A Gift of Daffodils, 2012
After a Morning Visit to the ER, 2012
I've been looking at the world through new eyes these past few days. First there was shock, and then pain. A little blood, followed by the fear of needing help, not being able to wing this one on my own. After a visit to the emergency room and confirmation that I want to do everything possible to minimize my time in hospitals, I'm okay. I'm still me, just me with a temporary limp and the beginnings of a new scar.
I have been lucky in this life, and when I compare it to the challenges so many have experienced, it has been a walk in the park. But, still, within the context of my life, the only one I truly know, the last few days have been hard. I continue to review the accident and the what if aspects of it. It could have easily been worse.
People look at me differently as I walk slowly, with this quiet limp. They look at me with half smiles, but not for too long, they don't want to stare. I believe they see me as a softer and more fragile person, weaker than the me they might have seen just a few days ago. Perhaps I am.
Looking at those who are slowed down due to one thing or another and admiring their ability to push through, and get out there, and live their lives--this is not new to me. I am not one to take my health for granted, but even the smallest of injuries have a way of shifting your view, allowing you to see first hand what other people have felt. It is a different sort of empathy.
Today I simply want to record how happy I am to have this little home, my husband, the ability to sit here and write, soothed by Norah Jones, and the ability to walk, albeit slowly, for now.
Glad you are ok.
ReplyDeleteThanks, kate. Me too.
Deletegoodness. i'm thinking of you, denise. so glad you are ok. xo
ReplyDeleteThank you, Shari. Finding your spring photos today made me happy.
DeleteWishing you an uneventful recovery, and yes, glad you are ok too.
ReplyDeleteThanks, cha sen. Quiet and uneventful is exactly what I'd like.
DeleteOh, but seeing that hospital bracelet photo made my heart jump into my throat! I'm so glad you're okay!
ReplyDeleteOh no. Sorry, Samantha. I didn't want to do that.
ReplyDeleteSo pleased you are still walking, physically and mentally. Even if it's slower for a while, facing challenges head on is powerful. I know what you mean how "what if" can play on your mind. I am legally blind and power walk my way through life. Many times I have scary moments of "what if" as I navigate my way. The important thing is to get up the next day and keep going. I am a fairly new reader to your blog and want to say that I am always pleased when I see a new post in my reader from you.
ReplyDeleteLucent Imagery, I'm so happy to see you've been enjoying what you read here. The way you live your life is an inspiration.
DeleteOh Denise. I am so sorry to hear of your accident, but happy to hear you will be OK. Sending you love and good wishes.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Michele. I'm taking inventory and doing a little life appreciating today. All is well.
DeleteOh dear Denise, shocking to hear you were in emergency!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you're back in the comforts of your home/home cooking and with your husband. Feel better and better...(keep us up on your progress) xo
geez I'm glad I got to read this before my ten pm curfew....
ReplyDeleteI know just what you mean. It doesn't take much, sometimes only a twinge in the knee when kneeling to make us feel our mortality.
You do know I'm a very nosy Virgo and like full disclosure, don't you?
Heal quickly. xo jane
I am sending warm and healing thoughts your way.
ReplyDeletexo J
I hope you have a plant in your home - isn't that supposed to speed up recoveries? At least a picture of a plant anyway, and lots of help and care from others. I hope you feel stronger soon.
ReplyDeleteI hope succulents and Tillandsia count.
Deleteo my... may your little limp and scar fade away slowly and the happy thoughts stay with you always. i´m very glad your doing okay, get even better soon!
ReplyDeleteSo true, life can change dramatically in a second, and that's the miracle of life: so strong but yet so fragile ... Sending you positive thoughts your way :)
ReplyDeleteGlad you are OK
ReplyDeleteI'm happy that you're back home, with your music and your writing. That 'what if'? can be hard to shift so I wish you peaceful, healing days.
ReplyDeleteDenise, I'm glad you've been lucky in life, and sorry that this has happened to catch you short. I hope you'll be dashing happily about soon.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to read that you got hurt Denise. I'm so glad you're okay!
ReplyDeleteHealth is something I never took for granted.
Take good care of yourself!!
Denise: i got scared seeing the photos and reading the title. I raced through the post and finally was calm reading you are OK. You are such a special presence in this world, and in my life...It would pain me to see you hurt. Your world livens mine. Feel better, my friend. And yes, even a small injury helps us re-assess our mortal-ness and appreciate our physical well being. (P.s. Nicole's post from today had me honored being next to you)
ReplyDeleteOh, my. What a way to wake up. Thank you for sending me such kindness.
ReplyDeleteHeal quickly, Denise.
ReplyDeleteOh, Denise. You're in my thoughts, friend. xoxo
ReplyDeleteoh, dear, I'm relieved that you are okay--and nothing worse occurred. Life will hand you some interesting opportunities---everything can change in an instant. take good care and savor this quiet time.
ReplyDeleteIt is so good to hear you are okay. Thinking of you. xo
ReplyDeleteMe. too. Saw the hospital bracelet and worried. Just spent some of my own days in hospital with my husband. Short stays are the best.
ReplyDeleteGlad are OK. Take the time to enjoy the slowness of the days.
What the whuhhh? Hope all is well with you, my (long lost) bloggy friend. I have been absent from the airwaves for too long but dip in when I can. So glad it appears you are well....
ReplyDeleteThanks, ladies : )
ReplyDeleteHope you recover quickly, Denise.
ReplyDeleteOh Denise - how dreadful for you. I am so so so pleased you're OK - what a shock to read your post. How are you holding up? I have a feeling that your wonderful insight, and gentle kindness will serve you well in the days ahead. Sending you healing thoughts and love, Annie x
ReplyDeleteOh no! Just saw this now ... sounds like you're taking it slow and easy and recuperating, I hope? Sending you good thoughts, my blogging friend. ~m
ReplyDeleteoh denise!
ReplyDeleteglad you are alright...
rest up, girlie. remember... it's okay to just BE.
so your body can get BEtter!
xx
walking slowly is another of those slow pleasures, even with a limp, darls.
ReplyDeletething is that i LOVE the way in which you find what really, really matters in each thought. happy in difficult times. get better soon, you. xx
All of these comments have meant a lot to me. Thank you. Still healing. My pace is picking up. A little better each day.
ReplyDeleteOh no! I'm so sorry to learn about your accident but also relieved it wasn't more serious. I hope your pace is now back to normal and all pain is gone.
ReplyDeleteOh, dear. A glitch in the comment submission last night -- my words didn't make it. I shall try again.
ReplyDeleteOr maybe I'll just echo Lucy, because this is exactly what I think. Take care!
(You have my true empathy as I spent a harrowing couple of hours in Emergency a couple of years ago after a too close encounter between my thumb and carving knife. So scary and could have been so much worse. I still have my thumb. But I threw away that ghastly knife.)