"Good News MOM, Carpe Diem... I'm Livin on a Prayer"

     Now 10 days past surgery I'm finally starting to feel like I'm turning the corner.  The doctors changed my pain meds which has helped reduce the daily headaches.  Mornings are still difficult, but as long as I stay put with my foot elevated I can handle the pain throughout the day.  I'm looking forward to getting good news on Monday when I see Dr. Drakos for my post-op appointment!

     Watching the news these days can be rather upsetting and depressing. So, I'd like to look beyond the recent tragedies to highlight some Good News that helped inspire my day and my week.  I awoke to watch crews proudly raise and secure the 408 ft. spire atop One World Trade Center.  I thought CNN reported it best by stating, "Construction workers bolted the last pieces of a 408-foot spire into place atop One World Trade Center on Friday, symbolically capping New York's comeback after the September 11, 2001, terror attacks." We were reminded that "Setbacks pave the way for come-back," and though the NYC skyline is forever changed this spire let's the world know... We're back on top!  

     In other Good News...  I watched reports of Will and Monifa Sims whose courage, kind hearts, and fun-loving nature instantly launched them from the karaoke bars of Burbank, to the stage with Jay Leno, and beyond.  After being such entertaining (and talented) subjects this happy couple was invited to share the stage with Jay Leno and perform with his late night band.  You can take what you want from that story, but for me it screamed Carpe Diem. In a world where all the bad news might lend you to occasionally distrust others or live with some sort of fear... Will and Monifa instead decide to seize the day and enjoy the freedom and opportunity that this great Country affords us.  I have to take it one step further to note the song that elevated Will and Monifa to stardom.  Bon Jovi's timeless hit, Livin on a Prayer has been sung (more like screamed) for decades, and celebrates an uplifting messages of devotion, unity, courage, and love.  It's obvious that Will and Monifa have lived for each other just like Tommy and Gina (from Livin on a Prayer).  A further review of the lyrics highlights that Gina comforts and supports Tommy in the first verse. Meanwhile, it's Tommy who comforts and supports Gina in the second verse.  This makes me think of my blog post from this past Monday, May 6... see Company (continued).  Bon Jovi, Tommy and Gina, and Will and Monifa remind us that we don't have to be strong ALL the time.  As long as we love and care for our "Company" then they will be strong for us when we need them most.

    On that note, and in light of Mother's Day I'd like to especially thank my MOM for all her help through this difficult time.  I definitely have some issues accepting the fact that I'm 30 and being waited on hand and foot (not in that order) by my mom, but after my injury I haven't had much of a choice.  After I got hurt my mom quickly snapped into her natural nurturing ways and has been there for me every day.  Whether it be food, water, medication, balance, urine bottles or anything in between she's been unbelievably patient through every request (or demand).  So, thanks Mom for all your energy, love, and support! ...  Don't forget to thank your moms this Sunday for all they have done and continue to do for you. Happy Mother's Day!