Sunday, March 14, 2010

Hiatus....

After many months away, I have finally returned. I thought I would only be away for a few weeks while my leg healed, but I was wrong. Unfortunately, the broken leg was actually the minor part of the injury. Much worse, and much slower to heal, were the damaged ligaments and tendons in the foot and ankle. The time spent in the cast, intensified the damage and slowed the recovery. Several months of elevation, ice packs, traction, ultrasound and physical therapy have put me mostly back together again. Stairs and soft ground are still a challenge and cold damp weather brings a painful reminder, but I can walk again - most days without a limp. So definite progress!

Sadly, the emotional toll was just as great. Keeping the leg elevated enough to reduce the severe swelling made it impossible to stitch or be on the computer, or do much of anything else, for that matter. Frustration over not being able to do what I wanted to do as well as what I needed to do - watching things pile up and not get done, sent me into a major tailspin. (That is my family's name for a severe bout of depression - a lifelong affliction) Once I was physically able to get back to actually sitting at a computer again, I was completely overwhelmed at the thought of trying to go back and catch up on all the emails, blogging and exchanges that I had missed out on all those months. Work was very busy as well so I just stayed away....

I now must thank several people for my return. To all of you who have patiently waited for my return - checking back on my blog from time to time, to those who have continued to leave comments here, to those who have continued to email - even though I didn't respond, to all of you that have continued to think kindly of me in spite of it all - THANK YOU!

And special thanks to:

Beth, for telling me not to worry about catching up, that my friends would understand and just be glad to have me back, to just sit down and begin again - THANK YOU!

Beth and Carla, for a delightful weekend of stitching, laughing, shopping and fun - rekindling my love of stitching and a desire to reconnect with the stitching community and my friends - THANK YOU!

And last, but not at all least, my dear, dear friend, Monique, who went to great lengths to find me again - always there to pick me up, dust me off and give me a gentle kick in the backside to get me going again - THANK YOU!

I have much to share once again, new charts, maybe a surprise or two. I am going to go at a slower pace, not taking on so much at a time so I don't become overwhelmed again, but as I said, progress is being made. As my physical therapist said, "Baby steps, Sharon, baby steps..."

76 comments:

Nic said...

Welcome back! I'm glad you are feeling better. I've had my own struggles with the "black dog" of depression and it really does sap the will to do anything, even if you used to enjoy it, and I can't imagine combining that with feeling physically so bad.

I look forward to seeing what you're planning :o)

Annemiek said...

So glad to see you back, I had no idea what went on. Take it one step (no pun intended) at a time and I hope you'll be able to return to your stitching.

Crossed Yarns said...

Welcome back, Sharon. Great to hear from you again!
{hugs} Pokua

Gillie said...

So glad to see you back! I coudn't believe my eyes when your blog name was at the top of my list! I've been there (and come back) with depression so have a small idea of your pain.

Aury said...

Welcome back!!
I'm so happy to see you again. We miss you a lot!

Aury

Stitchingranny said...

Welcome back, nice to see you again. That is the lovely thing about blogland, everyone is still there when you return, as I have recently found myself, and its oh so good to know you have friends in cyber space that understand that life can get in the way of the things we love.

May you continue to improve in health.

Sheila said...

Welcome back. Glad your feeling better. Take it one day at a time.

Sandra :) said...

It's lovely to have you back! I think we all need to take a step away sometimes, for one reason or another ... it clears the mind and lets us focus on life and things in general. I'm glad you're feeling better :)

BTW - if it makes you feel any better, I still have Christmas presents to mail. Things I ordered were late arriving so once I realized the presents wouldn't be mailed in time for the actual day, I completely lost interest in mailing them AT ALL, and there they sit ... in my dining room ... droopy Christmas paper and all ... making me feel guilty every time I walk by. ARGH!

Gayle said...

Happy to see you are back. You were definitely missed. More importantly you are getting better and getting to stitch.

Pat said...

Welcome back. You were missed. Glad you are doing so much better.

Kate said...

So glad to see you back. Sorry to hear of all your problems. Look forward not backward is always my thought. See you soon.

Raven/Missy said...

Welcome back Sharon! I am glad to see you posting again. I am sorry to hear how difficult things have been for you in the past few months. I completely understand how you must have felt and how the depression affected you. I live with chronic pain and it has caused depression so I understand the confusion of emotions that come with watching things pile up, being unable to do the things you want to do and how those things awaken depression.

I hope things continue to get better for you!

Stitcher said...

I too am way behind, but had to leave you a comment, and say WELCOME BACK.

Chris.x

Melody said...

Glad to see you are back, and feeling better.

Also, sorry to hear of your injury!

Anonymous said...

Glad to see you are back. So sorry that you have had so much to contend with. Looking forward to your posts.

Carolyn NC said...

Sharon,
Welcome back! So glad to hear from you again. I'm so sorry that things have been so hard for you and healing in all ways has taken so long. But you're truly on the mend and can start afresh. I can't imagine anyone would expect you to go back and catch up - no way. Delete it all and start brand new! Sort of like spring time to me...the winter is going away (slowly, it seems), but Spring and newness is just around the corner. And old and new friends are right here waiting for you. :)

angelstar said...

Welcome back. Glad to see you back again. Can't wait to see what you come up with.

Jamie

Hev said...

Yay! I was worried about you. I am so glad that you are feeling better.

drea_dear said...

Sharon, I'm so glad to see you back!! Don't even worry about "catching up" - do what you can do, and do what makes you happy. That's what I've learned from dealing with my own depression. There are things that HAVE to be done, but if you alternate them with things you want to do, it makes it easier to deal with. (HUGS)

Theresa said...

So nice to see you back again!!!! We missed you!!!!! I can't imagine what you have been going through, it must be very tough. But you're back!!! And that is the most important thing!!!! I look forward to see you popping up from time to time~

Sue in Australia said...

Welcome back Sharon. Ease back in at your own pace.

Candace said...

I'm so glad you're back! You were truly missed! Wishing you sunny skies and a smooth path for those baby steps . . .

Terri said...

Welcome back. It's great to see you back. Take it easy and yes we will always be here waiting for you :)

Jo said...

Welcome back and glad to hear you're improving, hopefully the warmer weather is on its way which should help you.

Cole said...

I'm so happy to see this post Sharon :) And I'm so glad that things are looking up. Take your time & be sure to take care of you! Hugs

tiflipt said...

I'm soooooooo happy to welcome you back! I am sorry to read all you had to go through.I am sure you will recover faster now that you are in touch again. Hope you'll be able to stitch soon for it will bring your self-esteem back.

Berit said...

Welcome Back! I was just thinking about you the other day. :)

Monique said...

somehow my comment has been lost ?! ... ?!

Cynimin said...

Hi, Welcome back and I'm glad you are feeling a little more on top of the weather now. Sometimes just like 1000's of old email messages in your inbox, you just have to hit 'delete' and start fresh and new and don't look back. Been there done that!

Rosa said...

Hi

I was wondering if any one might have a pattern that my daughters have lost and we only just started working on this project. It is from a kit by Dimensions crafts. The website titles it "The Good life" but the package calls it "Napping Pup". Its a puppy asleep in a hammock and the caption reads:"Sleep till you're hungry Eat till you're sleepy".

Can any one help?
rosamfg@telus.net

Karan said...

It's good to see you posting again. Hope you continue to heal, helped by doing those things you love the most. :0)

secondhandrose said...

Welcome back. I love your blog and will look forward to whatever you choose to post.
Take care!

StitchinKat said...

Happy to see you back on the blog circuit! Hope things will continue to improve!

Susan Payton said...

Welcome back and sorry you had such a rough time, and I hope you are feeling much better by now. I must say this is my first visit, but I have enjoyed reading your blog very much. You are a very talented lady. I have done some crocheting before, but nothing like this stitching.
So glad to see you are back and I will look forward to reading your blog again in the future.
http://amazingcouponanddiscountdeals.blogspot.com
Susan

Anonymous said...

Awesome! So Great to have you back...

Anonymous said...

Hey there! Glad to hear things are looking up for you. Know how the depression thing can really drag you down too, but remember you're needed here! All us amateurs need you out here in blog land to help us stay motivated! LOL Just found your blog tonight and am so glad I did. will be spending much more time there cking out all your beautiful things. Take care and keep your chin up. Thanks for all you do!
Happy Spring!
Take care.

Anonymous said...

Hola!! Bienvenida! Me alegra mucho que se haya recuperado y que de nuevo este con nosotros...ahora, quedamos a aguardar sus presentes hermosos en forma de graficos para bordar.

Felicidades!!:-)))

Cindy said...

Glad that you are feeling better. Welcome back to blogging and stitching :)

trudereads said...

I'm glad your back and feeling better, as you see, everybody is stil here and glad to here of you.

Best and warm whishes from Trude

Nita said...

Welcome back!
You did have many people praying for you, and this is a prayer's answer!

Sweet Sue said...

Hi Sharon, have really missed you, nice to see you posting again! Sending you my very best wishes for your continued healing and future wellness:)

Sweet Stitchin...

Anonymous said...

I'm very happy that you're back and I'm sorry to hear of all your problems! I will look forward to reading your blog again.
Best whishes!
Daria (Italy)

Elza said...

I am so glad thath you are back.
Sorry fore my bad Englisch.
Greeting Elza.

Pat said...

I am glad to see you are back. Take things easy as you get back into your groove. May you have much sunshine in your spirit!!

Pat

Lynn-Teacupstitches said...

Hello Sharon! I found your blog by searching cross stitch blogs and I'm so impressed by everything about it and your generous free patterns! I'm so sorry about your current ailment and wish you the speediest recovery :-) I'll be sure to follow your fun blog!
Lynn

yvette said...

Your friends are right : who cares about "catching up" ! You're back and that's so much.
Don't worry, be happy !!!

yvette said...

You're friends are right Sharon : who cares about "catching up", you're back and that's so much !
Don't worry, be happy !

Robin Hager said...

I am so glad you're back! I never gave up on you! I hope you continue to heal both physically and mentally. I look forward to your new designs, and wish you the best!

olga said...

im so glad that you are ok, i really thought something aweful had happened to you, thank god i was wrong ((hugs)), it was a wonderful surprise to see you posting again, and im also glad you are recovering ((hugs))
lots of luv from olga. (uk)

^A^ngel said...

Welcome back!! Sorry you had to go through all that...but really glad that it wasn't something worst...

Now Patience and do things little bits at a time...we don't want you
hurting again...

Hugs,

^A^ngel♥

Deb said...

Dear Sharon, Unless you've been there, it's hard to imagine how much pain, sadness and frustration you're going through! I hope it all continues to go away, and that your mind and heart can sigh a sigh of relief and peace very soon. So sorry for your trauma and your surgery. It is nice to see you back!
Deb

Monique said...

Hello Sharon

Welcome back.
I hope that you are doing oke now.
I'm glad that you are back. I really love your site and charts and i'm glad that you are back.
Do it in you own time so that you feel good about it.
Greetings from Holland,
MOnique

Lakshmi said...

Hello Sharon,
I am really sorry for the thing that though I visit your blog few times and noted some charts and couldn't visit again. today I came here to say thanks to you for the humming bird free chart which I am doing now.
Really sorry for the difficult time you are facing. sincerly wish you recover completely soon.

can I post my small project in my blog giving the link to your blog?
love
lakshmi

Quiltsmiles said...

Poor You! It takes energy to heal so be good to your self. After breaking my leg while vacationing in Deadwood, South Dakota. It took me many months and PT to get back to myself so I understand fully what you are going through. Pain, discomfort and awkarkness to try to get to the thing you might feel like doing are all so overwhelming at times. Wisdh you well and hope you have a full recovery. Jane
aka, "Princess of Quite Alot or queen of Whatever!". LOL

Anonymous said...

I wondered b/c I enjoyed your blog and then suddenly nothing. Welcome back. I look forward to new postings. Denise

vivian said...

glad to have you back on your feet, literally. you'll be stitching happy in no time, just do a little every day.
vivian

Terry N said...

So glad to see you back.we have all missed you and kept you in our hearts and thoughts.Baby steps are greatas well as take life slower. I have used a few of your patterns and have enjoyed them greatly.Welcome back and Big Hugs! Terry N

rabbit faerie said...

Hope you are feeling better x

Ann said...

Glad you are getting better, I missed you. I often have to remind myself that it's my life and to enjoy it for myself, it's too easy to get overwhelmed by self imposed obligations to other people.

... said...

Welcome back Sharon!
nice to see you again:)

... said...

welcome back!
so glad to hear from you again:)

Unknown said...

Me alegro que estes de vuelta y que puedas reanudar tu vida ya que es lo mas bonito que tenemos disfrutala un beso desde Barcelona
Angels

Marie said...

What a dreadful injury, glad that you are on the road to recovery.

Anonymous said...

It was wonderful to see you post again Sharon! Healing takes time and stress both physical and mental is rough takes its toll. I look forward to seeing what 2010 brings and I am hopeful that things are better for all of us. I hope you "cross stitch happy".

Hugs,
Mare

karmyl said...

Welcome back! Looking forward to see what you are up to.

Cait said...

I just found you today through a facebook entry.
I took two years off from counted cross stitch to learn to knit.
By 14-16 months of that, I was getting 'twitchy'. Couldn't wait to get back to xst. I needed to 'create' with fabric, needle and floss again. But I stuck it out for 24 months. I know how to knit, purl, make one, decrease and anything else, I know where to get help now. ON TO CXST!
So I know how frustrated you must have been.
Take care, and as your therapist said, please take 'baby steps'. If you aren't up to it, do something that you can do and let the rest go for a bit. You will be able to do only as much as you can. The rest is 'dreaming'. If we can't dream, life isn't worth much. If you can act on your dream, then it becomes a dream to do.
Many huggs, Cait

Isabel Nemet said...

Que bueno que estes de vuelta!!
Isa

DUSTY said...

It's nice to see you back again. Hope the healing improves quickly. take care. (((hugs))) BTW thank you for all your wonderful charts.

BronnyB said...

Hugs and welcome back!

Cynimin said...

Hi, Sharon, Just came across your blog again and hoping all is well with you. Has your leg healed ok? I hope the reason you re not on here lately is because you are outside having a great time!
Take care
((HUGS))
Cyndi

Anonymous said...

Welcome Back! I am excited to read more of your blog. I am glad you have re-kindled your love for stitching.

Anonymous said...

I just found your blog and I don't believe it was an accident or a coincidence...do you know what a coincidence really is? It is a
(C)hrist(O)riented-incidence and I believe that is what led me to see your blog.
I look forward to coming back here and reading good things about you.
Mary Catone

mdgtjulie said...

Hi Sharon. We all have our struggles, and how we deal with them defines who we are. You will always come out the other end stronger than you were before. Hope you're feeling well now!

Kaisievic said...

Welcome back, I have just discovered your blog but I wish you all the best.

love Kaye xoxo

Becca said...

Welcome Back. I am just getting over hip replacement surgery so I know how difficult these things can be. By the way, I ADORE your cat.

Tips said...

Dear Sharon,
I hope you're well. We miss you.
Greetings from Germany
Lari