05/21/2025
To me, one of life's most perplexing aspects is how quickly things can drastically change. How can one day, one moment, ONE MOVEMENT, uphend our entire life's rhythm? Last week, I experienced a fluke accident at home that has me repeatedly asking this.
I had a fall which resulted in blunt force trauma to the left side of my face/head. Because of this silly incident I was left with a concussion and a severe eye injury. Unfortunately, the extreme pain, loss of and distorted vision, and diplopia, are caused by traumatic nerve damage in my eye. This is something that will often heal itself, and if it doesn't there are visual aids and surgeries which can help. However it will likely take MONTHS to heal properly. Months of rest, eye patches, headaches, dizziness, cool and dark bedrooms, visual therapy (eventually), and.... patience.
I can't drive. I can't work (am I ever going to miss my students). I can't look at screens for any length of time. I can't look down or to the right - which means it's very hard to watch my new puppy (!!!) wander in the green grass. And, I can't decorate cookies. But, I'm trying to remain hopeful that within time I will be able to ALL of those things once again.
There’s a deep, familiar ache in facing yet another pause. Another adjustment. Another plan that has to wait. It’s hard not to feel disappointment settle in, like an old shadow I’ve grown used to, though I never invited it.
My focus now is simply navigating each day. Trying to stay optimistic and show myself grace when moments are difficult. Life has taught me how to shift and reshape, to move with the tides instead of fighting against them. I’m learning to accept that things may continue to look different—that my work, my pace, and even my path might not be what I pictured. I’m trying to trust that there is still beauty and meaning in what unfolds.
Thank you for your unwavering support, for seeing the person behind the cookies, behind the posts, behind the smile. Your kindness carries me through more than you know. I hope you will continue to walk alongside me as I try to piece together this latest puzzle - I will update you with my healing progress as I can.
With a weary heart,
Jess