“CODE ORANGE!” Yelled the nurse in front of me. She was holding my hand, but I couldn’t feel it. I couldn’t move the entire left side of my body. I couldn’t hold anything, my head was aching, and my heart was racing. My husband looked at me in shock as I was whisked away from him in a wheelchair. “CODE ORANGE.” It was announced again. That was the code for stroke.
Was I really having a stroke at 38? Just a few weeks prior I was interviewing for the top position in my department. Devastation was an understatement when we were called in to meet our new executive director—the position I thought I was still in the running to get. It felt like a slap in the face when I’d put so much into my career. And I chose it over family, supporting my husband in ministry, and unfortunately, my health.
When the pandemic hit in March 2020, a dream came true, working from home. But like many others, I quickly realized I wasn’t prepared for productive routines at home. Because there was no separation between work and home, I found myself working nonstop, not eating well, and often suffering through migraines and brain fog. I was drinking coffee and reading affirmations, but my body needed rest and I believe it was shutting down.
Once the decision was made that I was to be admitted for stroke watch, I was in the hospital by myself. No visitors due to COVID protocols. The only voice I could hear was my voice—and God’s. All I could do was pray. A few doctors came to give me results; they all ordered more tests, medications, physical therapy, and a walker for me to pick up before I could go home. Was that it? I’m going home with medicine and a walker?! Although I was disappointed, confused, and a bit nervous about what was ahead for me and my family, I knew I had to make changes.
The quiet was what I needed for clarity. Within those few days in the hospital, God gave me the vision to help other moms and women through encouragement as they go through career and entrepreneurship. To remind them that they are valuable and have a voice no matter where they are in life.
I got home on my daughter’s third birthday. I cried. I’ll never forget how my children looked at me. I knew my husband and children deserved a healthy, happy wife and mother. Even more importantly, I wanted to be healthy and happy for myself.
I wish I could say after a spiritual and mental awakening my body followed suit, but it did not. I had physical therapy and counseling. I had side effects to several medications that led to more hospitalizations. I thought I’d done everything asked of me up to this point in my life. I thought I was doing alright until the realization hit me: Perfection is never achievable.
Sometimes it takes a health scare…or just the Holy Spirit to disrupt the routines and plans you set for yourself. The routines I had were dangerously unhealthy and could have cost me my life.
Today, I have a better story. I’m walking again. I’m more grateful, and I listen to my body when it needs more rest. I decided to stop waiting for the perfect time to prioritize enjoying my family, tending to my health, or working on an inspirational project.
It’s never too late to make changes—especially ones that will enable us to see life in a new, positive light. It’s worth recognizing the power of what feels good and is good. It’s worth living a life with joy and good health. It’s worth living a life you love.
Do overs are acceptable! I’ll be here to cheer us on!
Love + Blessings
Leave a Comment
Your testimony, “Code Orange” sounds similar to what I’m kinda experiencing now. I need help! I need to talk. I need some guidance and I need encouragement!
Traci Caswell, please feel free to contact me @ 410.679.4946.
Hi Nicole! We definitely can connect! https://calendly.com/tracircaswell
Love,
Traci
Thank you for sharing this. Since 2020 I have made my health a priority over everything. As I would see myself become so burnt out due to work and other responsibilities only in the end for my health to be impacted and all that work wasn’t even that important compared to my health.
It’s been an honor to share, Rose! Continue to keep yourself a priority! Work will always be there- but our life and loved ones won’t! 🤎
So much of this story could be my life! Thank God I have not had the health scare but I am making effort to improve my health and enjoying the life we have built.
Hi Susan! I definitely pray no health scares and for a healthy, abundant life! Thank you for your response! 🤎
This was a great realization of how we as women take ourselves for granted. Thank you for sharing your story.
Thank you, Christina! Love yourself with the upmost care! You matter always.
Love,
Traci 🤎
Thank you for your story and reminding us of the truly important things in life
It’s been a joy to share! Thank you for responding Petronella! 🤎
Praise God for your healing! God promises he will never leave you nor forsake you! Your story is an inspiration to me! Thank you and thank God 😊! 🙏🙏💜💜
Hi Cynthia!
I’m so happy this inspired you! God got this! 🤎
This really hit home and has helped me make some life-changing decisions. Continued blessings to you!
I’m so happy this helped you Catt!! All the best for you as you move forward! 🤎
Love this, it helped me make some decisions.
Yes!!!! ☺️🤎
Thank you for sharing. I too was ‘doing the most’ and the result was an ischemic stroke in 2012. Wishing you the very best as you navigate your health. Trust me when I say that things will gets better!
I believe for better and greater! 🙌🏽 Thank you for your encouraging message Alicia!
This is so important to me because I just came from the doctor who said I needed more sleep.
Yes! Please REST Ella! Believe it is already working for your good! 🙌🏽🤎
So glad that you are here to see this season of your life. God is so good to all of us. Be blessed, continue to rest and heal.
Thank you Gwen Dee! God is Good! 🙌🏽
Praise God for your recovery and as you continue with your healing and learning may you continue to listen to His spirit within guiding you God bless Sis🙏🏾
Thank you Maria! God gets all the praise! Seek Him 🤎
This was a beautiful story! I am grateful for the words that you wrote. My takeaway from your story showed me that sometimes when we are hard headed and not listening that God has a way to make us listen. In your story it also showed me that in any situation that God is still there and one way or another things will happen in our life to cause us to recognize God and really seek him. I thank you for sharing blesses.
You got it all right Vanessa! Definitely had to learn obedience. God truly loves us and wants us to trust Him fully! Blessings and Love 🤎
This was right on time. Just minutes before reading it, I asked God why I was hesitating about taking a step to ease some stress.
Praise God 🙌🏽 I’m so grateful for your response! It’s good to see reminders in different ways that God is always near and wants our life to be abundant with ease. Sometimes we will be moved to the next place without options so I’m excited for your obedience to be still and get clarity. 🤎
Thank you for transparency Traci. Lord knows I’ve had my share of health scares, BUT GOD! Get ready to reap your Harvest for allowing God to order your steps & empowering other women.
Shonda continue to share your story and healing journey! Grateful to God! 🤎🙌🏽 Thank you for your support.
You showed up through it all and your life is a testimony that destiny awaits but pursuit of it requires balance. You are an inspiration!
Melissa,
I am so grateful for your response!
Thank you for your message and I will continue to apply the confidence and courage to share forward! 🤎
WOW and BUT GOD is what comes to mind as I read this. Your testimony is one that sounds all too familiar to me as a mom, wife, former employee now entrepreneur. We wear so many hats and oftentimes to our own detriment. Thank God that when we learn better, we can do better. Thank you for sharing and I pray this impacts the lives of many!
NaTanya thank you for sharing a bit of your journey! I am grateful to share and hope this will inspire more to share.
Cheers to knowing and doing better🤎
Although I’m not a mom, this artical was inspirational to me, a widow that is trying to remain positive after heartache and disappointments.
Thank you Traci for encouraging women all around the globe. Your tenacity gives us a hope.
Ivey thank you for sharing a part of your story! Your strength as a sister and widow has been inspiring also!
Thank you for your support.
Love,
Traci 🤎
Thank you for sharing your story. Praying for your total healing and a loving relationship with your family. God bless you always!
Thank you Janet! God bless you and your family also! 🤎
So thankful that God chose you for this journey. He brought you through and I am so grateful we witnessed His power and healing. Thanks beautiful for sharing🙏🏽❤️
May God continue to bless you ans your family.
💚💗
LMC
Hi Sister Loretta!
I’m so happy to see your name! Thank you for the prayers and whispers to keep going! I’m grateful to share and will continue to do so.
Love,
Traci 💕💚