Held by Bear

A Pre-Op Ritual: Charms, prayer beads and favourite stones

I had my surgery on Thursday, fully briefed about the possible concerns of potential eye and brain issues, but thankfully all went well and without any complications and I was released that afternoon.

I was so annoyed after being woken up after surgery - as they pulled me away from a wonderful dream, of being curled up with a sleeping hibernating bear. We were both fast asleep in the dark and I can still viscerally remember the feeling of being held, of being safe and cared for.

What a wonderful experience as you go through surgery.

Dreaming with the hibernating bear was the point I’d arrived at in the Autumn Equinox chapter of my book (The Path of the Ancestral Mothers of Scotland) - so now I have a good starting point to begin writing.

At my pre-op assessment appointment, they advised me to pack a bag, in case I had to stay overnight in the hospital. I know they probably meant pj’s, a dressing gown and slippers but in my head, I was selecting favourite rocks and a set of prayer beads.