I opened my eyes with cautious optimism in hopes that my headache would have disappeared. I slowly walked to the bathroom, lifted my shirt and inspected my lower back. The bulge — a collection of spinal fluid by my fresh incision– remained its same concerning size. It was Saturday, Jan. 18, 11 days after my back surgery was performed, and I continued to suffer from a constant daily headache that got worse when I stood up. My surgeon suggested we wait until that following Monday to see if my symptoms would improve. With the non-stop pounding of my head and the way my back looked, I had a ‘gut’ feeling that I was going to need another surgery.

With the aide of my walker, I made my way to the recliner in my parents’ living room and started my morning routine of taking and chronicling my medicine, blood pressure and temperature. That afternoon, my mother-in-law, Pam, arrived with plans to do bowenwork (holistic bodywork) and massage on me in hopes to alleviate some of my pain. My brother-in-law, Kerm, stopped by to say hi and drop off an eating tray for me to use. I was resting in the recliner as my dad, Pam and Kerm went downstairs for a few minutes. When Kerm saw my dad’s guitar downstairs, he picked it up and strummed a few chords. When I heard that sound from upstairs, it put a huge smile on my face and I yelled down to them, “Please tell Kerm to come upstairs and play me a song.”

Little did I know what a treat that would be! To set the stage: I was laying on the recliner, Pam was sitting on the couch to my right, dad was kneeling beside me, and Kerm was on the couch directly across from me. He began to play the guitar and sing. The first two songs were by Oasis, which took me back to my high school days. Before Kerm was finished the first song, I felt this wave of emotion come over me. My eyes welled up with tears, as I was thankful to have Noah’s mom and brother there with me because I felt closer to my husband, Noah, since he is in California. Note by note, I felt hope and inspiration wrap its arms around me. Word by word that Kerm sang, my mind was on a roller coaster ride of thoughts and how very much I wanted my body to be ok and to heal. Before I knew it, tears streamed down my cheeks. I looked over at dad and said, “I just want to get better.” The next time I glanced at dad, he too was moved by the music and we had a ‘moment.’ One that could have only been shared between me and dad, and sentiments were exchanged that I will treasure for all time.

My dear brother-in-law, Kerm, kept playing for the next hour. During that time, I felt the best since surgery. My mind was clear, my heart was full of love; I was grateful and determined to get better. In a few short seconds, I was deeply moved and my mind and body transcended to a happy and calm place of being. It was an unexpected surprise that struck a chord, released beautiful sentiments, was therapeutic and just the medicine dad and I needed.

Whether you are the patient or the caregiver, when enduring health trials it is so important to find an outlet and an escape. Such as meditating, watching a movie, listening to live music, or reading a book. Something that will help calm you, set your mind at ease, release bottled up emotions and thoughts of worry.

Dad and I gave each other a huge smile when Kerm sang, ‘Don’t Worry, Be Happy.’ For we have learned that, “Worrying doesn’t take away tomorrow’s troubles, it takes away today’s peace.”

My ‘gut’ was correct, as I did need a second surgery that took place this past Tuesday. They found a CSF, cerebrospinal fluid leak, which they stitched and glued. I am still in the hospital and remain on bed rest in hopes that my body will heal well. Thank you for your continued support, prayers and well wishes.

What helps calm you when you’re enduring health trials?