Five months ago I injured myself while at work  within a garden. This resulted in the time consuming and painful diagnosis of a double hernia. The painful part is self explanatory, but the time consuming part came from the fact that the Doctors had misdiagnosed me with a prolapsed disc in my back. 10 weeks later, I am finally operated on - leaving me with another 10 weeks to consider everything in my life while I recovered. In the mean time it is discovered that the hernias have created damage to nerves in my leg, leaving me with numbness, pain and inability to do anything for an extended period (sitting, standing, walking), it is unknown how long it will take for my leg (and nerves) to repair. Plus, I am now at risk of having more hernias!
What I am pondering is .....you never know what will be "around the corner", one simple action (or inaction) can change your entire life. I miss my gardening job, I miss many parts of my life (social and phsyical). I used to be a very busy person, buzzing around in gardens, with children, helping friends and family.......many activities have had to be stopped or slowed right down. In fact I have slowed right down with everything!
The two things that have remained constant is the support from my family and friends and my need to paint...........that is what keeps me happy!

My best friend was my faithful hound "Cindy", the family dog. She was a beautiful golden labrador...my constant companion. She would come with me everywhere (usually down to the creek where we had built a treehouse and would catch crayfish, frogs and tadpoles! )Sometimes I would just sit with her in her kennel - she always knew when I was sad and she was always keen to join in the fun as well. Now I have my wonderful Jimmy - the family dog! He is a gorgeous Border Collie. He comes down to the same creek with me now. He listens and sits by me the same way - he is just as constant as Cindy was...just as honest and loyal and just as affectionate. He will defend me and he trusts me - the best friends I have ever had!

I have never been a patient person....I get an idea - I do it!  I do not rush as such, but I do not waste time either. I have never been idle nor bored. I have never found reason to complain..only that "things take too much time!" Ha! I say..Ha, Ha, Ha!!! Guess what...? I have to be patient now. I have no choice, its out of my hands!  I have to go slow. I have to think twice. I have time.... I do not want to waste it.