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Day 342. Dedication

2/8/2016

5 Comments

 
Dedication can be very difficult and it bumps up against another "D" word that has not always been my strong suit. I'm talking about discipline. I would end say I'm not the most disciplined person in the world. When I want to defend myself about that, I usually play up my spontaneous side and talk about how I like to "go with the flow" and see what happens.  When I'm a little fed up with myself I tell it like it is. I can be lazy, or undisciplined at times. 
Here's where that all came to play today. I was scheduled for a regular Physio appointment which included thirty minutes in the pool.  I have had a headache all weekend. It came and went but basically I have been dealing with a migraine or the verge of one for four days.  I even woke in the middle of the night to throw up on Saturday night. So when I looked out the window this morning and saw a heavy snow fall, it was just one more reason not to go to Physio. 
I hate getting wet on a winter day, and with my head feeling as it was, I needed an excuse not to go today.  I had it. It was a blustery, slippery, snowy day.  I'm sure they would understand I reasoned, anyone would.  I live 15 minutes from town and it often is understandable not to drive on the highway on these kind of winter days. 
I had my excuse in hand and I felt like crap from this headache but as I was about to call to cancel, I remembered my commitment.  The commitment to myself and my neurosurgeon, that if I didn't have to go to rehab this time I would do everything in my power to rehab at home.  I had a moment of remembering how very difficult it was to be in a rehab hospital for six weeks away from home and wanting to be here so badly.  I grabbed my swimsuit and got ready.
This is how you separate the women from the girls I thought as I packed my bag. When you can for a justifiable reason say no, you make the hard decision to say yes anyway.  Just say yes and do it, because it is the right thing to do. 
I felt good about my decision as I drove down Main Street.  Just as a reassurance of my dedication, I saw the epitome of discipline on the sidewalk waving to me.
Kurt is a neighbor of ours who rescued a dog about a year ago.  It's a beautiful looking dog, but he had some serious issues. He took this dog on knowing it was going to take a lot of work; socializing him to the point where he could play with other dogs and be friendly and not afraid, especially of men, was not going to be easy.
I have been watching with more than a mild interest as he walks Abby several times a day past our house.  He has had various collars, harness's etc.  After a few months she had improved so much that she and Whinnie played together in the park a few times. Lately we have been seeing he and Abby walking with another neighbor and his dog. The biggest improvement has been no other devices but a regular collar and leash.  Kurt's discipline paid off.   
Anyone who had seen that dog in the early days may not have believed she would be the wonderful pet she is now. Kurt believed, and not only did he believe, he did the work.
I did the work today and I felt good about myself for doing it. I believe I will be walking strong, and pain free, I just have to be disciplined and do the work.
Every time, and they are many, I see Kurt and Abby walk by my place it will be a gentle reminder of what can be obtained through discipline.  ​
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5 Comments
Cathy Edwards
2/8/2016 08:28:24 pm

Good for you Maureen,your an inspiration to others. Thank You!

Reply
Maureen
2/10/2016 11:10:22 am

Thanks Cathy. It"s a long road but it is getting easier every day. I know a lot of you out there reading this have a lot of things to get through, don't we all? when we talk about it it helps us ee we are not alone. Thanks for reading and your encouragement.

Reply
Barry (hubby)
2/9/2016 12:24:13 pm

Nice work on this blog, as well as the long, arduous process of rehab when the cards are stacked against you from the beginning. At my desk I have a list of 44 practical (and inspirational) sayings from Regina Brett who is 90 years old. Number 42 says "No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up". I've used that on many mornings when going to work seemed like such a chore. You had one of those mornings.

Reply
Maureen
2/10/2016 11:07:40 am

Thanks Barry, without the support i have at home im not at all sure i could do this, so thanks for hanging in.

Reply
Mary Parsons
2/10/2016 03:30:00 pm

Maureen you are more disciplined than you realize .
Keep on keeping on ! You got this !
Mary
Xo

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    Maureen Clout

    I'm going in for a 4th neurosurgery; this time it's a repair to my lumbar fusion. Here, I will post my daily updates on dealing with diagnosis, surgery and recovery. Join me on my journey.

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