A Wake‑Up Call from the Silent Killer

Happy Wednesday afternoon friends,

How are you all doing? Is life treating you kindly? I truly hope so. Things are finally settling a bit on my end, so fingers crossed… you’ll be hearing from me a lot more often. It seems I’ll have even more time on my side for the next few months, and I’m grateful for the chance to reconnect.

Enough about that, though. I’d love to hear from you. Shoot me a text or drop me a comment. Brighten my day. Hearing from you all is one of my greatest highlights. Of course, Tommy and Kevin always keep me in check, but I love hearing from the rest of you too. It’s truly a gift forming friendships with people who love writing and storytelling as much as I do. We really are a unique little tribe, aren’t we.

Life is calming down a bit… at least from my rash’s point of view. The shingles are finally scabbing over, and the inflammation is easing. That means less allergy medication and more clarity, which I’m grateful for.

But I want to share something personal with you… something I tried sharing with someone I care about, but life doesn’t always allow people to be present when you need them.

On Monday, I saw my dermatologist. She wanted to give me steroid injections and explained everything clearly; the risks, the benefits, the usual precautions. Steroids can raise blood pressure, so she asked if I had a history of hypertension. I told her yes.

She checked mine.

The numbers were 161/115.
Fifteen minutes later, 165/107.

She looked at me with the kindest eyes and said, “You’re living with the silent killer. It’s not if, it’s when.”

That sentence hit me hard.

High blood pressure doesn’t always come with symptoms, at least not for me. And I’ve ignored it for years, always putting myself last, always taking care of everyone else first. But after the emergency gallbladder surgery, my body isn’t bouncing back the way it used to. It’s telling me, loudly, that it’s time to listen.

I’m too young to say goodbye. And I know so many people are fighting battles far harder than mine… cancer, loss, grief that reshapes their entire world. Their strength reminds me that ignoring my own health isn’t bravery. It’s neglect.

I was raised knowing my place within the family unit. I was taught to speak only when spoken to, to put everyone else’s needs before my own, and to never ask to be chosen. Don’t ask, just accept. Support, but don’t expect. When someone needed something, I showed up. When someone asked for more than I had to give, I found a way to stretch myself anyway. This isn’t a pat on the back for myself, it’s a very common way of life for many women. Girls are sometimes taught not to make waves. Show up when needed and don’t make a big deal out of “nothing.” Well, everything isn’t always nothing, sometimes it something. I’m finally learning to pay attention and not shrink myself.

That kind of conditioning runs deep. It shapes how you love, how you give, how you sacrifice… and how easily you ignore your own body when it’s begging for help.

Tomorrow, I see my primary care doctor, and I’m going to let him adjust my heart medication. I’m going to follow his plan exactly. I’m going to do whatever I need to do so I can be here to see what chapters still lie ahead for my kids.

Life is full of uncertainty. It’s full of surprises, full of ups and downs, full of moments that shake us awake. Some problems we can’t fix. Others arrive as a warning, a nudge, a wake‑up call.

I’m choosing to listen. I’m choosing the wake‑up call. I’m choosing me.

Because if I don’t choose me… who will.

I’m learning to look at life like this: you can lead a horse to water, but you cannot make them drink. It’s my choice to follow the regimen I’m certain my doctor will put me on, or not.

I have a long history of heart disease. The silent killer may be trying to nestle up close to me, but let me tell you this… I have way too much to accomplish, and I pray I get to do them all.

This little catch‑up isn’t meant to be gloomy. It’s meant to bring attention to something we often can’t see: heart disease. Please make sure you’re checking yours now and again. If caught early, we stand a much better chance of conquering it before it conquers us.

Well guys, it’s time for me to make some dinner. Pork chops are on the menu tonight with potatoes, mixed veggies, and a Caesar salad. Yummy.

Thanks for being here, everyone. And don’t forget… until next time…

Love Life++ hugs
Dawna‑Rae 🦋