Oh sure, chicken soup is the go-to healing medicine, but it's love and friendship that will really save your life. (Every single time.)

There are many ways that a person can heal from a traumatic event; and there are many traumatic events that a person can experience.

A traumatic event, in my opinion, is one that shakes you to the core of who you are.  It can be an emotional event, or an incredibly painful physical event. And, because I like to go BIG or go home, I’ve been fortunate to have had experienced both in the last several years.

The emotional event is one that continues to be a factor in everything I do.  You remember when I took my life in my own hands when realized that I was the one who had to save myself?  It’s a battle I continue to fight, and although there appears to be a light at the end of the tunnel, I’m certain the scars from the battle will be very long to heal.  Those scars I hide well, and they are tended by the loving support and comfort from all of you, my incredible children and my family.  I can honestly say that I would NOT be as healed as I am today if not for all of that love.

The physical trauma of walking around with an exploded hip socket and broken HIP coupled with the hip replacement was another challenge altogether.   And honestly, I have to laugh at the roadblocks that the universe seems to throw in my path.  I can see God sitting upon his throne speaking to his best buddies and saying with a smile, “Just watch THIS.  She’ll be shocked at first, but MAN is she scrappy.  I can’t wait to see how she solves THIS challenge. Hey Peter, pass the popcorn!!”

I went to the doctor this morning for my staple removal, and to give him a chance to see how I was doing.  I couldn’t wait.  I knew that thanks to the support I’ve had THIS time, I’ve healed at a remarkable pace. 

Mr. Darcy (who is racking up points left and right) was my driver, and was given strict instructions from Bitchy about what I was and was NOT allowed to do.  I was called into the room, and walked unaided through the doors and down the hallway, laughing and talking with Nate, the doctor’s capable assistant.   He asked me twice about the date of my surgery, and shook his head with a smile.  My staples were removed quickly, and I waited for the doctor.  He walked in with a smile, surprised that I was standing near the counter reading a magazine.

“Look at you!” He said, as I walked proudly back and forth across the room.

He was thrilled with my progress, and we discussed what I could and could not do for the next several weeks.  He answered all my questions, and I left the room and made my way Mr. Darcy, who had been waiting patiently in the waiting room.   I walked through the door into that room with Nate, who looked at Mr. Darcy and then back to me. 

“Your husband must be very happy about this speedy recovery!” he said with a wink.

Mr. Darcy, not one to miss a beat, replied, “Well, yes I am!  I most certainly am!” 

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While I know this would be a comfortable place to end this post, I can’t help but think about all the friends who have rushed to my side to help me again.  My very best friend Sheila, who has done more than I can say...and who provided me with a nice bottle of "get well juice" inside a bag of amazing goodies at the hopspital.  Sue, who came to my house with soup, bread, an amazing book and spent several hours lifting me up.  Suzy, who emailed me incredible advice. Elaine, a friend I’ve know since we were 12, who brought a basket of homemade soups and sauces and spent hours laughing and talking with me about everything imaginable.  Karen and Teri who came to see me in the hospital along with Carol, Cheryl and Patti. Brittany, Danielle and Colleen saw me at my worst in the hospital and who have lifted me and keep me laughing every single day at work. There were others who have dropped of plenty of food, magazines, balloons, books and chuckles, and I can’t thank everyone enough.  (And yes, Mr. Darcy has been incredible....but that's another story altogether.....)

Sure the marvels of modern medicine are jaw dropping; but the power of love and friendship?  THAT is what heals the body AND the soul.

I am proof positive of that.




I know I've said it before, but I really AM the richest girl in town.