Author Archives: mamasick

About mamasick

Emily Cullen is a pen-name. I suffer from chronic illnesses and diseases which include Bipolar Disorder, Asthma, Diabetes and Fibromyalgia. I had battled Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis but there is no longer evidence of me having these diseases and my Rheumatologist has declared them to be "burnt out" of my system. I am separated from my husband, “Grant”. Our son, “Tyler” was born in September of 2006 and suffers from tics and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and is delayed in fine and gross motor skills. In my blog I seek to let sick moms know that they are not the only ones going through this, and to educate people about what can happens when one becomes catastrophically ill. I also strive to break down stereotypes of what a “Welfare Mom” is like. Anything that I have gone through due to being sick, is written on the pages of Mama Sick.

A Child’s Goodness to Our Family

About a month ago I met with a friend whom I hadn’t seen since college.  We had kept in touch over the years and he works very close to where I live so we went out to lunch.  It was … Continue reading

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O Christmas Tree: A Family Affair

This year between my physical and mental health I could not be the driving force behind getting the tree, putting up the lights, decorating it, etc.  It is probably the latest I have ever done it, but the Christmas tree … Continue reading

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The Appeal

I had news about my appeal the day after I was denied disability, but it has been difficult for me to write anything about this process, good or bad.  This rejection has really taken it’s toll on me and I’ve … Continue reading

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Tuesdays With Tyler: Another Meeting With the School

In follow-up to our October meeting with the school, Grant and I again met with the child study team last week.  We have agreed to have Tyler evaluated.  This would include being evaluated for “academics”, speech, occupational, social and psychological. … Continue reading

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Disability: Denied

After waiting nearly five months for a decision on my disability trial, in yesterday’s mail I received an “unfavorable” decision.  I don’t know how well I will write about this because in my heart I felt that I would get … Continue reading

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My Favorite Christmas Ornaments

Inspired by Mama Kat’s Writer’s Workshop. Prompt 1)  Have you decorated your Christmas tree?  Share a favorite Christmas ornament. I always feel a week behind during Christmastime!  My mother is coming in next week and we plan to get our … Continue reading

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For Women With Curves: Win Some Fashion For the Holidays!

This is the third time I am pleased to be working with the fine women from Fashion to Figure, a site that carries very trendy and fashionable clothes for the plus size woman at great prices! Wouldn’t it be nice to … Continue reading

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Tuesdays With Tyler…And Santa!

Despite my worries about how I would be able to handle the normal rites of Christmas while being sick and in the middle of a bankruptcy, our trip to see Santa was a success!  I even got a handicapped parking … Continue reading

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Chronically Stressed During the Holidays

Every December for me is always the same.  What should be the season to be jolly is looked upon as a season of dread, depression and the feeling that I am not living up to what is expected of me … Continue reading

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The Advent Calendar That Will Probably Doom Me to Hell

Inspired by Mama Kat’s Writer’s Workshop. Prompt 3.  The first day of December is upon us!  Describe an Advent calendar or a special way you count down days until Christmas (past or present).  Inspired by (Classy Chaos) For years, long … Continue reading

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