There have been so many "first time" moments for me during this months-long journey through illness. Another one occured sometime yesterday morning -- the moment when I realized that I feel (ta daaa!) healthy! I realized that I now breathe evenly and deeply and easily, and I haven't been able to do that for several years.

The next few weeks will bring increased stamina, as I use the exercise bike. I spent 30 minutes on it this morning. It could be that, even after I return to work on February 1, that I'll need an occasional nap. (The members of the quilting group even made me a quilt when I first got sick, for use during office naps!) But I'm listening to my body, and my body feels more healthy with each day.

I wonder when the next "first time" moment will come: when I'll realize that I've re-learned what it's like to be healthy. There's a confidence in being healthy that I don't possess yet. I'm sure it won't happen until I've been back on the job for a while. It'll happen, perhaps, some evening, when I'll realize that I haven't worried about my health all day!

Thanks be to God, the source of all healing.