I understand that January 5th, Whipped Cream Day was not exactly on your radar screen. I also understand you may be wondering why am I bringing it up, at all? The answer is that I have a daily calendar for the new year, and of all that are available online and in stores, I chose one that boasts that “every day is a holiday!” In actuality, this is in keeping with the way I approach life, and so, it beckoned me to start each day with a new holiday, as obscure and contrived as that holiday may be.

Clearly, I sound like a Pollyanna who has no idea how hard life can be for so many. That is not true, I see it every day, interfacing with those who struggle and suffer beyond imagination. It is hard work to find the whipped cream in each situation, and many times, tears linger on my eyelashes long after the conversation has ended. I see my role as meeting those suffering where they are, and leading them to a place where they can enjoy their lives. Sometimes, that means going back to the time before life became such a struggle…the days when whipped cream was enjoyed, metaphorically.

New ostomates often feel they would rather stay in bed than accept their new anatomy. I have met those who have never, will never and tell me they would rather die than deal with their appliance and supplies designed to get them back to life. They lived their entire life never considering the process of eliminating bodily waste, and yet, now that there has been an alteration, they cannot think of anything else. My challenge is to work on body and mind, all as I know there will be a day of positive awakening. If I didn’t believe that, I couldn’t successfully be a mentor.

Support Groups are a gift to any dealing with a huge change in life. Meeting others who have walked the path now unfolding is invaluable. Having that road map, with anecdotal information that has been tried and true, is incredibly helpful. Simple or complex situations are discussed and frequently make the difference between coping and feeling out of control. Just knowing one is not alone can save one from isolation and depression.

Like many things enjoyed in my past, whipped cream is right up there on the list. Who needs the fat content, the calories, the sugar, etc.? And yet, I still remember feeling like a princess whenever it appeared on a sundae, shake, float or hot chocolate. Then, again, when was the last time I had a sundae, shake, float or hot chocolate?

Admittedly, I did not celebrate with great enthusiasm the joyful ode to Whipped Cream on January 5th. I am, however, reminded that everything in life hinges on perspective, attitude and appreciation for anything positive. If we can honor an air-infused dairy product this month, think what we can do by celebrating those who have attacked their challenges and come out on top. I honor all of you, and name today, YOU ARE A HERO DAY!

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