Stories Collected While Living in France

French la Vie

Reflection brings Light

Old chairs sitting around

 

 

Old chairs sitting around.

 

Pale blue hints of grey

 

Pale blue hints of grey.

 

 

Waiting without wanting to

 

 

Waiting around without wanting to…

 

 

Waiting in white

 

 

Waiting while thoughts get in the way.

 

 

Somber

 

 

Eight weeks is not a lifetime, though ample time to think about whatever decides to take up residence in ones mind.

I am not usually one to feel moody, or carried away with un-reined emotions… though a combination of things in the last few days (Fall, shattered wrist, operation, anesthesia, Sacha's leaving for college, French Husband's helping him settle in these last few days, realization that my hand might not be the same as before….) have left me somber, and a bit unsettled. I don't care much for these feelings of 'weepiness'… even if they are normal and expected, they seem ridiculous given in the world of misfortune, and disappear, what has happened to me is utterly trivial.

 

But here I am with stacks of everything one could need and want to recuperate in spoiled comfort… and I feel guilty… receiving is not an easy thing to do.

 

 

Reflection brings light

The other day as I was wheeled into the operating room, a team of nurses and doctors gathered around preparing to heal me. I said to them, "I never imaged that I would be here today." A nurse wearing full green garb said, "Nobody who has an accident ever does."

A split second later I drifted under with that thought… "Nobody ever does."

We are a seed in the cycle of life believing we can set our course, but today I am reminding that life is a gift, a beautiful, challenging, a sacred gift.

 

 

 

Comments

84 responses to “Reflection brings Light”

  1. Jean

    Dear Corey, I have been where you are right now. I fell down a flight of steps landing on pavement with my knee. Surgery that day with a long re-coup and my knee and other leg have never been the same but you learn to deal with it and live with it. You will be fine and probably forget about the injury and get on with your life. All will be well and say to yourself. This too shall pass!
    Hang tough!

    Reply
  2. Paulita

    Your thoughts about receiving made me remember a song that we used to sing at mass:
    “Will you let me be your servant?
    Let me be as Christ to you.
    Pray that I may have the grace to let you be my servant, too.”
    Sometimes, letting other people help us is the harder part.
    Revel in the weepiness and it will move on.

    Reply
  3. Deborah

    of course you feel sad – just having a child making a major life-change is enough, but add a bad accident/ surgery/loss of idependence / pain/ long recovery and you’re entitled to feeling less-than-perky! caregivers often have the hardest time receiving help whe they need it. Now’s the time to let those who love you help and support you, just as you do for them.
    As for the future, I love this line from a poem about those who “do not tax their life with foreshadow of grief”. recovery will take how long it takes and you will be doing more than You think possible at the end of it. Funny thing about worry (speaking as a world-class worrier), most of what we worry about never actually happens.
    Sit back, have a nice hot drink ( or better yet, a fermented beverage!) and let the healing commence.

    Reply
  4. Bev

    I also am more a giver than a receiver but am always thankful for those times where I have been made to receive from others. My question often is “Lord, what would you have me learn from this experience (even though I’m often hating it).”

    Reply
  5. Mary Ellen

    Perhaps a tape recorder is in order, a block of time for your book?

    Reply
  6. Tongue in Cheek

    i like that.
    c

    Reply
  7. jeannine

    Just as others have said before me (and rather eloquently I might add), this is just a mere “speed bump” thrown into your path and you will get over it in due time. As I grow older, I have come to think of these types of accidents as God’s way of taking we busy caregivers by the shoulders and giving us a good shake to make us slow down 🙂 Weepiness is part of the healing cycle~~allow yourself a small pity party and then move onto the business at hand…decorating that cast with wallpaper, lace, and whatever else tickles your fancy!! Now is the time to allow all who love you to dote on you 🙂 Sending healing vibes from New England this fine September morning!

    Reply
  8. All Seasons

    Wonderful your blog.
    I like your dice on the top, my husband collected dice. He has more than 5000 different dice..
    I will let them sse this photo!
    Have a nice day ☼
    Greatings from Holland
    Patricia

    Reply
  9. sharon

    i am keeping you in thought and prayer. you have a very good attitude about this “inconvenience” and the time will fly by and soon be just a memory. being a believer sure helps in times like these!! take care.

    Reply
  10. Sue J.

    Sidelined, but only momentarily. Concentrate on mending(and read those books you’ve been meaning to get around to), hatch a few plans, and hang in there. Wishing you a speedy recovery. (Oh!. Have you seen pinterest.com? You practically invented this type of art!) best wishes — Sue in Chicago.

    Reply
  11. pinar

    yes it is..
    life is a gift..
    and yes.. the “ça n’arrive qu’aux autres” feeling is worldwide…
    and yes it is hard to be served.. being taken care of..
    or being dependent on others.. who else will know if a rehab doctor doesn’t..
    but being dependant or .. being served by others temporarily.. has a different effect on the soul..
    this will be a short time-out.. from what you were used to and enjoyed doing.. you could enjoy different passe-temps’ waiting ..
    “May God rejoin you and Sacha ” as we say in here .. bless you and your family..
    love and hugs..

    Reply
  12. Marie-Noëlle

    Sending you a palette of rosy, amaranth, crimson, cotton candy, cherry blossom, … pinkish hues to ease your greys and blues of the moment and to help you PAPER your life “en rose” for a while !
    Thinking of you, Corey !!!!!!!!!!!

    Reply
  13. Penny

    During a trying time, my aunt called to see how I was doing. I was trying to put on a brave front, but, my aunt saw through and said “Penny, have a good cry, then get on with it”. I did. Balled my eyes out and was a puffy mess for a day, but, her advice was good and I’ve taken it with me now for more years than I can say. Have your good cry, Corey. It is okay. You’ll move on, I know.
    The bright side? Not having to pull on pantyhose!

    Reply
  14. Rhonda P.

    In a split second our lives can change. That has always amazed me. Take nothing for granted, they tell you and I truly believe it.
    Eight weeks will fly by, I pray, and you know we are all praying for you to recover quickly.
    It will be okay, Corey. The universe wants you to see something….know something…..feel something….who knows….catch up on your rest and know you are loved.

    Reply
  15. Debra

    C. wait a few days to get adjusted and I’m sure you’ll get into your new creative groove. I feel confident this time next week we’ll all be reading about your new project or how you are managing a new endeavor.
    Thinking of you here in Maryland!

    Reply
  16. Jennie

    Thinking of you Corey and hoping the words of these wonderful people will comfort you. I am feeling down for other reasons but am reminding myself that tomorrow is another day and this feeling shall pass. Sending you a big hug..

    Reply
  17. Sue

    Yes, an incredible gift. Praying for a quicker-than-expected and complete recovery!

    Reply
  18. Mélanie Aussandon

    My dad had a moto accident on sunday’s night and he wasn’t injured very much , nothing bad , only scratches …
    And we realized just the same thing as you did , life is a gift and life is very fragile

    Reply
  19. missy

    I agree…..have a good cry whenever
    you need too. You can make the best
    or the worst of it and even tho I only
    know you at a distance I have no
    doubt which way you will lean towards…
    missy from the bayou

    Reply
  20. katiebell

    Dear Corey,
    (apologies in advance for the epic comment)
    thanks for showing and sharing the shadow side of what you are going through. It is hard, I know. I have been thinking of you today and wondering how you are doing.
    I was shocked to hear of what happened as your tale reminded me of my fall and injury fifteen years ago now, that still effects me today.
    Remember when it first happened to you I said if you started feeling melancholy it might help to hear other tales of woe?
    Well, its story time! 😀
    OK, if you are not in the mood, shut your ears, or eyes, and anyone who gets upset by true tales of tragedy dont read on…
    Remember, this is designed to somehow make you feel better? (not more guilty by the way) Oh and I am being brave as I have never told this story publicly like this, but I am doing so for me and you Corey.
    Its a strange Melancholy Get Well Story.
    Nearly 15 years ago, I was 23 years old, with a beautiful son who was three and a half. My partner and the love of my life, my soul mate of six year or life times, suffered everyday from a range of intense and powerful feelings that lead him to be out of control, to self harm, to regularly attempt to take his own life away…
    One day, he did.
    I tried to talk him out of it, to explain how it might effect me and our son, to tell him how we loved him, I pleaded, I begged, I tried to show him how much he was loved, how much he mattered to us. Still he took his life, I tried to ‘save’ him, by climbing the tree in which his life was ebbing away, but I could not.
    (two years before I had managed to with a friend and given our son another two years with him)
    But this time, tragically it was not to be. As I realised this, in desperation I climbed down the large tree to seek help, but I slipped…
    I fell from roof height, three or more meters to the ground, as my partners spirit slipped out of his body…
    I landed hard, and hit my head on a rock, as well as shattering my right ankle at the same time.
    I can not tell the next part now as I will get shaky, but I ended up in hospital with the loss of my man tempered by the damage to my body. It gave me something within me to focus on. Of course I was devastated, like no-one can imagine, and struggled to reconcile the loss of this wonderful man and gorgeous father, with my life as a young mother, student, widow/single woman with her whole life ahead of her.
    The nursing staff were kind and nice and my Mother supported me as you could not believe – she helped me raise my baby and we are all now mostly, well and happy. Though we still miss him like you cant believe, and the damage done has effected me more then I will say now, but limits me daily. Our son has suffered too but is doing well, he is great and strong and 18. He shines with a bright light everyday and makes me very happy.
    Oh and I have found love again!
    But, while I was in hospital, trying to reconcile what had happened to me, which was on a scale I could mot comprehend.
    There was a man in the room next to me.
    (I was in the bowel ward so I could have a room to myself) He would keep screaming and crying out day and night in the most awful, human cries imaginable. One of the nurses explained what was causing his horrendous suffering…
    It turned out that he had been brought to this hospital after having been tortured in Chile, and keep of ripping out this catheter the hospital were using to help him, distrusting them. One day I saw him, assisted hobbling down a corridor leaning on the frame of the drip and the nurses hand during my stay, and it put everything into perspective….
    That mountain of an event which was had suddenly become dominant in the landscape of my life, turning all other incidents previously thought by me to be mountains and valleys into insignificant bumps and dips, was nothing compared to the mans suffering. His suffering was caused by unfathomable, cruel, deliberate damage to his body at the hands of others, people in power, under the inescapable rule of military and government.
    This was something beyond my imagining. Yet, I felt a companionship with him, as I know what it was like to be damaged by an others actions, to have the control of your destiny and body taken away.
    After my operation many surgeons came in to check I still had feeling in my foot, I did. A nurse told me later that I was lucky I did not loose my foot, yet it would never be the same. I was told I would never run again (I never did before!) and other negative projections.
    I kept studying, though I was in a wheel chair for months and was discriminated against. I kept raising our son, raising him everyday helped me keep going. We live in love and the light of life most of the days, though the shadow of absence in our family is present every day. I feel his light and love, though the devastating reality still hits home in layers all the time.
    Years later I took up Thai Chi which helped me immensely and I have long ago decided not to let doctors predictions dictate anything to me. Oh yeah, I can ever run a little now! But I still feel sorry for myself sometimes, and when I do, at times, I remember the man in the room next to me and even though I have lived through what I thought was one of the worst things on earth, I understand how I am comparatively ‘lucky’.
    I hope this tale of melancholy cheers you up dear sweet, kind Corey. I truly hope it does not depress anyone more! If it does, remember please that you are precious and you are loved and we can change the world too. Human beings who are raised in love bring love to the world, those that are harmed and in pain, or who cause pain to others (often the same) are able to heal and transform. Healing is always possible and if scars remain that is the way of change and they can build strength, wisdom and character. Love transforms everything!
    Your wrist will mend, but may not be the same, nothing is lost, everything transforms. Your injury is perhaps, like you said, an opportunity to receive love.
    So I am sending you much, much love, hugs, cups of tea and bed-side, best friend style chats and comfort and company and healing energy.
    Get well soon Corey! 😀 Lots of Love.
    Your friend in healing Katie xxxx

    Reply
  21. Shelley

    Sometimes a forced rest is perfect for taken inventory….or making audio notes for a new book – maybe? – perhaps?

    Reply
  22. Marilyn

    “receiving is not an easy thing to do.” So true. Acceptance is so difficult when life throws us a curve ball. Take care, sit tight, heal, and this to shall certainly pass.

    Reply
  23. Pat

    My mother shattered her wrist at 95 and is doing well. She didn’t need surgery. When she was younger she fell on the icy sidewalk at church and Monday morning she was hanging up the wash outside in the snow! The Lord makes no mistakes. Hope you heal well.

    Reply
  24. Brenda L. from TN.

    Katiebell….this is one of the most tragic but uplifting stories I have ever read. I am so very sorry for your loss but so happy! for your recovery and testimony here on Corey’s blog. You are SO strong and your son is a very lucky young man to have you as his role model for rising above terrible loss.I am simply blown away by your courage.

    Reply
  25. Nancy W

    Corey,
    I think you need to call your Mother and let her offer you at least 3 “Poor babies”! We are never too old to need our Mothers. Sending you “rose colored thoughts”.

    Reply
  26. everton terrace

    Yes, life is such a precious gift. I was thinking yesterday about how happy I am for ordinary days, they are a gift. I was on an airplane coming home from visiting my daughter and thinking fondly about our trip and wondering what all the other people on the plane were doing. Were they coming home or going away? Business, pleasure, funeral, operation? There is a gift and a learning experience in every moment. I’m sorry for your pain, truly. I’ve had 11 surgeries and I know how frustrating the recovery can be but the times I just let nature take its course and I relaxed and waited to heal were best. We are all thinking of you with love and healing thoughts 🙂

    Reply
  27. martina

    Years ago I had a bad accident that required surgery and a week in the hospital. I still have flashbacks of the accident which make my heart race. However I also remember my Dad visiting me in the hospital before he went to work each day. He wore a leather jacket and smuggled Oreo cookies, bananas etc. to me. It was like watching an illusionist, seeing how he had packed the cookies etc. in his jacket. The most memorable part of this though was his smile, smell of his cologne and those big hugs that only a Dad can give.
    It will seem like recovery time drags, Corey, but you WILL get better and stronger. It sucks having to put on a brave front to nonfamily members, but you have to do it. However, let your emotions out in front of your family, they love you and are probably just as worried as you are.

    Reply
  28. Denise

    Take heart dear Corey. Let yourself grieve so that you may move past it. Then, first one step, and then the other, life takes over and with or without a cast, you are lifted up by moments of grace.
    Keep well my friend.

    Reply
  29. christine

    Dear Corey – I too just dropped off my baby to college and it has unsettled this very even keeled Mama. Add to this your wrist and it’s a wonder your able to function at all. Give yourself the gift of knowing it’s ok to feel this way and to not minimize your losses by comparing them to world woes.
    Your in my thoughts and prayers.
    Christine

    Reply
  30. Toni Mason

    Dear Corey, Sending lots of healing vibes and love your way and like Deborah I too am a world class “worrier” and what she says is true (and thanks Deborah for the reminder!) most of what we worry about doesn’t actually happen. It’s OK to be weepy and a little guilty it’s all part of the process of accepting what life throws our way. You are blessed dear Corey and May God speed your recovery.

    Reply
  31. Toni Mason

    It takes courage and love to post such a tragic story. God Bless your courage and thank God for Mothers like yours!

    Reply
  32. Patt

    Sending you sunshine and good thoughts from Northern California. Crying is good for the soul. Letting others take care of you is good for you. This is only a moment in time.

    Reply
  33. Karen

    Dear Katie, I just wanted to say that I am touched and humbled by your story, and by your honesty in telling it and courage in dealing with your loss. Thank you and I wish you and your son every happiness.

    Reply
  34. Karen@PasGrand-Chose

    Dear Corey, Katiebell’s moving story is the most perfect illustration of your final words on this post, is it not? I wish you well – I can really understand the vulnerable and reflective mood this accident could have evoked, and hope you find some lightness and laughter, some compensation, too!

    Reply
  35. Karen@PasGrand-Chose

    Sorry, for some reason my comment above has linked to someone else’s blog! It’s Karen@PasGrand-Chose, correct link here hopefully.

    Reply
  36. Annette

    Take this time to relax in every way, and don’t feel guilty about it!! Anesthesia messes with your head for awhile, but you will be back in shipshape before you know it. Just take the time that is given to you now, and let others help you. Best wishes to you!!!

    Reply
  37. M

    Katiebell,
    words fail me, I send you much love instead and wish you comfort and many many moments of utter happiness,
    Merisi

    Reply
  38. Ann

    Corey, of course you are a little weepy with all that you have been through. I was in a car accident in Dec. and it was a “miracle” that no one was injured. I went through many weeks of thanking God that only the car was lost. It was a reminder that in a few seconds life can take a turn. I came out of it changed with a new focus on what is important. While in the ambulance, the paramedics were angels, and one thing that kept me from losing it was their humor. They had me laughing and from their humor I got my balance. Of course faith is first but what I learned through it all is that God wants a cheerful heart. Hope you have uplifting people who bring sunshine to your day otherwise you have the full heavenly court there to help and guide you. Many blessings for rapid recovery.

    Reply
  39. Jenny N

    Oh, Corey…many hugs and Amen! I remember a couple of years ago, when two of my fingers were nearly unusable because of painful unhealing ulcers (a part of the circulatory issues I still have with my hands in conjuction to my Lupus) I left a comment to you about being down about it and how your posts always seem to lift me. And you kindly responded with a sweet encouragement. Two years later the ulcers are gone and it has been nearly 6 months since my last finger issue. Praise God! But my hand are not the same, fine motor movement is sometimes a struggle and but I thankfully have full use of my hands and am so grateful for that even when I can’t get my wedding ring on because of the swelling. Your post sums it up perfectly…a sacred gift indeed.

    Reply
  40. Tamara Komuniecki

    Hi Corey,
    I’ve had I think 12 surgeries for my Arthritis (I am sure it’s more but I have lost count and have to count the scars!)…there’s a period of time, for me at least, that is somewhat like mourning. It’s mourning the body that I once had and that I am losing with each surgery, it’s the pain that my body is going through, and sometimes it’s as simple an explanation as the chemicals for the anaesthetic and painkillers that are coursing through my body. I give myself ample quiet time and rest, meditation or deep thought, and the best food and drink I can have. It’s a time to return to health in mind, body and spirit. I wish you luck on this journey! You will be strong again, and sooner than you think.

    Reply
  41. Suzanne

    Corey, I fell last October, and hurt my knee….surgery in November and the doctor said it would be one year before my knee would be back to normal. Accidents happen in a split second and never planned. It has made me slow down and enjoy life’s moments. Each one precious! It has been 10 months since my surgery and there are more good days than bad ones now, for which I am so thankful. Now is your time to do the projects that do not require your hands….maybe those books you want to read…audio books are great.
    Anyway, relax and free your mind, it’s best for healing.
    And know that there are so many of us cheering you on
    with cyber hugs and speedy recovery wishes!

    Reply
  42. Sharon Penney-Morrison

    I will pray that your wrist heals to perfection. If not, I pray that you will accept the limits and move on.
    We all seem to be walking with injury, whether mental or physical. I liked Katie’s story.
    No one gets through this life scare free. Lesson’s to learn for the next encounter. Will we pass, or will we fall into a heap of self pity.
    For you and it appears the rest of your follower’s, (Wow! that is a powerful word, “Follower’s)
    we are strong and keep on keeping on.
    Hugs to all
    Sharon

    Reply
  43. Sharon Penney-Morrison

    it is ok to have a small pity party with chocolate and a glass of wine…

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  44. JudyO

    What amazing stories from your “followers”. When something happens to slow me down I always feel I come out stronger on the other side. This is part of the journey. I hope you can rest and reflect at this moment in time and feel all the healing hugs coming your way from all over the world.

    Reply
  45. Amy Kortuem

    You know, sometimes it’s “that one thing” that puts us over the edge. You’ve had quite the year of changes, and the wrist, maybe it’s telling you to slow down. Soak it all in, watch it all fade into the past, look out the window and deep inside for what’s to come. Time to build a new framework for what’s next.
    Blessings as you do so…

    Reply
  46. Tongue in Cheek

    Hi m
    oh my!!! please tell your dad I am thinking of him xxx
    c

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  47. Tongue in Cheek

    dear katie
    thank you for telling me your story…your love and loss. what courage you must have! what love you must have gathered, held on to, and passed on to your son after such utter loss.
    My prayers hold you and your son.
    xxxxx c

    Reply
  48. katiebell

    Thank you Brenda, what a touching response. It is not always easy and I dont always feel I have a choice – I have been given this life and must live it – but it is hard sometimes. I know I have become strong, but dont know how much courage has to do with it… either way your words made me feel proud of me and my life. Maybe you are right, yeah OK I have risen above terrible loss! Thats pritty big isn’t it. Thanks 😉 x

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  49. katiebell

    Thank you Karen. x

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  50. katiebell

    Yes Corey, this is true. I neglected to tell of the love and strength I received from all my community of family and friends in this story. But this deep love is still resonating within me and my world and fills it, with shinning light. We still are gathering this in, so thank you and your lovely fellow bloggers for their kind words and thoughts, these truly travel with us. Love and healing to you Corey. Hope the story helped in some little way, Katiebell. x

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  51. katiebell

    Thank you! x

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  52. katiebell

    Yes, my Mum is amazing! x

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  53. Gretchen Seibert

    And my thoughts go out to the devastated people of Yaroslavl in the loss of their hockey team. How life changes in seconds only . . . .

    Reply
  54. Dinahsoar

    In the bump vein, remember, the bumps are what we hang on to…it is not for nothing we suffer–misfortune, loss, grief and such like are no surprise to God…he is the great Teacher and he chooses our assignments for our good according to HIS purposes. All we must do is accept the curriculum as from his hand and rest in that knowledge…never forgetting ‘he doeth all things well’. Hoping your recovery will be speedy and that you will use this time to pause, rest and reflect. Godspeed.

    Reply
  55. Helen

    Corey – weepy? Exactly, at the drop of a hat. It passes as time heals. I was so weepy I checked myself out on a depression website – it told me to get immediate help! I did not, I am still here…LOL! Guilt happens also, I was guilty of enjoying too many wonderful Art’s Channel concerts and creative arts. I took joy in the smallest things again – regular blackbird sits in the tree at the same time each day, discovering neighbour’s cat sits on our outdoor chair in the early morning sun and the first camellia opening.

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  56. herhimnbryn

    Heal well dear Corey. By chance, I think my latest post could have been written just for you right now!

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  57. Cheryl ~ Casual Cottage Chic

    Melanie,
    Good to know that your dad was not injured seriously. Life is full of surprises…we need to all remember to cherish each other and each day.

    Reply
  58. RebeccaNYC

    So many wonderful comments and stories. I just wanted to chime in to let you know that recovery also includes recovery from the anesthesia, which is a HUGE deal for our systems…it is totally normal to be weepy afterwards..for quite awhile! So patience…if accepting help is not normal for you, this is a good time to learn how to do that. People like to help and it is a gift to accept help gracefully. Life gives us the lessons we need to learn!

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  59. Tongue in Cheek

    prayers sent.

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  60. pattyg

    Beautiful post Corey. I love the opening as well. Wishing you a time of peace and new discovery.
    Katie, thank you so much for telling your amazing story.
    Sending you both love-

    Reply
  61. Melissa

    A few years back, I was involved in an accident. I was sitting in front and was happily dozing away. As customary, however uncomfortable, I always wore my seatbelt. That thing saved me.
    What happened was that my father lost control of the car and we hit the light pole. All I heard was the car hit the pole and I thought, damn, is this how I end? I was drifting away when I heard my mother screaming, telling my father to get me out. That woke me up from my daze and I got out from the car safely.
    It is true, no one does know what happens in an accident. The last thoughts would be whatever that popped in the head. Being in several scary situation that may lead to my death, I sometimes wished that I could know if I were to be remembered and miss. But I digress. 🙂
    Get well, corey.

    Reply
  62. Karen C

    Dear Corey,
    As a nurse I can assure you that your ‘low’ thoughts and feelings will have more to do with the anaesthetic than your state of mind.
    Nobody tells you that – but its a fact.
    Take heart because you will lift very soon and everything will look balanced again.
    Heal quickly xx

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  63. momof5

    Corey, You are entitled to feel whatever it is that is in your heart with no apologies. Feel better soon.

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  64. ellen cassilly

    Healing thoughts coming your way. It’d good to have others wait on you. It is a gift to THEM to allow them to serve you. hugs, E

    Reply
  65. Donna

    Corey,
    I’m so sorry to hear of your accident. And even, worse…surgery! Your comments about feeling weepy, somber, guilty, and unsettled resonate with how I felt 4 summers ago when I fell and broke my ankle while mowing the lawn for my husband, whose back was bothering him at the time. In a split second my life changed. I had to have surgery on my ankle and had 6 pins and a plate inserted into it. I was laid-up from mid-May thru mid-July. I call it “my lost summer.” I have to say that I did not feel quite myself for close to a year after that. But things got better and my ankle got stronger. And, most of all, my mood improved with time. It was a time of great reflection and eventually change, for me. You will come through it stronger in some way, Corey. Sending you healing thoughts. In the meantime, eat chocolate!

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  66. Karen C

    Katiebell’s story reminded me of one of my nursing experiences.
    And in an orthopaedic ward too.
    3 women in the same room.
    One with TB spine – may never walk again. Lived alone no family.
    One young woman with fractured vertebrae from accident. Discovered and lost a pregnancy at same time. Just moved interstate, no family and may never walk again.
    One middle aged mother with an unhealing fracture tied in traction (for over 12 months) Family had all sorts of probs happening (lost their home, failed relationships etc) that she could do nothing about.
    But each day when I was tending them and they would share their lives with me, they would each say the same thing.
    “But at least my problems aren’t as bad as the other two.”
    True story! And I have often recalled that memory during difficult times.

    Reply
  67. carol

    Dear Corey,
    Life is full of ups and downs. No one can be sunny all of the time. The down times make us truly appreciate the up times. Your blog has lifted me up many times when I was feeling down. To me, you and your blog are very spiritual.I am so very thankful for you, even though we have never met.
    It is natural to feel as you do. My son will be leaving for college next fall and my daughter will also be getting married that summer. I have been weepy at the most unexpected times here lately. I am puzzled by it all, as I am not prone to tearing up easily. I am trying to recuperate from a fall and today I was in a wreck on my way to work. It exasperated my previous injuries, but I was in one piece and thankful for it.I have worried off and on all day . Thank you for your honest post today. I needed to read it and all of the wonderful comments from your readers. Thank you all for sharing your stories. Love is what makes the difference. I pray that your recovery is swift. Much love to you.
    xo carol

    Reply
  68. Karen C

    Dear Katiebell,
    Thank you for retelling such a painful memory. I am so sorry that it had to belong to you – or anyone for that matter.
    But you reminded me of one of my nursing experiences which I have retold in a post.

    Reply
  69. Cathy

    Everybody deserves a pity party and then we move on. Life is about change and it’s not always good, but we adapt and try to make the best of it. Don’t forget you’re human. I wish you continued healing and a lifting of your spirits! Take it slow!

    Reply
  70. Diane

    I am so struck by the wisdom and strength of the members of this blog. I learn from you all each day and we are from all over the world and yet the same. Corey, I understand all that you are saying. A speedy recovery to you.
    Diane

    Reply
  71. Jane Ann

    Katiebell, Thank you for sharing your story and the process of transformation. It is much appreciated and is always a timely reminder of how to look at life. It it nice to hear of such triumph after such tragedy. God bless!

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  72. Jane Ann

    Corey, It seems like so many beautiful moments in life come after a trial, a time when we have to yield control to the path of our life. There is so much beauty, joy, and love around us. You have the wonderful insight and opportunity to be able to appreciate it. I’m sure that with hindsight, you will find that this was a precious time of personal growth. I’m confident that God has allowed this, that ultimately you will be blessed. Prayers for peace and joy sent your way.

    Reply
  73. Tongue in Cheek

    Carol,
    Thank you, and my thoughts are with you I hope you are okay after the accident!
    c

    Reply
  74. Joy

    Hi Corey – where’s the photo of the wallpapered cast????

    Reply
  75. jackie

    C, I have this image in my mind of you with wings, flitting here and there, always on the go “90 miles an hour” so to speak. Maybe this is your time to settle a bit, to slow down a little. Take advantage of it! Accept all the love coming your way, (I know it’s difficult as you are a natural born giver, not taker.) Get books on tape, netflix, bottles of wine and stacks of chocolate.
    Take special care. jackie

    Reply
  76. Sam

    Life is indeed a gift to be savored and shared with those who we chose to love, and make a part of our lives. It’s these cozy bubbles that make life worthwhile. Nothing else matters, no matter how much you might think it does.
    Spending the day with some of my treasures today, hope you’re doing the same.

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  77. Paula

    Katiebell, I can hardly see the screen as I write this note, my eyes full of tears. Words fail me, I wish you much love happiness and blessings. xx

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  78. Paula

    Corey I understand totally how you must be feeling now, but you know this is just a glitch and will soon pass. It must be hard for you as you are such a giver, not a taker. Enjoy, for I know you will soon be back to the ‘old Corey’, wrist and all. Sending lots of hugs and wishing you well. xx

    Reply
  79. Jude Jackson

    Corey, like the nurse said, no one expects an accident..or an illness… or any type of misfortune. But, oh my goodness, what wonderful karma you created when you started your blog and so many people have gotten attached to you. There’s a lot of people who have your best interests at heart and I am one of them.
    Take care, Dear.~~~~~~>:<

    Reply
  80. Kiki

    Love; I haven’t got time to read all the comments (79) now and I might therefore repeat things that were said before, forgive me, if I do!
    You have now ample time to read all those lovely messages from your friends from all over the world and I shall put everything away for a moment to add my thoughts.
    We often agree on basic and yet not always accepted and acknowledged facts of life. I had serious troubles with our waste pipes and was for nearly 10weeks w/o any toilet – BUT I was able to buy a camping loo, we have a large garden and it was quite fun in a ‘scouts’ way to find out ways of doing things differently and yet OKish…. We had guests (when do we not?!) who had to accept facts and did, gracefully. We had health problems; they were attended to – I had falls with consequences, I have overcome them – and so will you!
    And always, ALWAYS, every day of our life, we say: All this is NOTHING in the great picture. We have a roof over our heads, enough to eat, a job, friends, family, a rather good health, and most importantly, we have each other, Hero Husband and I.
    It helps to put perspectives and priorities right.
    Read all the books you never had time to read, accept the kindness you receive – accept them without guilt and with thankfulness. THAT was for me one of the hardest things in my whole life – to depend financially on somebody else; I was always the one with a giving hand and all of a sudden I was myself at the receiving end. I learned that too – and I can still be generous with those who have so much less.
    I could go on; but I think this will do for now – my thoughts, smiles and prayers are with you – may you heal well!
    ♥ Kiki ♥

    Reply
  81. GiGi

    Dearest Corey,
    Last year on 9/11, I lost my beautiful daughter to cancer. She left behind a husband and 3 teen-age daughters, one with chronic illness. We thought we couldn’t make it without her, but one year later, while everyone is thinking about death on 9/11, we celebrate life.
    Celebrate your life, your time of rest, and your wonderful family. Most of all, celebrate God’s goodness. You, like my daughter, run wide open all the time. How I begged her to stop, slow down, even quit her job and just enjoy her little family. She chose another path, and I will always wonder if slowing down would have saved her life. But that’s looking back.
    You have a chance to take that big deep breath, and get to know God better, and re-evaluate your life. Don’t waste this time.
    Hugs, GiGi

    Reply
  82. Robin

    Your feeling this way is precisely what makes you so beautiful. To have a soul that understands the depths of beauty and misery AND the grace to place one’s experiences in perspective to both of them is a gift. God’s speed in your recovery.

    Reply
  83. katiebell

    Thanks Paula, I am crying too, today is the birthday of my sons father he would have been 45 today… and I can see him, all breaded and wise, soft and strong and smiley. Love x

    Reply
  84. Brenda, Walker, LA, USA

    I can so relate to what you have written today! But, then again, I often do! So happy to have found your blog months ago.
    Your hints of blue grey and light golden tans match my Fall Vision for my front room at the shop! I found the yummiest remnant of brocade, just enough to make a valance. It inspired everything I have brought into the Vignette! I am so in love with it, it will be somewhere in my home.
    Corey, Do what you can, with or without your hand, your worst is many others best! Just be exactly who God created you to be.
    Apostle Paul wrote: “…In whatever state, I shall be content. I know both how to be abased and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things I am instructed to full and to be hungry, both to abound and be abased (to suffer need) I CAN do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” Philippians:4;11-13

    Reply

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