There’s four inches of snow outside and it’s 31 degrees.  Not the best day for a run.  Presurgery I would have stayed indoors and skipped a run or workout, but now I would just love to do it, but cannot.  I would give almost anything to go running across the frozen sidewalk right now.  Our challenges in life will put these staples at risk. Whether your own health or a family member or job or other stressor, I certainly took for granted the ease at which things could be accomplished.  As my recovery moves forward and I eventually heal, I will challenge myself more than before to appreciate those things that were permanently or temporarily taken from me.  I can see the gifts within my current challenge.

My last two days of back pain made me more conscious of what I know millions of people suffer.  Today it is a slight annoyance, but I can tolerate it.  Otherwise I am doing pretty good.  My incision is healing nicely, skin is very tight across my chest .  My range of motion slowly improves each day.  I am going to keep at my stack of books to read and this week I think I will get out my art art supplies and start drawing again; its been  too long.  My body has to heal and I cannot speed that process up, only slow it down, so I will try and enjoy the time to do different activities.

A very special thanks to Kathy’s college crew of Cory, Jackie, Holly, Julie, and Tracy for the wonderful dinners brought yesterday.  Thanks too to Mel and John for last nights enchiladas.  I feel like George Bailey in “It’s a Wonderful Life”. As Clarence says, “a man’s life touches so many others, and when he’s not there, it leaves an awfully big hole”.  I truly am thankful to my friends and family two weeks into my recovery for helping me to cope with the highs and lows.  Have a good Sunday. Peace.