Happy November!
I haven't written anything in the last two months, and it's been quite a chaotic time. My daughter underwent double jaw surgery and subsequently required emergency surgery due to an infection. On top of that, my partner had heart surgery. Miscellaneous challenges also popped up: a sick dog, a broken tooth, two appliances that stopped working, and significant repairs needed for my car. To top it all off, we discovered a downstairs room infested with mold and termites.
Yet, here I am, back at my desk, writing a blog. What I've learned from this is still coming together, but I want to share what I’ve discovered.
As Glenda Doyle said, “We can do hard things.” Yes, we can! I cared for someone who was in pain and couldn’t talk, eat, or sleep for an entire week. Both of us were exhausted, but we supported each other through it. I experienced moments of sheer fatigue, yet I also found inspiration for something I could prepare for her that she would enjoy. I now have a fantastic new recipe for seedless berry puree with honey, perfect for smoothies, yogurt, and ice cream.
As my dear friend, Summer MacCool, said, “We need each other.” She is right. Family and friends brought us dinner, flowers, and unwavering support during this challenging time. My partner took care of our dog and looked after my well-being. My son helped uplift his sister’s spirits. A good friend even introduced me to a wonderful person who helped resolve our downstairs issues. It’s clear that life is working out with the help of incredible people, and I genuinely need them: the doctors, the nurses, the cleaners, the food servers—everyone.
Trust your intuition. I’m unsure who first advised me of this, but I want to express my gratitude. When my daughter was sick, and the doctors assured us it was expected, something felt off. After she woke up from a nap, I noticed her swelling had increased. As I walked our dog just two hundred feet from the house, I suddenly felt we needed to go to the ER. I called my daughter to get ready, and we were on our way when I returned. Thank goodness we did—she required emergency surgery due to a rare infection.
I have learned that life is not happening to me; it is happening for me. Life wants me to expand and grow. Every time something challenging happens, I am offered this opportunity. And boy, have I done a lot of growing.