This is the month that I finally began my Masters in Educational Technology, the program that I have been humming and hawing about for several years. This past spring, I finally took the plunge, applied to the program and was accepted. It was a milestone that I had been dreaming about for many years. The build-up was almost too much for me, and when the moment finally arrived earlier this month, I was like a kid in a candy store…
Life had other plans in store for me though, and I suddenly found myself lying in hospital with a broken spine. It all happened in the blink of an eye, and I am still reeling in shock, if I am honest with myself. And so, I sit here in my bed writing this blog post, admitting that this is not the start I had hoped for. I have been in no position to even attempt to keep up with the readings or postings for the first three modules… even though the will was there. There just wasn’t a way. Perhaps if I had been home in Vancouver, with family there to read the articles to me while I lay in bed… but I am overseas in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Although I have a “family” of sorts here, through my workplace, with incredibly supportive friends and colleagues, there are limits to what I feel comfortable asking them to do.
An incredibly supportive and understanding professor has been my life-line, allowing me to continue the course with an alternate schedule. I am finally getting on my feet a bit this week, and have started to catch up on the readings. I managed to get my hands on a computer table that will allow me to use my laptop while laying down without putting a strain on my back, which has made typing so much easier. The iPad is great for reading and highlighting articles, but typing on it from a horizontal position is challenging for me.
All that being said… I think that I may finally be finding my way through this maze of emotion, pain and disappointment. This too shall pass, they say, and I have to believe that. Although I am still in considerable pain, there was no permanent damage to my body. I am thankful for this. I am also grateful that I will be able to forge ahead with this little dream of mine to pursue my Masters. It has been a long time coming. I am grateful for the small mercies.