“I wandered everywhere, through cities and countries wide. And everywhere I went, the world was on my side.”
~ Roman Payne, Rooftop Soliloquy
Monday was my day off. A day to rest, sandwiched between two days of psychic work on either side. I am in Brisbane right now, and the plan was that Ben would be here and we would spend the day together, doing a little running around before I napped the rest of the day away.
But Ben needed to race back to the farm in the middle of the weekend heatwave, when a neighbour told us there was a problem with our water pump. And Monday morning Harry got injured in his fight with the stick and spent the day at the vet’s down near our farm, so I was stuck in Brisbane on my own.
Doesn’t sound very exciting, does it? And yet, on that day, with me stuck in suburbia, miracles happened.
I know it won’t sound very miraculous to you, but let me explain.
On Monday there were bills that needed to be paid, and forms that needed to be posted. I’d expected Ben would be there to help me, but he was busying helping Harry. Doing those chores suddenly fell to me. ‘Only if you’re well enough,’ Ben said. ‘We’ll work something out if you can’t do it.’
It needed to be done, so I did what any normal person would do. I got in the car and drove to Chermside – a nearby sprawling suburban shopping-mall.
I haven’t really driven very much for quite a while now. In fact I’ve driven only half a dozen times this year after two years of no driving at all. Lyme disease has robbed me of so much independence, and until recently congestive heart failure had made me unsafe behind the wheel. Even now I have a strong startle reflex and slow other reflexes. It takes all my concentration to drive, and it’s usually very stressful.
But Monday I was feeling stronger. Clearer. I got in the car and off I went, determined to get those jobs done.
At the shopping mall I found an easy park, and my tasks were completed in less than fifteen minutes.
I was just about to get in the car and go home when I realised…
I was out shopping ON MY OWN for the first time in five years.
For five years my darling husband has been at my side for every outing. This was the first time I’d had the chance to do a little Christmas Shopping on my own, without him right beside me.
Oh, the luxury of it all.
I stopped at a little cafe, the sort of place Ben would never go, and enjoyed some lunch while drafting up a list of things I’d like to buy. And then off I went, to look at shops that appealed to me.
I lingered at a place which sold aftershave and perfumes.
I dallied at a tea shop, smelling and tasting different blends and talking tea with the wonderfully informative staff.
I dawdled in a bookshop. At a toy store. At a supermarket.
All in all I spent nearly two hours out on my own.
It tasted like freedom. I had the best time!
On the way home, still feeling good, I called in at a friend’s house and we sat in her back yard and worked on my new website.
That night, while I was waiting for Harry and Ben to come home I wrapped my stash of gifts and marvelled at how independent and outrageously liberated I was feeling.
Those wrapped gifts represent something profoundly significant to me.
My own little Christmas Miracle.
A returning wellness!
I’ve got goosebumps. Welcome back to being the old you Nic. I can’t begin to imagine what such a trip would do to me in your situation. I think it would be as huge as going to the moon and back!! Go you good (determined and beautiful) woman. Much love, Joey xx
This is the sweetest news! What a great present!
Wow that sure is a miracle …so special and personal to you . I moved to West Wales a couple of months ago and next week I shall be Christmas shopping ,for the first time, in my new home town of Aberystwyth …what fun.
Cherryx
This beautiful story has brought me to tears so thank you for sharing, Nicole. I love that you are in this space. You’ve waited a long time and it’s wonderful to know there are positive results, esp for those who are perhaps just starting their Lyme treatments. 🙂 🙂 🙂 Glad you enjoyed your festive shopping – great pic. xxooxx
Congratulations on getting out – and making it around Chermside! It is striking when you manage to be liberated in shops without anyone else to think of. For me going without children is awesome. I am so glad you were well enough. What an achievement.
How fantastic Nicole!
how delightful! you had an “artist date” with yourself! so glad you had so much fun and got to do some secret santa stuff!
That is the best news – one small step for Nicole but one big step for Lyme kind!!!
Small miracles are sometimes the best!
Feeling your joy, fantastic!
that’s awesome!… good for you!
How utterly awesome for you Nicole! And did I hear you say you are working on a new website? Fantastic!!! I will be looking forward to seeing that for sure!
P.S. sending more love and hugs to Harry!
Yaaaayyy Nicole!!!!! Such blessings.
I am over the moon for you Nicole. What a treat. I hope there are many more occasions of returned independence and wellness for you.
It truly is a miracle Nicole! I’m so happy for you!
congrats to you! The ‘small’, everyday miracles are always the most profound. Glad you had a good day…and you are far braver than I…..sprawling suburban shopping malls filled with holiday shoppers are not for the faint of heart 😉
That is so wonderful. A Christmas miracle indeed 💖
Wow, that is awesome! You went beyond your normal comfort zone and found that you were able to do it again! That is awesome! 🙂
Woo-hoooooooo!!! Big thanks to that water pump and Harry for arranging this gift for you. Hoping that brave and loving Harry is quickly healed. <3
Well it sounds like you are getting better fast. Happy for you that life’s small pleasures are within reach again. Happy Holidays…how is Harry?
I can only imagine how wonderful your day was – to do it on your own. <3 And how is Harry?
Patty
Yay for you!!! X
Lovely. So happy for you. It’s the most wonderful time of the year… (especially when you can enjoy it!) xox
yippers!