How many drafts can I write before finally finishing a new post?
Seriously. I think I’ve written at least fifteen.
There have been posts about crazy people, posts about jobs, posts about love, posts about war. I’ve had thoughts on Robin Williams, thoughts on poetry (I haven’t written any in a while) . . . My most effective writing comes from what is closest at hand, closest to my heart.
I’ve had this week off and expected I’d get something written — anything. But then last weekend I broke my collarbone on a ride in Napa, and now tomorrow I’m having surgery. And now I’m no longer sure I can write at all: my mind is so scattered.
But here’s to never giving up — and to the people we love. Here’s to Jon for wiping away my tears when I’ve been frustrated; for putting my hair in a ponytail for me because I can’t. Here’s to my dad for being the best dad and surgeon ever. And here’s to you for being the wonderful person that you are —
Because whether you’re facing Ebola, or brain cancer, or a broken arm, or high bills . . . Whether depression, or job dissatisfaction . . . Whether bombs, or terrorists, or starvation, or natural disasters . . . Your struggles are valid and important. YOU are important.
But remember to be thankful for the little things. Don’t ever forget to be grateful for what you have. When you raise both arms above your head to slip on your shirt this morning, say “Thank you, Jesus!” because, honestly, some people (like me) can’t!
..
shift 
Positive thoughts your way.
Thank you so much!! The same toward you!
Tough spot, Jessica; hope your surgery goes well and you recover quickly.
Thanks, Matt. In six or eight weeks I hope to be good as new…
THIS is why I remain as inactive as possible. :0)
Here’s to a quick mend…
The injury wasn’t my fault! I may have to explain exactly what happened in a future post… If you are inactive, you will run into all sorts of other health complications later. Being active is good! I can’t wait to get back on my bike. ;)
I hope you heal quickly, very sorry to hear about that. You’ve offered good advice. I’ll take it. I’ve been in situations where I needed help getting dressed. I know how that feels.
Keeping good thoughts for you.
Thank you, Dan! It is tough to be dependent on others, that’s for sure.
Hope all goes well and your recovery is soon. And I’ll always remember to be thankful. I promise.
Thank you, Allwin. I know you will!
I was going to email you today to see how you’ve been (other than quiet :) ). Now we know. Take good care.
Email away! I’ve just been ridiculously busy with work — and now this. Hoping for a job change soon. I’m tired of never having time to write.
prayers, peace and morphine – not necessarily in that order
Thank you, Hoss. Prayers, peace, and moonshine for you — and not necessarily in that order, either. ;)
Thank you, Jess. Your timing is perfect as I make my transition back to the U.S. Nice to hear from you again! I hope you will stretch through this thing and remain positive. My thoughts are with you.
You’re back, Matt? Oh boy. I’ve been back about two years now — hard to believe. It’s good to hear from you, too. I look forward to hopefully catching up with you soon!
I’m so sorry to hear this bad news. Take care and think good thoughts and before long you’ll be past ‘this too shall pass’ episode. I don’t remember hearing you say that your Dad is a surgeon. That’s super! When you’re feeling better the writing will come.again. Don’t worry about it.
Thank you, Marie. Yes, my dad’s an orthopedist. I’ve mentioned it once or twice in previous posts but don’t often bring it up. Yes, I’m surviving, and hopefully I’ll have a schedule that allows me to write more often soon. I’m looking for a new job…
Good to hear from you Jess but sorry to hear you’re having surgery tomorrow. Hope your surgery goes smoothly without complications and you have a speedy recovery. Praying for gods wisdom to be with the hospital staff caring for you. No matter what you’re going through, God’s with you and you’re not alone (especially when you wake up jn pain afterwards that can be scary).
Thank you, Sophia. I know I’m not alone, and I know God is with me. Sometimes these things even happen for a reason, although they are hard to see at the time. Hopefully I will find time to write more often in the near future — if only I can find a new job!! (Pray for that, too.)
First the good news: Collar bones find themselves and unite faster than we do. Then the other good news: gettin’ some good writing done.
Thank you so much, Mike. I wish collar bones healed faster, actually. Six to eight weeks without my bike? I am trying to convince my doctor to let me get on the trainer sooner, actually. ;)
…and we get to read it. Kind of selfish of us.
Aww, thanks, Mike. Means a lot. Now I just need a new job, too, which will allow me more time to write!
Hope you get well soon, Jess. Positive energy your way from my end of the world. It’s always frustrating when we think we’ll have time to do something, and set aside time for it…but when the time comes nothing ever goes to plan. So…maybe best to enjoy and live in the moment, count ourselves lucky with what we have, like good health. I am sure you will be riding and biking soon before you know it :)
Ouch! Hope your recovery is speedy.
Thank you, Fraggle! You are so sweet.
I sure hope so. Thanks so much, Mabel! You are so right that almost nothing ever goes as planned. It is true that we should never take anything for granted — and especially not our health — but that is far easier said than done!
As usual, your writing not only touches me, but it kind of reaches out and smacks me on the face! Thank you for thinking of all of us, and reminding me to be grateful for the little things like being able to raise your hand above your head…which is really quite big actually!
Sending you positive thoughts and wishing you a speedy recovery!
Aww, thank you so much. That means a lot! Way more than you know…
Hope your surgery went well, Jessica, and you’re well on the way to a full recovery!
Thank you, thank you! A follow-up post coming soon (I hope).
Great words Jess, very uplifting to say the least. Hope things mend quickly and you get back out and active. As you mentioned, being active is so very important not only for the body but the mind.
Thanks, Mark! Your comments always mean more than you know. So glad you enjoyed the post. :)
Thoughts and prayers are with you, Jess!
Thank you, thank you!! I need them both!
Ouch Jess, I know this must be very frustrating for you…but it also is a great time to assess and reassess, and you will come out of it all stronger than ever (your mind for sure, and then after a few week, your body). Keep up the positive thinking and when you look back at this time you will shake your head a bit, but also “remember” it in a positive way. Take care!
Thanks, Randy. Thank you so much. Hope you’ve been taking care of yourself, too!!
Broke your collar bone? Oh my god, I feel so much pain for you right now. My sister, brother in law and I were hiking around yellowstone national park last month and I was telling them about your fall, and they just couldn’t believe it so I came here to find the article and send it to them and now I see that you’re hurt again. But you just keep keepin on…
Hi Sreejit!! Yes, I am keeping on. I think of you often as I now work in San Ramon and have many many Indian-born students!! That’s awesome that you were able to visit Yellowstone. I’ve never been there and really want to go! I also never wrote a post for you. :( How did life get so crazy?