Hiawassee, Ga. — Mimi Hitselberger knows what it means to lose something precious. In 2010, the local artist was painting as she always had, but things were changing before she even realized it.
Her vision was disappearing. After visiting both her eye doctor and her regular physician, it was determined that Hitselberger needed a CT scan. The imaging revealed a lime-size tumor on her pituitary gland, and she needed surgery to remove it.
The surgery went well, taking the less-invasive route of going through her sinuses, so Hitselberger never had a scar nor needed to have her hair shaved. However, the medication she was put on would be a different story.
Hitselberger developed side effects that led to loss of focus, and her arms and reflexes were out of control. She couldn’t concentrate or read a page from a book. She was even unable to paint.
In her search to find a way back to what she always loved, Hitselberger would try
to do word puzzles and video games. However, nothing she tried would bring back
the focus and movement control she once knew.
One day, she came across a paint-by-numbers kit. She remembered thinking that was something she could do. She felt that she could actually finish one, as she already had a love of painting.
Since then, Hitselberger has completed many paint-by-numbers works.
“What has also healed me was doing worship paintings during conferences and worship services. While the music was going, I would paint. The worship paintings often touched one or two people that were there. God healed me greatly through that as well,” she said.
It has taken 10 years, and at times was an agonizingly slow process, but Hitselberger has returned to the self she once knew. Today, she paints without the aid of numbers.
Hitselberger has accomplished many things in her life. The former teacher has also authored seven faith-based books.
“I was called to write,” she said.
Hitselberger has even written a textbook for a women’s college.
“Where there is faith, there is victory,” she added.
The Ohio native lives with her husband, John, and continues to paint. Her books can be found on Amazon. The mother of two grown sons is a testimony to the human spirit and an inspiration to others who are struggling to find their way back.