Zen zealot for a "Job" moment

8/22/13

The day that changed my life forever!  To fully appreciate this statement, you need the backstory.  Those of us who grew up in bible school or Awana camps know the story of Job.  He was a faithful man who was offered for testing by God.  Job was tested in every way.  He lost his children, wealth, and health, but remained faithful.  I have had many blessings throughout my life,  I  had the privaledge of earning my doctorate degree in counseling psychology, I was blessed to become a mother,  I earned a licenses in counseling and love what I do,  I have been in love and loved.  All that said I have also had my "Job moments". In 2012 I started a new job with guilford county and 39 days later I was hospitalized for severe anemia (3) normal is 12.  Three days and blood transfusions later I was back home with a ton of follow-up appoints with various specialist.  By August 1, 2013 I felt my "Job moments" were finally ending (3 surgeries 4 transfusions,  two diagnoses, a break-up, a major llness for a sister by another mother).  My only complaint were bruises with one strange bruise on my upper right ribs.  After many jokes about how I was getting this strange bruise,  I decided to show it to my  surgeon at my return to work follow-up appointment.
Then on 8/22/13 while at work, I got the fateful phone call that changed my life un like anything else in my life.  Since that phone call, I have spent more time at hospitals and with doctors than I have in my entire life.  I have also spent more time seeking life balance and tranquility than ever before.  I have had the blessing of finding great support from foundations like Alight foundation,  Healing Arts, Look good feel better, and Hirsch Wellness.  I have learned to meditate,  started a garden, practiced yoga, taken drawing lessons, made jewlery,  mailed postcards from the edge, learned photography, and I am now learning to paint.  Have I found my Zen?  Not yet, but I have found people who understand this journey, friends through thick and thin, I have found quiet moments and joy in the little things.  I am learning to truly embrace the process of life with all of its curves and edges, one step at a time.