Enjoy the Lights

Winter weather has arrived here in the Mid-West. I love the cold temperatures....breathing the fresh air. We had our first snow!

The huge white flakes covered the ground faster than I can ever remember. This year, I put up a skinny tree. We just don't have room for a larger tree.

The sicker I become, I truly care less about things that would have really upset me years ago. When I was young, I would usually decorate the entire house in one day. The last five years have been tough. I do very little decorating, but I love looking at the Christmas tree lights.

I'm sure that my 3D Talus will be ready soon. It is already past the dates that the doctors gave me. I am anxious to get the surgery over with. It would be better to do it now, and not right before Christmas.

The pain in my ankle is rough, especially in the morning. My wrist isn't too bad as long as I wear my wrist splint. After my talus and wrist surgeries I'll be better or not better. I'm just praying that the surgeries will be successful.

Christmas is a stressful time of year for most people. Because of physical limitations, any holiday is more difficult for those of us with chronic illness. I've had to learn to let many things go.

If your family can help, that can mean all the difference. Getting prepared food is alright - everything doesn't need to be homemade. I always loved baking until it became too painful. My family loves bakery dessert, and

even a frozen pie is delicious.

If you have chronic illness, don't be hard on yourself. We don't need to feel guilty about those things we're unable to do. Enjoy what you can and just focus on the holiday and those you care about.

@2024, copyright Lisa Ehrman

Disclaimer: I'm not a medical expert. This post contains my opinions and experiences and is not meant to be taken as medical advice. If you have a medical concern, please consult your personal physician.