September has been anything but simple — full of pain management challenges, ongoing medical follow-up, and the work of advocating for my own care. But in the mix, there have also been bright spots, breakthroughs, and reminders of support.

• Pain Landscape: The past few weeks have brought relentless pain, not always well managed by the systems in place. I’ve wrestled with shifting meds, nerve pain that flares without warning, and the mental/emotional toll of trying to keep up.
  

• Advocacy Lessons: Miscommunication between surgical teams and local providers has meant I’ve had to push for clarity again and again. It’s draining, but I’ve also found relief as my Taos providers step in with validation, breathwork, gentle movement, and a willingness to help me find a better plan.
  

• Breakthroughs & Progress: PT milestones include getting on the stationary bike, getting in the pool, increasing weight bearing, adding exercises, as well as working toward independence with daily routines.
  

• Infection Update: The infection scare began in late August, when we (and providers) were worried about another exposed plate which turned into an ENT visit and gross realization. Cultures confirmed MRSA — a resistant form of staph — but thankfully the antibiotics we’d already started were effective. September has been about completing treatment, the immense relief of symptoms finally resolving, and now figuring out what’s needed for ongoing monitoring (especially with more inpatient surgery coming in Dec).
  

• Emotional Ups & Downs: Recovery can feel claustrophobic at times — like the walls are closing in — but clarity does break through. Sitting outside, breathing deeply, and leaning on Patrick (and our sweet dogs) has carried me through darker stretches.
  

• Life Beyond Recovery: Despite limitations, we’ve welcomed cherished visitors, shared cozy meals, and even secured plans for a fall trip that blends medical follow-up with a much-needed change of scenery.
  

• Huge Relief: The lawsuit is finally, officially behind us — lifting a financial and emotional weight for us and those in our circle. That shift from daydreaming without possibility to actionable daydreaming is one I feel deeply. (I say it’s officially behind us though there is one lingering final step we are waiting on).

Healing is rarely linear — it’s a daily dance between grief and gratitude, fear and trust. For now, I’m choosing clarity where it comes, trust in the journey, and gratitude for the sunshine when it breaks through.