Retrospective Lily

How do you define a miracle?

Is it when something that SHOULD BE impossible happens?

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I’ve worked to bounce back from an ankle injury for the last year. Because I have a progressive disease called Friedreich’s Ataxia, time is NOT on my side. All the minute tasks of day-to-day life get harder as I age. So, a full recovery seemed unlikely.

I saw incremental progress through half a year of physical therapy in an office and in the pool. I also continued my regular workouts with my physical trainer as always (separate from PT), But in the last few months, my ankle was locked in a spasm, which kept it STUCK in a rolled position. It became clear – the damage was irreversible.

I went as far as I could go in PT, they said. I should consider a medicinal aid, like a muscle relaxer or Botox injections in my ankle, to stop the spasm. I scheduled an appointment with my neurologist to discuss next steps.

A couple weeks later, something incredible happened.

I woke up one day, and the spasm was gone. My ankle has sat normally ever since then. I’m back to riding an exercise bike and pushing the leg press machine, all with no cast.

I was beyond relieved to cancel that appointment.

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I believe I experienced a miracle.

Oftentimes, miracles aren’t instantaneous; they take a while to come to fruition.

Some would chalk it up to consistent hard work and the benefits of my FA medication Skyclarys. But I see many things in life as miracles that feed into each other.

Let’s say that’s true. Well, consider this…

Isn’t it a miracle that I have the mental perseverance and the physical ability to work hard? Isn’t it a miracle that an FA medication was passed by the FDA last year?

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I’ve witnessed a few miracles.

I’ve seen people who couldn’t get along learn to appreciate each other. I’ve seen small volunteer groups raise big charity money. I’ve seen the power of love change people’s hearts.

In response to a social media post about this situation, my uncle said, Your whole life is a miracle!

Maybe the ability to overcome, determination to smile through pain, willingness to serve and share kindness are miracles, too. Maybe growing new baby plants from old ones is another one. Maybe we are surrounded by them every day.

What makes a miracle? God only knows.