Reality

The frosty morning came to an abrupt close as I walked into Day 4. I had completed the two-day orientation bursting with tests, quizzes and lengthy evaluations. On Monday I became an official member of Team 1, Group A, Set C. Although I knew the letters and number attached to my name, I really had little concept of what that entailed. The honeymoon is over: we’re down to the reason we have all gathered in Rochester, Minnesota.

There has not been a day during the past 96 hours that I have not sobbed, laughed, questioned, prayed and encouraged. Although I am blessed with fabulous friends who live far closer than those people who gather with me each morning, a unique bond has been built with the latter. We all truly know chronic pain. We all beg for changes. We long for a life without drugs and doctor appointments, but also dread that those days have been dashed from our futures.

Formal topics of Positive Mental Attitude, Reduction of Pain Behaviors and Moderation and Modification for Personal Well-Being line our schedules. Yet once the door closes souls are bared to our fellow prisoners of pain. We’re confronted with reduction and elimination of narcotic drugs. We sit next to new friends who shake with withdrawal. We read of a place of hope, but not one where pain is chained away. Instead our time is occupied with ways to manage our broken frames. The physical therapists stretch our unused muscles and remold our brains to the breaking point. We watch new friends crumple to the floor and must stand aside while reality shatters any rose tinted glasses. The seconds tick by until we can rush to these friends who were strangers just seven days ago. We bear secrets that have been stuffed into corners of our hearts, hidden from all, even ourselves. The past is forced into view as we delve into the real culprits of our pain. We know each other better than we know ourselves.

Despite the harsh awakenings, we lift each other up to heights never thought possible. We tell corny jokes, say private prayers and share special gifts. We learn catchy phrases and whisper Bible verses as we beg for ways to endure our pain. We must face the cold fact that our pains will still stain our bodies but we can build sanctuaries to save our spirits. Hurting bodies and broken souls must be honestly faced if we are ever to live in internal peace.

We have learned new skills, but we must take them from the city limits. We must continue the exercise and squeeze in relaxation into our bulging schedules. We all look to the Lord and pray for peace and understanding. We have become one unit, one mass of understanding and love. It is good.

Advantage of the Mighty Three

Lots of people love us even though we are too busy to recognize the devotion.

Thanks to the challenge to be honest and open!