The Medical Maze

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When a roadblock initially presents itself it is easy to feel overwhelmed, but with time everything seems to become more manageable. After my grand mal seizure last week I was told that my driver’s license would be suspended until I am three months seizure free. I figured this would happen, but after hearing those words from my doctor’s office, the reality sunk in. Tears of frustration streamed down my cheeks as I questioned, ‘Why did this have to happen hours after my first physical therapy session for my back?’ All of our family live on the opposite side of the U.S., so I naturally thought, ‘How am I going to get to my doctor appointments, especially physical therapy?’ All I want to do and am trying to do is heal and get better. I was determined not to let a bump along my medical maze distract me from my mission to good health.

It is important to let emotions out but now it was time to find options. We may not be able to accomplish something as intended, but with perseverance, there are always other avenues. I discovered a health transport service that goes twice a week to the town where my physical therapy clinic is located. I rescheduled my physical therapy appointments to those particular days and scheduled time slots with the health transport service to get me to and from my sessions. This will make for long days as there are others on the transport van, which means I may get to therapy an hour early and have to wait an hour after therapy to get my ride home, but you do what you’ve got to do.

As I rode to my physical therapy appointment this week, I looked out the window at the individuals in the cars passing by. Thinking that we all have our own lives, our own mazes that we travel on. How we all started out on a different path and each turn we have made, each obstacle placed before us, and every decision has led us to the very spot we are today. We start life as children skipping about worry-free and as we age our maze becomes more of a challenge. A roadblock may present itself, or we are forced to go one way or another; we may find ourselves going in circles, or something gets in our way that we are forced to overcome. Everything in my life thus far has happened for a reason and I am looking forward to where this particular path is leading me. It is easy to become very focused on the current happenings of our lives. I find it important to take the time to reflect on the aerial view – the big picture of life – and it continually reveals how blessed I am. This week I am thankful to have a means of transportation to physical therapy. I am grateful for each new day and hopeful that each day will be uneventful – health wise. Although I can’t drive right now, I still walk forward with fortitude as I navigate through my medical maze.

Start Maze

“Just as treasures are uncovered from the earth, so virtue appears from good deeds, and wisdom appears from a pure and peaceful mind. To walk safely through the maze of human life, one needs the light of wisdom and the guidance of virtue.” -Buddha

covered maze clear path-maze

What helps you navigate through your maze?

 

 

8 Comments

  1. Karen

    Hi Valen!

    I trust that you are doing well today. Sounds like you’ve earned a new badge on your uniform! I didn’t make it to Girl Scouts, but I was an awesome Brownie! I’m trying to pay closer attention to synchronicities and signs in order to navigate my maze. I may be headed to the east coast, so things are looking up. I’m tired of being tired :-). Take care.

    Reply
    • Valen Keefer

      Hi Karen,
      I enjoy your way with words. The ‘new badge’ comment made me smile. 🙂 I believe once we become more open and aware of signs, things seem to make more sense -maybe not right away, but eventually. Thrilled to hear things are looking up. Keep us posted on how you are. I hope tired will become a thing of the past and you will become re-energized soon. Take good care.

      Reply
  2. Marsha Byers Etnier

    Valen, Valen, how incredible you are!!! I’m just sorry I’m not on your bus!!! The people that are riding with you have NO idea what an incredible gal they are sitting in the presence of!!! You are such an inspiration!!! Blessings to all of you and I pray you will find the very best prize right at the end of this maze, not to mention all the little one that you will run right into everytime you get on the bus!!!! I love you….xoxoxoxox <3

    Reply
    • Valen Keefer

      Hi Dear Marsha,
      I just got off of the bus from physical therapy and your message put a HUGE smile on my face. How I wish I could have sat next to you today to and from my appointment. 🙂 You are the sweetest, thank you! Lots of love to you! xoxo

      Reply
  3. Rosemarie Bartus

    You are an inspiration.

    Reply
    • Valen Keefer

      Hi Rosemarie,
      Thank you very much for your kind words and support.

      Reply
  4. Ann Wiesman

    I find myself crying again this week after reading your blog. Not a bad thing. Just a challenge for me to face my past. My journey has its share of roadblocks. I have selected to repress my obstacles to attempt to be a functioning adult. While reading your post, I pictured myself standing in the middle of my maze looking in all directions not knowing which way I came or which way to go. Being afraid of heights and knowing the aerial view will indicate I have gone in circles a few times, I tend to focus on the path right in front of me. I appreciate your insights and will pull myself up to have a more expansive vantage point to allow me to accept my past so I can appreciate my present and prepare for my future.

    Reply
    • Valen Keefer

      Hi Ann,
      Wow, I am so thankful to hear how you connected with my words. I am inspired by your take on my blog and your insightful thoughts. I can tell by your words that you have the wisdom and strength to pull yourself up and forge ahead positively and with determination. Wishing you all the best and sending love your way.

      Reply

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