Reflections
I saw the first butterflies of the season today. Such symbols of hope and rebirth!
So too are the blooming bulbs. From a seemingly dried out root comes a stalk of delicate bloom that fills the room with beautiful fragrance. Out on the bank, the first shoots from the tiny daffodil bulbs I planted 4 years ago are springing up from the earth as the snow melts.
How I pray that the earthquake ravaged regions of the world, Japan, New Zealand, China and Haiti will also have beautiful rebirths, that out of devastation will come miraculous and beautiful change.
How I pray that the nations of the earth will sit up and take notice. That no matter how arrogant mankind is about their perceived ability to rule and control, there are greater powers at work. That they would acknowledge that there is a great and awesome God, who asks only that we should know and love him and in return love all of his creation, from the rest of humanity, to the lowliest creature and that we should care for his creation and nurture it.
As you may have noticed, I haven't done much stitching lately. My time has been spent at work, attending various classes and conferences that are work related, such as NRP (neonatal resuscitation), fetal monitoring and breastfeeding. I am working towards becoming an IBCLC (international Board Certified Lactation Consultant) as well as becoming certified in Maternal Infant nursing.
In addition, I have been preparing these past few months for bariatric surgery. I have struggled with excess weight for many years and recently my weight began impacting other areas of my health. So after years of trying numerous methods of weight loss, eating very carefully, and trying to get more exercise, all with little and only temporary progress, I decided to go the route of surgery. I have been working for the past 6 months with a team of Doctors, Nutritionists, Physical Therapists and Psychiatrists to prepare for this massive lifestyle change. Now my surgery is scheduled a little over a week away ~ with the start of spring! I am excited, a bit anxious, but looking forward to becoming healthier, more active, more able to spend time doing the outdoors things that I love (and already thinking about all the hikes I want to do!) and yes, looking forward to fitting into smaller clothes!
So, lots of changes in my life this year. Lots of renewal. Remaking. A rebirth of my own.
Comments
Hugs,
Susanne
I will pray you through the surgery and beyond! I understand the challenges ahead. I didn't have the surgery but made massive changes - with tons of medical and family support - and have had a big weight loss. More to go but I am feeling SO good again and health issues have all reverse. It's worth it, dear one. You won't regret your decision. I'll be here for you. Praying and supporting all the way.
~Adrienne
Hugz
Sandy
Best wishes for your surgery.
I will be thinking of you in the coming weeks after having this procedure. It must be a hard decision to make.
I was with 2 gals from MN last July in St. Louis and they both had the surgery and showed me before and after pics and I was amazed. They had been over 3 years since surgery and were doing wonderful. They each had a support group they said they depended on.
Take care dear friend.
Hugs
FredaB