Year Anniversary

It has been just over a year since the accident and I am moving forward. Back in September I finally got feeling back completely in my right hand. Sooner than expected but grateful. If I would give a percent as to where I am compared to where I was before the accident it would be at 95%. I am not as strong as I once was in my arms but slowly working on it.
It is crazy to think about how far I have come reflecting on where I was a year ago today. I was driving to school today in rainy/black ice weather. My goal was to get there safely. Strong emotions come back when weather conditions are similar, but I am moving forward and today was a huge stepping stone driving to school SLOWLY in those conditions. My biggest motivation was knowing that a year ago today I had the chest tube remove after being in the hospital 9 days. What a relief it was as well as a painful memory. I tell everyone that if I go through life without another chest tube it will be a perfectly good life!
I think the biggest thing I learned today is being grateful for everyday of life. After getting to school this morning, not many teachers were there early, I stopped by the main office and going back to my room I walked by my principle and smiled. This smile was a smile of joy. Although weather conditions may have been horrible getting to school, I was there, completely able to do my job and I was happy. Happy to have a second chance to teach, to influence the lives of children around me.