Finding the Gifts in Hard Times

On a Tuesday early in September, I was looking forward to two podcast interviews. As I got online for the first one, the tech man said my internet was not stable.

So I picked up my portable desk, my computer, and all my notes and headed to the living room. The usual pathway was a little snug for all I was carrying, so I turned right, right into the open dishwasher door. Next thing I knew I was launched over the door and into the cabinets.

The pain was intense, but I managed to get to my phone and call for help. A trip to the ER revealed a shattered shoulder and humerus bone. Followed by a reverse shoulder replacement and screwing the humerus back together.

The predicted four to six weeks of recovery time was changed to four to six months. The Physical Therapy workers have been so nice, even as they make sure I always experience pain. I have mostly been home, slowly—very slowly—increasing capacity to do things with my right hand and arm. I missed two trips I had been looking forward to. I was dependent on others for many things.

So, you say, “where are the gifts?”

Oh such wonderful gifts!!

Because I needed help for almost everything, I called my daughters—both immediately said “Of course, we will come and help. Do you see what a treasure that was—five days, just the two of us, uninterrupted time together. First Debbie, then Michelle. I think they loved serving their mother, and I loved their sweet care.

And then another gift: I have three sisters who, one by one, came for a week to care for me, be with me. We all loved those days.

And it continued. Friends, co-workers, new friends. What treasured times. I have been truly blessed.