I'd like to thank my agent....

I cringe a little when I think of December 29, 2012. It was six months ago today. It was also the day I was lifting a Christmas tree and poof! My back collapsed.

I'd like to think that 6 months dealing and healing has changed me for the better. I have more compassion when I hear about others who have back pain. I understand my dad and his never-ending back saga (2 back surgeries, with shaved discs and multiple fused vertebrae) in a way I never did before. I remember him laying on the floor, reading the newspaper next to a tall icy glass of water, calling out to my mom (or whoever else would listen), "My legs, Sue, my legs. I can't stand the pain in my legs!" Now, when my mom talks about her back I can relate.

I know it has made me more grateful. I feel gratitude for days when I don't have to take ibuprophen (which happens more and more lately.) It is a relief to bend over to brush my teeth or stand up from a chair without pain radiating down the back of my leg (most of the time.) Sitting in an uncomfortable both at a restaurant is no longer a lesson in torture. The day I was able to do a yoga sun salutation (however glacially slow!) was a success - I could touch the floor with my legs straight! I could hold downward dog! I could roll up slowly with only a twinge of pain at the very end! It's true that long car rides make me nervous, and I still think of the possibility of it collapsing again when I'm running down a long hill. But for the most part, I'm feeling hopeful. And mostly normal. Which is such a wonderful thing!

I feel like I'm giving an Academy Award acceptance speech. So, without further ado, I'd like to thank the Academy for giving me this day, June 29, 2013, a mostly back-pain-free day. I couldn't have completed this amazing journey without the 125+ ibuprophen 800 mg I've taken. My inspiration came from the months of meditation - Oprah and Deepak - you have my gratitude. Let's see, who have I forgot? My physical therapist - I was too cheap to visit you more than twice, but your exercises made all the difference. Black foam roller - you know what you've done for me. I love ya, Blackie. My husband, for listening to me whine and complain for 6 weeks before I went to the doctor, and the team at TOSH for refilling prescriptions and fielding my confusing and slightly-panicked follow-up phone calls. Also...oh wait, there's the music. Thank you June 29, 2013. If for nothing else, for not being December 29, 2012.