If anyone could hammer their way through a situation like this it would be you. Well, maybe a hammer- maybe a butterfly. In any case trust your gut and don't look back. Keep writing.
So sorry to read about everything you're going through, Stella. Life is too cruel sometimes. I've experienced a couple of long stays in hospital in the past. The first was a few months after my wife and I's daughter was born (she's in her early-20s now) and the next when she was six and her brother was still a baby. Strangely, for me, the inability to support my kids/partner was much more difficult to cope with than the symptoms/pain. Everyone has their own way of coping with 'illness' and convalescence, but several things particularly helped me. For example, rather than staying in my pyjamas all day, every morning I used to make a point of changing into other comfortable clothing. And, as soon as I was strong enough, I asked the doctors if I could take a short walk outside with my wife. Simple things like that really helped me. They stopped me from defining myself solely as passive/ill + the chance to breath the fresh air, reconnect to nature, and enjoy half-an-hour of quality time with my partner was so nurturing. Interestingly, I found reading memoirs and biographies really inspiring too. Going through your surgery and post-op recovery will be a journey, but it'll transform your way of looking at yourself and the world. Illness is strange like that - it robs us of some things and offers up all sorts of others. Thinking of you and everyone close/connected to you at this time. Sending you an ocean of happiness and mountains of healing/love.
Thanks so much for your thoughtful reply. I’m sorry that you’ve had to undergo such a lot of medical intervention, too. I agree on all fronts, the little things/shifts can add up to a lot of good.
I really relate to the hard part being what you can’t do/participate in for your loved one’s sakes. I’m feeling that. 💙
Oh my goodness, what a generous response! First, thank you for reading and sending this lovely message along. Second, far from seeing my struggle as diminishing what you are going through, I see it all as quite parallel. I would be shaking in my boots about a hip replacement, and I commend your courage. Anytime we are forced into dependency on others, and unsure of our future well being, we face such a real challenge to who we are, or thought we were. Such a valid cause for anxiety and lost sleep! I wish you well on your procedure and a speedy recovery (and the fortitude to get through all the medical appointments leading up to it!).
You are very courageous to write so openly about what you're going through. May that courage stay with you all the way.
Thank you, Diane. And thanks for reading and responding 💙
If anyone could hammer their way through a situation like this it would be you. Well, maybe a hammer- maybe a butterfly. In any case trust your gut and don't look back. Keep writing.
Thank you, Marco. You know this saying? “ When all you got’s a hammer, everything starts looking like a nail”
Oh that's a fine one. I always liked "measure twice, cut once."
I’ve also heard the carpenters joke: I don’t know what’s wrong. I cut it twice and it’s still too short. Ha ha!
Anyway, I think I’d have a lot more luck moving through this using butterfly power than any blunt object.
Truly. I'm a big fan of butterfly power. It just has less jokes.
Diane is right about your courage in writing and sharing yourself with such honesty and vulnerability. You are brave and beautiful.
Aw shucks, thank you so much. 💙
So sorry to read about everything you're going through, Stella. Life is too cruel sometimes. I've experienced a couple of long stays in hospital in the past. The first was a few months after my wife and I's daughter was born (she's in her early-20s now) and the next when she was six and her brother was still a baby. Strangely, for me, the inability to support my kids/partner was much more difficult to cope with than the symptoms/pain. Everyone has their own way of coping with 'illness' and convalescence, but several things particularly helped me. For example, rather than staying in my pyjamas all day, every morning I used to make a point of changing into other comfortable clothing. And, as soon as I was strong enough, I asked the doctors if I could take a short walk outside with my wife. Simple things like that really helped me. They stopped me from defining myself solely as passive/ill + the chance to breath the fresh air, reconnect to nature, and enjoy half-an-hour of quality time with my partner was so nurturing. Interestingly, I found reading memoirs and biographies really inspiring too. Going through your surgery and post-op recovery will be a journey, but it'll transform your way of looking at yourself and the world. Illness is strange like that - it robs us of some things and offers up all sorts of others. Thinking of you and everyone close/connected to you at this time. Sending you an ocean of happiness and mountains of healing/love.
Hi James,
Thanks so much for your thoughtful reply. I’m sorry that you’ve had to undergo such a lot of medical intervention, too. I agree on all fronts, the little things/shifts can add up to a lot of good.
I really relate to the hard part being what you can’t do/participate in for your loved one’s sakes. I’m feeling that. 💙
Thanks for reading and piping in.
Take good care,
Stella
Oh my goodness, what a generous response! First, thank you for reading and sending this lovely message along. Second, far from seeing my struggle as diminishing what you are going through, I see it all as quite parallel. I would be shaking in my boots about a hip replacement, and I commend your courage. Anytime we are forced into dependency on others, and unsure of our future well being, we face such a real challenge to who we are, or thought we were. Such a valid cause for anxiety and lost sleep! I wish you well on your procedure and a speedy recovery (and the fortitude to get through all the medical appointments leading up to it!).