Enough is Enough

/ Ann Coleman

I’m not sure who’s in charge of handing out luck, but whoever it is, he or she should be fired.  Immediately.  Because the string of bad luck I’ve been on for the past year or so has worn out it’s welcome and needs to go away right now.  Yes, I know adversity makes us stronger and that “when the going gets tough, the tough get going,” but there comes a time when even the toughest of us just want things to lighten up a little.

photo-3I handled it when my dog  came down with heart worm, even after being on heart worm preventative pills for a year.  I adjusted to the pandemic and all the grief and hardship it brought.  I handled the fear of my granddaughter’s premature birth and my husband’s cancer diagnosis, and when I started seeing flashing lights in my right eye, I was just grateful to be able to get a quick appointment with my eye doctor.  Even when my beloved “grand-dog” Frank died unexpectedly on the very day of my husband’s major surgery, I focused on what a good life he had led and and was thankful that he had died at home, with my son and daughter-in-law with him.

I’m not saying that I didn’t complain through it all, or have my moments of self pity and anxiety.  Of course I did, and it would be silly to say otherwise, especially since some of the people who read my blog know me personally and they’d spot the lie. I’m just saying that during what has been a very turbulent period, I tried really hard to keep a positive attitude and to focus just as much on the things that were going right as the things that were going wrong.  And I also figured that sooner or later, our luck had to improve.

Yet just one day after my husband finally got his port removed (which is a very good sign and certainly cause for celebration), I managed to break a bone in my foot.  I wasn’t even doing anything risky or athletic when it happened.  I simply tried to turn around, and while my foot turned, the flip-flop sandal I was wearing didn’t, and down I went.  And of course it is my right foot, which means that I can’t drive when I’m wearing the big “walking boot” the doctor said I’d need to keep on for the next four to six weeks.  (Note to self:  next time I decide to break a foot, break the left one.  It’s so much more convenient.)

It’s not a bad break and it doesn’t even hurt very much.  But it was the last straw, as far as I’m concerned.  Someone has messed up, somewhere, and given me an extra helping of bad luck, I’m just sure of it.  And they need to make it right, and start sending more good luck my way to make up for it.  I’ve spent some time thinking about this and I have my arguments all clear in my mind, complete with supporting data to prove my case. Now all I need to do is figure out just exactly who I have to make my case to, and I’ll be all set.  If only life came with a good customer service department……

145 thoughts on “Enough is Enough”

    • Thanks, Julie! We’ll be fine…it was sort of written “tongue in cheek”, but also with some truth. I think sometimes all of us feel as if we’d like to submit a complaint about our lives, if only it would do some good!

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  4. Darn (bad) luck! I thought those things ran in triplicate, but you have shown that the triplicate thing is just an old wives’ tale! So sorry to hear all of this, and I’m certain that your luck will turn. Sending prayers and good thoughts, and hoping both you and Brave D have a fast and complete recovery!

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  5. I’m sorry, Ann. It’s been a suck year+. (I recently referenced it as a pinball game: Good — no, bad; calm — no, pandefrigginmonium; wild — no, nothin’!) If it helps, perhaps there’s a silver lining to the foot break: no driving = no or less shopping = no or less virus variant exposure; also, maybe it’s a heads-up to increase/start things to ward off osteoporosis. (She was much older than either of us, but my M-I-L broke a bone in her back undoing her bra! I suspect she was deficient in many things!) I know you’ll hang in there, but… hang in there! ❤

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    • Thank you! It has been a rough year, but I know so many people had it much worse than I did. And I’m already on a calcium supplement, as my bone density is not what it should be. So yeah, this could be the wake up call I need to do a little better, and there are also silver linings. And I’m so grateful that my pain level with the break is very, very low. I know people who have broken a bone in their foot and it hurt like crazy!

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  9. Ouch that sounds painful! Hoping that
    your string of bad luck soon gets replaced with a string of good luck and then some!! I’ve broken a toe and it hurt like crazy so I can’t imagine a foot !!
    Hope you feel better soon
    Peta

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    • Thanks, Peta! Luckily, this break doesn’t really hurt that bad. The worst part is the big, bulky, boot that really cramps my style and taking time to ice and elevate it. I know I’m lucky that it wasn’t much, much worse.

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  10. Oh Anne, don’t even get me started on “my luck” the universe has dished out over the past year or so. All I can say is take a deep breath & just keep moving forward. This may be challenging with that damn boot but it doesn’t have to be pretty, just keep your head up my friend. Hope you heal quickly 🤗💕

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    • Thanks, Lynn! I’m thinking the universe owes us all some good luck, and it needs to deliver it soon. We’re all done with the hard times! And thank you for your good thoughts…..the good wishes of my blogging community helps a lot!

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    • You know, ever since my husband’s cancer diagnosis, I’ve been taking care of him. And now that he doesn’t need it so much, I don’t think he likes it so well either, because both of us are very independent. Now he’s been helping me out, and I think it’s done him a world of good, if you know what I mean. Your comment was right on point!

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  16. All the negative events heaped one on top of another is just not fair. (I can hear my mother saying, “Well, the world isn’t fair.”) But I’m an optimist and I feel certain that your string of bad luck is spent and you are coming into some better days. If you find the one responsible, I’m willing to kneel behind them while you give them a good hard shove. Then we can kick the stuffing outta them!! I suspect they are responsible for all my plumbing issues!

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    • It’s a deal! If we figure out who is responsible for all this mess, we will back each other up and force them to send better times our way, ASAP. Meanwhile, we’ll remember that your mom was absolutely right. Things aren’t fair. That being said, streaks of bad luck do end sooner or later, and I think we’re both due for a streak of good luck!

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      • The Outside Boy by Jeanine Cummins, who also wrote American Dirt, Hadley and Grace by Suzanne Readfearn, The Light Through the Leaves by Glengy Vanderah, West with Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge.

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  18. I am so sorry to hear of all this stress and pain in your life, Ann. Having lived through a broken ankle 2 years ago, I acutely realize how lucky I am that it was my left ankle. It sucks to wear a boot and go through this on top of everything else.
    Praying this is it for awhile. Hopefully, the universe is listening to your post! Sending hugs.

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    • Thanks, Judy! And deep down, I know I’m lucky that it was a minor bone I broke so my pain is minimal. I’ve heard from others who broke a foot and they all talk about how painful it was, and I was spared that. So good to see your latest post on your blog….that gives me hope too!

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      • Ann, of course you know deep down about things that could have been worse. But things could have been better, too!

        One thing I’ve learned from grief, is that comparisons are not helpful. You are absolutely entitled to your feelings and I believe that venting is healthy!
        I just wish you a speedy recovery and a break from all bad things moving forward. 🙂

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  19. You truly need a break from all of this experiences,Maybe again God is trying to tell you something.They say when you becoming spiritual enlightened about your surroundings,events like that and more will happen but it also requires you to be in the right state to listen to what the nature is trying to tell you.
    I wish u peace and tranquility in your life

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  20. Oh Ann, I’m so sorry. Sometimes life just sucks! And whilst I’m a big believer that “everything happens for a reason” often those reasons are simply unfathomable. Hope your foot heals quickly. Big healing hugs! xx

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    • Thanks, Miriam! You’re right, sometimes the reasons for what happens are totally unseen by us, but that doesn’t always mean there are no reasons. Or that we can’t learn from even the troubles that come our way. Thanks so much for your good wishes!

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  21. I am sorry to read about the extra portions of poor luck sent your way. Watching the weirdos and crooks of this world prosper I too tend to wonder if the Copywriter of people’s fortunes has upgraded his system in eons. I liked the self-deprecating humour with which you have taken stock of the streak of uncalled for incidents. Wish you an expeditious recovery.

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  23. While I don’t buy into the idea that things necessarily happen for a purpose…when something happens to slow you down, I think it’s an opportunity to slow down and reflect. It’s easy to injure yourself when you’ve been overwhelmed–a moment of inattention… And perhaps all that other stuff lowered your resistance, thinned your bones just enough to break. It doesn’t matter, it just is. Settle in, stock up on those books you’ve been meaning to read, and a collection of funny movies. Slow down, take stock, and remember to find joy in the things you can do, as you recuperate back to full speed.

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  24. well the best I can say is that now you’ve cleared all your ‘bad’ luck out things can only become brighter, better! But the world seems to be saying slow down, give yourself a break Ann … can you hear it?

    If you ever ‘discover’ who has that kind of control we’d all like the number of that complaints dept please? Praying for a swift and complete healing for you and hubby 🙂

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    • Yes, if I find that complaint department, I will share it with everyone. And I imagine the lines will be rather long…… But yes, I think I am hearing that it’s time to slow down, as much as I am able. At least this didn’t happen when my husband was in the hospital!

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  26. Sorry to hear about your bad luck, but want you to know it’s not just you. My wife was diagnosed with cancer last week and it hit us like a ton of bricks. All we can do is do our best to get through times like these. Hope things get much better for you and all those having a run of bad luck.

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    • Oh, I’m so very sorry! I think the worst part is hearing the diagnosis and then waiting for treatment to begin. Once the treatment starts, then you at least feel that you are fighting it. My advice is to lean on each other as you go down this path, listen to your doctors (and find ones you trust), and ignore the many people who will tell you to do things differently than what’s right for you. I’ll be praying for full and speedy healing for your wife!

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  35. Oh dear. Sounds like Bad Luck has camped out at your place and refuses to leave. So sorry to read of all these miseries, Ann. If it’s any consolation, you’re not the only one to be suffering; it’s been a really rotten year for many of us. If you find who to direct your complaints to, do let me know — I’ve got a few of my own and would welcome the chance to stand in line with you!!

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  36. I believe you win the “If it weren’t for bad luck, I’d have no luck at all” award. It’s ok if you let out a big bellow so all the hot air can escape. I find I have to do that often. I hope an extra helping of good luck is in your future.

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    • Thank you so much! There’s been some good in the past year for us, but right now, it just seems as if there’s been a bit too much bad. But things will get better eventually!

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    • I’m sorry you’ve been through it too, Anabel! And I’m lucky, in that my break really isn’t very painful. The doctor said that the fracture didn’t separate the bone, so that’s a very good thing!

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  38. Ann, there’s no place but up from here! Those 4-6 weeks will fly by, aaaand, now you have more time to blog…see how that worked out?

    Just kidding. I hope you’ve had a good cry or something, because any of these events are worthy to pause and have an emotion or two.

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    • Thanks, Kathy! You are so funny… And yeah, sometimes we just need to let ourselves feel down for a bit, and then we can move on. I’m feeling better already. Blogging friends help! And thanks for being one of them, you are very much appreciated!

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  41. Reading all these good wishes sent your way, Ann, I realize what a wealth of friends you have. I am in your area til Saturday. Please let me know if you need help with errands. 314-607-9216.

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    • Thank you so much, Patti! The Word Press blogging community is very supportive, and one of the benefits of blogging that I didn’t see coming, but was so glad to discover. And I really appreciate your offer, but I think I’ll be okay…I saw the specialist today, and he gave me permission to take the boot off when I need to drive. That is such a relief! Thanks again for your kindness!

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  42. It looks like God wants you to keep still, Ann. You’ve been on your feet – literally and figuratively – for more than a year. You have taken some breaks but perhaps they are not enough. And you’re really not the sort to slow down. So… God had to do it for you.

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    • I think you’re right, Caitlynne…a couple other readers suggested that too. Sometimes we just have to be given no choice but to slow down before we’ll actually do it. And you know what? I went to the orthopedic specialist today and actually got good news. I can take the boot off now and then to drive a car, as long as I’m careful. That was such a relief! I’ll still have to slow down and do much less than I usually do, but now I don’t have to worry about being a burden to my husband, who is still healing from his cancer treatment. And that is huge!

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      • Sure looks as if all you needed was a tap on your shoulder, Ann. With your husband needing time and help to heal, it certainly wasn’t the ‘right’ time to get injured (if there ever was such a thing as the right time). But I know that the injury will help you to prioritize more skillfully now. Not everything needs to get done. Some things can be done differently. And you need more rest than you realize!💜

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        • Exactly!! When these things happen, we figure out what’s important very quickly, and we learn to ignore the rest. And a hidden bonus to this all has been that now my husband is actually helping me a bit, and I think that’s done him a world of good emotionally. No one likes to be “the patient” all the time.

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  43. I think one of the hardest tasks in life is to ask for help and there are times when the carer needs a break, in your case perhaps not so literally. You will be pleased to have your Independence back and your foot healed.

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    • That’s a good point! (And I like the way you put that) You’re right: with a broken foot, my level of care-giving will have to go down a bit, and that can be a good thing. Thanks for the comment!

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  44. Wow! I always tell the hubby that whoever is at “The Gate” or “The Curtain” will get an earful from me when I pass over! Maybe, I will grease the way in the complaint department so your bad luck won’t look so bad.😂🤣 Ann- thanks for sharing these inner viewpoints with all of us. I think we all have been there in the last year and wondered what one more piece of bad news or thing will happen that we won’t have the strength to control the screaming of frustration with the world. Best wishes on a quick recovery of your right foot. Maybe, the universe wanted you to try an UBER? 😊😂

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    • Yeah, that could be the message! Luckily, I saw a specialist yesterday who gave me permission to take the boot off when I need to drive as long as I don’t do it too often. I consider that great news! But yeah, I have a long list of “suggestions’ (read complaints) when I do get a chance to talk to whoever is responsible for what’s been going on in the past year, in my life and all over the world! We’ll back each other you, you and I!

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  46. I am so very sorry to hear about your foot! I pray that it heals quickly. I know you are not an easy one to get ‘slowed down’. You are always busy doing so many wonderful things! In life sometimes, it feels like the snowdrifts really pile up all at once. But, in the midst of a snowstorm, we come to see what is important and what is not…making sure everyone is safe, making sure there are enough blankets and candles, and provisions of all sorts, if the electricity goes out. A snowstorm can make us stop suddenly in our tracks, and then, it clears and the sun comes out. (You are always making sure that everyone is safe and has their blankets and favorite snacks…including the dog!) Take some time now to do something you would like to do more of without using your foot so much…writing, or reading, or scrapbooking. In other words, give yourself a cozy blanket right now here in the midst of summer. Even with your hurt foot, you can dream a summer dream…plan a trip now for later, order more take-out and eat it outside on summer nights. Praying for you and all of your family…

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    • I love the analogy of a snow storm, Linda! And it’s so true. No matter how busy our schedule is, when we’re snowed in, our busy lives get put on hold, and we just stay home until passes. I do think I need to look at my injury in that way…a chance to slow down from a crazy life and do a little self care. Thanks so much for your comment, it helps a lot. And for your prayers, they are very much appreciated!

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  47. OMG, you certainly have had your share.Can’t believe how much you’ve had to endure…and now a broken foot to boot. Yikes! Sending healing thoughts your and your husband’s way.

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  48. You’ve had more than enough bad luck. I’m sorry you broke your foot. Here’s hoping it heals quickly and causes you no future trouble. It’s time for your good luck to begin. 🍀

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  49. Ann,
    I am so sorry to hear about your foot. Life can be like that sometimes. Pain, frustration and the unexpected can sometimes feel overwhelming. This may be a beautiful opportunity to let others help you. In my darkest times is when I finally learned how to ask for help and receive it. I am not implying that this what you are meant to learn but I do believe there is an offering of love for you in this circumstance. Keep your eyes open to the magic of love coming toward you.
    Take good care,
    Ali

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    • Thanks, Ali! I agree, it’s not so much that this injury “was sent” to help me learn something, but that it presents an opportunity for me to grow if I will let it. And I have. It actually feels good to slow down a little, and to focus on what’s really important, I think. Thanks for that insightful comment!

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  50. I grew up hearing my mother say, “If it’s not one thing, it’s another.” Now and then I wondered, “But why do all those other things have to be so difficult?” You’re certainly experiencing more than your share of difficulties — but I see you can take that boot off to drive! That’s a huge blessing!

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    • Yeah, wouldn’t it be nice if we were hit with a series of really, really good things instead? LOL! But you’re mother is right, we always have some problem to deal with, that’s just the way life works. The good things is that those little moments of sunshine….like me being given permission to drive…..are also a dependable part of life!

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