Making the Best of the Unexpected

Fall leaves in a puddle...Life in a muddle
Interesting nevertheless!

Life seldom follows one straight path for long. Unexpected circumstances inevitably arise causing us to pause, prioritize and plan an alternative course of action. No one is exempt from this pattern which may be confusing and stressful at the time, but in retrospect often brings positive personal change and growth.

Our plans for November did not go as expected. Two weeks ago today, after having a sore knee that gave out causing two falls within as many days, my knee locked in a painful way. As inconvenient as it was, I was given a splint and crutches and had to wait for an "urgent" orthopaedic consultation. We were to leave at the end of last week for Mexico to attend our daughter's wedding. I saw the surgeon the morning of the day of our departure and had to cancel out at the last minute. My husband and the Becka went on, while my daughter who is a nurse stayed with me in Canada. I had the surgery yesterday and know it was a success. My surgical pain is very minimal compared to the pain of the locked joint. I have to take it easy for two weeks and apply some physiotherapy principles to myself, ones that I have taught to many patients over the years. I wonder how compliant I will be?

View from my kitchen window

November and December have never been my favourite months. While I generally have an optimistic and positive outlook on life, I have noticed that I harbour more brooding thoughts in the late fall and am also more susceptible to illness and injury. In the 1970's the theory of biorhythms was very popular, and while it has not been scientifically proved, there is some circumstantial evidence that we may experience cycles of physiological, emotional and intellectual well being. Seasonal affective disorder is a more accepted theory to describe mood fluctuations related to changes of season. Diminishing light is thought to be the main cause of the condition.

Looking back, I see how busyness and stress contributed to this problem. I should have sought medical attention when the knee started acting up, but I just figured I would be told to go for a course of therapy. Now I am forced to slow down and rest and find I am not as indispensable as I thought. Our bodies do have ways of saying "enough already"!

I am fortunate to have terrific coworkers and an understanding professional leader who are filling the gap for me at work. And I can take these personal lessons back to my patients by being more compassionate and understanding of their problems. My immediate and extended family members have been very supportive too. I miss my walks but am taking pictures out the house and car windows. We have had several snowfalls this week and the sun has been shining fairly often. The Becka and her dad return to Canada this evening and I am sure they will have lots of stories about their time with the family in Mexico. My husband has even been bird watching for me.

Time to pause...plan...prioritize.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD,
plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11