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Who Doesn't Love a Good Massage?

7/11/2014

6 Comments

 
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Ouch! My aching back! I sure could use a good massage. How many times do you catch yourself saying that? I find myself saying that very often. Which is kind of funny because I am a massage therapist. I owned and operated a small spa for many years.  I loved helping my clients everyday. I had a very busy practice where I would do seven or eight massages per day, six days per week. There is something so rewarding about helping people feel better. Between giving many deep tissue massages, sports massages, hot stone massages or even relaxing Swedish massages, I can tell you that I enjoyed getting massages as well as giving them!

I gave up my spa about six years ago, when my Dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. Taking care of my Dad became my full time job and massaging clients at my home became my part time business. I think giving the massages at home saved my sanity! My massage workload was greatly reduced to giving only one or two per day. Always scheduled around my Dad's nap schedule and when I knew someone else was home to watch him if he were to wake up. Oh, those were some crazy days! You never knew what the day would bring! He walked around saying "WOW -WOW-Wow!" at the top of his lungs. He opened car doors while we were driving to doctors appointments. I did learn to make him sit in the back seat with the child safety locks. He would go out the door when no one was looking. Once I caught him making himself a peanut butter and spaghetti sauce sandwich! There were daily adventures! Never a dull moment!  Looking back, I should have scheduled massages for myself during that time. Sadly, my Dad passed away in October 2009. Then I was diagnosed with Small Cell Carcinoma of the Lung in late December of the same year.

I began my Cancer treatment in January 2010. And again....... I reduced my workload. I was now down to giving only three or four massages per week. These were still one of the greatest joys that I had. It helped me to concentrate on other people instead of concentrating on myself. I was only given a 15% chance of survival. I made it my mission to enjoy every moment that I could. I wanted to make people laugh and I wanted to make other people feel better. I kept a positive attitude and with the Grace of God, I am still here, four and a half years later. I also started working on my garden during this time. There is something very therapeutic about creating a beautiful garden and yard. Now, mind you, this wasn't easy. I dug out grass with a hand spade and laid a beautiful cobblestone patio and garden path. I planted roses, not just one or two, but more like 40 to 50 rose bushes. I love the way it all turned out. It is really like my own little oasis. But during all of the work on my yard I managed to tear my rotator cuff and my deltoid muscle. Sound impressive, huh? More like painful!!! I get the most relief when I get a massage. Does that happen as often as it should? Nope! I have been grounded from giving massages for many weeks now. So that means, I do not get to enjoy helping my clients get rid of their pain and I do not get paid to NOT give massages. Therefore, I can't pay to have someone give me a massage, either! GOSH, I SURE DO MISS MASSAGES!!!

6 Comments
Ellen Archer link
7/10/2014 11:28:30 pm

Oh my goodness, your story is so inspiring! You have been through so much and held strong! I just love reading and hearing stories such as yours, such hope and strength in the human spirit! I got 1 professional massage before and it was heaven! It may be time for me to revisit that idea! Great blog!

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Cindy Ackley link
7/10/2014 11:36:48 pm

Thank you so much, Ellen! They say that you are never given more than you can handle, so I suppose I have handled just what I was given. There is the key.....just handle what you are given. And if you are given a massage, I am sure you will handle it very well! Enjoy every moment!

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Carol Cassara link
7/10/2014 11:58:38 pm

I hope you are taking care of yourself, your attitude is admirable and I could only hope to rise to the occasion like you did.

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Cindy Ackley link
7/11/2014 12:07:28 am

Thank you, Carol! I have learned that having a great attitude is important in our well being! Life is truly beautiful and there are so many wonderful things all around us. We must take the time to laugh and enjoy all that life has to offer.

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Sherri link
7/11/2014 11:05:00 am

Cindy, your story is an inspiring one. I have a grandmother with Alzheimers and its so sad to watch those you love just disappear before your eyes. Blessings for enjoying life to the fullest! <3

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Cindy Ackley link
7/11/2014 12:25:23 pm

Thank you, Sherri! Yes, Alzheimer's is a terrible, unfair disease. I think back now on all of the really funny things that happened during that time. It is strange that the very things that upset me at that time have now blended into very special memories that are very near and dear to my heart. Cherish every moment with your Grandmother and make those memories precious.

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    Hi! My name is Cindy Ackley. I have created this blog about enjoying the beauty of life and being as healthy and happy as we can be. I am a lung cancer survivor and I have discovered that beauty is everywhere. It is seen in nature and it is felt with our laughter. The beauty of life can be enjoyed with our healthy choices. I love helping people see the beauty.

    I also had gained close to 40 lbs. with my chemo treatments. I sure did not feel  very beautiful or healthy. I discovered Skinny Fiber and have since lost about 51 lbs. I feel amazing. I learned to eat healthier and to drink water instead of Diet Pepsi!

    I want to share everything that I have learned on my journey with you.

    If you are struggling with weight issues, please join me at my free weight loss group @ http://www.facebook.com/groups/positivelyskinnyandhealthy



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