~THE HANDS OF TIME~

Hands.

It's been almost a month since my surgery and today I'm more thankful than ever for pain-free hands!  I visited my doctor yesterday and I'm continuing to heal while growing stronger every day.  The incisions in my palms are still tender and I have some residual numbness at the tip of my middle finger on my right hand.  But, given the still visible swelling and bruising on my wrists I've been told as the nerve paths heal the numbness should pass.  I'm a slow healer so it's going to take a little more time before I'm 100%.

Trust me when I say I can live with that.  

Hands.

I've learned some interesting things during my month-long hold-up.  None the least being I'm a terrible patient.  My once firm belief I held a high tolerance for pain was thoroughly annihilated by day #3 post-op!  I can assure you BIG HUGS and I'M SORRIES are owed to my Mr. AGPMan.  Amazing man I'm married to~  He has more patience than I and he's kinder, too!  That said, I truly believe he's a happy man now that I'm well on my way to being normal my old self again.

Hands.

Today I have a new found appreciation for them.  I will never look at them the same way again.  I'm serious.  I won't.  Without them I struggled to do the simplest things~

brushing my hair

 turning the page of a book

and opening the lid to a screw-top jar

on my own... 

Thoughts of sewing and painting with ease or doing any other kind of crafting without help caused me to reflect upon every good and common thing in my life.  I missed driving my own car, doing my own housework and running errands.  I found I greatly missed all the things I complained about each and every week...

I'm not trying to be all philosophical here..  I just think it's time I do something about my tendency to WHINE about things that absolutely should be viewed as blessings in my life.

Hands.

Later, when I am buried in the busyness of my days, may I stop and reflect long enough to allow the memories of this experience to influence my frenetic schedule and to redirect my outlook back to the things that matter.  My work can cause me to place more importance on achievements than the everyday gifts I've already been given.

Open hands.  Palms up.

Grateful to God

for healing

and

A husband who loves

and

Friends and family who care

and

Children who call and visit

and

for more chances to share my

thoughts

loves

and

passions

with you.

Love to you...