Lexington Woman Magazine

Volume VIII

CELEBRATING, MOTIVATING, AND EDUCATING

Real WOMEN

Turn this issue over for a spotlight on an amazing business woman:

Getting a KICK out of life with Jackie Howie

Cayce, Chapin, Columbia, Irmo, Lexington, West Columbia, and White Knoll

In this Issue

Volume VIII

CELEBRATING, MOTIVATING, AND EDUCATING

Real WOMEN

Turn this issue over for a spotlight on an amazing business woman:

Getting a KICK out of life with Jackie Howie

Cayce, Chapin, Columbia, Irmo, Lexington, West Columbia, and White Knoll

Volume VIII

8

Editor-In-Chief:

Lori Samples Duncan (ld@woman2woman.sc)

Project Coordinator: Lori Samples Duncan

Media Representative:

Theresa Adams (adamsmedia1@gmail.com)

Contributing Writers:

Theresa Adams Lori Samples Duncan Margaret Anne Pitts Gaffney Heather McNair Melinda Norris Tyler Ryan

Cover Photo:

Clark Berry Photography

Publication Layout and Ad Design: Melissa Wates

Photography:

A Personal Note 2 Events

4 What’s happening in and around Lexington?

Kid’s Stuff

5 Future Lexington women to look for!

Let’s Talk

6 Lexington Woman loves Lexington men!

7 Let’s hear it for the boys!

8 9 months and 34 minutes of a purpose filled life

Health & Wellness

10 14 16 17

Having children isn’t always easy Smart Lipo Healing health and wellness mother daughter team Sneh Patel, Vital Energy Fitness

Business & Web Directory 19

Clark Berry Photography Dream Weaver Photos Timeless Expressions Photography

Woman 2 Woman Enterprises

PO Box 85282 | Lexington, SC 29073 (803) 808.0866 | www.woman2woman.sc Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication. However, the publisher cannot assume responsibility for errors or omissions. No part of this book may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission. © 2010

Meet real Lexington moms throughout this issue in our Mothers’ Spotlight features. Lexington Woman wishes you all a Happy Mother’s Day!

www.lexingtonwoman.sc

A Personal Note

H

appy Mother’s Day to each of you Lexington mothers! I know a lot of you, and you are wonderful women who are raising the next generation of Lexingtonians. You are doing a fantastic job if your children are any indication.

In celebration of one of my favorite days of the year, Mother’s Day, I thought it only fitting to share with you my incredible mother, Patsy Gail Samples. My very first memories she gave to me. I was only two and truthfully they are not my memories; they are hers. Her memories were of a little girl that she obviously loved, that she gave to me. I tell them to my children and we laugh. I will share them with my grandchildren one day and they will laugh at their “nana” the same way I laugh when my grandmother tells me stories of my mother. I love her. photos by Dream Weaver Photos

When we are children we love our daddies, because I think daddies are usually more fun.

They play with us; they tease us. In my house he went to work everyday and came home at the same time, so I looked forward to the newness with him. Mama was about taking care of business. She did the hard stuff. She had doctor visits, eye appointments, dental visits, bath time and making sure I ate my vegetables. Though I will say when I was hurt it was mama that I wanted.

I remember being eighteen and having my wisdom teeth pulled. I counted to four and was out. I woke up crying for my mother. Mom said later the nurse came to get her and said, “she want’s you Mrs. Samples.” I remember how I felt when she walked into that room. I was at that time already taller than her, but her presence made everything else seem okay.

I knew she had great expectations of me, how I handled my self as a young woman, and who I would be as a woman with children of my own. I knew she believed in me. She was my biggest fan. It used to bother me that people thought we looked like sisters instead of mother/daughter. I was convinced that I must look really old! I now appreciate the fact that I have a young looking mother and hope that is a testament to good genes.

There was a time in my life, I thought I knew everything. I thought her sole purpose was to railroad any attempt I made at having a little fun. I disagreed with her simply because it was her idea. After having children of my own I understand now all the wisdom she was trying to impart to me by the benefit of her experience.

My mother is the strongest woman I know. She raised a house full of children on a meager salary, and when Daddy had an accident that left him unable to return to his career, she went into real estate to help pay the bills. At the end of his life, she quit work to take care of him so he could stay home for the duration of his illness. After he died she returned to the workforce to take care of three children still living at home.

Mama took me to church every Sunday. We didn’t wake up and ask, “are we going to church today?” We woke up, and got ready. She made sure we were there Sunday morning, Sunday night and Wednesday. She dressed us all with no help from my dad or anyone else. We went to Sunday school and were always on time! I have not once in 37 years heard my mother say a curse word; I barely remember her even spelling one to repeat what someone said.

That I know of she has never tasted alcohol or smoked a

Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women

A Personal Note cigarette. She has loved her children to distraction and made every effort to help each of us to be the best adults we can be.

Mothers’ Spotlight!

I think the day that I held my first son in my arms, I started to realize the depth of my mothers love. On that day it was as if my heart swelled right inside my chest to accommodate all the emotion that I felt for this beautiful baby in my arms. Suddenly all the things I had taken for granted became so clear to me. As I looked at him, as I did with each of his siblings, I realized I would move heaven and earth to keep him from harm. I would climb mountains, swim oceans, stand in front of speeding trains if it were necessary to keep him healthy and happy. I finally understood what motherhood was all about.

As a mother myself, I can look back on the sacrifices she made, without complaint and see them for what they were, a mother’s love. I can remember hearing her prayers over each of her children, how I thought she was silly to pray so hard.

I now realize the language of love she was speaking over her family. I can look back with a woman’s eyes and see the love she poured into every dress she sewed for me, every cut she cleaned, every bruise she kissed, every off key tune she sang to soothe us and know how she loves us.

Beth Branham with her mother

“Of course I have the best Mom in the world! She and Dad live in Chester, SC where I was raised. I consider her a best friend who is always there to support me and encourage me no matter what happens in my life. I especially enjoy the times now when we get together for no particular reason but to have lunch or go shopping.”

– Beth Branham

Even now, at 37, when she gives me advice or tells me I need to do something… that little girl who doesn’t like to be bossed around rises up in me and I laugh.

Usually she is right. I remember when I was pregnant with Ryan and I was so worried about the news the doctors had shared. I knew she was too far away to come to the ultrasound, and had other responsibilities at home. I didn’t expect her to drive 3.5 hours to hold her grown daughters hand, yet she did. When the doctor gave us good news and not what we had feared, she stood at the head of my bed and cried with me.

Not only is she an amazing mother, she is a wonderful grandmother. My mom has taught me so many things in my life. How to love the Lord, to take care of my family, to love my children unconditionally, to be compassionate to others, to always be willing to help someone in need and to never take for granted the many blessings God has bestowed up my family. I am grateful for each of those lessons.

Being a mother is a thankless job at times, and as my children get older and I am pulled in four different directions and still trying to maintain time for myself as a wife and a woman, I realize how blessed I am to have a Mama like mine. Is she perfect? To me she is as close as it gets. I love her as fiercely as I know she loves me. I still can’t out shop her, out last her, out do the good she does, but I know this one thing – I don’t have to. Going home is like being five again, getting off the school bus after a long day at school, running to the door with a smile on my face and calling her name, knowing on the other side of that door is love and acceptance.

Paulette Criscione and her mother, Juanita Criscione

“I’m amazed at my Mother’s strength, courage, integrity and faith to live life to the fullest considering all of the tragic journeys that she’s endured. I hope that I can be just like her when I grow up.”

– Paulette Criscione

Happy Mother’s Day, Mama. I pray that I am as present and loving in my children’s life as you are mine.

Lori Samples Duncan

(Become our fan on Facebook!)

Proverbs 32

Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

28

Kim Hamrick with her mother

“My mother is my rock, mentor and friend…her love is unwavering and unconditional…and I will be forever grateful to her for molding me into the woman I am today!”

– Kim Hamrick

www.lexingtonwoman.sc

Events

What’s happening in and around Lexington?

Beth Moore live via satellite Saturday, April 24, 2010 The Harvest on 378, Lexington

The Bi-Lo Charity Golf Tournament Monday, May 3, 2010 at 10am

Event time is 9:45am - 3:30pm with doors opening at 8:30am. Lunch on your own. A great day to tailgate with your girlfriends. This event is cosponsored by Sax Gotha Presbyterian Church.

Tickets may be purchased at Sax Gotha or The Harvest or online at www.saxegotha.org.

2nd Annual Mother/Daughter Garden Party Saturday, May 1, 2010 from 2-4pm Virginia Hylton Park, Lexington

The cost is $20/couple and $10 per additional girl.

One day event for girls ages 5 and up with their mother, grandmother, or other significant female adult. Wear your Sunday best and springtime bonnet for an afternoon in the garden. Registration includes: 4x6 portrait, refreshments, crafts, games, and goodie bags. Prizes given for the best hats. This event is hosted by the LCRAC. Call Holly at (803) 939-9309 for details.

All donations will go to the Boys and Girls Club of the Midlands. Contact Theresa Steele for more information at theresa29170@yahoo.com.

2nd Annual Get in the Pink Saturday, May 8, 2010

Mark your calendars for the 2nd Annual Get In The Pink breast cancer fundraiser! The event features two certified races: the KICKS 10k and the 5K for KOMEN. Not interested in the races, then make plans to have some fun with the Stiletto Sprint and the Devine Street Post-Race Party.

Register your kids for the Kids Fun Run and make it a family affair. Registration for all events is now open! Find out more at www.getinthepink.org.

Fairy Week with Clark Berry Photography May 10-14, 2010

through 6:00pm. Session fee is only $25 and we have special package pricing for these sessions.

Please give us a call to reserve your session. (Session fee is due at the time of booking.) We have a nice variety of fairy costumes and head pieces, but you are welcome to bring your fairy’s favorite fairy costume, too! Call (803) 996.5982 to book your appointment!

South Eastern Angels of Life Pageant Saturday, May 15, 2010 Wingate by Wyndham, Lexington

Compete or come out and support the pageant and become Ambassadors for -The Adam Turner Children’s Foundation “A Voice For Our Kids!”

Pageant Dress and Photogenic Competitions - Giving Back Competition - 2 little boy age divisions and 12 girl age divisions. Contact Joyce Wagster at joycewagster@aol.com or call 803-463-8360 for an application or more info. Applications will be online at www.adamturnerfoundation.org.

Appointments start at 10am and we have a “late” day on Tuesday with appointments going all day

Mothers’ Spotlight!

Tyler Ryan with his mother

“They say you can pick your friends, but not your family. I guess I’m lucky. One of my best friends is in my family. Love you Mom!” – Tyler Ryan

Carolina Gonzalez and her mother, Delfina S. Santiago

Ruth with her mother, Beverly Abdalla, and daughter Christine

Jennifer Hutchinson with her daughter Elizabeth

“My mom has never met a stranger. She is the friendliest, most outgoing Southern lady you will ever meet!”

– Ruth Chapman

“A hug and kiss from my Elizabeth consumes my heart, her big blue eyes look at me with nothing but love and I am proud to be her mother.”

– Jennifer Hutchinson

Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women

3 generations: Mandy Bowden with her mother and grandmother

“I am so lucky to come from generations of strong, kind, loving and beautiful women.We are never too old to need our Mommies!”

– Mandy Bowden

Kid’s Stuff

Future Lexington women to look for!

Meet Alana and Laura Grace Swindler

T

his issue’s future women to look for are sisters! Their names are Alana Swindler and Laura Grace Swindler. They were nominated by their father, Rev. John Swindler, minister of education and music at Round Hill Baptist Church in Lexington.

Alana graduated from Lexington High School in 2006 and is currently a junior at the University of Mobile in Mobile, Alabama majoring in musical theater. In 2008, she was Miss University of Mobile and competed in the Miss Alabama pageant. This summer she will go to Germany to study in a musical theater program there where casting agents from all of Europe will meet with her. She is currently preparing to star as Aunt Eller in Oklahoma!, at the University of Mobile April 16-18 which her parents are looking forward to attending. Alana is pictured left at a recent recital in Mobile.

Laura Grace is a senior at Lexington High School and plays volleyball. She was a member of the Lexington High School team this year that almost won the state championship. Laura Grace works everyday with the Boys and Girls Club at New Providence El-

Working Studio and Gift Shop

ementary. She plans to attend Charleston Southern University in August where she will study education, planning to be a foreign missionary. She is spending spring break in the country of Belize sharing Christ and teaching volleyball to children there, and we know she will have great stories to share. Laura Grace is pictured right on the first day of her senior year at school.

Both girls have been on mission trips with their father, Rev. Swindler, throughout the years. Alana went to Tanzania with him in 2003, and Laura Grace travelled to Haiti with him in 2008. Both of them have been to the Dominican Republic on mission trips with him several times.

Lexington Woman is excited to share these sisters with you as future women to look for!

Alana and Laura also have a younger sister,

Jillian, who is 11 years old. If she’s anything like her sisters, you’ll probably be seeing her featured here in the next couple of years!

Know a young lady who should be featured here?

If you know any local young ladies who are working hard toward their future goals, please email your submissions to ld@woman2woman. sc for consideration in our next issue.

'ANTT 3TREET s ,EXINGTON

WWW THESTUDIOLEXINGTON COM

$ROP )N AND #REATE 4HURSDAY n 3ATURDAY AM PM

!RT #LASSES s #ERAMICS s "EADING s 3TEPPING 3TONES s 'LASS &USION s #LAY www.lexingtonwoman.sc

Let’s Talk

Lexington Woman loves Lexington men!

Everybody’s Granddad – Ed Pitts aka “Mr. Ed” is a local “Good Guy” written by Margaret Anne Pitts Gaffney (daughter), nominated by Julie McDowell

A

lthough he has just six grandchildren, was a record-setting Gamecock football player, and has served Lexington for over 40 years from Rotarian to Little League coach, my dad Ed Pitts fills that role.

Each morning before heading to his “real” job at USC, “Mr. Ed” opens the family school (Anne Pitts Child Development Center), turns on the lights, and gets the marshmallows ready! With a cheerful “Good Morning” he gives a marshmallow treat for being big and sending mom or dad to work.

cause of Coach Pitts’ reputation for being tough and taking the game seriously. At the season’s end, he said, “Coach Pitts teaches things that aren’t just about the sport things every young boy ought to learn. Plus, it’s much more fun to be the giant everyone shoots at but can’t beat!”

At age 72, Mr. Ed cuts firewood, digs ditches, drives a front-end loader and backhoe.

He fixes septic tanks and school buses. My brother Ted was cutting down a tree and

tough.” Ted and Walt both said, “You play the game to have fun, but it’s a whole bunch more fun to win than lose.” Walt remembers Dad pulling his hair before a baseball game and asking if it hurt. Of course, the answer was yes. Coach Dad said, “That’s pain. There’s a difference between pain and injury. I don’t expect you to play with injury, but you can play with a little pain.” My personal favorite is, “Smother ‘em with kindness.”

With his grandchildren, Granddad is a pushover. They eat out, stay up late, and eat ice cream. My children beg to walk “up the hill” to Granddad’s house. He is a great role model whose positive outlook and can-do attitude are infectious. My brothers and I agree that we are lucky to have our children grow up with him. Anna (4) and Conor (9) love to go to restaurants with Granddaddy. Conor likes the fact that Granddad forks over cash for base hits. Edward (4) and Pascal (3) love to ride Granddaddy’s tractor. Sara Anne (2) likes to hold his hand and baby Hampton (11 months) is in awe of the straw cowboy hat he wears. He is their idol and mine too!

When Granddad is around, we are chopped liver. He is such a good role model.

Ed Pitts spending time with his six grandchildren Everybody loves Mr. Ed! One morning, a toddler was crying for no apparent reason.

He said, “I don’t want Mr. Ed to go to work.”

This child hadn’t shed a tear when dropped off earlier. A mother of twins came with camera poised to capture a shot of her girls with “Mista Ed” on their first day of school. Mr. Ed is famous for his dump truck hayrides!

At Halloween, he takes children and parents on an exciting trip. The highlight is the much anticipated tilting of the truck bed. Squeals of terror and delight ring out! He even takes a day off from work for an encore trip because the pre-schoolers beg for one more ride.

Grown children remember him fondly as big a softy and respected disciplinarian. A former student says, “Gum was not allowed, but Mr. Ed made Fridays special by giving out Big Red. When I see Big Red, I think of Mr. Ed and my days at the Center.” A former player said, “Coach Pitts made a big impact on my life, instilling a toughness and work ethic that I didn’t get from my own dad.” An opposing runner-up baseball coach came to be an assistant. He was hesitant to help be

worried that the tree was falling the wrong way. Never mind knee replacement surgery a few weeks before, Ted called Dad who came to assist on a crutch. Good thing he did….

I asked my brothers Ted and Walt for thoughts for this article. The same things kept coming up: Dad was tough, but fair.

Parenting was not about us liking him, but about raising us to be valuable and respected adults. He put teaching the right lessons over being our friend. Amazingly, he and his two older brothers were raised by their mother Esther Pitts after their father died when he was two years old. He drove to visit her every Sunday in Clinton until she died at the age of 100 in December 2006.

Ted sums it up, “Dad had and still has oneliners for any situation. When he spoke, you listened because it was important and he wasn’t going to say it again. Playing football, if the same formation wasn’t working, he’d say, “Don’t you think it’s time to try something different?” Other favorites: “Don’t tell me, show me,” and “You have to be mentally

Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women

Ed Pitts is a native of Clinton, SC. He and the late Anne Digby Pitts of Greer married in 1966 and were married until she passed away in 1998. Their three children and six grandchildren all live in Lexington. Ed Pitts is a local hero to his family, friends, former players, Anne Pitts Child Development Center children, and anyone who knows him.

When in doubt feel free to refer to one of his famous one-liners!

Do you know a local “good guy”?

Please send us a detailed essay explaining why you feel your nominee deserves to be featured as our next “Local Man of the Hour.” Emails can be sent to our editor at ld@woman2woman.sc. We will notify you by email if your “good guy” is chosen.

Let’s Talk

Let’s hear it for the boys

by Theresa Adams

I

t seems universal, at least in my universe. When I meet a fellow “mom of boys”, the answer to the question “aren’t boys just great?” is always the same….yes! Even moms of teenage boys, though a little less enthusiastic in their response, share those feelings. Nothing against girls, mind you (I happen to be one), but I’ve never had one and I’ve always lacked the burning desire to keep trying until I got one. I’ve even gone so far as to say that if I knew for sure that God would keep giving me little boys I’d have a house full of them. I have nieces to love and buy Polly Pocket dolls for, and I’m already praying for my future daughters-in-law. I have this funny feeling that God will grant me a granddaughter one day.

I didn’t grow up thinking that I wanted to get married and have little boys. In fact, I was quite a Daddy’s girl, and as an adult I fully grasp the power of that bond. Losing both of my parents at an early age, I’ve struggled with the fact that my boys never got a chance to know them, or worse yet that I haven’t had the joy of seeing my parents enjoy them. But I get it now, that bond, that love for your children, and especially between a mother and her sons—much like my bond with Daddy.

It’s just special. And once you have a three-

year-old boy tell you he wants to marry you, and then the realization hits him that you’re already committed to another man and you hug and cry together over this revelation, you know you’ve got it.

state sections for this magazine I’d loved for years—and still work from home. Six years later I’m still representing them, and I’m fortunate to have met Lori Duncan who has offered me the chance to work with her at Lexington Woman Magazine in the same independent capacity. I’ve also added another “independent” hat to my collection as an independent consultant for Rodan + Fields® Dermatologists—a new skincare line by the creators of Proactiv® Solution. I saw this ground floor opportunity to partner with the Doctors as another way to do something for the boys in my life…and for me.

Being the planner that I am (that’s especially funny to those who know me well), I had a plan even before we started a family after 6 years of marriage, to go after a career that would allow me to eventually work from home or work part-time. I even turned down a great job opportunity that involved travel because I knew we would soon be trying to start a family. Advertising sales So whether you have boys for a local magazine was or girls, and whether you the door that opened, and left the working world alsure enough, I went part- photo by Timeless Expressions Photography together when kids came time and stayed part-time along, worked part-time, or Theresa and her family as the boys came along. decided to go back to work That evolved into being an independent full-time and juggle all of the things we do as advertising rep after receiving “the call” moms….as moms we get it, don’t we? We do from Southern Living Magazine. It was out what we do because it’s best for our children. of the blue, but a chance to be an indepen- So let’s hear it for the boys (and yes, even dent contractor representing the individual girls) who make us want to be better moms.

REVERSE

Regimen for Brown Spots, Dullness and Sun Damage

UNBLEMISH

Regimen for Acne and Post-Acne Marks

ANTI-AGE

Regimen for Fine Lines, Wrinkles, and Loss of Firmness

SOOTHE

Regimen for Sensitive, Irritated Skin and Facial Redness Theresa Adams | 803.446.7286

adams.smartskincare@gmail.com (email) http://theresaadams.myrandf.com (product website) http://theresaadams.myrandf.biz (business website) Also available in physician’s offices and fine salons & spas

PRESCRIPTION FOR CHANGE™ www.lexingtonwoman.sc

Let’s Talk

9 Months and 34 minutes of a purpose filled life Lori Duncan with Crystal Poston

“F

or you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” – Psalm 139:13-14 I decided last September that I would help tell the story of a special little boy, Benjamin Michael Poston II, after Becki Berry brought to my attention a wonderful organization called Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep. It was important to me, as it always is, to tell his story with integrity and in a way that could help others who may experience what his parents did. This scripture seems so appropriate to describe Benjamin because of many reasons. I wanted to share with you a few.

The word knit in this verse is particularly interesting to me. A knitter has a purpose.

He/She toils patiently, diligently, purposefully with the yarn to fashion it into something that someone she loves will wear, warm themselves, and a host of other reasons. She knows when she begins there is purpose to her craft. God’s use of the above words was no accident. Long before technology could show us our children’s faces with ultrasounds and so-

photos by Becki Berry (Clark Berry Photography)

nograms, He gave us a picture of the miracle of life as it is fashioned together with purpose in that sacred place – our mother’s womb.

We are created with purpose. Each of us has a valuable life, a work we were created to do – no matter how brief or long that life may be.

His works are wonderful.

Crystal Poston is an amazing mother. Her strength of heart and her courage to tell Benjamin’s story was an inspiration to me. Here are her words.

Lori: Crystal, share with us what it was like finding out that you were pregnant with your second child.

Crystal: We started trying for our 2nd child around the time of our daughter’s 1st birthday. We were so excited when we found out the news, but waited until Halloween to tell our parents. (Benjie – the chef, Me – the oven, and Bailey – the bun) I love being pregnant. It is an amazing feeling to know that God has trusted you with life.

Lori: Can you tell us when you knew something was different with this pregnancy?

Crystal: From the beginning of my pregnan-

Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women

cy, everything was normal. I had morning sickness, but nothing out of the ordinary. I felt like everything was perfect.

We arrived at our first ultrasound appointment (at 5 months) February 3rd. That is when we found out that something was wrong. Our doctor (Dr. Jimmy Stands of SCOBGYN) explained to us that there were some complications that were noticed on the ultrasound, and that we would need to get a second opinion to be sure of the diagnosis.

At this point, all we knew is that we were expecting a baby boy whose bones were not developing properly. There was a moment at the end of my appointment when Benjie and I walked into Dr. Stands’ office in shock to say the least. I remember him closing his office door as we sat down. He knelt in front of us, and asked if he could pray. At that moment, in my whirlwind of emotion, there was a calm. Benjie squeezed my hand as he prayed, as if to assure me that everything would be ok. Dr. Stands praying with us that day is proof that God places people in your life in perfect time.

We drove to Greenwood Genetics Center to

Let’s Talk

Through her pictures, and her amazing attention to our emotions, I have my baby. I can see him cry. I can see him breathe. I can remember his hands and his feet, and his soft skin and lips. find out a final diagnosis two days later on February 5th. We were told that our sweet baby boy, (who we had named Benjamin Michael Poston II) had a disorder called Thanatophoric Dysplasia.

Thanatophoric Dysplasia is a type of fatal dwarfism that affects 1 in 60,000 pregnancies. While the baby is in utero, he is safe, happy, and healthy. But at birth, he is unable to breathe. With this disorder, because of the small size of his chest, there is no room for the lungs to expand.

The reality that we would only be with our son for 4 more months was overwhelming.

Knowing that he was healthy and happy inside of me, made me wish the pregnancy would take its time. I wanted to feel every kick, and every hiccup, and all of the back aches and heartburn. I dreaded my due date, because I knew it would also be the day I lost my child.

Lori: When you received the diagnosis, what were some of the important decisions that had to be made?

Crystal: The important decisions were how

to make certain we preserved our memories of him as best we could. This diagnosis confirmed our greatest fear. Most babies with this condition are stillborn, but some live for minutes to hours after birth based on the severity of their case. The chance of survival for a baby like Benjamin was impossible. We struggled beyond comprehension for the following days. We had to address all of our friends and family. And we had to stay strong for each other and Bailey. We immediately reached out to our Pastor. (Alex Twedt of Transfiguration Lutheran Church).

He is an amazing preacher, and throughout our entire journey, he stood with us. There were moments at the hospital when there were no words necessary. His presence was enough. We are very thankful for the role he played in Benjamin’s life and death.

For Benjie and me, there were no hard decisions to make. I believe that you become a mother the minute you find out you are pregnant. Benjamin was my son, and I loved him unconditionally already.

Lori: What do you feel played a major role in making those decisions?

We visit his grave often, and take Bailey there with us. It is not a place to be sad.

For us, it is a place to love, and share Benjamin with Bailey.

Crystal: We both believed that God intended for us to carry out this pregnancy, and He was in control. I felt amazingly blessed that Benjie felt the same way. We never once contemplated an alternative. I felt I was given the opportunity to carry and hold Benjamin for 9 months. To deny Benjie the opportunity to hold him also, would have been unfair. He loved him too!

Dr. Stands was extremely supportive of our decision and helped along the way to ensure us that we were taking the appropriate steps.

His knowledge as a doctor helped to guide us and give us a peace in our minds, but it was his strong devotion to the Lord that comforted our hearts.

I believe that I was a surrogate mother for the Lord. I enjoyed my pregnancy, and my time as his mommy, but he wasn’t mine to keep. He belonged in God’s hands.

Lori: When was Benjamin Michael Poston, II born?

Crystal: Benjamin was born (full term) June 10, 2009 at Baptist Hospital. Dr. Stands and the staff there had arranged for me to recover in a large room where I was joined by my family for a small service performed by Pastor Alex. My family was able to hold Benjamin before the service (after his death). I of course lay in my recovery bed with Benjie holding Benjamin beside me, surrounded by my family. It was beautiful. In the most devastating moment of my life, for a moment, just like on February 3rd in Dr. Stands’ office, there was peace. I know I am watched over, and I know that God trusted in my and Benjie’s faith, and our marriage. We were strong, and because of Benjamin, our faith AND our marriage are now even stronger.

Lori: How long did he live? www.lexingtonwoman.sc

Let’s Talk

We were strong, and because of Benjamin, our faith AND our marriage are now even stronger. est or shortest life. I cannot offer advice to grieving mothers, because I am still unsure of my own feelings. The pain and sorrow is indescribable. If it weren’t for my husband, my mother, and my God, I would be broken.

Because of them, I will heal. I am unsure whether or not I will ever feel whole again.

But I am a mother, a wife, and a daughter. It is my job to be strong.

photo by Clark Berry Photography

Crystal, Bailey, and Benjie Poston Crystal: Benjamin lived outside the womb for 34 amazing minutes. Benjie held Benjamin in his arms and we felt him, and we kissed him, and we talked to him. We cried, and we smiled, and a million emotions ran through us at once. But none more than love. In those minutes, I witnessed my husband become a hero to my son. He passed at 10:02am, in Benjie’s arms. Warm, and safe, and loved.

Lori: I have read that there is no greater pain than that of out living a child. Can you share with us some of the ways you are dealing with that loss?

Crystal: We were joined in the OR with photographer Becki Berry who is a volunteer for the NILMDTS program. She managed in a moment of fear and happiness, to capture every second we experienced. Because of her, my family, and my daughter will know Benjamin. Through her pictures, and her amazing attention to our emotions, I have my baby. I can see him cry. I can see him 10

breathe. I can remember his hands and his feet, and his soft skin and lips. I will forever be in debt to her, for what she has given my family. She used her heart in all of the pictures she took. She felt our love, and she felt our pain. And she understood the love that we had for each other, and for Benjamin and Bailey. Her heart and her kindness, has provided us with memories of who we were when we were with Benjamin. Looking at her pictures reminds me that he knew he was loved, even in his short 34 minutes.

We visit his grave often, and take Bailey there with us. It is not a place to be sad. For us, it is a place to love, and share Benjamin with Bailey. We go there to remember that in his short life, he was so relevant; he touched us so much.

Lori: Are there words of wisdom you may be able to impart to another grieving mother?

Crystal: God makes no mistakes. He has a purpose, and a desire for even the small-

Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women

Lori: Tell us anything you want us to share with our readers about your son’s life.

Crystal: Benjamin was very loved. Benjie and I have amazing parents, who supported us whole-heartedly through the entire nine months. Benjamin’s birth has made me a better mother to Bailey, and made me a better servant to the Lord. He touched many lives in his short time here on earth, and continues to do so. The nine months I was pregnant with Benjamin, he heard us pray; he heard us laugh; he heard Bailey play; he heard his grandparents and his daddy. He heard life. He was able to feel us love the Lord, and feel us love each other. I am very proud and thankful for that.

Dr. Stands, Becki Berry and Pastor Alex Twedt are three of the many people who I believe God blessed us with. They supported us and reminded us that God is great!

Crystal said something so profound in our meeting, I felt it was important to share with you all. Grief is a personal journey and no one has the right to judge a mother’s grief. “I chose Bailey’s life instead of Benjamin’s death.”

As we go to print with this issue of Lexington Woman, Crystal Poston is 21 weeks pregnant with her third child, a healthy Baby Girl! She and Benjie have decided to add to their family. What wonderful news. We wish them the best in this joyous time!

To learn more about NILMDTS, please check out www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org.

Craving quality care?

Take care of that craving and we’ll take care of you.

tending to the unique nature of women 1301 Taylor Street, Suite 6-J, Columbia, SC 29201

803-254-3230 columbiawhc.com

www.lexingtonwoman.sc

11

Health & Wellness

Having children isn’t always easy

by Melinda Norris (submitted by Shirley Keels, Columbia Women’s Healthcare Administrator)

M

y husband and I started dating when I was 15 and he was 18 years old it was 1982. That year, Paul left Moncks Corner to study engineering at the University of South Carolina. I followed in 1984 to study education. Paul refused to marry me until he had a job, he graduated in May, started working for SCE&G and we married on June 20, 1987.

I went off the pill soon after we married. We thought we would get pregnant but we didn’t.

I ate well. Paul changed to boxer shorts. I took my temperature EVERY morning. After almost 3 years, we went to the doctor. Paul had a mild bladder infection-he had plenty of critters, but they couldn’t swim. One week on penicillin, I was pregnant. Unfortunately, there were problems from the beginning On April 16, my husband and I felt my stomach tightening before we went to sleep. We thought it was the baby moving…it was contractions. By lunch the next day, I knew something was wrong. I was feeling pressure in my pelvic floor. The nurse said to put my feet up. I said something is wrong, and I’m coming in. I was in active labor and I had no idea. My water broke. I was giving birth.

We flew over the crosswalk! They set me up in a room. Paul arrived. We met Terry, the nurse. She was absolutely wonderful. Somehow through everything, she kept us calm.

I started hemorrhaging. They could not put off delivery any longer without losing me.

Paul had to choose. He chose me hoping the baby would survive at 23 weeks. I literally felt the moment she left us right before she was born. The room was absolutely silent.

I remembered Paul asking Terry if she was okay. Terry said she wasn’t breathing. They asked this back and forth a few times. Finally, Terry said, Paul she didn’t make it. Our worlds fell apart. We couldn’t afford a casket, so we named her Harriett, had her cremated and buried on her grandmother’s plot.

I remember looking out of the window the next morning watching a construction crew across the street building a new building. I

12

kept wondering why the world didn’t stop at our loss. I had taken a Death and Dying course at USC the year before (God works in mysterious ways) and I had to go to the morgue. I had looked at a tiny baby girl born at 23 weeks to another couple. They had left her at the hospital. The attendant said she would be incinerated with the hospital waste if she was not claimed. Because of that I knew what my daughter would look like

home, and Paul and I watched the stick turn blue together. We couldn’t believe it. One time when we weren’t even trying and we were pregnant!

After many tests after my first pregnancy, we knew I was always dilated a little and I had an incompetent cervix. We changed to Dr. Smythe after I got pregnant with Joshua.

I needed a doctor that was in tune to diffi-

We held him for the first time when he was 4 days old. Each day got better.

Touching Joshua for the first time and I knew I had to bring her home. I held her and the nurse took pictures for me to develop when I could handle it. Those pictures are in my safe deposit box to this day.

I fell into a deep depression. That is when Rosalie entered my life. The Wee Remember support group saved my life. It was the only time I would leave the house without Paul.

It gave us an outlet with people who KNEW what we were feeling. The death of a child is different from all other deaths. Other deaths get easy over time. Day to day living gets tolerable over time, but the anniversary of your child’s death hits you every year as fresh as it was the day it happened.

The Doctor said we could try again in four months, Paul got sent to New Orleans Before we could try the first time. I was devastated. I drove him to the airport. On the way home, I was involved in an accident. I was bruised up pretty bad. A few weeks of doctor visits cleared up everything but the continuing nausea. The doctor commented that he had tested me for everything but pregnancy. Remember—it took me 3 years to get pregnant the first time. I picked up a test on the way

Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women

cult pregnancies and he came highly recommended. Life was normal until 17 weeks. He did a cerclage and put me on bed rest.

On my birthday, I had a really bad feeling.

Paul was supposed to go out of town and for the only time in our years together I said, “No you can’t”. I somehow knew I would need him. I knew I would be in labor on my birthday. At 11:00 we were watching the news.

Paul looked at me and said, “See, everything is fine. You were worried over nothing.” At 11:30, we were on our way to the emergency room. By the time we arrived, my contractions were one and a half minutes apart.

They put me on magnesium sulfate to stop the contractions. I was in the hospital for a week or so I think. They sent me home on the pump with home care. That bought me a couple of weeks. Our goal was 32 weeks.

Paul would feed me in the morning, fix my lunch for later, and hit Lizard’s Thicket on the way home.

Finally, Dr Smythe said it was time. After a sonogram, he decided that Joshua’s lungs may be okay and he was about 4 pounds. He wanted to get me going right then. Guess

Health & Wellness what day it was? Harriett’s first birthday. The day she also died. We couldn’t have him on that day.

Paul talked to Dr. Smythe and they used drugs one more time to hold me off. At midnight, they unhooked me from everything.

It was heaven. I took off my gown (I used to sleep naked but couldn’t with a pump) and propped myself up in bed with about 15 pillows. I’ll never forget this little nurse coming in to do my blood pressure. The last thing she expected to find in that bed was a “propped up buck naked white chick”. She howled and ran out of the room.

At 8:00am Dr. Smythe removed my cerclage (which I have in Joshua’s baby book to this day). That hurt and Paul passed out. I went into labor immediately. For some reason I could not understand, they would not move me to a delivery room. They kept saying there was not enough room. What I did not know was that the only room available was the room I delivered in the year before. They remembered this! I didn’t even remember the room number at this point. When they finally wheeled me down to delivery, I did notice there was duct tape over the room number, but I was hurting too much to care.

At 5:00pm, I was fully dilated and in a lot of pain. I pushed for only 13 minutes. Joshua was so deep he got stuck. They had no heartbeat on him and needed to get him our fast.

The nurses crawled onto my bed to help straighten Joshua out. They had to cut me to get him out. The room was silent. I didn’t ask the usual questions. My first question was “Is he breathing?” What I could not see that Paul could was that as soon as he came out, he peed right in Dr. Smythe’s face. He chuckled and said he was going to charge extra for that. I wanted to see him so they stuck him in my face for like 3 seconds, and then ran off to the NICU. I looked around for the first time. Everyone had heard that I was finally delivering. There must have been 30 people in my room – my doctor and his assistants, the neonatologist and his assistants, nurses, staff on the floor, the support group, family. I felt like crap until a nurse introduced me to Demerol.. It was 11:00 that night before I finally made it down to the NICU. No one was around and I did not want to be with people, so I took off on my own. I got so lost! I finally found him.

Joshua holding Jasmine

Melinda and son, Joshua on his graduation day

Compared to the other babies, he was huge!

Dr. Smythe miscalculated his weight – he weighed almost 7 pounds! They actually had a scale brought to delivery to confirm it. The NICU alarms terrified me. Every day I pumped a six pack of breast milk and brought it to the NICU when Paul got off work. I was devastated because his first feeding when he was 4 days old was formula because I couldn’t get to the hospital on time.

We held him for the first time when he was 4 days old. Each day he got better. We asked his neonatologist every day what his chances were—they started at 50-50. Imagine our elation a week later when he said 100%...take him home. Joshua was on a breathing monitor which was nerve-wracking. The first day he was home, we drove him to Charleston to meet my grandmother for the first time. I remember my mom was mortified because he was in his underwear (it was a onesie, it was hot). They explained to us that since Joshua was born early he may be smaller than average, sickly, and not so smart. So, we prepared ourselves. I quit my teaching job and dedicated my life to raising him. He saved me from the pit I had fallen into when we lost his sister. I was going to do my best to raise him to be the best he could be.

When Joshua was 18 months, his dad and I spoke on a Saturday that we wanted to try one more time…for another girl. Joshua had to know how to fetch and open the fridge because I would be on bed rest again. He mastered both of those by that Sunday. Monday we decided to try again. By Thursday, I was pregnant. We announced our good news at the Thanksgiving dinner table. The room fell silent. My mother-in-law whispered that it must have been an accident. After all that we went through we wouldn’t get pregnant on purpose…would we? We did. By this time, we had moved to York. I called St. Smythe in a panic…who would get this baby into the

world? I only had a 50-50 chance doing that on my own. He suggested Dr. Ronald Brown who he had trained. Dr. Brown put me on bed rest at 9 weeks and cerclage in the first trimester. After 15 trips to the hospital in labor, I had the baby girl we wanted – Jasmine.

Only 2 people were in the delivery room this time and we got to bring her home the next day.

Fast-forward 16 years – Joshua graduated from Charleston County School of the Arts (this school is 11th in the nation) with a 4.033 (in spite of the senior slump). He tested in to the top 1% in the country, and has been sick only twice since the first grade. He is 5’10”. He attended the University of South Carolina’s Honors College fall of 2009.

Jasmine is the goalie for her high school soccer team. She is on the honor roll, 5’10” and gorgeous. She plans to attend USC like the rest of us—plans to be a nurse. She is not interested in the Honors College—she wants to be in Capstone because they have cookies every Friday night.

We are so incredibly blessed. Dr. Smythe had a hand in bringing both of our children into the world—by hand with my son and through his teaching with my daughter.

So in a nutshell, I had Joshua in the same hospital, the same room, with the same nurse (Terry), one year and one day later than his sister. Dr. Smythe delivered Joshua and trained the doctor that delivered Jasmine.

columbiawhc.com, (803) 254-3230

www.lexingtonwoman.sc

13

Health & Wellness

Smart Lipo

by Heather McNair

L

ooking for a way to tone areas that are not responding to diet and exercise? Want a less painful method of liposuction with little or no downtime? Then your answer is Dr. Dee Carter and her team at the Cosmetic Laser Studio.

Dr. Dee Carter has a degree in electrical engineering and worked in that field for eight years before deciding to attend the University of South Carolina School of Medicine.

The Cosmetic Laser Studio is a full service medi spa that offers the latest technology available. The office is small and discreet “so you won’t meet your neighbor walking through the front door,” Dr Carter said.

Dr. Carter does not believe that any single procedure is the answer for everyone; therefore she offers many different treatment techniques. “An array of tools in the tool box,” she said.

Laser Body Sculpting, or SmartLipo, is an innovative treatment that is laser assisted liposuction. The patient is not put to sleep for this procedure. There is less bruising and bleeding than is seen in traditional liposuction, and SmartLipo only requires a few days

14

to recover. The laser heats the subcutaneous fat, melting the fat before the suctioning begins. This allows for the less pain and little to no recovery time. A local anesthetic is used.

SmartLipo is great for areas that one has trouble toning with exercise. This procedure is not used for weight loss, but instead is

The Cosmetic Laser Studio is a full service medi spa with the latest technology available. used to sculpt such areas as the “love handles,” the neck, inner and outer thighs, abdominal fat, and the area most women refer to as “bra fat.”

Thermage is also offered at the Cosmetic Laser Studio. Thermage is a non-surgical, injection free treatment that uses radio frequency energy to tighten the skin. This treatment is great for treating fine lines and wrinkles by

Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women

stimulating collagen and elastin production in the skin.

Other procedures that Dr. Carter offers at the Cosmetic Laser Studio include laser hair removal, laser vein removal, fractional CO2 skin resurfacing, erbium skin resurfacing, permanent makeup, Botox and M.C.A., or Multitrepannic Collagen Actuation.

M.C.A. is a non-surgical technique that uses dry needles (no fillers) to cause micro trauma in the skin, thus stimulating the patient’s own skin rejuvenation. This works for both men and women who want to look younger without surgery. And, unlike fillers, the result is permanent.

The Cosmetic Laser Studio also offers spa services such as facials and skin treatments, such as microdermabrasion and chemical peels.

Dr. Dee Carter also carries makeup and skin care products for her patients, brands such as Clayton Shagal, Rodan & Fields, Cosmelan, and the Clarisonic brush. She recently added the Glo Mineral make-up line.

Dr. Carter is board certified. She lives with

Health & Wellness

‘All Mother’s Days are special for me – my only child is adopted. Being a Mother was never something that I could take for granted.’

her husband and two dogs in Lexington. Her son resides in Newberry and is employed by the college.

Mothers’ Spotlight!

Becki Berry with her mom, Marian Warner

“Growing up, my mom was a wonderful mother, and today she is my best friend.”

– Becki Berry

When asked about special Mother’s Day memories, Dr. Carter replied, “All Mother’s Days are special for me – my only child is adopted. Being a Mother was never something that I could take for granted.”

Doctor Carter’s staff has a special member, her five year old Yorkie, Scooter. He has come to work with her since he was a small puppy. “Patients notice if he’s not around; especially the children,” she says. Dr. Carter said she and her staff work to make sure her office is informal, private and friendly. They want their patients to feel comfortable and relaxed when they come in and feel no pressure or embarrassment for being there.

“We’re off the beaten path,” Dr. Carter said.

Dr. Carter does consultations before any procedure. This will help the patient learn more about the method and what is best for their situation.

For more information, please visit Dr. Dee Carter’s web site, www.cosmeticlaserstudio.com.

3 generations: Julie McDowell with twins, Whitlie and Weslen, and her mother, Russellette Swygert

“My mother always decorated our house for every single holiday. She always filled our hearts with joy with her special gifts for each season.

Even holidays that are not even on the calendar, she celebrated! My mother is the best gift giver as well. She makes baskets for every special occasion just to make someone’s day. My mother has taught me to celebrate life by being festive with my children for each and every holiday. It makes life so much sweeter!”

– Julie McDowell

Jean Jones with her mother-in-law, Maggie Hyte

“She is my mother-in-law, my friend, a very loving person that loves the Lord and her family, a blessing to me each and every day. I love you! I hope I can live a life just like her and be a blessing to others. Thank you Lord for putting her in my life.”

– Jean Jones

Ginger Hubbs with her mother Gaynell S. Hubbs

Katie Byrd with her grandson, Logan Holmes

“My mom is pictured here with my son, who really has her wrapped! She also is the owner of Better Bait and Tackle on Hwy 6 behind the Dam Bar and Grill!”

– Lindsay Holmes

“My mother is a longtime Lexington resident.

She is so amazing. A few years ago she was learning how to walk again after having a brain tumor removed, and this year we are walking together in the Susan G. Komen 3 day for the Cure in Tampa Bay, FL.The 3 day is not your typical walk for Breast Cancer – it is a grueling, demanding 60 mile event! She is amazing, she is classy and spirited and full-of-life. I stand in awe of her! I can remember a doctor telling her that after her brain surgery she would never be able to walk again, and 6 months later she was water skiing in Lake Murray! And this October she will be walking 20 miles a day for 3 days to help find a cure for Breast Cancer! She is more than a Mother to me, she is both inspiration and hero!”

– Ginger Hubbs

www.lexingtonwoman.sc

15

Health & Wellness

Healing health and wellness mother daughter team

by Heather McNair

H

Therapy.

ima Dalal is a growing name in Lexington with her Vital Energy

Hima is an occupational therapist that uses traditional Indian remedies for pain relief, healing and rehabilitation. She owns a wellness center that helps patients with fitness, pain from fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, acute chronic pain from orthopedic and/or musculoskeletal disorder, and even breast cancer, just to name a few diagnoses.

Board certified, Hima recently opened her new wellness and rehab center. Her daughter, Sneh Patel, started Vital Energy Fitness

Underwater Treadmill

alongside. Together, they help their customers heal to their fullest.

Hima told Lexington Woman magazine she likes the “overall approach of being with the patient and not just dispensing medicine,” as her reason for falling in love with occupational therapy vs. being a medicine doctor.

Sneh said she also loves people and working with them.

Hima uses different techniques depending on the situation. For cancer patients, Hima told us, they offer alternative therapy such as aqua detox treatment and Reiki that helps to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy treatments along with rehab treatment to

Power Hose Jet

Hima and her daughter Sneh

Our goal is to achieve mental and physical wellness through our combination of Complementary/Alternative therapies with traditional Occupational Therapy.

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE:

Shoulder Rehab

Power Jets Sports Rehab

• Occupational Therapy

• Work Reconditioning

• Physical Therapy

• TMJ Therapy

• Sports Physical Therapy

• Fibromyalgia/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

• Reiki Therapy • Pediatric Therapy • Aqua Therapy Chair Lift

Hima N. Dalal

Aquatic Push-ups

Occupational Therapist Reiki and Myofascial Release Consultant Sports Personal Fitness Consultant

16

• Migraine Headache Treatment

• Myofascial Release Treatment • Yoga/Personal Fitness and Craniosacral Therapy • Neuo/Ortho Injury Rehab

www.vitalenergytherapy.com FM/CFS Support Group Meets Monthly

Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women

• Chronic/Acute Pain

803.359.1551

163 Charter Oak Road Lexington, SC 29072

Health & Wellness achieve physical and mental well being.

Aquatic Therapy is also used for many different reasons. The buoyancy of water helps to relieve pressure from the joints while providing resistance to help strengthen muscles. Vital Energy has an underwater treadmill, jets that pulsate the water providing resistance and aquatic weights that help for strengthening and power hose that helps massage muscles. Those who suffer from obesity also use this Hydrotherapy treatment.

For conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, Hima told the magazine they offer a combination of proper selection of food group, lifestyle changes and therapeutic exercise.

Hima also offers yoga, Reiki and Myofacscial Release therapy that “stimulates the muscle energy flow that keeps everyone feeling alive and happy.”

Sports therapy, pediatric therapy, and hand therapy are also provided at Vital Energy by a Board Certified Physical Therapist and Hand Therapist.

Hima and her staff work with newborn to elderly patients providing Physical/Occupational/Hand Therapy/Aqua Therapy. Pediatric Therapy provided at Vital Energy helps young children who suffer with birth defects, scoliosis, torticolis, autism, etc., just to name a few.

Sneh offers personal fitness and weight loss for adults, children, and geriatric clients.

Together, mother, daughter and staff work hard for the people in Lexington to achieve good health, fitness and wellness.

Sneh Patel,Vital Energy Fitness

by Heather McNair

W

anting to be just like her mother, Sneh Patel opened Vital Energy Fitness Studio, a fitness center adjacent to her mother’s Vital Energy Occupational/ Physical Therapy Center.

Vital Energy Fitness Studio specializes in bariatric fitness and personal training. Bariatric fitness basically means obesity in children and adults.

Although born in Cleveland, Sneh moved with her family to India at the age of eight.

After spending eight years there, they moved back to America.

Sneh graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science. Her mother owns Vital Energy Occupational Therapy and Wellness Center and because of the known name, Vital Energy, was already out there, Sneh decided to use that name for her business as well.

“I love helping people and working with people,” Sneh said. “I picked fitness so I

could interact with people and help them achieve their goals.”

“Vital Energy Fitness Studio is small,” Sneh said, “so that I can work one-on-one with my clients. It is a personal experience.”

Not only does Sneh specialize in bariatric fitness, but she also works with people who want to just lose a few pounds, who have suffered injuries and are having difficulty losing weight, and geriatric fitness (fitness for the elderly), people who are into body building, want to participate in a cardio workout, or who want to participate in specific sports fitness.

“It all depends on a person’s fitness level,” Sneh said. Sneh helps children and adults of all ages.

Sneh Patel said she does not have a favorite mother’s day moment with her mom, but instead said: “I’ve always wanted to be just like my mother. Hopefully one day I will be just like her.”

Sneh Patel, Exercise Physiologist (803) 467-4217

163 B Charter Oak Road • Lexington, SC 29072 Email: vitalenergyfitness@gmail.com

www.vitalenergyfitness.com

• Weight Loss • Personal Training • Bariatric Fitness • Geriatric Fitness • Toning • Nutritional Consulting • Ayurvedic Diet • Facials • Massage • Male and Female Personal Trainers • Under Water Treadmill • Aqua Detox

For more information, a photo gallery and testimonials, please visit Vital Energy’s website at www.vitalenergytherapy.com. www.lexingtonwoman.sc

17

HOSPICE CARE OF TRI-COUNTY Another Service of Medical Services of America

With so many choices for hospice services in the Midlands, choose Hospice Care of Tri-County a trusted leader in quality care

It’s About Living

• Local Offices and Staff • Timely Response and Dependable Service • Same Day Admissions • Medicare and Medicaid Certified • JCAHO Accredited • Experts in Pain Control • Community Outreach and Education • Award-Winning Administrator • Chemo With Style • Life Span Consulting • GRACE Program • Hospice Charity Thrift Store • Palliative Care Program

Affiliate Companies: • Medi-Home Medical Supplies and Equipment • Tri-County Home Health • HELP Line • Sunrise Diabetic Supplies • Medi-Home Infusion • Medi-Home Private Care

(803) 400-1177 • (800) 894-7541 166 Stoneridge Drive, Suite 100 | Columbia SC 29210

HOSPICE OFFICE LOCATIONS 18

Camden (803) 432-1195 (877) 675-4368

Sumter (803) 905-7720 (888) 900-6334

Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women

Providing Quality Care to the Midlands for 13 Years

Columbia (803) 400-1177 (800) 894-7541

Newberry (803) 321-0341 (866) 469-6334

Orangeburg (803) 535-0537 (800) 620-3597

Business & Web Directory Arts & Entertainment

Mothers’ Spotlight!

The Studio...........................................................................5 www.thestudiolexington.com

Theresa and her mother

“Although I don’t have many memories of her since she died soon after I turned 5, what I love hearing about her is that she was a powerful witness to everyone she met, even when she knew she was dying. Even her hospital room was a sacred place. I love that my mom is remembered that way and wish I could have spent my life with her.”

– Theresa Adams

Nikki Haley with and her mother, Raj Randhawa

“My mother taught me that whatever you do in your life, be great at it, and make sure people remember you for it. I am thankful everyday for the lessons I have learned from her and the support she continues to give me.”

– Nikki Haley

Cosmetics and Skincare

Rodan + Fields Dermatologists.......................................7 http://theresaadams.myrandf.biz

Health Services

Cosmetic Laser Studio....................................................14 www.cosmeticlaserstudio.com Vital Energy Fitness Studio............................................17 www.vitalenergytherapy.com Vital Energy Wellness and Rehab Center.....................16 www.vitalenergytherapy.com

Hospice

Hospice Care Of Tri-County..........................................18 www.medicalservicesofamerica.com

OB/GYN

Columbia Women’s Healthcare......................................11 www.columbiawhc.com

Photography

Clark Berry Photography..................Inside Front Cover www.clarkberry.com

Lexington Woman

loves Lexington Kids!

Volume VI

Volume VII

CELEBRATING, MOTIVATIN

G

G, AND EDUCATIN

Real WOMEN CELEBRATING, MOTIVATING

, AND EDUCATING

Real WOMEN

Melissa Birdsong What’s cookin’ mama?

Ashley McGuinn

Dooley

2nd

Annual Surviving the Holidays Fashion Show

At home with Ashley

Debbie Summers

What is a Ta-Tini?

A Lexington pacesetter

Palliative Care

Meet Kim Hamrick

Affairs of the Heart

unty

Hospice Care of Tri-Co

ia, Irmo, Lexington,

Cayce, Chapin, Columb

Debbie Kelly

West

Knoll Columbia, and White

Cayce, Chapin, Columb

ia, Irmo, Lexington,

West Columbia, and

White Knoll

Call To Advertise With Us

(803) 808-0866

www.woman2woman.sc

A special thanks to the McMahan Brothers Pipeline baseball team!

woman2woman@woman2woman.sc P.O. Box 85282 | Lexington, SC 29073

“We know what an exceptional business you are, let us get help you get that message to Lexington women” www.lexingtonwoman.sc

19