Leap year...extra day to be alive

How often do we experience leap year? It is every four years, and today is the day we have an extra day in February. I see it as an opportunity to be thankful. After all, it is an extra day for this year.

It has been a week since the car accident I had, and a few of my friends thought I was just busy busting my ass at work. It was not the case. Unfortunately, I got into an accident that damaged my car. As for me physically, I am alright. Soreness on my left arm, shoulder and neck. Nothing rests, ice packs, and physiotherapy can't handle. It reminded me of the accident I had in 2021, coming from a night shift on my last day of travel nursing. I was struck by another car when I was on my home to the hotel. I was ready to have a good sleep and then prepare to go on a hike with my colleagues in the afternoon. My injured self did not make it to the hike. I was fortunate enough to have Gigie at that time. Always grateful for her help.

Last week, I was fortunate again to have Alex, Ross and Kristine's presence to navigate the atrocious week ahead. My siblings and niece have checked in on me already; of course, they were worried. Kristine was with me in the ER to check in on me. I was lucky that the wait time was only three hours; it could have been worse for me waiting on a stretcher for 12 hours. Alex picked me up to bring me home. Ross made sure to look after me in the next 48 hours.

I remember last week was what Alex told me, "You will be fine; you are just inconvenienced."It stuck in my head what he meant by the word fine. I am alive, and I am not severely injured. It could have been worse when I went home with a sling, a cast or possibly a neck brace. I went home unscathed. Other than the soreness I was feeling on my shoulder. One thing I could say; I at least have a better range of motion this time than in 2021, when I couldn't even lift my left arm properly for over a week. Sure, I am inconvenienced by not having a car, having to call in sick for work, and having to walk to my appointments. The latter wasn't so bad. The walk was a distraction, so I didn't lose my marbles. I have been reading a book. I even got myself a library card. Yup, I am fine and I am lucky to be alive. But my poor car.

Today, as I finished all the phone calls I needed to do. I went for a walk and realized that it was February 29. It made me realize that today, I have to make sure that I make the most of it by being grateful. Blessed to be surrounded by my friends who initiated a "How are you?" to check in. As for others, whatever form of enjoyment or giving back you have in mind. Make sure you enjoy the extra day we have today.