"Stanley"

"Mary Ann helped me prepare a flower essence remedy before I had major surgery and as I was also going through some life changes. The essences are so subtle and delicate that it seems as though they could have no effect, but I took them faithfully for about three weeks prior to surgery.

"The effect was dramatic for me. I did not need as much pain medication in the hospital as I was prescribed, and I did not need to get the prescription filled when I came home. My healing was quicker than most others that the doctor and nurses had ever seen.

"I believe the Bach Flower Essences helped my natural systems to be operating at their best for a very fast and smooth recovery."

"Karen"

written and presented by: Mary Ann Dittmeier, BFRP



"Karen" sought consultation from this Bach Foundation Registered Practitioner mid-year expressing feelings of relief that the school year was over and with fearful anticipation of surgery (followed by an eight-week recovery period) scheduled during her summer vacation. Although Karen expected this surgery for quite a while, she was plagued by 'rumbling thoughts' coursing through her mind, especially before bedtime. Karen felt a bit of self-pity, as she had to spend her vacation recovering from a long-term illness. Karen was shy and quiet by nature, and did not show her feelings openly, she disliked bringing attention to herself or upsetting her family. She wondered if flower essences could help bring her some peace.

Karen benefited by using several essences: Mimulus for the fear of surgery (also her "type remedy" for shyness and timidity), White Chestnut for unwanted and obsessive thinking, Willow for self-pity and having an attitude of unfairness for her situation, and Agrimony for hiding her true feelings. Crab Apple (the only Bach® Flower Remedy which directly addresses physical issues) for the physical changes she had experienced as a result of her illness and the changes she'd feel as a result of the surgery. She also was free to use Rescue Remedy for those times she felt she needed immediate relief from stressful or emergency situations.

Within a month Karen reported peace and a sense of confidence and acceptance during her surgical and recovery period. She was feeling physically healthy and strong and certainly relieved that her surgery was successful. However, she dreaded the new school year approaching; she feared she would not fit in or that she was never good enough. She knew others would not like her and that she'd have to be strong to succeed at school anyway. In the end, however, Karen recognized that every year she found new and old friends, and everything always worked out.

Walnut was added to her new personal formula to offer protection during this new transition into the new school term. Again, Mimulus was helpful to bring her quiet courage to accept herself and enjoy the new school year without fear. Larch helped her to have more faith and trust in herself, and White Chestnut was continued to allow her some rest from unwanted repetitive thought.

Karen continues to use the remedies regularly and notes tremendous personal awareness and growth through private consultation along with using the essences appropriate for her presenting attitudes and emotions.

"Sarah"

At the age of 79, Sarah had lost her husband of over 50 years to advanced stage alcoholism. Although in shock, lost and adjusting to life without her husband, she also felt relieved not to have to see the terrible affects that the disease had taken on her husband and her family.

While bicycling with her daughter, Sarah fell off her bike and scraped her side terribly. Soon afterward, she was not ready or willing to be quickly relocated to up-state New York by her well-meaning children.

I had received a letter from Sarah three days before a vacation to upstate NY, suggesting that we visit her if the chance came to be. I looked forward to our surprise visit very much.

Sarah's new home was quaint and well kept. She admitted to being lost and a bit angry at her children's judgment that she should not live alone any longer, and she especially missed her vast front and back gardens that she developed at her home on Long Island for forty years. Sarah was limping and a bit frail. She said she felt in a dream state, with all the moving and new location, and still not healed from her bicycle accident. Her leg had a huge sore on it, her elbow hurt, and kept her up at night. She longed for her health, her familiar home, and some youth.

I described the wonders of flower remedies as a source of natural healing for emotional stability, which in turn, can help the body to heal. Her reply was, "Why of course, flowers can heal! Anyone would know that when they are tending to their garden and seeing and smelling those beautiful little friends! I'd love you to help me heal with your flowers."

I made Sarah a formula of Oak, for her enduring zest for life; Walnut for the transition to single life and her new neighborhood; Crab Apple to help heal her leg and arm wounds; Clematis for the dream state after moving; Star of Bethlehem for the trauma of losing a life long partner; Honeysuckle for the longing for the better days of the past; and Rescue Remedy for the immediate stress she felt daily.

When I returned from my one-week vacation, in the mail was a letter from Sarah:

"I can hardly believe how well I am feeling. I slept so well last night. I awoke at 9AM – a far cry from 5AM after a sleepless night of pain. This medication was more like a miracle cure. I am even walking more gracefully! Thanks so much for caring. The doctor said my healing would take two to twelve months. God bless you both …"

About 1 month later, I received another letter writing of her gardening plans (with her drawings) and a list of jokes. She noted,"The football size of my hematoma is apple sized. Now it's lemon sized. God bless you both. I'll be walking normally soon…"

We keep contact regularly, now, and I am honored to help, and continue to help Sarah live her life to the fullest, as she always had!