Another Milestone! It never ceases to surprise me when I calculate “our number”… 5,480 days ~ and counting!
I began preparing for this post several weeks ago. I always look back and reread what I wrote the prior year, which helps me recognize the changes we’ve made. Looking at year 14, I thought, I should cut and paste it for this year’s post; not much has changed.
I’ve been at a loss for words, and deep in the tidal wave of yearly emotions and memories that randomly swell as Corey’s anniversary date approaches. Looking for inspiration, I began a morning ritual of sitting on the back deck with my coffee and tried to “listen” and “look” for signs that would guide me.
SIDE NOTE: This summer I hung a hummingbird feeder on the deck. My mother loved hummingbirds. They remind me of her. As I watch them darting around and perching on their feeder, I imagine she’s transformed and has come back to visit me. Out loud, talking to my hummingbirds, I plead, “OK mom, I need help! This is still hard. Harder in many ways than it was in the beginning. I’m trying to stay strong and focused. I’m trying to stay positive as we are navigating some serious changes for both of us. Please, send me a message”!
Last week it came. One of my motivational mentors popped up on my social feed. Mom introduced this author to me years ago when I was struggling with “other” life challenges. This was my sign…
COMPASS HEADING
It’s not the severity of the challenge that determines success or failure, but rather your vision of what’s beyond the challenge. With a good enough reason to get through it, you get through it.
Purpose finds a way to prevail. When you’re clear about the why, you figure out and implement the how.
Imagine crossing a vast ocean for thousands of miles, with no landmarks to guide you, with constantly changing currents and winds. How can you possible hope to get to your intended destination? For centuries, sailors have repeatedly done just that. They each know what compass heading to follow, and keep their ship pointed in that direction.
Are you certain about where your compass is pointing and why? If so, the storms of difficulty and the winds of distraction will not obstruct your achievement, but can in fact push you toward it.
When forces beyond your control swirl around you, as they always do, you have the opportunity to provide the essential constant. Clearly know why you do what you do, and harness those forces in the service of your purpose ~ Ralph Marston
Corey’s the Compass
15 years ago today, we started this journey. The compass heading was to help Corey regain whatever abilities she could. We have been working hard at that for 5,480 days! During this time, she’s made and continues to make some gains, as well as suffer some regression, but we maintain the course. Today, 15 years later, Corey finished the last day of her most recent therapy cycle at Bryn Mawr Rehab, where it all started! Her determination and exercise has not stopped.
When I asked Corey what her thoughts were about Ralph’s message and this milestone anniversary, she was quiet and then added, “Brain Injury is like a really dark storm. No matter how hard it is to see your way, you have to keep looking for what is bright in your day. I was given this life because I’m strong enough to fight through it”.
Our compass heading remains constant…Never Give Up and Never Give In xoxo