Two weeks ago I had knee surgery. It was routine and successful and except for the need to bend my knee more, I’m healing nicely. What surprised me most wasn’t the procedure (although parts of that were pretty brutal). It was the emotional aftereffect.
In the days that followed, I found myself more reflective. I was more appreciative of family support and aware of the kindness of friends and neighbors. I was also more conscious of how my independence quickly shifted into vulnerability.
During recovery, I thought about my mother. When we were kids, she sat beside us through fevers, injuries, and anxious moments. She remained calm offering reassurance and guidance.
That early shaping sticks with us.
When I wrote Caitlin’s Star, I introduced the idea of “Heavenly Jobs”, a way for children to think about how love and influence continue long after someone is gone. At its heart, the message isn’t abstract. It’s practical. The care we receive becomes a part of us.
Lying in that hospital bed, I realized I was remembering the lessons my mother modeled decades ago and one I hope I’ve modeled for my own children: face challenges with resilience, stay calm, and trust that you’ll get through them.
Surgery repaired my knee. Reflection reminded me that the real strength we rely on is often built long before we need it. That may be the most enduring kind of light there is.
We often discover our resilience was built long before we needed it. What shaped yours?
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