CRASH! BREAKING MY “HUMERUS” BONE

There I was, cruising along in my life… then everything went to pieces. I had been ‘ridiculously busy’, taking care of my aging mom and running a successful healing clinic. I was, in essence, living a very fulfilling life.

My mama was happy, articulate, and engaging, even at 90 years old. Her smile could melt even the most hardened heart. It felt like an angel lived in our midst.

I loved my work. My patients were getting great results. Using the techniques I had spent years learning and honing, I was able to alleviate much suffering. The clinic was described as a “bit of heaven on earth”.

The holidays were upon us, and they seemed exceptionally special. The house was decorated, lights sparkling and the place was lively. It was warm and we hosted several family get togethers, with wonderful music and gift-giving. Caregivers were coming and going, and we included them in our holiday sprit. Mama enjoyed every moment. We even bundled her up, oxygen tank and all, to go see some neighborhood Holiday lights.  

A few days into the New Year came the crash.... I fell, breaking my right humerus bone in the process. Within a few days, Mama passed. Neither were very humorous events to be sure, to have the two happen so closely in time was almost unbearable. I was physically broken and heartbroken all at once. I lost physical well-being, which led to losing my livelihood. I couldn't drive, I could barely walk. I felt old in an instant. Losing my mom, a driving positive force in my life, was just awful. My sisters who had been around helping care for mom for months, went back to their lives. Around the same time, my best friend moved away. Everyone was gone. The caregivers, the sisters, the family, the friends and there I was, in silence and in pain. I was afraid I would never get back to my old self. 

Somewhere along the way, I lost my joy and sense of humor.

The good news is that I did not lose my perspective. I knew, I just knew and felt in my heart, that something good would have come out of this.

Recovering took time. I had surgery, therapy, and lots of moments to think deeply. I started listening inside. I journaled and wrote about what was going on. I got to take an in depth look at what it really takes to recover and feel alive and participate in life again. Inwardly, I heard the title of a book, “I’m Still Alive, Now What?!?” which I proceeded to write and publish. The whole process of successfully surviving a life-changing event revealed itself to me, and I began to find my humor again. My life purpose was revealed in a new light. I found a wonderful pathway of healing that I now share with others.

My joy comes from helping people in person as well as through writing. I now spend my days writing, traveling, coaching, speaking, and encouraging others as they struggle with difficult times. 

I assist people in embracing all of life, the good and the bad, and to find the lessons in all of it.  Above all, I assist others to find their aliveness, their joy and humor again, just as I found mine.