I Look Forward to Spring!

My cervical collar is off!  Hallelujah!  I had my x-rays and the doctor said everything looked good and I don't need to wear it anymore.  He suggested I "wean" myself off of it but I've pretty much gone cold turkey.  Below is a picture of my most recent x-ray - you can see the hardware in my neck.

Looking at my neck from the front.

My profile.

The best part...I have NO pain anymore.  After 11 years going back and forth with this I am pain free.

Last night we had lightning and thunderstorms go through the area.  The mild temps and rain got rid of almost all the snow.  It sure has been a better winter here than the last four!

I'm doing good with my emotions and feelings.  It's hard to believe that after six years they can still be so up and down.  I'm referring to my grieving of Ray's death.  You never really "get over it."  Every time I think of events in the past I always think "was Ray dead or alive?"  That helps me pinpoint timelines.

My oldest niece, Lauren, is graduating from High School this year.  I am planning on going to Detroit for the graduation party in June.  I look forward to it as that will probably be the first time I can get out there to see everyone between now and then.

My life is so much simpler these days.  Not having to be "on" 24/7 is so nice.  It's been three years but after doing that for 15 years it's hard to shake that feeling off.  At times I will hear a car door at home and kind of jump a little thinking someone has pulled into the B&B parking lot.  Then I realize quickly that no one is coming to see me.  Sigh of relief.

It's February already, there's daylight longer and I look forward to spring! - Jimmy