And, Still I Rise...

The above picture is a new tattoo I have, "And, Still I Rise".

I have taken Lent off from social media - firstly, because I wasn't doing so good with depression and I really didn't want to have a lot to do with anyone; and secondly, I figured the time away would give me some time to get over the depression and mostly what can I do now with the brain injury.  Now, I wish I could tell all of you that I'm doing much better and I know where I'm "going" now...but alas, I can't.  I'm still somewhat depressed, mostly because I still don't know what to do with myself.  Plus in my mind (yes, I know it is wrong as well), if I can't get "paid" - it feels like I am not a contributing member of society (again, I KNOW this is not right to think).  I am volunteering with the Edmonton Humane Society and I really enjoy it.  But it bother's me that I can find a part-time PAYING job to contribute to our monthly bills (but that is the way it is today, and hopefully, it won't be forever).

Anyways, back to my tattoo - it says a lot.  I had it placed on my right side of my clavicle so I could see it everyday when I get out of the shower...and, still I rise.  My sister-in-law, Terry, saw it and she started tearing up when she saw it (and that means the world to me because amid it all - my family and friends still keep me going 💕).  It means a lot to me, as well, because really, even on days when I am feeling a bit bummed out about things, I still have the gumption to get up, do the homework I have to improve myself, I am continuing to look for some sort of "paying" job and I'm doing all I can to keep the depression away.  It's a journey that's for sure, and I will keep on going through the good times and the not so good times!

This is a tattoo I have on my left shoulder (I am the hero of this story). I got it a few years ago, but it means more to me now since I've had a stroke. I'll tell you why...

I went a couple of weeks ago to Anaheim and to Disneyland and Universal Studios. I love Anaheim and Richard and I went the October after I had the stroke but we didn't go to Disneyland because I couldn't walk very well and I didn't do very good with crowds back then.

This time we went with the Makarowski"s. It was a surprise for Ken, but Pat traveled from Switzerland for his 50th birthday...an I must say...he was very surprised!

We spent 3 days at Disneyland and California Adventure and 1 day at Universal Studios...it was FABULOUS! They were long days and later on during the days, I could feel myself slowing down a bit and I could also feel my right side dragging down a bit...but you know what? I did just fine. If I could not keep up, that's fine, I kept all the people in-sight and caught up to them at the next ride. I must say though, I slept really hard when we got back to the house we rented 😀.

So I think about our trip when I don't think things are moving as quickly as I think they should be moving, and regardless of how I'm feeling, I have come a long way in the past two years and I can only get stronger and my mind will catch up if I keep working on things!

So I would remind anyone who has some sort of disability (physical or mental) keeping working, you are the hero of your story!