Unexpected Gift
Photo by James Qualtrough on Unsplash
Over the years, I’ve read essays by cancer survivors who’ve called their harrowing journeys through life-threatening illnesses a “gift.” Cancer, they report, afforded them a new appreciation of life and their loved ones.
I do not have cancer. And yet, I think I finally get what these survivors were talking about. Last month, I had major spinal surgery. Recovery has been rough. Even the act of slightly changing position remains fraught with pain.
Thankfully, each day is a bit better. I find myself gradually emerging from the fog of acute pain and the heavy drugs meant to alleviate it.
But what I’m really noticing is my new awareness of how much I appreciate all the big and little things in my life.
Of course, I can’t say enough about my amazing husband who took that “for worse” part of our vows seriously. He has tenderly taken care of me and been there for me every step of the way. My heart literally bursts with my love for him. And I’m also deeply touched by my sons, sisters, and dear friends who have kept in close touch and let me know that they care and are rooting for my recovery.
Each day, my husband and I take a walk. He holds my arm as I make my way slowly on my walker. Suddenly, I’ve found myself enchanted with the antics of our neighborhood squirrels and the beauty of the colorful flowers in our yard. It’s not that I’ve never noticed these things before, but now I see them with a sense of awe.
And oh, reading fills me with joy. What a gift it is to sit in my favorite chair and lose myself in a good book!
As my recovery continues, I really want to hold on to my feelings of gratitude and appreciation. Life is an amazing gift for which I am so thankful.
Lynn, such a beautiful attitude. Thanks so much for sharing your journey. Praying for complete healing–and soon!
Thanks so much, Connie!
Lynn, I can relate, although my health issues haven’t been quite so drastic. Glad you are on the mend!!
Thanks so much, Kass. We’ve all been through some stuff, haven’t we?
Lynn,
Thank you for explaining a transformation that matters so well.
Thanks, Marty!
Lynn, this sounds tough! What a wonderful attitude you’ve discovered from this ordeal. I know you’ll be fine because you’re doing so well. Hang in there. I’m going home from nearly 2 months in hospital and rehab–trying to remember what my house looks like. I must try to adopt your attitude.
Kaye- how wonderful to finally be going home after all these weeks. And I can’t wait to read the mystery inspired by your stay in rehab- you’re one of my heroes!
Thank you for sharing this, Lynn. Being forced to slow down and heal sure gets us to slow down and notice things we would’ve formerly passed in a blur. I’m so glad you’re healing.
Thanks so much, Rhonda. I know you’ve had your own health challenges. Praying for full recovery for both of us! It was good to see you yesterday at our Zoom meeting, and I appreciated your comments.
Lynn,
I had no idea you were going through this. I’m glad that you’re healing and that you have a positive attitude about it all. I can only imagine how difficult it must be for someone who was a dancer. Sending loving thoughts.❤️
Thanks, Marilyn. I do think having once been a dancer has made this especially challenging. Somehow, when you’re young and dancing, you don’t visualize this in your future! But I do know I have so much to be grateful for!
Great post, Lynn! My own brush with cancer sure got me looking at things differently. I’m a lot more chill, I can tell you that, lol! Sending you all the hugs, all the good wishes – and especially all the good books – as you recover.
PS: Your husband is a keeper, though you already know that!
Thank you so much, Janet! And yes, I really lucked out in the husband department. One thing I didn’t mention is that he’s hilarious. Humor has been so healing for me.
Lynn, an inspiring post. Positive energy also helps healing.
I’m so happy you had your husband with you. My Dan died last year and when I had to have heart surgery this year, I really missed his caring and gentle ways, plus all the help he always gave.
Yay, that you’re on this side of the surgery.
Valerie
I’m so sorry for your loss, Valerie. How hard that must have been to go through heart surgery without him. I hope you’re feeling better and healing- though I know you’ll never stop missing your husband. Thank you for your kind words about my post.
Aren’t we the lucky ones, Lynn, to have husbands such as ours! Truly they are blessings in our lives, and where would we be without them? No doubt struggling mightily to do those things that come so easily through the strength of those loving hands. Hope your rehab goes well and you can return to those things you’ve temporarily set aside (while still hanging on the appreciation of new things that helped during the worst of your days.)
Helen Bellamy
Thank you, Helen! I so agree with you. I am so grateful to have a loving, caring partner- they make all the difference!
Lynn, thank you for the reminder to appreciate the beauty around us. Sending good thoughts as your healing continues.
Thanks so much, Pam. I appreciate you!
Dear Lynn,
Thank you for taking the time, despite your painful ordeal, to write this reminder about appreciating the little things in life. You are an inspiring woman. I am so sorry that you’ve had this setback but happy to hear that you are on the road to recovery and have good support, especially from your husband. It was so great to see you last year at Malice, and I look forward to seeing you again.
All the best,
Joan
What a sweet message, Joan! You are so thoughtful. I loved seeing you at Malice and hope we get to see each other at the next one!
Oh, my goodness, Lynn. I absolutely love that feeling when your heart literally bursts with love. And having a sense of awe about life…? Now that is truly living. Heal, love, and awe, always. ( ;
Thanks so much, Pam- so glad this post resonated with you. You know how much I admire you and your writing!
Lynn,
Blessings and continued healing ❤️🩹
Sharon Elizabeth
Thanks so much, Sharon!
I love this perspective, Lynn! I agree that having a health challenge shakes up our perspective on what’s important and reminds of us all the things we have to be grateful for. I know it’s hard, at the same time, and I hope your healing continues!
Thanks so much, Kate! I really appreciate your kind and supportive words!
Beautiful. The power of slowing down and the necessity of seeking out the good things in the midst of the challenging. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, dear Ellen! You have had some experience in this area!
An inspiring post! Thanks so much for sharing, Lynn. 🙂
Thanks, Joanne! So glad the post resonated with you!
Lynn, we were recently emailing and I came to your blog page to see what it is all about, having read some you shared in the Guppies group. I have a very close friend who has just had the first of three spine/neck surgeries that will have him laid up for months, and this post reverberated with me. Wishing you the best for your continued recovery. I will share your insight with my rockhounding buddy, too.
Thanks, Kathy! I hope your friend comes through all of his surgeries okay. I’m glad the post connected with you!