Almost exactly 16 years ago, my doorbell rang. We had only lived in the house for 24 hours, so who could it be? We opened the door and my family’s life changed forever. She stuck out her hand, said, “Hi, I’m Vickie, we live next door.” I’ve loved her every minute since. In so many ways we couldn’t be more different. I’m a major introvert (it would’ve taken months for me to do what she did) She thrives on meeting and engaging people. We both though have a passion, better yet deep compassion for others. Throughout our friendship I have watched her recognize a need be it physical, emotional or spiritual and endeavor to fill it or find the resources to. It is my joy whenever I can be part of that. Believe me you want THIS WOMAN on the journey of life with you.

One of the differences between us though is that I love to cook and she DOES NOT. Over this past year I have watched in awe as she has overcome a lifelong avoidance of cooking whenever possible and a love for eating out and move to preparing and carrying with her every morsel she consumes. She is a champion at it now. She still doesn’t love it. I hope to change her mind about that one day. But she knows that in this broken world we only get one body and she has determined to heal hers naturally.

Watching her do anything has also been an inspiration to me, but this past year more than any other has moved me to self- examination and recognition of my own need for healing. I’ve struggled with blood sugar issues, weight gain from all my pregnancy that has stuck around, chronic insomnia, 30 years of migraines, hormone and especially gut issues. I am done! The Lord has used Vickie’s journey not only to heal her, but to show me the pieces of my own puzzle. The things I listed above are not all separate issues, but one – a body crying out for help and peace. I am so sorry to have watched my dearest friend suffer and bear this burden all these months, but incredibly grateful for the revelation it has allowed me to arrive at and find the beginning of my own journey. I’m not as goal driven as she is and this will be much harder than I am able to manage, but it is necessary and it is good! I’m excited and terrified, but I have my favorite friend going ahead of me and the Maker of the Universe ahead of her! Let’s go!

My name is Donna and I have known Vickie for many years. We worked together for 10 years. I have enjoyed many lunches out with Vickie. Last year Vickie started having adverse reactions to foods that she normally ate on a regular basis. I know there were a couple trips to the ER due to these reactions. There was no apparent problems to be found other than food issues. Vickie began a major change in her eating. I witnessed the most dramatic change of habits I have ever seen in an individual. I will have to admit it was alarming as she was losing weight rapidly. When we ate out Vickie would bring her own food that she had prepared at home and usually only meat and vegetables along with the ever present water bottle. After a period of time I began to realize Vickie was feeling better and although much smaller…….looked good. Vickie was an example to all who knew her as far as her ability to stick with her plan and encourage others along the way. I would recommend Vickie as a coach for others any day of the week.