Fittingly, it just so happens, this weekend has been one of my favorites of THIS whole year.
Short version of all the amazing things from this week: It is almost my 26th birthday, woah! My cousin passed her PRAXIS exam to allow her to become a licensed speech pathologist upon graduation. Her sister got engaged to the man of her dreams and a guy that I absolutely LOVE to be around. A cousin of mine who has been trying to have a baby for years and has had many miscarriages, is far enough along now to share the exciting news with the world! My sister was invited to a wedding that the rest of my family is going to because the bride and groom are believing and seeing her success in recovery right now. My best friend got married this weekend and it was one of the most fun nights of my life.
As a quick side note, my parents were also at this wedding. We have decided we know why I don't have a boyfriend. I spent over an hour dancing with a four-year-old and two six-year-olds. The six-year-olds were over my dance moves quickly, but I spent the next hour choreographing dances with the four-year-old. Just to make it more extraordinary, this four-year-old was diagnosed with cancer and has been going through treatments. It was so special to spend the night smiling, belly-laughing, and dancing with this little ray of sunshine. She truly made my night more memorable than I could ever imagine and a night that I will never forget.
Also today, my sister asked me to attend a meeting with her. She told me it was a speaker meeting and that I would just have to sit and listen. She explained that it would mean a lot to her for me to see what it is like for her each day. Hesitantly, I went. I couldn't be happier that I did! It was an eye-opening experience.
As family of an addict, there are many people that can relate to what we have been through. I know there are support groups for families of addicts, but in the past I haven't found them helpful.
Today, however, being in a room full of addicts, I was able to open my eyes, put aside my resentment, and see, feel and listen to the raw emotions of those who suffer from the disease. I felt as though, for the first time, I could begin to truly, deeply, understand how hard it is for someone who uses to find the strength to get themselves better. I will never be able to relate, but I can be empathetic. There was a lot of laughter, compassion, and faith in the room. There was support, strength and a sense of comfort. With another invite, I would go back in a heartbeat.
My sister made a comment today that she wishes there was a "Normal People Anonomyous" meeting. She said that as addicts, they all have a place to discuss common struggles, to work the steps, find their weaknesses and to rise above and become a better version of themselves. She related that life happens to everyone, and for a person that isn't an addict to work the steps, would do the same thing. It would give us, normal people, a chance to look into their deepest, darkest places and find happiness within. She made a point. If we all realized we were powerless over _____ (whatever the issue may be) and put our faith in a higher power, whatever He may be, wouldn't we all be much happier, successful and accepting? I don't know. Like I said, this weekend was one of the best of the year, and I think this meeting really was the topping (or is it icing) on the cake.
I know I typed a lot of random things from my past week, most of which had nothing to do with me. I know as a reader of "Amy Has a Headache", you are probably thinking "Great, but what does this have to do with Chiari?" My answer ... everything. Everything that has happened in the last four days, never would have been enjoyed or savored in the manner it would have pre-surgery. This would have been a long, dreaded weekend with lots of headaches, fears of falling (especially in long dresses and heels!), and blurred memories. I am so grateful for my surgery and for the ability to have been able to enjoy every last minute of this past weekend!
Even though I have no plans, I feel this birthday is going to be one of the most blessed ones I have had in years. My family is all together...happily. I spent a very special night celebrating love with my best friends. I couldn't ask for anything more.
Thanks to all my peeps that contributed to such a lively weekend!
Life is good :)
Hi Amy
ReplyDeleteI am so happy to hear that things are going well for you, and even happier that your experiences this past year have helped you to fully appreciate and savor those small moments in life. Most 20 somethings do not have that ability and in fact, many adults of any age do not have that ability! So for you to have that deep appreciation at such a young age is a gift, indeed, and a testament to what an amazing young woman you are!