One Month, Recuperating and Reflecting

Taking a few minutes today to declutter on the inside. I injured my dominant shoulder one month ago.

Where am I now …

My shoulder is healing. I can’t move my shoulder yet, but the pain is mostly a dull ache. The bruises up and down my arm are more yellow than purple. I can do more with my right arm – tugging on stretchy shirts, carrying a dish back to the kitchen, and yes, drawing a bit. To type, I pull my right arm into position … and can reach most of the keyboard, although I resort to left-handed hunt and peck at some point. I still sleep in a recliner – since it is manual, I can almost get in and out on my own. Each week, I see more progress. I get my first set of updated X-rays on Thursday. The body’s ability to heal is magnificent. I know I still have a ways to go, but I am encouraged.

What are three words to describe the past month?

Emotional
Disruptive
Hopeful

You might be nodding – sure, emotional, disruptive – but how have the past few weeks been hopeful? I’ve been reminded of the goodness of God – He is with us, His presence gives hope. Each year, I lean harder on the sovereignty of God – it’s a place of rest and comfort. That’s not to say I haven’t had my share of pity parties, tears, or frustration. A dear friend reminded me recently that’s called being human. But the walk with God is sweeter like the old hymn says …

Of Jesus’ love that sought me
When I was lost in sin,
Of wondrous grace that brought me
Back to His fold again,
Of heights and depths of mercy
Far deeper than the sea
And higher than the heavens,
My theme shall ever be.

Sweeter as the years go by,
Sweeter as the years go by;
Richer, fuller, deeper,
Jesus’ love is sweeter,
Sweeter as the years go by.

Lelia (Mrs. C.H.) Morris (1862-1929)

When was a moment of joy in the past month?

Moments of joy this past month have been friendship made visible and tangible. Many have texted and prayed – I appreciate those notes so much. Some sent gifts and cards – each one a treasure. The in-person visits have been awesome. One brought dinner and prayed with us. Another brought her kids and sat down to chat. One brought flowers and smiles. To name them all would be too much.

Then, there was a special visit with a long-distance friend. The doctor gave me permission to go out of town, telling me the flight might be uncomfortable. And it was. But the change of scenery, the desert air, and the sweet fellowship with long-time friends were priceless. We had such rich conversations, delving deep into cultural issues and theology. My friend was compiling a list of advice for the younger generation – what not to do as you age. We laughed as we talked about her list!

I’m so grateful for friends who have pampered and prayed for me! Every prayer you have voiced on my behalf this month is precious to me.

What is saving your life?

My husband, homemade soup, drawing, stretchy tees, and Substack!

My husband, Ron, has been my ministering angel. I could do very few things for myself when I first fell. He has bathed, clothed, and served me. The laundry machines are busy just about every day – especially in that first week when there were only a few comfortable pieces of clothing. We have had many humorous moments – so good to laugh with him! What a joy he is to me. He has accepted the challenge of cooking dinner, tackling my favorite soup recipes. As the days move into autumn, I love soup. It’s my favorite way to eat my veggies, lol. Ron has made three lovely soups in the past few weeks!

About six months ago, I decided to pick up a new hobby. I like to doodle, but never took art seriously. I decided to read about neurographica and zentangling. Both are somewhat mathematical, loose, and definitely abstract. I began filling a sketchbook with a drawing a day. I watched YouTube videos, copied the work of others I found online, and then began creating some of my own pieces. The drawing was then and still is about process – not about perfection. It’s a practice of slowing down, breathing, and exploring creativity.

At first, I didn’t think I could draw when I broke my shoulder. And it is difficult. But mostly, I have learned to position my hand on a surface and move the sketchbook to facilitate drawing. Inktober is an annual challenge, and I decided to post a daily drawing based on the prompts before I fell. I post to illustrate if I can draw, anyone can!

Stretchy tees are saving my life. We first cut a few pieces of clothing to accommodate my broken shoulder. But then I learned which of my button-down blouses could work for leaving the house and identified the tees perfect for lounging. After four weeks, I can mostly dress myself in my lounge clothes – a great feeling of self-sufficiency.

Last, I have been struggling with reading lately. I find it hard to focus for more than a few minutes. Finishing a full-length book is a challenge. So, reading shorter pieces has been feeding my mind and soul. Recently, I have been exploring the authors on Substack. Reading their essays has been enriching. I don’t write there yet, but you can find me to see who I follow. Maybe you’ll find a new great read!

What am I looking forward to in the next four weeks?

Mobility/Therapy
Autumn temps
Christmas music

The doctor will give me my next steps this week. Originally, he said it would take eight weeks of healing before I start therapy. So, I may still have another month of immobilization. We’ll see. While I know therapy will take work and involve discomfort, I look forward to regaining movement in that shoulder.

The rainy season has arrived, heralding autumn. We have had more rain in a few days than in the last six months; that’s not official, but seems that way. It’s still warm and quite muggy, but there is a 20-degree drop coming in the next week. I’m here for it!

And, yes, I’m ready for Christmas music. In fact, the other day, I was feeling quite blue, so I turned up a fun a cappella group singing holiday songs. Ron raised his eyebrows, but when I said the music made me smile, he was thumbs up … and headed to his music room, noise-canceling headphones, and jazz.

Prayer

Father, You who knit me together the first time,
Thank you for doing so again and again.
I praise you because, as the Psalmist reminds me,
You are great, good, gracious, and glorious!
You are righteous in all Your ways and
Faithful in all You do! As You walk with me today,
Lift my spirits, draw me close, cause my mouth
To sing Your praises. Amen.