Pondering Chronic Pain

 


In 7th grade I broke my middle finger playing
volleyball.  Surgery was necessary because I had
a couple of bone chips floating in there.


When it was time to remove the metal pin.
The male nurse, I mention this only because
a female nurse probably wouldn't have said
this to a 7th grader,
said, "Mind over matter,"
and yanked the pin sticking out with a pliers.
My girlfriend, Chrisy, watched with amazement
as the blood gush from the end of my finger.

To this day I use the concept of mind over matter
to cope with excruciating pain.

Visits to markets and thrift stores distract me
like no pain medicine can.

 Vintage Marketplace, Rainbow, Ca.

Chronic Fatigue

My heating pad blanket is wrapped
around my shoulders.
My body is an open ache.
Damning attention, hampering
focus, and impeding my joyful
progress.  

Right now I am negotiating how
long I will allow myself to stay in bed. 
Strategically placing the heat down
the right side of my body.

I have plans this morning, so I have to get up,
and get out of the house.  On work days,
I just go, no thought just get up and get
out.  But on days off, I want to be
kind and considerate of my limitations.


Mr. Lee left me a thermos of
black coffee. A treat during my contemplation.

To feel content in all circumstances.
See how the child snuggles into
a safe place.

When I can't tolerate the pain,
I pray, as my mother taught me.
Prayer is a lullaby more powerful
than any drug.

John 10:9
I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.
They will come in and go out, and find pasture. NIV

Pasture, a place of rest.