For some, especially at holiday time, this may be an object one desire, or perhaps the promise of a trip to an exotic place. It may be time with a loved one or a plan for a date. And for some, it may be the key to better health. I choose to look at this as finding the key to better health, because for me, that was illusory for decades. Being a part of the Ostomy community has brought me riches far beyond my musings, a realization that many need what I now have.
Getting here was, at times, draining and painful. But I chose to believe that there would be an answer for my frequent hospitalizations and surgeries. So even without a road to follow, I found one that worked for me. This has opened my eyes to all who suffer, and want what I am hopeful they will eventually have. People I love are sick or in pain, and that breaks my heart. Hearing “there is nothing that can be done” is one of the worst statements one can hear. We all deserve to be at our best.
Acquiring “something” we have wanted may make us smile for a day, a week, a month. We may have even believed that by driving the car of our dreams, carrying the handbag of the minute, wearing a piece of gorgeous jewelry will satisfy our yearnings. And all of these may do just that. But finding the answer to our suffering, inability to enjoy our lives, being caught in the web of medical appointments, brings yearning to a totally different level.
In December of 1992, I received a check from my mother-in-law and father-in-law for my birthday. I was so excited to use it to purchase a pair of red suede high heels. A few weeks later, a major bowel obstruction changed my life, and it was early spring before I could leave the hospital. I thought about those red shoes, imagined wearing them with a beautiful dress instead of the hospital gown I wore. Eventually, I got what I wanted, but it would be March, 2014 before I really got what gave me peace of mind, my ileostomy.
I suppose what I am saying is that we love bright shiny pennies, that is the human condition. But being able to enjoy our health is what really brings us happiness. The truth is, however, we don’t realize how important that health is, until we want to have it.
The saying “If you have your Health you have Everything” really holds true, as you have so Eloquently stated 💕
Even I was in the hospital 85 days in 2021, is not comparing to your suffering, but we have to be grateful we are here. We celebrated this Christmas together with our respective families and always praying the New Year will be wonderful.
I feel so sorry that u had so many years of suffering. It’s wonderful there was an eventual solution for u. So many people, many hide their medical issues. Speaking out as u do gives others belief that things can get better and they are not alone. Always u amaze me.
Love
Bonnie
Ellyn your posting moved me to tears … not of sadness but because I’m so thankful too … for the right doctor getting me to the right surgeon and at the right time. Ironically today my sister brought over some boxes filled with jewelry she hadn’t worn in years to see if I wanted any of it. Seeing all these “excesses” made me feel even more appreciative of my ileostomy and my health …My life has changed so much for the better… 😘
Some of us need a painful jolt to help us to reprioritize our values. Some of us live each day with gratitude and don’t require a medical emergency to shake up our world. Either way, it takes courage to deal with life threatening health crises and to avoid imploding. Ellyn, you do the work of angels. God bless you.
There is no amount of money that can buy you health. Without your health you have nothing. We should all appreciate the fact that we are healthy and everyday make sure we eat right and do some sort of exercise. It is a true gift if we can be w/o pain and live a full life. Be grateful be happy and most of all be healthy!
Excellent reminder about what is important.