Thought bubble:
If Love is the ultimate teacher, Pain may be its best tutor.
Perhaps it shouldn't be that way, but on the ground that seems like a pretty accurate description of how things work. I've learned a lot from my experience with love, but it has often been pain that has put me in the position to receive that learning. And, it makes some sense actually. For love to be there waiting for us, as we encounter pain, is among the most stunning revelations (particularly because, some of our pain has been self-generated).
We are learning a lot right now about some aspects of love, especially the ones that involve pain.
Our son was able to transition from the hospital to a rehab facility yesterday. We are thankful for the step in the right direction. However, the healing time involved now is a lot of work — for all involved — as the road ahead is not a short one.
We are in control of so little, certainly for someone else, (but, also for ourselves). It seems, at times, all we can do is simply take the next step, without necessarily knowing what doing so ensures (or doesn't ensure). It is startling how much of our courage is tied to outcomes....
In the meantime, we simply try to work at what is in front of us and, in this case, encourage Conner to do the same...however challenging that is (or may become).
