Healing Takes Time and Energy

Inside: Everything—including writing—takes longer and requires more stamina these days. And I’m learning to be OK with this. ~

Here we are, two months after the day I got hit by a car while riding my bike.

I don’t remember the accident or much of that first week. But Randy remembers.

After receiving a call from my phone number with a stranger’s voice telling him to get to the hospital ASAP, he was by my side for all of it, talking with doctors and nurses and other medical people about what he might reasonably expect after such an event.

The possibilities were dire, let’s just put it that way.

Fortunately, none of the worst-case scenarios panned out. When friends come to visit, I’ve heard comments like, “You look much better than I was expecting.” One doctor I saw a few weeks ago even expressed amazement at how well I’m doing, given what happened to me.

I don’t know why the accident happened or why my life was spared, but I’ve been the recipient of one blessing after another though this whole process. Thankful doesn’t begin to describe how I feel about this.

At the same time, recovering from traumatic brain injury and a badly broken leg takes time. It’s not like healing from abdominal surgery, which I’ve done several times in my life.

Everything takes longer and requires more energy.

Follow up appointments. Physical therapy. Creating shopping lists. Showering. Walking up stairs.

Even writing thank-you notes for meals and other kindnesses has—at times—seemed overwhelming. So has writing pretty much anything else.

Here’s what I’m learning about this. The words will come when they come. There’s no need to rush or to hold myself to unrealistic expectations. (This lesson might be helpful for you too, perhaps about something besides words and writing.)

I’d like to get the thank-you notes done sooner rather than later. But right now, most of my energy is going toward healing and doing everyday tasks I took for granted before. Which means that other writing will fill in the cracks for a while.

Here on the blog, there may be weeks here and there when I don’t post anything. I hope to share a few pieces I wrote before my accident, and some from the archives that seem timely.

I have ideas for new content too, and while I don’t have a rigid schedule, I’m trusting those words will come when the time is right.

In the meantime, please know I’m thankful for you and hope your summer is off to a wonderful start!

♥ Lois

P.S. I’m linking up this week with #tellhisstory, InstaEncouragements, Let’s Have Coffee and Grace & Truth.