Stats, ugh, I’m so not a numbers person, witness my go-round with algebra in the last year. Those who know me know this, and know also that I believe health issues are a private matter, to be shared if so desired, but definitely not anyone’s business if you choose to keep it to yourself. As my brother, Steve, says regularly, there’s a reason for health privacy laws.
Close family and friends also know I’m the survivor of a health challenge over the last four years, sometimes kept private and sometimes shared. So why now and why here? In an early-morning phone conversation with a dear friend, I was encouraged to share some health news because, as she said, share the hope! That is the intent here.
Yesterday, during a routine MRI/check-up, my favorite doc (I have a team) gave me a number for the very first time. After confirming my continued healing and recovery, he shared a stat with me, a statistic, and I was surprised. I knew, statistically speaking, the initial odds were not great, but had no idea that the point I’m at now is one that, statistically speaking, only 14 out of 100 people with this challenge would reach after four years! That’s what he said – only 14% are still breathing, let alone living well, happy and fulfilled and I’m here.
It was a moment of celebration, hugs all around – my doc, his nurses, the office staff, the friend who accompanies me to all medical appointments, everybody hugging and grinning and laughing out loud – it was a time, let me tell you!!
So here I am, a statistic – feels weird, actually, and I’m not sure I fully grasp the reality, the numbers thing, you know. Will I dwell on it? That’s not me, but share the joy? You bet, for the reason of encouraging others. I’m still standing through more than one life challenge and my belief system tells me there’s a reason – a greater purpose for this life of mine and I’m here to pursue the dream, the goal, the opportunity to bless others as I have been so richly blessed!
There is hope; there is always hope, just as there is always faith and trust. This is a great place to be on this beautiful Tuesday morning – a regular day in a regular woman’s life – could be me, could be you or your neighbor or your friend, but a regular person just trying to live my best life on all levels. And a big AMEN to that!