About Me

I grew up in a small town in Northeastern Tennessee. After leaving home for College at the University of Tennessee in Chattanooga, I lived in Chattanooga and North Georgia for several years before returning back to Knoxville to be closer to my family. I went on to pursue a Master's Degree in Educational Administration and Supervision and married my wonderful husband in 2007.

In my former life, before kids, I worked for several colleges and universities in admissions, records and educational training. I was a Spanish and ESL teacher and after leaving the career world, began tutoring high school students in my home. I enjoy writing, painting, piano, crocheting, and of course, speaking Spanish. I have always enjoyed traveling and learning about history and other cultures. Several years ago, I published a book, The Tale of the Lantern Lady and hope to return to writing again once life slows down. My most important passion is being a wife and mother to two wonderful young boys who make me smile and laugh every day. Before my battle with Tarlov Cyst Disease began, despite other health challenges and chronic conditions, I was very active in my community, church, and my boys' school and activities.

My life has been a cycle of ups and downs but God's hand has always been present in my life, even when I wasn't paying attention. Life is full of surprises and challenges. Sometimes it's a battle to feed the positive thoughts rather than the negative. But I've learned that when we trust in God, we know that we are never alone in our battles.





1 comment:

  1. Hi Natalie,
    I'm very proud of your accomplishments through the years dealing with TC. Great determination and powerful strength in God!! Your blog is full of helpful information!!
    My 43 yr old daughter has been suffering from loss of feeling in her toes, feet, legs, fingertips... about to the chest area. It's been a bit over a year since these changes started. The DRs had no idea what could be causing this. This week they found a cyst on her sacrum... I'm praying they can address this quickly. Her numbness, twitching and pain are nearly unbearable for her. She also gets severe swelling in her feet and legs which has not been completely figured out.
    She is not vaxxed but had covid in Dec 2021, she suffered through 2 months of brain fog, depression and much more. She suffered a massive heart attack March 3... thank the good Drs and God, they revived her after 30 minutes "God is Great"!!
    Her life has changed greatly since then. I'm blessed that she is alive! Drs have yet to find answers for many other issues she has. Her heart attack happened after finding her lungs were full of blood clots. One within her heart passed while transporting her to a larger hospital in Minneapolis Mn. She currently has many other issues yet to be addressed. I'm praying they can get her some relief after finding the TC cyst. Maybe much more is involved from having the cyst untreated for so long!
    If you still read your comments, I would greatly appreciate any details and information you could share with us. So happy to hear you are healthier and moving forward. Sending prayers for good health and blessings from God!!
    MaryLou Oppelt
    A call would be great also 320-630-6301 We'd love to learn more!!

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