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a very personal blog entry


Robyn Openshaw - Sep 24, 2008 - This Post May Contain Affiliate Links


I promised recently that I’d tell you why I was stressed and my friends were dropping by with healthy treats. Like coconut-milk “ice cream” and whole-wheat pumpkin cookies and applesauce brownies.

It’s hard to talk about.   I’ve had this written a while but am finally getting the courage to post it.    So here goes.   Gulp.

I’m in the process of becoming a single mom, after 20 years of marriage.   I’ve been married virtually my whole adult life!   Because we don’t speak ill of each other, no one saw it coming.   Not the people closest to us or even our kids.

Sad times!   I think it’s tempting in the biggest crises of our lives to let go of our health, quit exercising, and turn to processed food for comfort.   I won’t do it, though–I’ve been there before.   That’s a good way to let anxiety or depression or low energy get the best of you, right when you need your health the most.

In an effort to simplify, instead, I did let my oldest three kids choose to quit piano if they wanted. (If you saw us on Wife Swap, you have to know that was hard!)   I’m proud of them–some decided to continue, caring about their goals even during what promises to be the hardest year of their lives so far.   I think they’re going to be okay, or at least, I’ll do all I can to that end.

And their dad has bought a house just a five-minute walk from here.   He and I are friendly, care about each other,  and will always put the kids first.   I’ll be officially divorced probably next month, because we agree on all things financial and custody-related, and we’re both fully capable of supporting a household, so no lawyers or conflict are involved, and papers are filed.

That doesn’t mean there hasn’t been a lot of pain, or that there won’t be lasting scars.   I am so tremendously appreciative of the sweet emails and blog comments from so many of you.   You are a balm to the brokenhearted, and I love you.

As this site went live only a year ago, I’ve been reflecting on its short history.   GreenSmoothieGirl.com has always been, first and foremost, a labor of love to help people understand and love and nurture themselves and their bodies, and their families, better.   But I could never have anticipated the way “e-relationships” would enrich my life!

Even if I had to release my death grip on my “one of these kids will dang well be a concert pianist” dream, I’m not letting go of good nutrition.   One silver lining in this dark cloud of my family’s life is that I will be of more service, more relatable, now, to single moms.   There are a LOT of you out there.   A friend of mine said I’m entering a subculture you really know only when you enter it.  

 

And honestly, I think what I’m going through probably is like what many of you go through, because life includes tragedy along the way for almost all of us.   Right now is a very scary time in the economy and lots of people are suffering.   It’s likely to get worse before it gets better.   It’s a time when we might be tempted to ignore nutrition and our physical health.   But we can’t afford to, because when those things go south, so do many other important things, like our optimism, energy, and ability to reach goals.   Our health is one of the most important things we have, and all parts of it are related: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.

I know some people think, “Well, Robyn has more time than I do to spend in the kitchen.”   (I don’t know how that was possible, even before now!)   But now I really have to “do it all.”   So I will learn some new things as I keep on  teaching people about the benefits of the whole, mostly-raw, plant-based diet  . . .  single.   Thanks for being in my corner.

Much love,

Robyn

 

 

Posted in: Relationships

12 thoughts on “a very personal blog entry”

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  1. Anonymous says:

    Robyn: Even in the midst of turmoil you are so gracious. I admire your strength and attitude and your very mature approach to this life-changing situation. You are such a caring and sharing person and we thank you for being so honest and open with us. I will pray for you and your family.

  2. Anonymous says:

    Wow, former single mother here… nothing much to say, but God Bless

  3. Anonymous says:

    (((((((HUGS ROBYN))))))) My heart goes out to all of you. I love that you and he are able to make it work without rancor despite the hurt and sorrow. I sense you are a strong woman and will pull through this with new doors opening up to you and your kids letting in amazing things.

  4. Hugs to you… I can only believe that your positive attitude and healthy nutrition will continue to help you stay strong as you adjust to all these changes in your life.

    Best to you,

    Carrie

  5. Anonymous says:

    {{{ MANY HUGS }}}

    Thanks so much for sharing that. When you mentioned in a previous post that you were going through a difficult time, this is the first thing that I thought of. You’re such a strong, healthy woman that I thought even the death of a parent or a serious illness of a loved one, wouldn’t quite throw you for a loop like this. But this is the most difficult experience you’ve probably ever been through and I’m sure the emotional rollercoaster is incredible.

    I will keep you and your family in my prayers. May God hold you close and bring you peace. May he also bless you with the ability to act with compassion and kindness in this situation which can be so very hard.

    Having several friends who’ve been through this, I can only stress the importance of assuring the children that your split has nothing to do with them (that they were not the cause of it), and that you both will love them as much as you do now, just living in separate homes. What a wonderful solution with your husband being so close. And it’s great that you won’t speak ill of each other. You can not go overboard with your love for your children during this time. Love them to bits! Snuggle, hug, cuddle, and cradle them like crazy. They will need it…almost as much as you will. Do something spontaneous with them like a crazy weekend away in which all daily routines are thrown overboard for two days. Show them that they are more important than anything else.

    A great book that a girlfriend of mine swore by, is Spiritual Divorce by Debbie Ford. Maybe the library can get it for you.

    In my opinion, you are being a great mom by getting divorced. You are teaching your children to change a situation if it is not working for them (they won’t get that part right away, but later on they will.) You also would not want them to be in a stagnant relationship where they are not happy. Children imitate and learn from how they live. This will teach them to want more for themselves and their relationships. And I am sure you will find someone in the future to have that wonderful relationship with. The kids will see this and know and learn that this is what they should strive for.

    So the European vacation must have been a sort of last family vacation for all. What a sweet thought from you and your husband.

    These cyber relationships are crazy sometimes. You feel like you know someone by reading their thoughts on various subjects and seeing a video of them. Reading this post yesterday I was stunned and even dreamed about you last night. Kinda strage half-way around the world. But you’ve impacted our life and so somehow you’re a part of all. Thanks for all you do Robyn and may God give you strength the next few months.

  6. Anonymous says:

    Robyn,

    I’ve been busy for awhile and haven’t stopped in. This is my first visit back, and I am so sorry for you and your family. It will be a tough year for the kids, as you said. I will keep you in my prayers.

    Blessings to you and your family.

  7. Anonymous says:

    Lots of hugs. My heartfelt prayers go for you and your family.

  8. Robyn,

    Hearing the pain you are going through breaks my heart. Its just never easy for anyone involved, when relationships dissolve. Praying for God’s grace and peace to carry you and your young ones. Thank you for sharing.

  9. Robyn,

    I’m so sorry to hear about your divorce, and yet so inspired by your grace in handling it. I was divorced from my eldest daughter’s dad after 13 years of marriage (being married at 18). The transitions were really difficult and I wasn’t always graceful. And sadly, I did let my health go at that time and later paid for it. However it was a time of great life lessons as is the path it led me to.

    Even when it is the right thing and things are going as well as can be expected, it is still hard. Many, many {{{{{hugs}}}}} to you.

    Love and belief,

    Tami

  10. Kristi Hays says:

    Robyn,
    You are a great example. I am new to your blog. My 1 year old son was recently diagnosed with asthma. He is allergic to the following: corn syrup, elderberry, almonds, grains (except oats and rice), milk, and goats milk formula. I had to stop breastfeeding and put him on rice milk and organic soy baby formula. I heard and researched a lot about the NAET program eliminating allergies that affect asthma. What do you think about it? Green smoothies are awesom, what would you recommend for my son?

    Thank you,
    Kristi Hays

  11. Marti says:

    Marti Wynne from Hawkinsville GA

  12. Laurie Shaw says:

    Robyn, I have had skin cancer on my face when I was in my thirties )I’m 63 now). The dermatologist explained that unless I got the damaged skin off I would continue to have more cancerous and precancerous lesions – that its never just one and your done. I started regular micro dermabrasion face peels (insurance covered them bc of skin cancer). I was also shown how to use a prescription Tazorac mixed with a the Blender from Obagi. I used Shiseido makeup sunblock stick on any suspicious spots. I tried to remove the damaged skin as quickly as I could.

    I would recommend treating sun damaged skin with a chemical peel or a fluorhydroxyacid peel. Chemical peels use acid to burn the top layer of skin, which causes damaged skin to peel away. New, healthy skin can then grow in its place. A fluorhydroxyacid peel combines the benefits of a chemical peel with a treatment of 5-fluorouracil. DERMAdoctor states that this type of peel may need to be repeated as many as 12 times.

    I would also try laser treatments which can remove sun-damaged cells and stimulate collagen production to improve the appearance of mottled or rough, leathery skin. Some lasers can treat precancerous lesions, reducing your risk of developing skin cancer. Your dermatologist can advise you on which, if any, laser treatment might be best for you.

    Recently I researched glycanoids and found a product sold on vita stream called CURADERM. This will take precancerous and cancerous lesions away with little scarring. They also sell a sunscreen with the glycanoid product in it so that it is healing the skin and protecting it simultaneously. I have had no other problems since.

    Curaderm BEC5 Cream
    -Sun Spots
    -Keratoses
    -Keratoacanthomas
    -Basal Cell Carcinomas (BCC)
    -Squamous Cell Carcinomas (SCC)
    -Produced from eggplant extract
    -25 years of preclinical and clinical work
    -Natural formula containing eggplant derived glycoalkaloids

    Learn More About the benefits of Curaderm Bec5 Video With Dr. Bill Cham »

    Order Curaderm BEC5 and receive a booklet of 85 pages with the title: “Curaderm” by Dr. Cham. This booklet details the treatment procedures and addresses the most frequently asked questions. FREE booklets will be included with every “single” Curaderm BEC5 tubes sold.

    Properties: BEC5 Curaderm has beneficial therapeutic effects on keratosis, basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). When the cream is applied to such lesions on the skin, the action of BEC5 Curaderm produces the following pattern of response: first reddening, then, usually, erosion, ulceration, dying of treated targeted cells, and regrowth of normal cells.

    Ingredients: Curaderm BEC5 cream (20g) contains the active anticancer ingredient Solasodine Glycosides (BEC) . It also contains Salicylic Acid and Urea at relatively high concentrations that assist BEC to kill cancer cells. Salicylic Acid and Urea may irritate the skin in some individuals. Solasodine glycosides (BEC), 0.005%; Salicylic acid, 10%; Urea 5%

    On February 21, 2012, The Dr. Oz Show featured Dr. Joseph Mercola, a well-known physician and advocate of alternative health medicine. Dr. Oz*** interviewed Dr. Mercola, who hailed Curaderm BEC5 as being highly effective for non-melanoma skin lesions. According to Dr. Mercola, more than 100,000 people have been effectively treated with Curaderm BEC5 throughout the world.
    —————————————————————————————————-
    Robyn, It has been 20+ years since I had skin cancer and had the MOS procedure done on each side of my nose. Because the graft bubbled out, a dermatologist lasered it even with my skin but there was no pigment. I now have beautiful skin and am complimented on it.

    There is no reason to keep having cancerous and precancerous spots if these procedures are followed. I also have never had a sunburn in over 25 years. If I thought I might have got too much sun on any part of my face I would immediately use the gel straight from an aloe vera plant.
    If people are going to keep getting too much sun on their face then they cannot be really serious about the problem but they will be when disfigurement ensues. I wear a sun-visor for all outside activities.

    Robyn I hope this gets to you. Good luck. I first ‘met’ you on the Essential Oils conference.
    L.S.

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