Yesterday was a long day, but one filled with so many meaningful and joyful moments.
My day started at Shabbat morning services, something I’ve been doing quite regularly since my mom passed away in January. I hadn’t been in many weeks. Not since Maggie’s passing at the end of June or my accident a few weeks later, both of which happened on Saturday mornings this summer.
Even though it’s the same building I walk into every day for work, entering the sanctuary yesterday felt different. I was greeted by so many warm hugs, smiles and genuine expressions of happiness that I was back. I felt the emotion almost immediately, and it was hard to hold back the tears.
But they were good tears. The kind that come from feeling loved, cared for and reminded that you don’t have to carry everything alone.
No one there could still see what I had looked like on the outside just a couple of weeks ago (although some did have the pleasure), like I’d lost a boxing match. But these days, I’m incredibly self-conscious about my smile and the fact that I’m missing teeth. I know in my heart that nobody is judging me, but it’s something I’m learning to navigate in my own way.
Still, it felt good to be there. A safe space to pray, connect and simply be. I’m really glad I went.
After services and lunch, we headed home to change and get ready for the next part of the day, Niagara-on-the-Lake’s annual Peach Festival. 🍑
Traffic slowed us down A LOT, so by the time we arrived, we were quite rushed and couldn’t take it all in the way we’d hoped. But we did manage to bring home some pretty amazing, locally grown, and very juicy peaches. Sadly, they’re not exactly on my menu right now unless they make their way into a smoothie.
Then it was off to Niagara Falls for a quick bite before heading to Fallsview Casino for an evening of laughter and fun. For Father’s Day, the kids bought Rich tickets to see Nikki Glaser, and she did not disappoint. We laughed A LOT. Her opening act was great too.
By the time we made the hour-and-a-half drive home, I could feel the exhaustion catching up with me, physically, mentally and emotionally. And, of course, my mouth seemed to take the biggest hit. The pain felt extra intense.
I’m still healing, and sometimes I forget just how much my body has been through. I forget how quickly I can become tired, achy and emotionally drained.
Today, we had planned to go for a hike. The weather was perfect, but my body was telling me something different. So, I chose rest.
Sadie reaped the benefits by having a fun and exhausting playdate instead, and, in turn, I got a playdate, too. 🐶
And maybe that’s exactly what I needed, not another adventure, but a little time to simply slow down, breathe, laugh and let myself be cared for.
Healing doesn’t always look like moving forward.
Sometimes, healing looks like knowing when to stop.
YouAreEnough 