Random Thoughts and Random Things

In recent years, I have noticed a lot of blogs, magazine articles, memes, and advertisements for things that used to be common sense, everyday knowledge. I think that if I could put my finger on a single cause, it would have to be the societal drive towards all adults placing career in the highest priority slot. It has been a long, slow slide in this direction. As early as the late 1970's, self help gurus were telling folks to put family and self care ahead of attaining wealth. They were also, just as early, telling people to moderate their diets and schedules. Human nature, being what it is, sometimes works counter to what we know is truly best. We want to be accepted, successful, wealthy, and well-liked. Something in us keeps whispering that we will be happier if we have more achievements. Unfortunately, the tangible achievements we aim for are exactly counter to what truly makes us happy. Happiness is not a tangible goal to reach for; it is in part contentment and in part hope...

I had a total hip replacement surgery on my right hip ten days ago. The surgery went well. The prosthesis seems to be working as it should. Nonetheless, some weird and new things have happened in those ten days. First, I was told to come in at 3:00pm for surgery, but it got postponed until a little after 7:00pm. When I was wheeled into the OR, there must have been twenty people in the room. I was told to sit on the side of a short bed with my legs hanging off the side. The anesthesiologist said, "We need you sitting up for your spinal, then we will give you medicine to make you sleep. " Several people were around the little bed, all looking ready to catch me. I remember seeing the anesthesiologist put a syringe of clear liquid into my IV, and then the next thing I was aware of was people moving around me and I was in a hospital bed. A nurse checked my vitals and I tried to say something which was probably unintelligible because I was dopey and my mouth was dry and my throat ...

I know the title of this post seems like an oxymoron, but there really have been some positive outcomes of my struggles to function in spite of having pain as my constant companion. The reason I am writing this is because I just happen to love my life, and I wouldn't trade any of the really good things for less pain. As a result of my chronic pain, I have had to look in the right places for joy and happiness. My spiritual life has been a lifeline. I would not have seen the necessity of growing spiritually if everything always went right and I never had pain. It gave me a different perspective on a lot of things. As a result of the disability, my children learned to be independent and compassionate. They impress me so often because they are courageous, loyal, intelligent, capable, helpful and thoughtful. They make me laugh at surprising times. They offer help before I ask, and give me hugs when I am in tears. Everyone who meets them tells me how great my kids are. They have learn...