Hello, 2024!
Welcome Back!! After a quiet two-month hiatus and some self-care recovery from back surgery, I am back! Back surgery, or any surgery can be a serious matter. This was my fifth surgery in seven years, four of which were arthritic-related. Thankful that the surgery provided relief. Wow, I guess I must be getting older! Still looking good – lol!
For months I struggled with sciatic-like pain which resulted from more than a decade of spinal deterioration related to osteoarthritis. However, the pain did not deter me from spending a wonderful summer working remotely in New York City. I was determined to navigate walking around the city, conquering the steep subway steps, and spending time with lifelong friends, one of whom was confined to a hospital bed because of a traumatic head injury. My summer felt like an emotional roller coaster – hanging out with old friends, enjoying live music performances where my son played, and daily visits to the hospital or nursing home to support and advocate for a dear friend.
With so much that happened in 2023, I was not sure that I would come back to this space – the newsletter. Then I realized that writing is therapy. Sometimes what may be therapeutic for you can be shared with others who may be going through a rough patch.
When I responded to friends of my friend who suffered a head injury asking me to spend the summer in New York, to visit and advocate for him, I had no idea what I had signed up to do. His injuries were so severe that he experienced seizures and subsequently could not talk for months. With no close relatives nearby, and other friends too devastated or exhausted to be available, I answered the call. It was very heartbreaking to sit next to his bed and remember how full of life and vigor he once was. Yet, on each visit, I looked for a glimmer of hope that he would begin speaking and recover some mobility in his limbs. When my committed time was nearly done at the end of the summer, he experienced a major seizure, and miraculously, his voice came back! I was overjoyed to hear his voice as he said my name! I did not know I had the strength, resolve, patience, and commitment to handle a hauntingly sad task that involved such an unselfish act of love!
When a year has passed and the new year starts, we naturally reflect for better or worse, on what happened, how the world has changed, how we have changed, and what will happen in the new year that will be better than the one we left behind. We lament that we did not do as well or as much as we wanted or expected. We may rejoice or be thankful that we made it through another year. Sadly, so many did not.
Reflecting on some of last year’s experiences weighs heavily on me. I can assuredly admit that I have been changed by some of those experiences. What have I learned and what will I change going forward? One realization is that I am not too old to do or be better. There is still room for improvement. I do not know my expiration date and until that happens, I want to:
Love more!
Live more!
Give more back!
Do more!
Pray more!
Here's to joy, peace, happiness, and success in 2024!
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