A ray of happiness

I have to be honest. Today was a rough day. I've been having lots of pain in my neck and shoulder since August. Nothing has helped. In fact, things have only become worse so I'll be having MRI's after Thanksgiving. For new readers, I have a degenerative spine condition, and I have two sections of my spine fused already (in my neck and in my lower back). The expectation is that I'll need more fusions in the future. However, my docs and I are doing everything possible to delay more surgery so I can maintain spinal mobility for as long as possible. I'm holding out hope that we can reduce this pain by some means other than surgery.

Chronic pain is no fun but I try my very best to find the good in each day and not to let the pain define me. I have my "go-to" activities when I need a ray of happiness. One is getting outside and another is playing with my dogs. So, today, Shyla and I played outside. I adore how hopeful and happy she is. I also love seeing how gracefully and fluidly she moves. I get vicarious joy from it.

 

The day was mostly gray and cold but the sun shined, ever so briefly, while we were out. I took the opportunity to take Shyla's photo next to a grand old Ponderosa Pine that I've played under with many of my dogs. My Angel K and I spent a lot of time under this tree so it's a happy place for me. I love sharing K's special places with Shyla.

Then, after its brief appearance, the sun disappeared. Ice and snow still clung to the tree twigs. The ice crystals were so delicate that they totally captivated me.

The world is overwhelmingly beautiful, even on gray days like today. Thank goodness for that.