Brutal, cold winds have blown across the Cow Pasture. Scattered patches of dry, brittle grass crunch beneath my feet of a once glorious green landscape. The cows, their heads bent linger underneath trees stripped bare of beautiful canopies, and drink from the trickling frozen stream. Strong and resolute they huddle together and wait patiently for a Spring they know will come.
It has been a difficult month for me. As one of the millions who suffer from a chronic disease, pain has been as much a part of my daily life as brushing my teeth. Unable to take pain medications I’ve had to learn to live with it – most days. Unfortunately, the cold, brittle winds of Winter have taken its toll. Pain once managed have taken me to my knees, robbed me of my daily routines, sleep, mobility, and worse, joy. At times, it’s made me question medicine altogether, my sanity, and God; but, I am not alone.
“According to data from the 2012 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), 11.2 percent of American adults (25.3 million people) have experienced some form of pain every day for the past three months. The study also found that even more people — 17.6 percent ( 40 million ) of American adults — suffer from “severe levels” of pain… Whether the pain originates from an injury or an infection (or some unknown cause), chronic pain often lasts far too long — and can impair a person’s ability to function in and enjoy their daily lives.”
“The number of people who suffer from severe and lasting pain is striking.” Dr. Josephine Briggs, director of NCCIH
I have always been a strong and determined woman. From the time I was a girl, I looked adversity in the face and kicked. My mantra became, “this too shall pass,” and I persevered.
I am just one of the millions and I’m certain others fare far worse than I. Perhaps, you are a kindred spirit or know someone close to you. If so, I offer my prayers for comfort, relief, and compassion.
“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” Ian MacLaren – Click to Tweet
It has been a cold, brutal Winter in the Cow Pasture, but I shall not let this define me. Like my gentle companions, I know a new Spring is on the horizon. I will find my reserve and kick.
“This too shall pass.” Click to Tweet
I’d love to hear your comments. Talk to me. Tell me your story. I’m all ears and look for me on Facebook at SheilaMGood, Pinterest, Bloglovin, Twitter@sheilamgood, Contently, and Instagram. You can follow my reviews on Amazon and Goodreads.
COW PASTURE CHRONICLES 
I recently wrote a story entitled “Growing Old is Not for Sissies.” It won’t ease your pain, but might take your mind off it for a few minutes. If you’d like a copy, email me at russellwrites2@gmail.com
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I’d love to read it! Send it to sheilagood52@gmail.com
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On its way.
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Can’t wait to read it!
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Excellent post, Sheila. So sorry for your pain.
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Thank you Jennie for your kind words and for taking the time to read and comment. Much obliged.
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My pleasure, Sheila.
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Beautiful intro, your writing is superb and its true that threes a lot of pain suffers. I’m no expert but I bet I could write a book about what to be done.
Eh. I’m 32 and just now feeling the body rejecting common products. Coffee! Oh my goodness, can I imagine living without such a drug?
And what we, most people forget is caffeine is indeed another drug. And then I heard another myth, because let’s call it that, which says drinking any hot liquids could be carcinogenic and not something we’re supposed to do anyway.
For godsakes, the suggestion is: drink it luke warm. Yikes.
I guess we’re just going to have to find a medium for all this.
Oh dear, your post opened a can of worms.
Gee,thanks. And I mean that kindly. haha.
Til next time.
-Louise
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Thanks Louise for your kind comments. Lukewarm coffee – uh -No! LOL. I hope you will enjoy your strolls through the Coe Pasture. BTW, lovely name. Louise is a family name – my mothers’, mine, my daughter’s and granddaughter’s.
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I love the name Louise. It’s a pseudonym but I recently discovered that a grandmother had it as her middle name, and i didn’t know until after I chose. Funny world
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Good post, and I’m sorry for your chronic pain. I’m a chronic sufferer, too. My began when I was severely wounded in Vietnam at age 19. Getting worse as I get older. By the way, I’m an Upstate neighbor (Oconee Co.). It HAS been a cold one! Take care, and hope you feel better! 🙂
–Michael
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Thank you Michael for your kind words and let me say, first Thank you for your service. I’m sorry to hear about your injury and for your pain issues. You are correct, age is no friend of pain and neither is the cold. Glad to hear you are a neighbor. I appreaciate your visits to the Cow Pasture and your encouraging support. Stay warm and here’s to better days for all of us!
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