Reflections by Rev. Joanne Anquist
I’m baaack! Thanks to everyone for all the care a support you gave while I was away. I received so many cards and gifts I can’t remember who sent what! I felt loved and cared for and I lived “we carry each other” in a real way. I am grateful to be part of such caring communities.
Most of you know that my health journey was not as straightforward as I had hoped. The very day I was released I had to return to hospital for emergency, life-saving surgery. All my expectations about my recovery collapsed on that day. Since then, it’s been slow movement towards restored health. I still have a couple of surgeries but by November it should be done. I’m sure I’ll share more over the next weeks but suffice it to say that if I had known even a little of what I would go through, I would have made different choices! But the universe unfolds as it will, and through it all, I was reminded that God is with us whatever comes.
When you have a close call, there is a bit of residual trauma - especially at the beginning – for everyone involved. My family had to “recover” as much as I did. Gradually, we began to relax and trust that all would be well. They stopped “hovering” and waiting on me, and I regained strength to live my own life. I wish I could say I spent my time improving myself – reading good books and learning new things – but alas, the best of intentions were not met! It was good to rest. I did get through 19 seasons of Murdoch Mysteries – a new binge record for me! I also took up crocheting again – I’m not very good but it was soothing. It was only in the last month that I could begin to think I was strong enough to return to work. That is why my leave was extended for 3 weeks.
Last week, Dave and I were in Canmore – thankfully the snow had melted and the temperatures were warm. Every day we took a long walk (not up to hiking yet!) by the river, through the town, to Quarry Lake – each scene more stunning than the last. I felt strengthened by the beauty on our doorsteps, the sunny days and clear skies and the warming weather. By the end I knew I would be okay.
I know I am not the only one who has struggled with health issues, or heartbreaks. I realize that there is a commonality with all humanity in having our plans and dreams suddenly adjusted due to outside forces. What I realized, lying the ICU, is there is no use in cursing the darkness, or lamenting choices, or wishing things were different. There are times you just need to let life flow and remember that even in the midst of things beyond our control that derail our lives, we are held in love.
So be kind to each other.
You never know what’s around the corner. I am looking forward to hearing about the joys, celebrations and concerns that happened while I was gone. We’ve got some catching up to do!