12 Months

 October of last year was when it all began.  I'd been having some pain for a few months and finally decided to get it check out.  Doctor figured it was a hernia and sent me to a CT scan to confirm.  Then, I got my list of diagnosis.  And a new set of doctors. 

It has been hard.  After three surgeries in an 8 month span -- my body is still healing.  The first four weeks of summer break, I did nothing.  I slept a lot.  I kept thinking that I need to get up and start my summer projects.  But, I was just exhausted.  The "want to" was not there.  The second month, I slowly started feeling more like myself.

I have started walking again.  Not everyday yet, but it's getting there.  I know that sitting there is not going to help my energy levels or my healing overall.  But somedays, the tired wins.  I have one more thing scheduled this year.  A colonoscopy is planned for November.  Praying nothing is found there.  My dad passed away of colon cancer so that is always in the back of my mind.   

This year has changed me.  I don't take as much for granted.  I was always the one that took care of everyone else:  my kids, my dad, my mom, and Kent.  I never gave much thought to my own health.  Yet, our own health is not guaranteed.  Time with our family is not guaranteed.  It only takes a moment for our life to change.  One phone call.  One accident.  One test result.  For many of us that have gone through these health challenges, there will always be a before and after.

I am a strong person who has been through a lot in my life.  I will forever be thankful to God for protecting me from my childhood abuse and all the way through these past 12 months and everything in between. I know that it could have ended up much worse.  I also know that nothing that I did changed the outcome.  My life was and always will be in the hands of God first. The many skilled doctors second.  I’m praying the next year holds a lot less doctor’s visits. But a lot more laughter and time spent with family and friends.