You may be wondering where I’ve been the past few weeks. I haven’t given up on blogging, nor forgotten about this blog and my faithful followers. Unfortunately Michigan’s winter got the best of me and I slipped and fell on an icy/snowy sidewalk. In my haste to protect my leg (with the titanium rod), I landed on my left wrist. And I clearly don’t do anything half-way…I broke it, resulting in surgery to insert a plate and screws. Yes, ouch. Needless to say, it’s been slow-moving for me as I adjust to a few weeks of limitations. Thankfully, I am right-handed but it’s still challenging, especially typing one-handed! So that explains my absence and I hope you accept my apologies and have patience. Because I have a lot of adventures to share and stories to write!

I admit I have experienced many frustrations during this recovery. You may have noticed I like to be fairly independent so asking for assistance isn’t always easy (my husband has been an amazing help and support through this, anticipating what I may need before I ask!). I admittedly feel ashamed at moments for feeling frustrated. Because you and I know life can be so much worse than a broken wrist that brings short-term inconveniences. I know, however, I am an imperfect human. But in moments of sadness, frustration or pain, I take a deep breath and stop to count my blessings.

Cheer the little victories. We take a lot for granted at some point in our lives. Even seemingly easy activities like folding laundry and drying your hair become challenging with one hand! I learned to wash my hair, under the bathtub faucet. I made dinner. I removed an old shower curtain (although Justin put the new one on!). I went to the grocery store by myself.

Be thankful for the family and friends who support you. I learned a good lesson about people during chemo….sometimes the people you think will support you don’t show up while the people you don’t expect do. While this surgery wasn’t a life-threatening procedure, I have been so touched by those who have called, text, visited, sent flowers and more. Of course, who doesn’t love to be thought of with kindness and caring? Everyone leads a busy life nowadays, yet I agree more and more with my mom that it becomes a lame excuse and you should never too busy for those you care about.

Recognize those in need. I am struck multiple times per day by how fortunate I am to be alive and fairly healthy, especially post-cancer. I have my two legs, which is not common with bone cancer. I say a prayer of thanks daily for my health and physical abilities, but there are additional moments that make me pause. There are many people worse off than me, this I recognize daily. This surgery recovery, despite a the pain and huge inconvenience,  is thankfully short-term. I think of the soldiers injured in battle, accident victims, cancer survivors and so many others facing long-term worse case scenarios. I am blessed to be raised by parents who believed in helping others. I try to help others every day, whether through kindness, donations, volunteering and more. We all have much to be grateful for so should all find time.

Remember that the ability to love, laugh and appreciate life makes everything okay. It’s true that laughter is the best medicine. And feeling loved. I can’t tell you how much better I’ve felt the past few days after relaxing with my husband on the couch, laughing with my best friend during her visit, feeling hugs from my family, getting help from  my nieces and nephew (I made my 7-year-old niece’s day by asking her to zip my jacket!), phone calls with friends, getting a text from so many friends checking in on me. Of course the distractions deflect the pain and frustrations post-surgery but the love easily helps with the healing. Today I looked out the window and thought what a beautiful day – for despite the frigid temps and snow, the sun was shining brightly and two squirrels were chasing each other up and down a tree (their antics were quite amusing!).

What blessings do you count? What makes you feel better during tough moments?