I wonder who was here before me; that’s what I thought as I stared at the footsteps frozen on the ground in front of me. I wonder if they had trouble navigating the icy streets, feared falling and injuring themselves while taking in the beauty of the falling snow or did they make it home in this snow squall with ease.

I clutched my cane and gingerly walked through my neighborhood, cringing as I passed trees weighed down by ice and now snow.

I truly hope one of these branches doesn’t give way while I go by, I thought. I don’t know how fast I can get out of the way.

I listened closely to every sound as I made my way down the tree lined street. After skating across the intersection I’d reached my complex. I thought I was home free until I reached the stairs to my townhouse.

The first four went smoothly. The next did not. I slid on the second to last step and landed on all fours on my frozen doormat with my head inches from the steel front door. My cane fell into the crack separating my house from my next door neighbors but at least it wasn’t in my sticky bushes. Wet and covered in snow, I rose to my feet and collected myself. I wasn’t hurt. My fragile back held up. (Still I iced and took a pain pill)

One day into my new year of life I’m already doing better than the year before, I thought. Perhaps 2020 will be my year as long as I stay strong, remain on a good path and rely on help from above.

(Today I’m heading out again, cautiously. And, I’m wearing a sweater to honor of the snow and ice)

#HappyHolidays #blackgirlmagic #nevergiveup #birthdaywishes #invisibleillness #chronicillness #chronicpain #disability #friendship #autoimmunedisease #spoonie #igg4