Grueling

We are a week away from spring break at my school. We all, students and adults alike, have a case of spring fever. It has been a grueling stretch and this week will be even more grueling. Winter cold and darkness are challenging each year. As the pandemic lessens the grip it had on our normalcy, this year has felt less heavy than the two previous. But we aren’t done with the impacts the pandemic and other current circumstances have had on us. Those circumstances will be playing out for years to come. Grueling.

It has been over six months now since I had a hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oopherectomy. I am a stickler for calling something what it is. I gave up six body parts that day to rid my body of a pre-cancer threat. A hysterectomy is “just” removal of the uterus. It is the oopherectomy that has provided the most grueling aspect of surgery recovery—the loss of almost all of the estrogen I still had left as a post-menopausal woman. It has been difficult. Grueling. Maybe your story was different. Maybe easier. Maybe worse. That is not for me to say. I can only tell you my story.

I have had grueling training runs. Grueling miles in marathons. I have had grueling stretches of recovery from alcoholism-mostly when I get in my own way. What is grueling in your life? Not that we need to dwell on it, yet it is important to acknowledge, identify, feel the surrounding emotions. Then move on to the next right actions.

Something that is not grueling for me is spending time with our two grandsons Aaron and Leo. Today is Leo’s seventh birthday. Already! We were with his mom Emily as she went into labor and we have watched him grow into his own person. Spending time with him or his cousin is always good for the soul and spirit. I smile and laugh more. I let go of the weight of the world and embrace the moments at hand. Happy Birthday Leo! Have a special day!