Great opportunities are heavy burdens: meet @becsbuddy

Jun 14, 2019 | John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Comments (27)

Member Spotlights feature interviews with fellow Connect members. Learn more about members you’ve connected with and some you haven’t met yet. Nominate a member you think should share the spotlight.

2019.06.03. Connect Member Spotlight. becsbuddy. Becky

JOHN: What brought you to Mayo Clinic Connect? What motivates you to take part in the community?

@becsbuddy: I found Mayo Clinic Connect when I was on the computer trying to find information on my newly-diagnosed autoimmune disease, chronic lymphocytic inflammation with pontine perivascular enhancement responsive to steroids (CLIPPERS), which is very rare. I looked at the information members share through their posts and thought, “This is what I need.”

I felt I needed Mayo Clinic Connect just to hear from other people dealing with sudden changes in their lives.  As a nurse, I’m also motivated because I know I can help others with my inside knowledge of hospitals and healthcare, and others can help me.

JOHN: What about Connect makes you feel comfortable to share and to be open with the community?

@becsbuddy: I like that we’re all anonymous to begin with, but everyone feels comfortable enough to switch to their real name eventually. Everyone is so accepting, helpful, kind and supportive, and offers what they can.

JOHN: What groups do you participate in?

@becsbuddy: I participate in Autoimmune Diseases (not that I know very much!), Depression & Anxiety, the Gratitude discussion group and other discussions in the Just Want to Talk group. I also try to answer questions that may come across my email or show up in the Connect Daily Digest, if I think I have something helpful to contribute.

JOHN: Who has been a special connection for you on Connect?

@becsbuddy: A great moment for me in Mayo Clinic Connect was Jennifer Hunter’s story about art and healing. She really made an impact. She challenged me to get back to my art quilts and give myself a boost. It's been difficult because I lost so many of my skills. And some of the members are great at giving pep talks, which I really need.

JOHN: What surprised you the most about Connect?

@becsbuddy: Mayo Clinic Connect surprises me with the amount of love and support members provide one another, even when they are having a bad day.

JOHN: What energizes you, or how do you find balance in your life?

@becsbuddy: I get energized by going outdoors when the weather is sunny, even if its cold. But sunny. If my friends are out in the park, we just walk and walk and visit they’ve been so supportive. I find balance by only doing what I absolutely have to do and taking the time to do what I want to do!

JOHN:  Tell us about your favorite pastime or activity.

@becsbuddy: My favorite hobby is contemporary quilting. These quilts can be either personal or political. @JenniferHunter challenged me to do something that would reflect the journey I’ve been on these past two years, so that’s what I’m working on now. I’m having to do a lot of relearning and practicing, but it’s worth it.

JOHN:  Do you have a favorite quote, life motto, personal mantra?

@becsbuddy: My favorite quote: “Great opportunities are heavy burdens.”

We saw this on a billboard in Texas when we were faced with a big decision and also an opportunity. My husband, an army officer, was told that he would need to move to Boston to start work on his Ph.D., but I was still in nursing school. Great opportunity for him, but a heavy burden for me. But, we did it, and I came out stronger. Now, I see my participation on Mayo Clinic Connect as a real opportunity for me to use my nursing and psychosocial skills to help others.

JOHN:  What do you appreciate the most in your friends?

@becsbuddy: I appreciate their company, having good talks, or just doing something interesting or important.

JOHN:  What food can you simply not resist?

@becsbuddy: I simply cannot resist dark chocolate!

JOHN:  What do you love about where you live or vacation?

@becsbuddy: We live in Boulder, Colorado, now for almost 25 years. I love it. The lifestyle is active but not formal like on the East Coast where we lived for five years. The sun is usually out, except when it rains or snows!

See more Member Spotlights.

Interested in more newsfeed posts like this? Go to the About Connect: Who, What & Why blog.

Great to read about you, @becsbuddy and nice work @johnbishop Love your quote, too!

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@becsbuddy -- Becky, thank you for letting us get to know you a little better! It was fun working with you on your spotlight. The photo is great but my slow brain took awhile to process your quote but when I did I really like it!

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@becsbuddy
What an interesting post, Becky! Enjoyed learning some more about you. I have so enjoyed having you on Connect. Thanks for all of your work, @johnbishop!

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Thank you for the great self introduction! Your quilt projects really piqued my interest. Will look forward to knowing you better as time goes on. Thank you for being here. Nancy

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@becsbuddy- Becky, it was great to read your spotlight and get to know the person behind the posts that we have all grown to enjoy because of your endearing nature. Thanks! Jim @thankful

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@becsbuddy- And a star is born!!! lol. What a great interview. You should be very proud of your success here! I love this photo of you! Are those your quilts behind you?

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@IndianaScott

Great to read about you, @becsbuddy and nice work @johnbishop Love your quote, too!

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Thanks so much for your kind words bishop

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Trying to keep it together for my family. I am 76 widow , caretaker, grandma. Retired. Was looking forward to those' Golden years ' we worked for...but life got in the way . My special grandson whom I loved since birth has abandoned his mom & me. Mentally ill My poor dad was schizophrenia, but kind. I have lived my life and had a great marriage. But but it kills me to see my once sweet grandson ( age 22 ) wasting his life with anger, no peace. What have we done to deserve this pain & heartbreak ? I know many have it much worse. I am caring for a very sick friend who is 83 in hospice. I pray folks find peace in their lives. Best wishes to all

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@becsbuddy I loved you interview really nice. Glad to know these things about you . I wanted to ask you have you gone to Lancaster Pa where the Amish are ? We went there on vacation once to a festival and in this old barn the Amish displayed there quilts , gorgeous . I'm sure you would love to see them. I cant remember the name of the place but it was around Lancaster somewhere. They have a theater there Light and Sound they put on Biblical plays . Back to your story here it was great to know you a little better

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@dianrib

Trying to keep it together for my family. I am 76 widow , caretaker, grandma. Retired. Was looking forward to those' Golden years ' we worked for...but life got in the way . My special grandson whom I loved since birth has abandoned his mom & me. Mentally ill My poor dad was schizophrenia, but kind. I have lived my life and had a great marriage. But but it kills me to see my once sweet grandson ( age 22 ) wasting his life with anger, no peace. What have we done to deserve this pain & heartbreak ? I know many have it much worse. I am caring for a very sick friend who is 83 in hospice. I pray folks find peace in their lives. Best wishes to all

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Hi @dianrib, good to hear from you again. It can be a challenge to hold it altogether when caring for others, especially when those we care most about reject the support.

Here is the link back to the conversation where you were connecting with other members and getting support to help you through these tough time.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/why-bother-what-can-we-do-when-we-are-stuck/?pg=7#comment-301923

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