Have you missed me? I know it’s been a minute since I’ve written, but life’s challenges seem to keep coming. As my dad would say,

I’ve been hanging in there so long I’ve got rope burns! —BeckyGalli.com

It’s been a year!

I’ve been hospitalized four times, had three outpatient procedures and spent at least forty days connected to IV antibiotics.

• My infamous six-day hospital stay in January left me with a badly damaged bladder from a horrific chemical burn.

• After a February procedure that was unsuccessful, I had surgery that went well, but was hospitalized for eight days to address infection.

• My April procedure revealed my bladder to be improving, but was hospitalized again for a bladder-related infection.

• And in June, flank pain and fever sent me to the ER where I had a hat-trick of kidney related issues—pyelonephritis, hydronephrosis, hydroureter—and another bladder-related infection joined the trio, too.

Despite it all, life has still been good.

My 2026 theme word, CHERISH, continues to serve me well as I both appreciate what I’ve received and anticipate the “cherishable” (made that word up, and yes, I like it!) moments that would surely come.

And they did!

Through each hospitalization and all the healing and recovery periods in between, I had so much to appreciate and cherish:

• The highly-attentive and sensitive nursing staff.

• The vigilant and collaborative team of physicians.

• And one especially creative social worker who found a way for me to go home early while continuing to receive IV antibiotics.

Yet, it was the extraordinary kindness, thoughtfulness and generosity of family, caregivers, and friends (including you!) and your many expressions of care and concern that kept my spirits up when times were toughest.

You came alongside me in so many ways—prayers, visits, cards, treats and beautiful flowers! My father’s words rang true.

I never felt alone.

But one of the most striking and grounding revelations happened in a post-op visit. During one procedure, I’d experienced unexpected pain, despite adequate sedation. After the follow-up exam and assurances of healing progress, the doctor stopped me as I was leaving.

“You’ve been through a lot,” he said gently. “Your pain receptors may be more sensitive.”

“What?” I mumbled back, stunned. “More sensitive?”

“Yes,” he nodded, walking with me to the door.

“Wow, I had no idea.” I turned to leave, but paused. “Thank you,” I said, grateful for the kind physician, who took the time to look beyond me—the patient, to see me—the person.

I wheeled slowly out of his office, but my mind was stuck in a loop. How could that be? After all I’ve been through in the last six months, surely my tolerance had increased.

After all,

What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger. Right? Perhaps our pain receptors disagree. —BeckyGalli.com

The very idea that our pain receptors can become more sensitive struck me hard.

Could our pain really make us more sensitive to pain? —BeckyGalli.com

It’s called sensitization, I learned. Further research gave me a new respect for the physiology of pain—and a renewed patience and understanding of my sensitized body.

However, this new information also kicked up more questions than answers. (Warning–don’t google central sensitization unless you want a deep rabbit hole experience!) But the idea that pain can make you more sensitive to pain actually gave me some relief—and some ideas.

The demands on my body had been great. Maybe it was time to respect my pain receptors’ delicate state and settle in for a time of purposeful rest and restoration.

To be honest, I am a bit exhausted. Seems like I can never fully recover before another set of medical issues disrupts my progress. I do hope and pray my misbehaving body parts will cooperate and give me the break I need.

Meanwhile, I’m sipping my coffee more slowly, breathing in nature’s beauty more deeply, and leaning in to all things calming and restorative for body, mind and soul in the coming weeks.

Just like this beautiful card (Thanks Ashley and Hallmark) suggests:

Wishing you rest, both in body and spirit, until you are feeling better. –Hallmark Expressions

I’m making space in my mind (and my calendar) for healing and recalibration.

P.S. Although I may not be able to write my Thoughtful Thursdays regularly for a while, several previously recorded podcasts are being released now. Look for those on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and even TikTok! Here are a few…

All The Grief Terrible Losses Met With Extraordinary Resilience	Close the Chapter How to Survive Significant Loss and Find Hope and Possibility Again	The Human Experience Becky Galli on Grief, Disability, Faith, and Choosing Hope
Grief and Rebirth Why I Believe Grief is a Unique Fingerprint	It’s Time to Get… Chiseled with Rob Commodari Living Fully a Life You Didn’t Plan	Blink of an Eye A Raw Look at Redefining Possibility