This past weekend was full of milestones. Oddly, I went into the weekend thinking about how and what I'd write about it but then the weekend got here and I didn't feel much like wriitng. Ok, you can pick your chins up off the desk now.. (and I bet that some of you can hear me chuckling behind my screen too.)
Saturday January 21st, brought a couple of very significant milestones. 39 years ago my little sister was born. In my mind's eye she's not so "old".. and being 8 years her senior I have to wonder when I too, got old.
In more recent news, this day was also the 9 year anniversary of my gastric bypass.
The more I think about it, the more my head spins.
Going in knowing that if I do it, I might die, but if I don't do it, I will absolutely die. They didn't think I'd see another 5 years. This usually leads me to ruminating on the long list of things I'd have missed had I not been here. I try not to dwell on the year spent in hospital, and the following year spent convalescing and getting back on my feet.
I can hear at least one cheeky friend laughing as he asks if I'm not here would I even know I missed anything? Not surprisingly, it's the warped and sarcastic among us that have kept me going. Those who never looked at me with sadness and pity, but instead encouraged me to take my hospital bed and wheelchair for races down the hall.
Dad was fond of telling me to get off my ass and get home, that my family needed me. He's always add that if I didn't hurry up that James would find another wife to replace me. Dad was always a big fan of using anger as a motivator. I came to tease James that Dad loved him more than me, and I was not living up to my duties as his wife.
I would be remiss if I didn't mention the lovelies who kept me going from Nurse Liz and her mobile mcgyver spa, to the nurses and PSW's who became my extended family. So many who made an extra effort to brighten our days. I can only hope that they know what a difference they made.
Even after all this time, I think of the kids and how all of the medzone drama affected them. How differently things might be today had none it happened. I have to believe that we are all stronger for the things we've had to endure. Otherwise, what's the point?
Sunday, January 22nd marked another monumental day in the world of me. 20 years ago on this day I moved to Ontario from Vancouver. I always tell people I traded in my webbed feet for snow shovel at the border.
20 years.. so many things I thought I'd never have, and never do. So many things I was told I wouldn't do, and many more I almost didnt get to do. I never thought I'd leave my family, and friends and I sure as hell didn't think I'd relocate so far from home. I've always said that people might be surprised what someone would do for the love of a good man. Though James has always teased that I loved his children first, and they are the reason I came. Ah but yes darling... YOU are the reason I stayed.
From the birthday wish of a little boy, and then a little girl, an unexpected journey unfolds. Looking back in the rear-view mirror, I see so very many bumps in the road. I sometimes wonder how we got here.
I couldn't have imagined 20 years ago that I'd be where I am today. In many ways parts of it still feel like a dream. I do not take my blessings for granted.
I cannot help but anything but grateful.
Saturday January 21st, brought a couple of very significant milestones. 39 years ago my little sister was born. In my mind's eye she's not so "old".. and being 8 years her senior I have to wonder when I too, got old.
In more recent news, this day was also the 9 year anniversary of my gastric bypass.
The more I think about it, the more my head spins.
Going in knowing that if I do it, I might die, but if I don't do it, I will absolutely die. They didn't think I'd see another 5 years. This usually leads me to ruminating on the long list of things I'd have missed had I not been here. I try not to dwell on the year spent in hospital, and the following year spent convalescing and getting back on my feet.
I can hear at least one cheeky friend laughing as he asks if I'm not here would I even know I missed anything? Not surprisingly, it's the warped and sarcastic among us that have kept me going. Those who never looked at me with sadness and pity, but instead encouraged me to take my hospital bed and wheelchair for races down the hall.
Dad was fond of telling me to get off my ass and get home, that my family needed me. He's always add that if I didn't hurry up that James would find another wife to replace me. Dad was always a big fan of using anger as a motivator. I came to tease James that Dad loved him more than me, and I was not living up to my duties as his wife.
I would be remiss if I didn't mention the lovelies who kept me going from Nurse Liz and her mobile mcgyver spa, to the nurses and PSW's who became my extended family. So many who made an extra effort to brighten our days. I can only hope that they know what a difference they made.
Even after all this time, I think of the kids and how all of the medzone drama affected them. How differently things might be today had none it happened. I have to believe that we are all stronger for the things we've had to endure. Otherwise, what's the point?
Sunday, January 22nd marked another monumental day in the world of me. 20 years ago on this day I moved to Ontario from Vancouver. I always tell people I traded in my webbed feet for snow shovel at the border.
20 years.. so many things I thought I'd never have, and never do. So many things I was told I wouldn't do, and many more I almost didnt get to do. I never thought I'd leave my family, and friends and I sure as hell didn't think I'd relocate so far from home. I've always said that people might be surprised what someone would do for the love of a good man. Though James has always teased that I loved his children first, and they are the reason I came. Ah but yes darling... YOU are the reason I stayed.
From the birthday wish of a little boy, and then a little girl, an unexpected journey unfolds. Looking back in the rear-view mirror, I see so very many bumps in the road. I sometimes wonder how we got here.
I couldn't have imagined 20 years ago that I'd be where I am today. In many ways parts of it still feel like a dream. I do not take my blessings for granted.
I cannot help but anything but grateful.
