As Much as We Can…

I do a lot of my thinking on a treadmill, or pool. And here I am, in Montego Bay Jamaica at the beautiful Sandals resort one day after operating on a baby with an amazing team of nurses, doctors and hospital staff, on the treadmill. Processing….. Yesterday morning, I posted my nervousness, anxiety, optimism about operating in a new place, another country with an unfamiliar team and I got so much support. I felt carried by you… I felt group strength. I felt support. 

There’s been so much going on in our country, in our world .. But no matter where I go human needs and the human spirit are the same. I was born well off, raised poor.. I know the humility of using free lunch vouchers in public school.. And I know that hard work, effort and determination will get you up and out to a different, more prosperous life. But, you need someone to carry you. Mentally, emotionally, economically, sometimes even physically. We are humans and I do not believe we are meant to go it alone. 

You do, however, benefit from leaving your comfort zone. I liken it to a 5 K run. I always run the same route.. I know the scenery, when I can kick it up a notch, how much effort it going to take and I know the end point. Yet when I run away from home, or in a 5k race, the road is unfamiliar, I feel a little stressed, I check my watch constantly to see how far I’ve gone and how far I’ve got to go… Until I convince my self to relax….to look around, to take in the scenery and the strangers running with me… I let them carry me.. I share their strength, their energy.. And I try my best to share mine…until together we arrive at the end point. It’s the same one, still 5K, but it feels so different. 

The community spirit. The “we’re in this together” for me makes the difference. 

This baby’s surgery was not easy. There were dense adhesions twisting the bowel and fixing it to his little tiny abdominal wall. I have done many surgeries like this “in my house”, but never in someone else’s. To say I had to still my mind is an understatement. But I was carried, by you, by the positive energy of so many people rooting for this little life, by the team and their infectious optimism and incredible talent, and by me and my faith in so many things including myself.

I am a little political, but these following statements can apply to whichever candidate you choose and whatever way you choose to live your life. 

We are better together. Change your run, your route, leave your comfort zone. Appreciate what you’ve got. I may not be a millionaire, but some days I have more love, optimism, food and even time than I need. “Someone” (see how well I’m avoiding politics?) recently said at “some convention” “Help as much as you can, as many as you can, for as long as you can”. Wow. Impacted…. Carry them and allow yourself to be carried. 

I’m with me. I’m with HER. And, I’m with you. Thanks for being there for me too. 

❤️