A little over a year ago, while walking with a friend on a trail with new snow, my hiking boot unexpectedly slipped. I body-slammed the ground.
Twenty-four hours later x-rays revealed a broken left shoulder and wrist. My wrist was immediately immobilized and my arm was secured in a sling. Months of healing followed, filled with discouraging pain and my stubborn Aries determination.
While I am fiercely independent, I had to learn to let it go. Astounding things took place because I asked for help. One friend volunteered to go grocery shopping for me, and then spent the day in my kitchen doing food prep so I could manage cooking for myself. Girlfriends came over to help me dress until I could work out how to do it on my own. When I was unable to drive, I was given rides to places outdoors where I could walk safely, to doctor and physical therapy visits, and to gatherings so I wouldn’t feel isolated and alone.
Montana’s mostly overcast winters are a mix of snow, rain, sun, and freezing temperatures. Snow and treacherous ice built up on my long driveway. I asked neighbours if they would help clear the very top of the drive of snow and ice, and a friend lugged up a heavy bag of ice melt to help with its maintenance.
I am so grateful for my small village of friends who, when I needed them most, said “yes.” I am now nearly 100% healed, and my strength is constantly improving.
This year Hanukkah overlaps with the winter solstice and Christmas. It feels like a trifecta of the return of light. I see a metaphor in it: celebrate beginning anew, enter a new chapter, and bring all the people I love along as I go.
My wish for you is to not need an unexpected turn of events to recognize the warm and supportive village you’ve built. Find your own personal metaphor for the return of light and celebrate it brightly.
Marlene
Missoula, Montana