I’m an Imposter
Ever feel like you are floating through life with no idea what you are doing, but you are doing it anyway? That has been my reality every day for the last seven years. I started Southern Smash without a single clue as to what I was doing, but knowing in my gut this was what […]
To My Peanut On Your Fifth Birthday
My precious peanut, You’re FIVE! How did that happen? I seemed to have blinked and you’ve grown into a sprouting and sprightly girl before my eyes. Your birthday was not what I ever imagined and each year on this day my heart soars with happiness and gratitude while also aching with longing for what should […]
One Year Gone: Lessons in Grief
My eyes opened well before the sun rose, knowing what today was. My heart ached that same ache I have been experiencing for the last 365 days. A distinct void that will never be filled. I lie in bed and suddenly felt the need to see the sunrise. I threw on my clothes and drove […]
Year 8: Thriving with Intention
Eight years. Eight years of recovery. Eight years of falling (and getting back up). Eight years of life slapping me in the face. Eight years of choosing recovery over and over…and over. On this day eight years ago, I was faced with a decision: admit to treatment and choose recovery or fly home and continue […]
Cancer: The FINAL Chapter
The oncology number flashed up and I almost dropped my phone trying to answer it. “Hello…hello?” I said. “Hi, Mrs. Dempsey, this is Katie from Nemours. I’m calling with test results.” “Yes, yes. Go ahead.” “Dr. Sandler reviewed Marjorie’s ultrasound and said everything looks good.” I exhaled, taking my first breath since answering the phone. […]
The Scanxiety Dance
This blog has always been a place of comfort and my personal way of therapeutic processing. Through my eating disorder recovery, Marjorie’s early birth and of course, Marjorie’s cancer. It is only fitting that on this day, I find myself back here, trying to process the surge of emotions bubbling inside. Ever since I heard […]