Regards Colonial1, a fellow warrior that too sees any barrier as an intellectual challenge. Pain I have taken on no differently. With having more side effects, allergic reactions to all such medications, even anesthesiologist have become worried how to put me under when absolutely warrantied. I will admit I have it a bit amusing to hear them admit their fear. I reply, if you are this concerned, how do you think I feel? (smiling) A sense of humor is one of two ways I combat pain. The other is straight on attack by logic. I remind myself it will eventually give up before I do. Besides, there are only two ways it has to end. It gives up, or my time here has reached its conclusion. Either way, I win. I address any barrier with the same mindset. Pros & cons, then how to create another way of achieving my goal. No only means Not yet, to me. I may not be able to climb the mountain or swim the ocean, but that's what a CH-47 & a ship are for. Work smarter, not harder as the ARMY ingrains. Always learn from every battle to be more ready for the next, stronger in heart & mind even if the body needs down time. Look at down time merely as the opportunity to strategize. Turn your mind to other things draw you in. For me, that means music, reading, military history, snail walk with my pup on Base is still walking, marvelling at aircraft, the soft sound of wind chimes stirred by a fan, & many other things. Immersing myself in another, as I am with your reply Colonel1, appreciating that one took the time to speak to just me, can be the lifeline that someone may need at just that moment. So I hope we each here will be another's lifeline as someone has been theirs, & never stop reaching out. For as you do, your thoughts turn from your moment, to focus on theirs. & in doing so, for a time pain does not exist.
Thank you, sir, for giving me a time of painless being. Moí