A month of change...

I've always espoused the thought that change is good. It may not seem like it at the time the change is occurring, but hindsight having perfect vision, inevitably I realize whatever changed in my little universe was for the better. I do wish, sometimes, though, the things that change wouldn't do so in such a concurrent and fast manner, but take a little time and allow me to settle into everything.

Case in point: September 2021. I'd missed a six month check up for my routine biannual dermatology appointment due to Covid, so I'd gone an entire year without getting checked out. To the average person in my age group, this wouldn't have been a problem. For me, it is - and proved to be. I have a history of melanoma. I've already been treated five times for it in the last three years and my derm guy had me on a three month, then six month return just to ensure all was well. The September appointment proved all was not. After three biopsies, two of which came back with recurring melanoma, I am now due for surgery this week to -hopefully - correct the issue. The change in my status from thinking I was cured, to finding out I was not was a bit...disconcerting, to say the least. 

 The day after my biopsies I received a call from my mother that my stepfather was being taken to the emergency room with severe stomach pain. Long story short - he had to have an emergency cholecystectomy ( gall bladder removal) and required a 3 day post op stay due to his age and cardiac status. My mother, who is now wheelchair bound due to her recent hip fracture, needed to be cared for in her home, so, as the only child, I drove back and forth daily to the state they live in and made sure she was fed, bathed, and okay. 

Once he was discharged, the change in his physical status was profound. He is slower, less sure of himself walking, and if I had to put money on it, a little less quick mentally, as well. The change in their lifestyle one year ago, prior to Covid, has been profound for them - and not in a good way. 

 Two bright spots of change also occurred, simultaneously with everything else. September brought forth the birth of my first grandson - two weeks early. He came into the world at 2 am on a Thursday and none of our lives - especially my daughter's and her husband's -- will ever be the same. And I signed a book deal with a new publisher for me for 5 books to be put into the world in the next 2 years. This is my first new publisher in three years and I am trying to adapt to all the change not being an indie author at the moment brings with it. 

 The world around me had suffered through a ridiculous amount of change this past month as well. The removal of troops from Afghanistan; the rising spread of the delta variant; the number of deaths from Covid; the lingering issues with the economy; hurricanes, fires, and tornados. It's been a momentous month - and not in all good ways. 

 Do I still think change is good? Yes, in the long run, I do. But as I said, I just wish it would take a little slower to happen at times so I could catch up and not feel as if I am always chasing my tail to do so. 

 Looking for me? I'm usually here: https://Peggyjaeger.com