Small Victories

I have never won an Olympic medal or any type of sporting event, yet I know the taste of victory- one that brings a smile to your face and pride in your heart. Call it a small victory, but a victory, nonetheless. This past Thanksgiving I was able to partake in an old holiday tradition-Black Friday or Day after Thanksgiving Sales. After a two day cooking spree, my sister-in- law and I headed to the Outlet Mall before midnight. Although some may think this is crazy, it was simply exhilarating to me. It was not the opportunity to save money on holiday gifts, but a feeling of wholeness. I no longer felt broken, but repaired.

Just five months to the day of my third total hip replacement, I was walking in the middle of a very cold evening all around an outdoor mall. We shopped from midnight to 6 am the following morning. I was able to walk, stand in line, and browse around like everyone else. This may sound trite to many, but to me it was a sign of victory and defeat over Arthur. After a very hot summer filled with pain, injury, and surgery, the cold air felt invigorating against my face. Winter is symbolically a time of death, but for me this winter is a time of rebirth as I feel completely healed from the surgery.

For this holiday season, I promised myself to give a little more than usual to every Salvation Army greeter outside a store that I encounter and any toy drive that I am asked. In doing so, I am silently paying it forward to all those who so lovingly cared for me this year. Christmas is a special time of giving and gratefulness, what better way to express my gratitude than to be a part of someone else's joy.