My Year in Pictures July 2026

July was another hard month. I got a medical diagnosis that was expected, but different from expected. I also did something to my hip, which resulted in xrays, doctors appointments, and at least 4 weeks of physical therapy in my future (my hips are out of alignment). The chronic pain slowed me way down, making it harder to get out for my daily walks, which started affecting my mental health.

I first saw this idea on Jennifer's blog and thought it was a great idea. The idea is to pick one photo from the month, a photo to highlight the month. Jennifer is using the photo to recap the month and at the end of the year see a recap of the year. 

July was my birthday month, I turned 48. We had a small, unremarkable celebration. I was in a funk (the first birthday without my mom), and didn't take any pictures. We celebrated the day before my birthday since Kayla and Elijah were both able to be here, whereas they couldn't be on my birthday. My boss gave me cash for my birthday and I had a great time splurging at Bath and Body Works.

 

While is sounds like I am complaining, I'm not. I am thankful for every day that I am alive, regardless of the pain level. July was hard, but I survived it, and I am doing everything I can to work on my physical and mental health. Grief is hard and it keeps catching me unaware, but I am sure that is normal. Mom has only been gone for 3 months. And, I am blessed with my family, they make me feel special everyday, not just on my birthday (and not one of them commented on the funk I was in!).

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:17 

"Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!" Psalm150:6