Women learn about fitting together the pieces of one s life
By ROWENA PLETT
Staff writer
Patchwork quilts were in evidence everywhere at the Marion County Women's Wellness workshop Saturday at Marion Elementary School.
They reflected the theme: "Making Life's Pieces Fit."
Kathy (Goodin) Bosch of Scottsbluff, Neb., gave a presentation on "Picking up the pieces
Bosch was a former K-State extension agent in Marion County and now is an instructor with the University of Nebraska, teaching via the Internet.
The 50-year-old woman spoke with passion out of personal experience as she encouraged women to tap into their own heritage, faith, and strengths, and to use resources around them to "pick up the pieces."
Bosch was scheduled to speak at the 2004 women's workshop but had to cancel the engagement after she suffered a stroke while on a teaching mission to China.
She spent two weeks in a Chinese hospital.
"One thing I've learned is that people around the world can be your friends and family," she said. "A professor friend and fellow teacher took care of me."
She said in China, family members tend to patients in their bed and bring them food.
Her brother John and sister Mary flew to China to bring her home. On the plane, she suffered a second stroke and ended up at UCLA for a month before returning to Scottsbluff, where she spent another month in the hospital, undergoing rehabilitation.
She deals with chronic pain on the left side of her body. She had to learn everything all over again including walking. She said she learned it was OK to ask for help from others.
"It's too difficult to do alone," she said. "I gain strength from other people."
She noted her family, church, and friends have provided a lot of support.
"You have fear it might happen again, but your foundation is an asset. Strength from others and the power of prayer keeps you going."
She encouraged women to tap into their own faith, strengths, and the people around them to fit the pieces of their life together.
She went back to teaching in March, a job she loves, helping people with family and social relationships. She recently taught a course for couples.
"I continually work to improve my health," she said. "My faith has been tested but it's a huge part of my life."
More than 100 women attended the workshop.
Rosella Suderman of Hillsboro has attended several workshops.
"It's a nice outing and everything is so well done," she said.
Lenore Grunau of Hillsboro attended the workshop for the first time.
"I enjoyed it," she said. "The sessions were wonderful."
More than 25 youngsters attended the accompanying children's workshop. They were led by Alysha O'Dell, Allie Maddox, Misti Richmond, and Emily Svoboda, members of Marion High School Honor Society, and Tacy Taylor, an FFA member.
Panhandler Caterers provided the noon lunch.
Workshop coordinators were Janet Bryant of Marion County Food Bank, Janet Herzet of Marion County Home Care and St. Luke Hospital, Linda Ogden of Communities In Schools of Marion County, Nancy Pihl, K-State Research and Extension agent for Marion County, and Marsha Setzkorn-Meyer of Hillsboro Community Medical Center.
Funding and door prizes were provided by 34 area businesses and agencies.
