Sunday, June 13, 2010

Time For Thinking

Sometimes when we are forced to slow down ... way down ... we are given a lot of time to think and, in turn, see life from a new perspective.  We have lots more time to notice things we don't see when we're zooming down life's highway.  We are better able to really feel the pain that others might be living with on a daily basis, appreciate the small things and be truly thankful for what we do have. 



Since my last post I have been dealing with sciatic nerve pain in my back.  It has been a challenge to find ways to sit, walk and sleep comfortably.  This morning is the first time I have been able to sit at the computer for any length of time.  I just can't tell you how wonderful it feels.  I've missed you :-).


This past week hasn't exactly been my idea of fun, but I have had a chance to be reminded that sometimes it's the seemingly small things that really matter and while I'd be stretching the truth to say I haven't had moments of feeling sorry for myself, I will say that this experience has made me see some things in a new light.

A few observations I've made:

  • A good night's sleep will never be taken for granted.
  • Normal days are the best days and also will never be taken for granted.
  • The bird chorus begins at 5:20 a.m. outside my bedroom window.  It was perhaps the most beautiful music ever after long and mostly sleepless nights.
  • The people I know in real life and blogland who live with pain and/or illness on a daily basis have been in my thoughts more than ever.  I know that my little ordeal is nothing in comparison to what so many face. 
  • My husband's loving support has been a real blessing and will also not be taken for granted.
  • Who knew a trip to the DQ could be the highlight of the week?
  • And, finally, when gardening, I will never, ever pick up an unbelievably heavy patio stone and haul it across the yard again. . . no matter how badly I want it moved.

At this point I'm cautiously optimistic that I'm on the mend.  I have gotten behind in blog reading and hope to slowly start getting around to coming by to see what's new with all of you.

Thanks for listening to my tales of woe. 
Hope you are having a great Sunday.

 



18 comments:

  1. Praying that you will be feeling much better real soon. Yes, there are so many things each day that we need to be so thankful for and not take for granted!! Love & blessings from NC!

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  2. Hi Kim,
    I'm sorry to hear you're having back pain and I hope you mend quickly. It's no fun, as I've had the same problem this week and I think it's from lifing heavy flower pots. Sometimes we just think we can do anything!

    Hope you're feeling better soon.
    Lovely photos!

    Hugs,
    Donna

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  3. Oh Kim...I am so sorry to hear of your not feeling well. So thankful that you are on the mend. It sure makes us think about all those things that we have to be thankful for...even the very tiniest ones! I think we find that we need to slow down a bit and take care of ourselves. I will pray for you...praying for healing...a time to be still and and a time to renew your strength! Blessings ~ Teri

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  4. Oh Kim...you poor thing, I know just how it is. I have been through a lot of pain the last 3 months and I too have learned many lessons.
    Once I picked up an old Singer sewing machine and lifted it out of my van and hauled it into my house...I went trough the same thing as you! I hope you are on the mend and it will get totally well. Come say hi :D

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  5. Kim...you are so right about having time to realize what is important. I have had sciatic pain twice in my life. The first time was caused by an 8 lb. baby sitting on the nerve for the last two months of pregnancy...ha-ha (not)! But many years after that I suffered from it after a fall. It isn't fun, so take the time to heal, reflect, and let the 'big guys' move those rocks or plant around 'em next time.

    Lynne
    dlynne172@yahoo.com

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  6. So sorry to hear about your pain. I do the same thing -- just want to get something done or moved or rearranged and usually pay for it later. It is so true that we have so much to be thankful for. I get so tired of people who moan and groan about the pettiest little things. When my feet hit the floor each morning, when my head hits the pillow each nite, I say to myself Thank God, Thank God, Thank God! Best wishest to you, :) Tammy

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  7. I know your pain. About 8 years ago I suffered for months with a herniated disk pressing on my sciatic nerve. I first went to the chiropractor and started to have some relief. But a long car ride one night seemed to push it beyond the chiropractor's help. While going through the long process of setting up surgery, I would get up each morning, pop some Motrin and then stay put in the recliner for at least an hour until the medication kicked in. Then I could get up and make my coffee and get dressed. Those days waiting for my surgery and recovering after, were very long days indeed.
    I will be thinking of you in my prayers tonight. I hope you will heal quickly and think twice before lifting anything heavy.

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  8. Kim, oh no! I, too, suffer with sciatica and so well know what you've been dealing with. Nope, we must both learn to pace ourselves and no bizarre twisty motions for us and no allowing our stresses to go straight to our lower backs and beyond. ;> Take good care...

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  9. Oh no, bless your heart. I have been dealing with some compressed nerves in my back, too...and I can relate. It hurts worse when I am laying down, so sometimes it's easier to just get up. Take care; I hope you're on the mend really quickly. Be careful!

    Suzanne

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  10. Bless your heart...those are bad times, aren't they? and it certainly does make you appreciate good health. We so often go along our merry way and take health and mobility for granted.
    Glad you're on the mend!!

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  11. Hi KIm
    I'm so sorry to hear that you have back pain. I know what that is like and it's not fun, but I'm glad to hear you are doing better.
    Hugs, Rhondi

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  12. Oh Kim I do hope you feel better real soon! Sciatic problems are so painful! Prayers for you.

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  13. Oh Kim......the sciatica pain is awful.....been there, done that, and don't want it again. It really does slow a person down, but I loved reading your appreciations, but had to chuckle on your last one. Picking up that heavy stone....don't do that again.
    Hugs,

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  14. Kim, Thanks for sharing this heartfelt post, please know I will be praying for you. I am always blessed when I visit you.
    Hugs,
    Sue

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  15. Kim,
    I am so sorry to read this post. Isn't it interesting how one move like moving a rock can cause so much pain. Despite your pain, you created a beautiful new blog banner, and a wonderful new post. The words to this post are so compassionate and meaningful. Thank you for the inspiration you provided for me today. My prayers are with you.

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  16. Oh Kim, I am so sorry to hear that you have had such pain but I'm glad you are now on the mend!
    I don't think you take much for granted anyway, but it is nice to be reminded of the simple things that give us joy. :-)

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  17. Oh Kim, I know back pain can be soooo debilitating. Glad you're getting some relief and hope it continues.
    I haven't been around with things that are going on here, so I understand. (see my post)
    I always like seeing your flowers. I grow mint and use it every week.
    Have a good week and feel better.

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  18. I'm so glad you are feeling better today. It is so very true that sometimes we notice things and appreciate things which the Lord has given, when we have been deprived.
    May God bless you with good health. Kathi

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