"This rescue pup turned out to be our Christmas miracle!"
Woman's World|December 12, 2022
Severe anxiety attacks made Abby Ellis wary of ever leaving her house. But last year, the teen felt a pull to go to the Christmas parade. It turned out to be life-changing-for Abby and a rescue pup in need of a home
Bill Holton
"This rescue pup turned out to be our Christmas miracle!"

Mom, can we go to the Christmas parade?" Melissa Smoot's 16-year-old daughter, Abby, asked one afternoon last December.

Abby's fraternal twin sister, Gabrielle, and their mother stared at Abby in stunned disbelief.

"Really?" Melissa asked. "You know it will be crowded and noisy."

Abby suffered from alopecia and several other autoimmune disorders. She was also born with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), a heart condition that causes sudden and dramatic drops in blood pressure, triggering severe anxiety attacks. Crowds made Abby so anxious, often she'd swoon into unconsciousness. Except for school, Abby rarely left their Charleston, West Virginia, home.

But she was determined to go to the holiday parade. "Something just tells me I should go," Abby said shyly.

Healing hug

"Right here is good," Melissa found an isolated spot near the end of the parade route, and she and her girls sat on the curb to await the festivities.

The parade was led by a squad of local police cars, lights flashing and sirens blaring. Abby squeezed her eyes shut, but she couldn't block out the noise.

By the time the police roared past, Abby's heart was pounding, and Melissa could see her daughter's anxiety mounting, fear overwhelming her.

この記事は Woman's World の December 12, 2022 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

この記事は Woman's World の December 12, 2022 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

WOMAN'S WORLDのその他の記事すべて表示
Let spooky 'leftovers' help others!
Woman's World

Let spooky 'leftovers' help others!

From unopened candy to jack-o'-lanterns, we have a few feel-great ways to give Halloween goodies a second life!

time-read
1 min  |
November 11, 2024
Creamy & so dreamy
Woman's World

Creamy & so dreamy

Our easy no-bake filling makes this beauty a breeze to whip up

time-read
1 min  |
November 11, 2024
"Help! How do I heal a family rift?"
Woman's World

"Help! How do I heal a family rift?"

With one in three people experiencing family estrangement, we asked experts how to address this sense of loss and consider reconciliation

time-read
2 分  |
November 11, 2024
Look gorgeous for $15 or less!
Woman's World

Look gorgeous for $15 or less!

Not only are these drugstore makeup products affordable, they've also gone viral on social media recently—and for good reason. Learn why they're worth adding to your cart!

time-read
1 min  |
November 11, 2024
'Sugar fat' disappears
Woman's World

'Sugar fat' disappears

Baker Jayne Jones' treats can help lower blood sugar and shrink belly fat 650% faster

time-read
7 分  |
November 11, 2024
"Magnesium helped me sleep!"
Woman's World

"Magnesium helped me sleep!"

After struggling for almost a decade with debilitating insomnia, Kendra Jarratt finally discovered an inexpensive natural remedy that has her sleeping more soundly than she has in years

time-read
2 分  |
November 11, 2024
Soothe sciatica pain naturally
Woman's World

Soothe sciatica pain naturally

Excess pressure on the sciatic nerve can cause a tingling, burning or shooting sensation that radiates from the lower back through the buttock or leg. And when you're in the middle of a sciatica flare-up, your priority is getting relief ASAP. To speed healing, just...

time-read
1 min  |
November 11, 2024
Itchy scalp? 3 ways to get rid of dandruff
Woman's World

Itchy scalp? 3 ways to get rid of dandruff

Dandruff is a sign of seborrheic dermatitis, says dermatologist Heather Woolery-Lloyd, M.D. \"This causes scales, flakes, itching and redness on the scalp,\" she says. It may be a reaction to a type of yeast found on the skin, adds dermatologist Rosanne Paul, D.O. Here's how to treat it

time-read
1 min  |
November 11, 2024
She helps fill the bellies & hearts of military families!
Woman's World

She helps fill the bellies & hearts of military families!

Army wife Monica Bassett's heart hurt when she saw a social media post from a military family who couldn't afford enough food. So she decided to start a pantry to make sure the loved ones of our heroes never go hungry!

time-read
3 分  |
November 11, 2024
"Every day is an opportunity to grow!"
Woman's World

"Every day is an opportunity to grow!"

At just 11 years old, Candace Cameron Bure won our hearts as D.J. Tanner on Full House, and for the past 37 years, she's continued to delight millions with her feel-good movies and unflappable faith. But her journey hasn't always been easy. Here, Candace opens up about her battle with depression and how she finds hope

time-read
3 分  |
November 11, 2024