The biggest change: My husband and I have moved to southern California. I've also started my own business, Chowhound Photography. My husband has started a new job, everything in life has changed. Everything.
I am so happy to say that I am feeling better (Finally!). My leg pain is almost non-existent. I still get headaches, but so much less than even a year ago. I truly believe the biggest thing that has helped me is the move to CA. The pressure changes and the atmosphere in Washington was so difficult for me - so many changes in the weather, it was always damp and chilly. Here, Encinitas, is so much more consistent and SUNNY. I was made to live in the sun. If you know me, you know I will do anything to be in the sun. And it helps that I get a fabulous tan. I'm not bragging, it's true.
No words can accurately express how I'm feeling. I have mixed emotions. I remember the difficult journey that I've been through these past 7 1/2 years, and I know there are more obstacles ahead. I know that I will never be pain-free. I know that now. But I finally feel like I'm starting to get myself back. For so long I had so little control over my body - pain would dictate everything. It would dictate my mood, what I could do that day, etc. Pain would hang on me, wrapped me up like vines. I finally feel like I'm wriggling free and controlling my body.
So how did I 'celebrate' my surgery anniversary?
I ran. No music, only the sound of my feet, Georgia's feet, my breathing.
I went to the beach. I watched the pelicans, felt the sun, listened to the waves.
I visited with friends, walked, relaxed.*
*I did start the day with a frustrating conversation regarding my camera that is being repaired, but that was the only speedbump.
I don't really know what else to say. I am moving forward in my life, I am surrounded by an amazing support network, I'm working toward a career that I absolutely love. It's good. I still struggle. It's still hard. I still hurt. But I feel myself moving forward.
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| My lady friends |
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| Friends enjoying an evening at the beach |
