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were like pools of melted chocolate.
Sitting in the passenger seat, Charlie knew that Will could be dangerous. He was handsome and smart—not to mention charming. And he could easily be someone that Charlie fell for. Young and innocent, she knew she was no match for someone as worldly as he was—and an unguarded heart could easily be broken.
It had been eighteen years since that date, a date that had led to a whirlwind courtship and the big, poufy white dress. Charlie had never expected to fall so hard so fast, but Will had broken down her walls. And while her friends had warned her that she was too young, she’d jumped in with both feet and trusted that she wouldn’t get hurt.
Once the honeymoon phase had ended, life settled into routine. They met bumps along the way, hitting points where it sometimes seemed they hardly knew one another. But they worked through it. They always had. Until now.
Charlie stared at herself in the mirror. There were lines at the corners of her eyes and wrinkles that she tried to chase away with various lotions and potions. Still, they were there for a reason, little markers of a life well lived. Now thirty-eight, she was approaching the point when so many of her friends had gone into crisis mode, unable to admit to themselves that they weren’t as young as they once were. She still felt young enough, though. Except days like this—days when the arguments seemed to overwhelm the good times. Yes, they’d had challenges throughout their marriage, things that made her wonder sometimes if she had still been too naïve and innocent when they’d gotten married. But she’d always come back to how much she loved him—and how much he loved her.
And then one day seemed to change it all, one single day when all their hopes had been torn to tatters. They’d been so excited when the doctor had told them that they were finally—finally—pregnant. Maybe it had been their own faults—they’d waited so long to even try. And despite being past the age of thirty-five, a “geriatric” pregnancy would come with challenges and risks, they had still decided to try.
Four months of bliss had turned into heartbreak when the ultrasound showed no heartbeat where one had been. Charlie sighed, remembering as she ran her hand over her flat stomach. Today would have been their baby’s birthday. We didn’t guard our hearts.
Her heart was breaking. And despite the fact that neither of them could talk about how much they were hurting, she knew Will was in as much pain as she was. The hurt in his eyes matched hers, but they could never seem to speak to one another without blame. Sometimes it seemed there were so many reasons to give up now, a year after they’d lost their baby—and, along with it, their hope. They’d lost who they were to each other in all of this, as well.
Charlie closed her eyes and took a deep breath. God, I still love him. This can’t be over. Why can’t we talk anymore?
“I like talking to you, Charlie.” She could hear Will’s voice saying those words, all those years ago.
“Charlie?”
She opened her eyes and saw Will staring at her in the reflection of the mirror. There was concern etched on his face.
“Talk to me, Charlie,” he said. And suddenly she could see that face, that young man he had been, sitting in the truck with her. But now there were tears in those pools of melted chocolate. He crossed the room and took her hand in his and kissed it. “Please don’t give up on us.”
HEALTH AND WELLNESS GUIDE HEALTH & welLNESS guide
It’s time to focus on your and your family’s well-being and Do South® is here to help. We’ve partnered with the best and brightest caregivers in our community, those who set the bar for excellence, providing new and innovative ways to keep your body and mind healthy. Let’s commit to make 2022 our best year yet!
Anchored Hope is a counseling practice helping people cope with a broad range of issues and challenges, providing a safe place for our clients to get help, hope and healing. Our trained and experienced staff is available for both in-person and Technology Assisted Counseling (TAC) for individuals who can’t visit our offices. Services include individual counseling, providing one-on-one therapy addressing a wide variety of issues in a safe, caring, and confidential environment as well as life coaching. Our Relationship Counseling helps to overcome roadblocks to deeper intimacy. Several of our therapists are also trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Repression), a unique trauma-focused psychotherapy designed to alleviate the stress associated with traumatic memories.
ARKANSAS pediatr c therapy
115 Pointer Trail West, Van Buren, Arkansas 3321 South 74th, Suite B, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.471.1290 arkansaspediatrictherapy@yahoo.com Find them on Facebook
Arkansas Pediatric Therapy has been providing physical, occupational and speech therapy to the River Valley and surrounding areas since 2001 by therapists with over twenty years of experience. APT’s therapists are trained in the latest approaches and work closely with families and physicians to provide the best treatment available. Our caring therapists provide exceptional treatment in a fun, childfriendly environment! Free transportation available to current Arkansas Medicaid recipients.
Do your legs ache, burn, itch, sting, or swell? Do you experience heaviness, throbbing, numbness, fatigue, cramps, or restless legs? Is the skin on your legs discolored, ulcerated, or have a vein bleed? These are symptoms of varicose veins and chronic venous ulcer. For over fifteen years Dr. Norma Smith and her specialty-specific, licensed ultrasound staff, have provided treatment to varicose vein and chronic venous ulcer patients. The first physician in Arkansas to become a fellow of the American College of Phlebology (now AVLM), Dr. Smith and her qualified staff provide individual care plans to alleviate pain and return patients to active lifestyles. Experience you can count on, local professional community members you trust!
Center for Hearing is proud to be the first clinic in the area to offer Cognivue screenings to patients. The results gathered from this new technology help our audiologists have a greater understanding of your cognitive health while ensuring a hearing-correction solution that is right for you. Hearing is a brain activity, your ears hear the sounds, but it's your brain that makes sense of them. If your hearing loss is untreated and you’re not hearing the number of noises you once did, your brain is not processing those noises. This can lead to under-stimulation and loss of the brain staying sharp. Hearing health and brain health, call 479-785-3277 to schedule an appointment today!
Opening January 18th in Chaffee Crossing: Caring for Your Family! Dr. Kendall Wagner, board-certified, internal medicinepediatric physician, provides specialized care for patients of all ages. From pediatrics to adults, Dr. Wagner provides care for your family’s general wellness as well as specialized care such as chronic disease management for diabetes and hypertension. As the new year brings new adventures, Dr. Wagner and staff are excited to announce the opening of their independent medical practice in Chaffee Crossing! Dr. Wagner is grateful for the trust families have placed in his care for the past eight years and looks forward to seeing patients in the new location!
615 North B Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.783.0233 goodsamaritanfs.com
Imagine needing a doctor but not having insurance or the money to pay for care. Many hard-working people in our community face this struggle every day, and that’s why Good Samaritan Clinic exists. We’re a nonprofit clinic serving the uninsured and underserved in the River Valley since 2003. Our medical team, along with volunteer healthcare professionals, provides compassionate care to those who might otherwise be forgotten or ignored. Good Sam offers non-emergent medical care, chiropractic, vision, counseling and limited dental services. If you know someone who needs us – spread the word! By sharing the news about Good Sam, you too are BEING a Good Sam. To donate, go to www.goodsamaritanfs. com. Serving others because of YOU!
3017 South 70th Street, Suites F, G, H Fort Smith, Arkansas ptcoa.com
Pain Treatment Centers of America is Arkansas’s largest fullycomprehensive pain management practice with multiple locations to best serve our patients. We have dedicated physicians, state-of-the-art surgery centers, medication monitoring, CLIA certified labs, and the most combined pain management experience of any practice in the region. Pain Treatment Centers of America offers a variety of minimallyinvasive pain treatment procedures that we have perfected to help you achieve pain relief. Our treatments have been proven effective and are on the cutting edge of science related to pain reduction. Our goal is to improve every patient’s overall function and thus restore a better quality of life.
Ann K. Passmore, M.D., F.A.C.S. 7805 Phoenix Avenue, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.242.2442 passmoreplasticsurgery.com
2021 is behind us. It’s time to celebrate a new you! Whether your goal is to maintain your youthful appearance or turn back the hands of time, Passmore Plastic Surgery can help you achieve your new look. Surgical and non-surgical procedures are available including Morpheus8. This is a non-invasive advanced micro-needling treatment with radio frequency developed to stimulate collagen synthesis and remodel skin. A Board-Certified cosmetic surgeon voted Best of the Best for the past seven years, Dr. Passmore can help you achieve the best possible results with services customized for your needs and your budget. Want to wow them when you unmask? Schedule online or call for a consultation today.
4019 Massard Road, Fort Smith, Arkansas 1500 Main Street, Van Buren, Arkansas 479.242.3200 myrelationshipsolutions.com
At Relationship Solutions, we believe healthy relationships can change your life for the better. That’s why our counselors have spent hundreds of hours in post-graduate training learning how to heal relationships and help people connect in deep, meaningful ways. Our core model of therapy is called Emotionally Focused Therapy, a highly-effective treatment that helps individuals experience greater levels of security, connection with themselves and those they love. And in the context of secure connection, we see couples, families and individuals thrive. If you’re looking for a counselor, we’d love to introduce you to the compassionate and skilled care that our clinical team offers. Make an appointment today! 344 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Arkansas 2010 Chestnut Street, Suite F Van Buren, Arkansas 479.632.4600 / 479.471.9600 pediatricsplus.com
Pediatrics Plus is proud to serve the River Valley with our two newest locations in Alma and Van Buren. At Pediatrics Plus, our vision is to Empower Children to Conquer their World, and we strive to do that daily through our developmental preschool and therapy services. Whether your child could benefit from outpatient therapy services, or an all-day program that includes preschool and therapy, Pediatrics Plus has an option that will fit your family. Each child can receive applied behavior analysis, occupational, physical, or speech therapy services within our preschool program or through outpatient therapy. To learn more, visit us at PediatricsPlus.com.
3324 South M Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.782.6302 / 800.262.9917 reynoldscancersupporthouse.org
In 1978, the Cancer Support Foundation was organized to provide non-medical services, counseling, transportation, and support for cancer patients and their families. We offer an array of programs and services, including wigs, hats, turbans and other hair-loss needs, postmastectomy supplies, transportation assistance to and from treatment, emotional support groups led by licensed facilitators, nutritional supplements, nutrition classes, medical equipment and supplies, low-impact fitness classes, emergency financial prescription assistance, one-on-one patient navigation and so much more!
Josh Wilkinson, M.D. 5901B Riley Park Drive, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.763.3050 premierpediatricsfs.com
Premier Pediatrics offers both primary care and urgent care for children ranging in age from infancy to adolescence. Our compassionate providers work to make every visit to our office a pleasant, relaxed experience. And because we know children don’t just get sick during normal business hours, Premier Pediatrics Urgent Care treats children with illnesses as well as minor trauma in the evenings and on weekends. We offer in-office X-Ray, labs, splinting, laceration repair, oxygen, and nebulized treatment therapy. The urgent care is open to all children in need of after-hours care. Primary Care Hours: Monday-Thursday 8am to 5pm, Friday 8am-12pm. Urgent Care Hours: Monday-Friday 12pm-8pm, Saturdays 9am-6pm, Sundays 12pm-6pm.
7320 Rogers Avenue, Suite 25 Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.551.3434 Find them on Facebook
At Recovery Chiropractic, our goal is to provide first-class chiropractic care to all our patients in the River Valley. We provide a variety of therapy options designed to enhance your recovery and improve your overall health and wellness. In addition to chiropractic treatment, we also offer the full line of Normatec compression therapy systems which aid and accelerate recovery from athletic performance and/or injury. Ask about our free Normatec session! Our desire is to help you feel your very best! Call us today for more information or to schedule an appointment!
Please join us in welcoming Dr. Friday to Stiles Eye Group! Dr. Friday grew up in Lamar, Missouri and graduated from Missouri State University with a Bachelors in Cell and Molecular Biology and a minor in Chemistry. Accepted to Northeastern State University Oklahoma College of Optometry in 2017, she completed her Optometric Doctorate, afterwards completing her externship in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma, with a focus on diabetic eyecare, contact lens fitting, and pediatrics. She is a member of the American Optometric Association as well as the Arkansas Optometric Association. When she is not working, Dr. Friday enjoys hiking and getting outdoors with her two dogs, reading, cooking, and playing the piano. Schedule your appointment today!
2101 Dallas Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 808 S. Broadway St., Poteau, Oklahoma 479.782.3021 / 918.647.7272 udoujorthodontics.com
Udouj Orthodontics has provided orthodontic excellence since 1972! At the offices of Dr. Henry J. Udouj, III, we provide exceptional orthodontic care in a friendly and compassionate atmosphere. We utilize the latest technological advances and offer comprehensive orthodontic treatment for children, teens, and adults, including early interceptive and growth modification treatment and treatment with fixed braces. We design your orthodontic treatment to suit your lifestyle and personal preferences, from traditional metal brackets and wires to tooth-colored appliances. For patients who desire a more aesthetic look, we offer ceramic braces and clear aligners. Call today and let us help you create a beautiful, healthy smile!
Surgery of any kind should not be taken lightly and choosing to have plastic surgery or hand surgery requires thorough research and educated decision making. The qualifications and experience of a surgeon must be considered and ensure the facilities are certified. Dr. Kelly, Board Certified in Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery has provided quality cosmetic and hand surgery services since 1996. Our office utilizes state-of-the-art equipment, emphasizing proper disinfection and sterilization techniques for your safety and comfort. Our friendly, knowledgeable, and wellexperienced staff stand ready to answer your questions. Dr. Kelly accepts most insurances and performs surgery at Mercy Hospital and Baptist Health in Fort Smith. Our number-one priority is your well-being!
Women’s Center
for Health and Wellness
Dr. Thomas Wood and the staff at Women’s Center for Health and Wellness continue to offer the best in Obstetrics & Gynecological care. We are excited to announce we now offer EmpowerRF! EmpowerRF specializes in life-changing solutions for vaginal wellness and full face & body resurfacing & subdermal renewal. EmpowerRF can improve urinary incontinence, pelvic floor weakness, painful intercourse, and sexual health. For the face and body, it can improve scarring, fine lines, deep wrinkles, cellulite, acne, acne scarring, and stretch marks. Find out how EmpowerRF can boost your self-confidence and quality of life. Visit inmodemd.com for more on EmpowerRF by INMODE. Call to schedule your appointment today! Fort Smith, Van Buren, Ozark, Booneville, Paris, Waldron, Mena Emergency After Hours Crisis Line: 1.800.542.1031 Non-Emergency Warm Line: 479.452.6655 wacgc.org
The Guidance Center is a nonprofit community behavioral health care provider serving Western Arkansas. We provide care for children, adolescents, and adults in the treatment of mental, emotional, behavioral, and substance use disorders. Outpatient counseling is available at all seven clinic locations and via Telehealth. Our staff includes licensed counselors, clinical social workers, psychologists, APRN’s and psychiatrists who are educated and specialize in the treatment of mental and substance use disorders. Services include, but are not limited to general stress/anxiety, depression, chronic behavioral health issues, medication management, and psychological testing. We offer a variety of additional programs for children and adolescents, as well as adults and families.
Read Chair Publishing, LLC 4300 Rogers Avenue, Suite 20-110 Fort Smith, AR 72903
