On March 12th (my 9-year sober anniversary), I was bringing food to a friend and was bitten by one of her dogs. It's a Level 5 dog bite. There is a portion of my left thigh that doesn't function the same or is missing. As it turns out, Brian and I had PCP appointments scheduled the next day, so we changed the focus of mine. I had initially been discharged from the ER with two antibiotics, pain medication, and the largest hole wasn't packed. I am grateful for my sister, sponsee, and long-time nurse friends who help with wound care, and other friends who aren't squeamish.

I have taken a few weeks off and am on intermittent FMLA at this point. I was able to get into the wound care appointment a day sooner, and they were pleased with my support system. Weekly appointments and daily and as-needed cleaning/changes. At the plastic surgery consult on the 24th, they want the wounds to close/heal before we consider reconstruction.

We are figuring out the new normal as we navigate what I'm capable of emotionally, physically, mentally, socially, and so on. Life will never be the same.

While I'm sitting in gratitude for my friends, family, church, etc., this has a significant impact. I was helping someone else when it happened.

While I understand others are in need, I'm also aware that people want to help in some way. I'm so grateful for meals, companionship, wound care, household help, dog care, babysitting, transportation, and cards. I'm certain that I'm missing something, but I want to get this out there.

I'm living life on life's terms.