GAZELLES IN OUR MIDST
Photo by Vicki French Bennington
“ That was 675 miles , and I felt like my bike was crying for me to stop ,” Hughey said . To alleviate pain for such a long ride , she wiggles around , she stands , she sits up on the second seat , puts her legs on the gas tank – anything to give a little relief from sitting in the same position . As for her overall health , she said things still pop up . “ Not long ago , I felt a burning sensation in my liver and pancreas area . I had medical tests , and everything was fine . My supplements were changed , and it went away ,” she said .
At times , she has had severe vertigo attacks and pain in her head . Every time a new symptom comes along , she has tests that come back normal . Changing or adding homeopathic drops generally takes care of the symptoms , which it is believed are caused by inflammation .
Hughey is retired from Lewis and Clark Community College in Godfrey , Illinois , and currently works as a pension administrator for Brick Layers of Illinois . She and her husband are music worship leaders in churches around the area .
She has been a musician and music lover all of her life . Initially selftaught on an old upright piano , she began playing at the age of 5 . She is a singer , guitarist and what she describes as an aggressive piano player , with a jazzy , rock sound – even when playing Christian music .
“ My grandfather and uncles played , and my mom played piano beautifully , and sang like an angel ,” Hughey said . “ I remember many times singing around the piano with my family .”
At an unusual time , in a unique setting , she and her husband were married at 6 a . m . on a weekday morning in the rose garden at Gordon Moore Park in Alton , Illinois – more than 30 years ago .
“ We decided to be married very early in the morning so that guests could be in the peaceful garden before they went to work ,” Hughey said .
Between the two of them , she and Jack have four children and 10 grandchildren . Her family and her faith helped get her through what was a terrible time of her life .
She still has to take precautions , lies down in the evening , goes to bed early and follows her eating plan . She has made it her mission to help others , who have had similar health concerns by sharing what she has learned . She can be contacted at myrahughey1096 @ gmail . com .
Is There a Gazelle in Your Midst ? Chances are , if you know someone you think is amazing , others will think she is , too . Let us know about a woman who has made a difference in your life or someone else ’ s , is talented , has overcome adversity , is giving , hard-working , multi-talented , admirable or fabulous in her own way . She might just end up being our monthly featured " Gazelle ." Send an email to vbennington @ gazellestl . com .
SAVVY I SOPHISTICATED I SASSY 91