On February 18, 2011 my life shifted. I used to say it changed, but now that seems too dramatic a word. Shifted feels like more appropriate. During that year I thought that all February 18ths would be incredibly sad days- like stay in bed and feel sorry for myself kind of days. But the next several February 18ths felt a little more like a celebration. A celebration of all God had done in my life through or as a result of my accident. It still felt like a monumental day, but in a good way now.

So that brings us to today. February 18, 2019. This year, and I never saw this coming, I had to stop and think exactly which day it was. Did it happen on the 19th or 18th? And when the 18th arrived, I felt pretty much nothing. Now I say that in only the best way. I am of course glad it wasn’t a stay in bed and feel sorry for myself kind of day, but it also didn’t necessarily feel like a celebration any more than any other day. I remember always what God has done for me and in me, just as much yesterday as today. Now since I am writing this post, I obviously do recognize the day. But when I’m still and I look inside, I’m thrilled to find a lack of strong emotion! I have gone back and read my “book” in the past few weeks (parts at least). The parts that describe the accident and the immediate aftermath are still difficult for me. But who knows, maybe next year even that will be easier. Now I am purposefully using this day to give some extra thanks instead of having an overwhelming emotional need to do so. One day I even expect the day to pass by without me even realizing it. We will see……