"Ghost Bones" - When I got surgery on my heel, cadaver bones were added to it. Afterwards I decided that my negative and intrusive thoughts related to my healing belonged to those ghost bones.

"Roadblocks and Barriers" - “I can’t keep running into barricades with a smile and a chipper attitude” – 6/15/2022. In every step of my healing process, I have run into many problems: CT scans didn’t get sent to my doctor for my telehealth visit, my Essix retainer broke, my mobility aid pained me to use, etc. At times, it felt like I was not making any progress forward and it was hard to stay optimistic

"Brain Stew" - “Did I do something to earn this trauma? Is it a sick karma of some sort?...These journal entries are great for getting my thoughts out, but they still stew in my brain for far too long” – 6/21/2022. As my physical health started getting better, my mental health started requiring more attention and care.

"I Want to Get Better" - “That’s something my therapist keeps pointing out, is that I want to get better” – 7/20/2022. Day by day, I am noticing my progression and I am becoming more capable. From using a wheelchair to crutches to just a walking boot, I am growing in both strength and confidence.

"Thanks for Being my Safety Net" - “Damn my wonderful friends” – 8/15/2022. I am so fortunate to have the support system that I do: friends, family, a loving partner, and many more. I would not have healed as well, physically or mentally, without their support and encouragement.

Illustrations