Cara Brookins was left emotionally broken when her second abusive marriage ended. She got well by building her own house, which she did after seeing YouTube videos on how to do it.
The mother of four started looking for a new house in 2007 after being forced to sell the Bryant, Arkansas, home she and her soon-to-be ex shared. At the moment, though, anything the computer programmer analyst could afford was too tiny. Brookins too felt obliged to take action to bring her family back together. She admits, “But I had no idea what that should be.”
Brookins, therefore, came up with the idea to build her own house from the ground up. According to Brookins, 45, “If anyone was in our situation, they wouldn’t do this.” “No one else viewed it this way, and now that I think about it, I understand it sounds crazy.”
One acre of property cost Brookins $20,000, and she obtained a building credit for about $150,000. She then started watching YouTube tutorials to learn how to do things like run a gas line, build a wall, lay a foundation, and install plumbing.
Her children, ages 2 to 17, helped her throughout the nine-month construction of the 3,500-square-foot home. At the time, Drew, who was 15 years old, helped Brookins make the preparations. Jada, who was 11 at the time, transported water from a neighbor’s pond using buckets because there was no running water on the property. She then combined the water with 80-pound sacks of concrete to create the mortar for the foundation.
It felt impossible the entire time, according to Brookins, who worked when the kids were in school. After school, Brookins drove her family to the five-mile-away construction site where she worked late into the night on the new house.
YouTube videos previously were vague and provided numerous solutions to a task. Brookins employed a part-time firefighter with building experience for $25 per hour to help with some of the more challenging tasks. She remembers, “He was a step ahead of us in knowledge.”
On March 31, 2009, Brookins and her kids moved into the five-bedroom home. She gave it the name Inkwell Manor in recognition of her desire to become a writer.
In the years afterwards, Brookins has written numerous middle grade and young adult books. She has also written a biography titled Rise: How a House Built a Family, which will be released on January 24.
Building the house helped Brookins emerge from her depression. We were ashamed that our best option was to construct our own shelter, Brookins adds. “We weren’t really proud of it,” In the end, it proved to be the best thing I could have done for myself.
She says, “You can do anything you set your mind to if I, a 110 pound computer programmer, can build a complete house.” Choose one goal and stay with it. Find the big thing you want to do, move slowly in that direction, and take those who also need healing with you. That has a lot of influence.
20 Early Warning Signs of Cancer You Should Pay Attention To
Recognizing Early Warning Signs of Cancer
Your body has a remarkable way of signaling when something isn’t right, including early indicators of cancer. Being attentive to these signs can lead to early detection and timely medical intervention. If you experience any of the following symptoms, it’s important to consult a doctor for further evaluation.
Subtle Symptoms to Watch For
Cancer doesn’t always present itself in obvious ways. Sometimes, the signs are subtle and seemingly unrelated to the affected area. Identifying these early symptoms can be crucial for prompt diagnosis.
- Wheezing or Shortness of Breath – Many lung cancer patients recall this as an initial but overlooked symptom.
- Frequent Fevers or Infections – This can be a sign of leukemia, as abnormal white blood cells weaken the body’s immune response.
- Difficulty Swallowing – Commonly linked to throat cancer, but it may also be associated with lung cancer.
- Persistent Weakness and Fatigue – Fatigue is a widespread symptom of various cancers, especially when it appears alongside other warning signs.
- Loss of Appetite or Feeling Full Quickly – This could indicate ovarian cancer, particularly when accompanied by persistent bloating.
Physical Changes That May Indicate Cancer
Some cancers cause noticeable bodily changes. Recognizing these can be vital for early diagnosis.
- Rectal Bleeding or Blood in Stool – A major warning sign of colorectal cancer requiring immediate medical attention.
- Lumps in the Neck, Underarms, or Groin – Swollen lymph nodes could signal changes in the lymphatic system, potentially pointing to cancer.
- Excessive Bruising or Unexplained Bleeding – Abnormalities in blood cells, often linked to leukemia, can cause unusual bruising or prolonged bleeding.
- Bloating or Unexplained Abdominal Weight Gain – Sudden and persistent bloating is a frequent early symptom of ovarian cancer.
- Unexplained Weight Loss – This may be an early indicator of digestive system cancers or cancer that has spread to the liver.
- Red, Sore, or Swollen Breasts – Inflammatory breast cancer can cause these changes, and a flattened or inverted nipple could also be a concerning sign.
Pain-Related Symptoms
Persistent pain in certain areas may be an indicator of cancer. Paying attention to ongoing discomfort can be crucial.
- Unusually Heavy or Painful Periods or Bleeding Between Cycles – A common symptom of endometrial or uterine cancer.
- Chronic Cough or Chest Pain – Persistent coughing or chest pain could signal lung cancer or leukemia.
- Pelvic or Abdominal Pain – Pain and cramping in this area can be linked to ovarian cancer, while leukemia can cause an enlarged spleen leading to abdominal discomfort.
- Lower Back or Right-Side Pain – This can indicate liver cancer or, in some cases, breast cancer that has spread to the spine.
- Persistent Stomach Pain or Upset Stomach – Frequent stomach discomfort could be an early warning sign of colorectal cancer.
Steps to Lower Cancer Risk
Noticing these symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean you have cancer, but seeking medical advice can help rule out serious conditions. Early detection significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing vitamin D levels, and reducing exposure to environmental toxins can help lower cancer risk.
Share this article with your friends and family to spread awareness about the early signs of cancer.
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