A hundred days of taking pictures. A hundred days of writing.
Of finding a way to get through the day. A hundred days of trying not to think about pain. (Some of those days I wasn't good at that one.) Of trying to mask the pain and frustration I feel from those around me. (Okay, not always good at that one, either.)
One hundred days worth of sewing, baking, gardening, bird watching, and Target shopping. Of paying it forward with quilts and and concert tickets and expired coupons.
Of downsizing, yet buying more fabric to finish up quilts. One hundred days of trying to focus on the needs of others and on life around me.
A hundred days of self-reflection. Of telling my story.
Of physical therapy, doctor's appointments, medical tests, injections. A hundred days of hoping for a better life.
Of learning to start an exercise habit (54 days in a row now, a little over 16 miles on the bike this week), of kicking the sugar addiction, and of starting to eat salads (even though I still have to mix it with something else).
One hundred days of (trying) to coming to terms with my physical limitations.
Of trying to answer the crucial questions. How do I move on? How can I be a useful, productive citizen when I can't even stand long enough to wash dishes, cook dinner, or brush my teeth? (Not to worry - I do brush my teeth properly, but I have to sit.)
Back on Day 1 I didn't know if I'd ever make it to Day 100.
But here we are. I am still here. I am alive and breathing.
Back on Day 1 I was thankful for my family, for my husband as breadwinner, and for my daughter who let me live with her for my last surgical recovery. I was thankful for the cat that climbed up on me when I wasn't feeling so great and for the roof over my head. I was thankful for the view of the river I have from my living room window. And thankful that on some days I was able to do things that benefited others like collecting coupons to send to military families, making blankets for babies, and making cookies for my physical therapists.
After 100 days I can now add more to that thankful list.
I'm so thankful for my gardens, my ability to write, my camera (for sure!), my commitment to exercising, my time spent sewing for others, the birds that appear out my window, and the beauty around me.
100 days ago I wasn't spending time searching and recognizing the beauty around me. I was lost and didn't know where I was going. I was wandering and floundering in my own pool of unknowns. Bitter and angry.
So many unknowns are still present, but I'm learning to be a better (as opposed to a bitter) person despite my physical restrictions.
And 100 days later I'm thankful to those of you who read my blog and to those who comment on what I write. I'm thankful for your support as I continue to move forward. And thankful that you hang in there with me even when the only things you're reading about are complaints from me.
I couldn't have predicted I'd be where I am now 100 days ago. I can't even imagine where the next 100 days are going to take me!
But on this day - Day 100 - I again discovered beauty in my rose garden. Another rose opened up today.
It just so happens to be the one called "Peace".
