strong at the broken places

While this phrase has its origins in the Hemingway novel A Farewell to Arms, and in a greater context of more than these five words, it fits the time and place in which I find myself.

This image is what I imagine my back nerves and structure look like.

And let me say, those nerves have a painfully annoying way of getting my attention.

Right now I don’t know how well I will get put back together, but I believe that where the broken places are healed, there will be new strength.

This has been a hard time for me. I’ve struggled under the weight of pain, under the weight of losing the image of myself I have long put forth, and under the unknown level of hope I’m able to gather up. I’ve had times of real discouragement. And believe me when I say, I have mastered the “art” of sobbing.

And yet, “she persisted”.  And yet, she persists.

I’m a traveler. I’ve not traveled for ninety-six days. Yes, I’m keeping track. I am, though, soon to travel once again. It was heartbreaking to have to cancel the much anticipated return trip to the Faroe Islands this month. Thankfully there are already plans in place to return next year.

In the meantime, Taos, NM awaits. In just four days I will travel once again. I’ve always found Taos, and New Mexico, to be a place of healing. And so, too, this is my expectation for my coming trip.

A few days ago I mentioned to a friend that I would be traveling to New Mexico, and I was asked “how are you going to do that?”.  I don’t recall my exact reply, but it will be one step at a time, with wheeled assistance as needed. Come along.

Traveling mercies.