Day 8 – Gratefulness.

8 Elul 5775
by Rhea Dorn

A little more than three months ago I thought I was superwoman capable of anything.  Now, each step I take I am amazed and humbled.  

This journey began in the gym when I flew off an exercise ball and crashed, ending up in surgery to repair my broken femur.

Shocked into submission and sadness, I began my journey back in a rehab hospital.

Of course these things happen to many other people in one form or another.  We live in luxury, so our come downs have resources for recovery.

But I did not have this world view lying in the bed staring out into the void, feeling sorry for myself.

“Hey Rhea, get up and work and get the hell out of here.”  This jolt of reality from my inner brain got me going.

It took longer than I had figured to go from  walker to cane to nothing.  From deflated energy to little by little stamina building.

 

I had an appointment with Deanna to meet in the Sierras to do our annual camping and hiking trip and was determined to get there.

Could I drive all day to get there? Could I set up the tent and get down and up from the ground?  Could I walk on those rocky trails?  

Gratefulness, amazement and happiness to be in the best place in the world, in the high mountains.  

Listening to the waking birds early in the morning – feeling the sun as it appears in the sky – taking steps up to another view, one by one.

Oh my goodness, can you believe I am here.  Can you believe I was birthed?  Can you believe I have this chance at joy, at wholeness, at wonder?

Of course I still complain and act without patience but I have that other voice inside that tells me to be amazed, to be grateful.

Yours,
Rhea

3 Responses to Day 8 – Gratefulness.

  1. Carol Black August 23, 2015 at 7:06 pm #

    Rhea thank you for your courage in sharing your stages of recovery. You are back again. Cheers!

  2. Lisa litman August 24, 2015 at 10:32 am #

    I’m so sorry to hear about your injury! I hope to see you back hiking with the tbs group!

  3. Rise' Kirbo August 24, 2015 at 3:36 pm #

    Amazed and grateful to have you share your honesty and humility with us. You are an inspiration!