Mending . . .

I took this photo at the turn-around point of my ill-fated run on Saturday, well before I tripped and splatted myself all over the sidewalk. The floral arrangement placed on the stump there has been refreshed regularly since my sister and I first saw it on an October run.

Apparently, and poignantly, as carvings on the nearby logs proclaim, it was a favourite spot of someone who died last September, and I have to imagine that a bereaved someone else comes to Spanish Banks to look West, away from the city, and remember. . . .

 A peaceful spot for reflection. . . .

As for me, I am on the mend. My physio found no evidence that I’ve done any lasting damage; she mixed ancient and modern healing techniques, applying first ultrasound and then accupuncture. I’m being very good about ice and more ice. And I noticed today that there’s less pain, perhaps slightly more mobility, although I’m definitely going to skip my regular weekly Pilates class today.

Thanks for all your sympathy and concern. It made me feel so cared for, somehow. I’m not sure what to think of that, really, when it’s all out there in cyber-space, but much as the skeptics scoff, it does feel like a degree of friendship. I suspect it’s worth exploring — indeed, I’m sure sociologists and psychologists are measuring the values of virtual communities as I write. For the moment, I’m accepting the reality of my endorphins — your concern and sympathy made me feel better, and I thank you!

And I will get ’round to replying to comments, but it may take a few more days. . .

10 Comments

  1. Catherine
    21 January 2014 / 5:11 pm

    Hope you make a quick recovery – nasty shock though. Positive energy, however it gets to you, is always welcome I think. In the meantime, despite not having fallen over recently, I too am off to the physio for some tlc and possibly acupuncture too!

  2. LPC
    21 January 2014 / 5:53 pm

    Oh that bouquet is so sad.

    But your news is happy!

  3. Madame Là-bas
    21 January 2014 / 7:17 pm

    Spanish Banks is a pleasant place to go to remember a loved one. My dad used to go there and have a hotdog from the concession stand. It sounds as though you will need a little recovery time. We were talking about communities and support at my discussion group last night and I believe that virtual communities do offer friendship and guidance in many areas of life. While we may not be authorities, we have the combined experience and wisdom of many, many women.

  4. Tiffany
    21 January 2014 / 9:22 pm

    I think that the sympathy and support you get here is real, even if we're not there in the flesh. I do think that there is a species of online 'sympathy' that is a much more disturbing thing, but that doesn't apply to this situation, where you have regular readers who do think of you as a friend, even if we've never met you …
    I hope your recovery proceeds apace.

  5. Moonboots
    21 January 2014 / 9:33 pm

    Take care of yourself and absorb all that positive energy focused on you. Hope you heal soon and well.

  6. Lorrie
    21 January 2014 / 11:24 pm

    Glad to hear the damage is not severe or long-lasting. Going to the beach is a wonderful place to think and to remember. Emotions seem to respond well to the ceaseless motion of the waves.

  7. Pondside
    22 January 2014 / 5:06 am

    No reply necessary. I'm glad to read that you're feeling better. I believe in the efficacy of physiotherapy and acupuncture combined. I hope you'll make it for tea in a couple of weeks!

  8. Unknown
    22 January 2014 / 6:48 pm

    Oh no! So sorry to hear about the fall. I hope you are well on the mend by now. Take it easy Mater.

  9. janet
    26 January 2014 / 10:33 pm

    I love that the flowers and the carving on the log are impermanent. Very Buddhist. I've been pondering what to do with my dogs Jake and Storm's ashes; perhaps carving their name onto a log at our favorite west coach beach before flinging their ashes into the wild waves that they both loved to chase would be an appropriate way to memorialize them. Thanks for this.

  10. materfamilias
    27 January 2014 / 4:46 am

    Thanks all! Sorry I didn't manage to answer these lovely comments individually, but guarding my shoulder and arm seems to be paying off . . .

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