Monday, April 6, 2009

Big Day

On Tuesday, September 19, 2006 I left for work. As many of you know, I never made it there and my life has since changed forever. Tomorrow, Tuesday, April 7, 2009 I will once again leave my house in the morning for the first time in 2.5 years and go to work.

Although I am returning to my job, it will be very different. As a result of my physical limitations I will never be able to do the job I loved in the same way. I will have some different duties and a schedule with progressive work hours and a shorter work day. To be honest, I don't know what to expect and fortunately my employer knows this and is willing to try anyway. I have no doubt that as excited as I am to return to work I also expect tomorrow to be a difficult day in many ways. After all the last time I sat in that office in an offical capacity, I was a physically fit, completely able-bodied person who had no idea what was going to happen next. For the first time I will drive by the scene of the car accident by myself.

Despite all that, I'm anxious to work outside of the home again. To prove to myself that I am still capable of supporting my family financially if required. To enjoy the comraderie that happens in a workplace. To sink my teeth into something else other than my injuries and cerebral palsy.

Wish me luck please?

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

Good luck at work tomorrow ... we are all excited for you.

Love Jim,Bennett,and Murphy

Unknown said...

We'll be with you in spirit. You're one gutsy lady, and I'm so proud of you. I'm on retreat this week which means my days are focused on silend and prayer - - you and this blog are my "only" distraction - - so I'll be praying for you tomorrow, surrounding you with love and light. How will Bennett and Murphy survive without you???
Lots of love,
Bonnie

Unknown said...

Too bad I can't spell - - that would be "silence" vs "silend" (new word - prounounced "silence" - spelled "silend"). All this silence must be getting to me!
Love,
Auntie Bonnie

Dawn said...

Good luck Barbara! What a great moment for you. I'll be thinking of you and hope all goes well.

grandma and grandpa said...

Honey,
your dad and I will be thinking of you all day. We won't have any choice. We will be looking after your son (who survived the accident) and a brand new, un-house-broken, puppy to chace after. Should be an exciting day for us too. LOL
You will do great! You have gone by that accident spot many times now, and I'm sure that you will deal with driving by it by yourself quite well. I have no qualms about that. (easy for me to say) Know that we are all thinking of you. And...we are also very excited for you!!!
Lots of love, hugs and kisses
Mom and Dad
AKA ...Mikey and Dad

Popcorn House said...

Good luck tomorrow Barbara. I will be thinking of you, and I agree with everyone else....you are a brave lady. Please update us when you get a chance!

Erin said...

Best of luck Barbara. You are so strong. :)

Kara said...

Good luck Barbara. This is just the beginning of yet another interesting chapter in your life. I hope it goes great!

Amy said...

Good luck! You are so brave!

Julia O'C said...

I hope you had a wonderful, wonderful day!!

Barbara said...

Thank you for all the good wishes. Not surprisingly, it was a bit difficult but not too bad. It didn't help that the highway to work was closed this morning due to a fatal car accident. Can you believe it?

Jim was at work and didn't hear about it until he called me later in the morning. He said he was glad he didn't hear about it before talking to me. It would have been pretty scary to hear that on the radio and relive what happened 2.5 years ago.

Kiera said...

Barbara - I continue to be amazed by your strength and determination. You are an amazing woman and I am so glad that I got to know you via our blogs. I read this post this evening, so I will be thinking about you for your second day back at work.

Take care of yourself and congratulations on this step. I am so excited for you!
-Kiera

* ~ *Jessica* ~ * said...

I hope all went well for your return to work. I have been thinking about you and B (and of course, keeping you in my prayers).
Update about your day when you get the chance!!!
HUGS!

Anonymous said...

You bet I'm sending lucky thoughts your way! (even if after the fact of the first day, sorry.)

Luck is enhanced by looking ahead instead of behind. So I'm told.

Wishing you all the best for the next and new phase of your lifestyle.

(other) Barbara

Unknown said...

Barbara - you're a rock star. Hope the first week back went well. We're thinking of you & looking forward to seeing you, Jim, Bennett (and Murphy!) soon.

-Avvey