Find Your Own Sun On A Cloudy Day

Progress can be defined as “that forward or onward movement toward a destination.”-Oxford Dictionary.

Here’s what I have been up to post operative.

Learning to swallow solids again. Didn’t know that would be a thing. 

Being interrogated by my bestie as to why my voice does not sound “normal” (yet). Apparently my new nickname is “Froggy”. Spread the word.

Recovering from an adverse reaction to oxycodone.

Feeling like I've been hit by a big rig each and every morning.

Learning to dress and bathe myself without putting strain on my neck and spine.

It’s been a riot. 

On the significantly bright side, the excruciating pain that I was experiencing prior to surgery is now gone.

I had a nothing-short-of-fantastic neurosurgeon. Given and considering the complexity and delicacy of my medical circumstance that felt more like a medical predicament, she nailed it. And while recovery may be a bit more challenging and lengthy than expected, I am doing my best to accept that I am showing up in a different way and that that’s okay. 

I can’t drive yet. Which is no skin off my back (pun not intended) because I’m not really feeling up to it. I can’t lift anything over 5 lbs for 3 months - I’m not complaining. No more contact sports for me - not a concern. Okay, that never has been a concern. 

I humbly admit that recovery has been slower and more painful than expected. I thought I would bounce back and go about my typical routine with some physical restrictions. That I would be back to "Christina" in no time; only with a stiff, less flexible neck. 

I’m in a state of progress. Inch by inch. And it just so happens that I live with the best role model that shows up every day and gives it her all. My autistic daughter has faced more than her fair share of challenges in her 9 years of being on this planet, and she will experience many (many) more over the course of her lifetime.  Despite this, Gia shows up with enthusiasm, tenacity, and grit. If she can do that, I can certainly do this.

I am a proponent of a positive mindset, finding the sun on a cloudy day. When I came to after surgery, I saw that I was wearing yellow socks. My favorite color is yellow. It made me smile and reaffirmed brighter days lay ahead.

After all, the sun doesn’t truly rise or set. It’s our position that changes.

-Frankly Christina 💋