I Am Humbled
It’s been a while since I’ve blogged; it’s been a while since I’ve been able to do anything other than tackle the pain in my back. Yes, pain. It’s been six weeks now, and the pain in my lower back is still exquisite most of the time. That isn’t to say I haven’t been trying some treatment modalities for the situation, but as it turns out, there is no magic wand available to eliminate the pain, which has been explained as a neural entrapment, and “it’s a process” seems to be the mantra I have had to adopt.
I am not used to pain. I’ve been blessed with good health and strength and only an occasional episode of discomfort. This is an entirely new, and humbling experience. I have gained a new empathy for people who are in constant pain. It changes you, in ways that test the endurance of yourself and those around you. While my family has been sympathetic and helpful, especially Jim, I am sure that my limited topics of conversation and limited physical abilities are getting tiresome. They certainly are for me! But, every day there is an inch or two of improvement, so I’ll just have to practice my patience.
We finally had a real snow storm in Denver. Twelve and one-half inches fell over about 36 hours and everything screeched to halt: schools, some businesses, government offices. Once the sky cleared, the view from our roof of the snow-sparkled city was kind of pretty. I’ve attached a few photos.
The job searches continue for both of us. We’ve both made it to a few short lists and actual personal interviews, but the competition is stiff and if someone comes along with any past experience, they are invariably, and logically chosen. “It’s a process.”
The snow, cold and icy streets have not deterred a lot of Denver’s bike commuters. They bravely navigate the routes that lead to the bike paths, which, are mostly clear except for shaded areas. Jim has been bicycling for groceries and for fun, but even he is not willing to ride on the streets when it’s icy. Fortunately the bus is convenient and mostly reliable and we never have to deal with traffic or parking if we travel by bus. The light rail is pretty wonderful, too, and is especially helpful for excursions to IKEA or Park Meadows shopping mall.
I’ll finish this rambling blog by recommending a book that has been a pleasure to read: The Swerve: How the World Became Modern by Stephen Greenblatt. I can’t say enough about what a enjoyable book this is. Please check back later in the week for an addition to the Sleeping Under Yard Lights page and be sure to click on Map our Journey and see how Jim has polished up our interactive big adventure map.
Back pain over an extended period is so NOT fun. Hard to practice patience. I’ve been so pain-free since last summer (a strange knee thing that came and went as mysteriously as these things do). Yesterday after walking the levee (uneven terrain because of snow in various stages) my right knee felt “funny”. Iced it and did yoga today and skied. And it doesn’t feel “funny” now. We’ll see about tomorrow. Lots of swans looking gorgeous at the Pines where I skied. It’s amazing to me how they seem content with a bath-tub sized pond. Sending you energy to finding the job you want.