Lessons Learned.
You know I will always share something personal with you if it means it can encourage someone, somewhere, somehow. I had an accident on April 5th and have been bedridden since with a life-altering injury. I may share the story of what happened in another post, but I’ve had a lot of time to reflect and I wanted to share the life lessons and insights I've learned during this time:
“Seize the day" is not a fleeting saying. Take it seriously. You never know what is around the corner & when something happens, you'll wish more than ever for a normal, regular day to return.
I never want to feel emergency bodily shock again. You're trapped inside and you want to tell the helpers you need help but you can’t speak and you're watching everything around you play out.
I am ridiculous & utterly in love with seeing my people experience joy. As I laid there on the side of the roller rink propped against the DJ booth, not knowing the extent of my injury, I insisted everyone stay & skate. We came to have fun & there was no way I was leaving without seeing smiles on the faces of my favorite people.
People will show up & they will show up big. Receiving assistance does not come naturally to most of us, but people do really love to give, so let them. Both of you will be better for it.
When the big things are removed, it's amazing how quickly the small things become the big things. When I was first able to bathe after a couple of weeks, the feel of soap on my skin was an emotional experience. I've never been so grateful for the simple act of cleaning my body.
When I learn someone is in need, I will just “do” something. Whether it's bring a meal, or drop off gifts for their kids, I will just "do". So many times in the past, I've also said "please let me know if you need anything" and I meant it, but the truth is, they don't know what they need, but they definitely need you to do something so we should.
Your children really are paying attention to you. All of those things you share and advice you give them is sinking in. Experiencing our 3 children selflessly jump in to assist in any way they can, day after day for these past couple of months, has been incredible to witness.
You can absolutely endure more than you believe you can. This was my 10th surgery in 48 years. I've been through some things. This has been, by far, the most difficult test to date, but there's no way life tests me and I back down! Even on my worst days these past few weeks, but especially those first 3 weeks as I searched for hope, I would find it in something, and you will too.
I learned how to be down. After the first few weeks of grief and frustration wore off, I hit a turning point where I knew I wanted to appreciate the down time. I didn't want to be so busy wishing it were over and get back to "normal" only to wish I was still in bed. You know how we do that with childhood wishing to be an adult, and then we arrive at adulthood only wishing we had appreciated our childhood more?
Not every day needs to be a good day. The setbacks and the tears that accompany them are just as relevant as the triumphs. Both come with soul growth.
You are enough. Be well x Laura