Did you miss me?

It's been a while. It's not like I went on vacation. Actually I had another flare up of what is still being diagnosed as arthritis/ tendinitis,this time in my right wrist and traveling down into my hand.After 2 1/2 weeks, I have now regained about 35% of my range of motion and the pain level has subsided to tolerable.The swelling is barely noticeable and I am well on my way to full recovery.
This is the 5th or 6th episode like this in the last 18 months. Each one has lasted anywhere from 3 to 5 weeks.When I do the math , that's almost 6 months of down time.
 Unacceptable!
I will have to find a solution to this. Besides the pain which at times is excruciating, there is the lack of sleep (which is an impossibility because of the pain) not to mention the cessation of any resemblance of a life style. Over the last two weeks I have missed a lot. I could not even get dressed ,resorting to wearing sweatpants and a sweatshirt for days on end.
During this time period , I celebrated another birthday. We'll call this one the birthday that never happened.It came, it passed and was basically a non-event. Strangely the hundreds of birthday greetings I have been blessed with in the past few years did not happen. It's as if this year was destined to be anything but memorable.
Halloween happened as well. Actually if you ask my customers, Halloween was as uneventful as my birthday was.
To say this has been a strange time would be an understatement. All of this has come just as my life has taken some other significant shifts in direction. Becky had her baby and the desk next to mine which she has occupied for the last 12 years is empty. 
After months of scouring the Halloween landscape, it has become clearly obvious that opportunities are few and far between. I now find myself standing with my hands on my hips literally surveying every thing around me in search of a direction to head off into.
The fact that I could not write , or for that matter do much of anything, over the last two weeks,has actually proven to be an unexpected gift. It has left me feeling alone,cut off from all other pursuits and distractions. Alone is different than lonely.Much like the t.v. show I am feeling naked and afraid. Finding myself alone in this less than hospitable environment has created the opportunity for me to dig deep and call upon all of my resources and inner fortitude if I want to have any chance of surviving.It is a true test of my make up.
You know the old adage, when the going gets tough the tough get going. Well, it's go time for me.
It's kind of exciting!
I realize that I am not "alone". and I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge that and to let you know just how much I appreciate and value your friendship and continued encouragement. You have no idea how much it helps!
Have an awesome week!
Shavua Tov!