The month of March has many things associated with it. March resonates with me on so many levels, and not just because it is my birthday month. Did you know March is known for the following:
National Women’s History Month (I identify as a woman)
National Social Workers Month (I am a counselor but support SW’s too)
National Craft Month (Crafting amid a COVID-19 world has been my jam!)
Peanut Month (I enjoyed peanut butter and apples without knowing this today!)
National Nutrition Month (I am working towards a healthy lifestyle)
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (We should all support and advocate for those that can’t do this themselves)
National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month (Love you mom)
There are so many more, but the Awareness that resonates with me is Endometriosis Awareness Month. I wrote a Blog a few weeks ago about my experience with Endometriosis. Two and a half weeks ago I had a Hysterectomy. This is a disease I have known and battled with since I was 12 years old. I was one of the lucky ones that was diagnosed early.
I made the decision to have a Hysterectomy when my pain became daily and I had difficulty doing anything but working and then cuddling with my kids while watching television. I felt like the worst mom on earth. My body felt useless and I was constantly angry at the fact my body was not doing what I wanted/needed it to.
I began researching and finding a doctor that displayed compassion, confidence, and had a plan that was going to help me find my energy and life again. I had my Partial Hysterectomy on February 15th. Although the recovery has not been as smooth, easy, and as quick as I was hoping, what I can say is I have woken up every day feeling energized and hopeful. When I asked the NP if it was worth it, her immediate response with no hesitation was, “If I were you, I would have gotten it hands down based on the amount we found…” Again, I felt validated, which in the Endo World is not always the case.
I am excited to get my life back for myself so that I can then be there for my kids and husband. I got dressed in real clothes for the first time yesterday! I am excited to stand outside and wait for Liam to get off the bus. I am excited for weeks from now when I can get through my day without pain. I can’t wait to go for walks where I won’t be bent down in pain due to walking too far. One day this will be a distant memory. As Spring begins to show itself my heart, head and spirit are beginning to fill with hope! I am getting there little by little.
I share this to show how many things can contribute to guilt, even if circumstances are out of our control. As long as we keep loving our children and showing them through modeling the importance of advocating and moving forward, they will be okay.
