September 2026: When We Cannot See the Whole Picture
There are moments in life when something feels clearly “wrong”.
We look at a situation and think, “This shouldn’t be happening.” We question the decisions of others. We wonder why circumstances seem to be moving in the "wrong" direction. We may even feel certain that we know what should happen next.
I was reminded recently that we do not always see the whole picture. There may be more to be learned—and more unfolding than we can see at the time.
In the weeks leading up to Christmas, I was dealing with increasing health concerns and significant pain. To me, the problem seemed obvious. Yet my primary care physician was pursuing a different line of thinking. After several visits, I left feeling frustrated and unheard.
The pain continued to increase until one evening, at 11 o’clock at night, I drove myself in a snowstorm to the emergency department.
Within hours, blood tests and a CT scan revealed a serious condition. I was transferred to the hospital and informed that surgery was likely necessary.
What followed was twelve days in the hospital, surgery, tubes, IVs, and the beginning of a long recovery journey.
At the time, I wondered why events had unfolded as they had. Why hadn’t I been sent to the emergency
department sooner? Why had the signs seemed so clear to me but not to others?
Months later, I discovered something I could not possibly have known at the time. Had I been sent to the hospital during an earlier visit, I would have had a different surgeon. Instead, because events unfolded exactly as they did, my surgeon was Dr. Clara Lai.
Dr. Lai became one of the most important keys to the success of my surgery and recovery.
From the day of my emergency surgery in mid-December 2025 through every step of recovery since then, I have experienced Dr. Lai as one of the most skilled, compassionate, and thoughtful physicians I have ever known. Her commitment to learning, her openness to newer techniques, and her genuine care for her patients have made an extraordinary difference in my life.
What impressed me most was not only her surgical skill, but her presence.
Whenever she entered my room, she would sit down, look directly at me, and listen carefully. She explained my condition and her surgical approach in ways I could understand. She described how her methods differed from some techniques used in the past and why she believed they offered better outcomes for patients.
She carried herself with a calm confidence that inspired trust. Never rushed. Never dismissive. Simply present, attentive, and fully engaged.
During a frightening and uncertain time, her combination of competence, compassion, and clarity became a source of reassurance and hope.
Only later did I realize that had events unfolded differently, I might never have met her.
After my surgery, I asked my primary care physician why she had not sent me to the emergency department sooner. Her answer was simple and honest:
“I was following a red herring. I thought it was something else.”
I appreciated her humility and honesty.
That conversation reminded me that none of us can see the entire picture while we are living through it.
What appears to be a delay may actually become a redirection. That was absolutely true in my situation.
What feels like a mistake may unexpectedly become part of a larger solution. That was true for me in having Dr. Lai become my surgeon.
What seems unfair in the moment may later reveal a blessing we could never have anticipated.
This does not mean that every difficult experience has a hidden blessing, nor does it mean that we should ignore
our intuition. I am grateful that I listened to my body and sought emergency care when I did. But I am equally grateful for the lesson that followed.
Sometimes life is arranging something we cannot yet see.
Sometimes what appears to be “wrong” is simply incomplete.
Looking back now, I feel profound gratitude—for the care I received, for the recovery that continues, and especially for the unexpected path that led me to exactly the surgeon I needed.
When life doesn’t make sense, perhaps the wisest response is not always to ask:
“Why is this happening to me?”
Perhaps we might ask:
“What part of this picture can I not yet see?”
I thought I was being denied what I needed. In truth, I was being guided toward something much better.
And now there is another chapter to add to this story.
As of August 27, 2026, following my second surgery on March 11, 2026, I have officially been discharged from wound care! I will see Dr. Lai again in three months.
Through this journey, I have learned—and been reminded once again—that this Universe is designed to work in our favor and that our bodies are designed to heal. The path may not initially look the way we think it should. It may be painful, confusing, and filled with unexpected turns.
And yet, sometimes it can unfold in amazing ways.
So this blog is dedicated to Dr. Clara Lai, with profound gratitude for her presence, her expertise, and her healing compassion.
I will forever be grateful. Thank you, Dr. Lai.
I also want to express my deep gratitude to the family and friends who showed up for me throughout these eight months of healing. You called, visited, encouraged, prayed, helped, listened, and reminded me in so many ways that I was not walking this journey alone.
Healing happens within the body, but it is strengthened by the love and care that surround us. I have been blessed by people who simply showed up—sometimes in ways they may never realize mattered so much.
To each of you who became part of my healing journey, thank you. Your kindness, presence, prayers, and love are woven into this story too.
Thank you, Dr. Lai—and thank you to every person who helped me find my way to healing.
Warmly,
Barbara
We hear more and more about metabolic health—but what does that actually mean, and why does it matter so much as we grow older?
Metabolic health is much more than weight or blood sugar. It is about how well your body creates and uses energy—and that can influence your energy level, inflammation, brain health, muscle and bone strength, blood sugar, and our ability to remain healthy and independent as we age.
During our September gathering, we will review some of the foundations of good metabolic health in simple, understandable language and leave plenty of time for questions, answers, and discussion.
We’ll explore questions such as:
What does “metabolically healthy” actually mean?
What can glucose and insulin tell us?
Why does muscle become increasingly important as we age?
How do food, movement, sleep, stress, and daily habits affect our metabolism?
What are some signs that our metabolic health may need attention?
What small changes can make a meaningful difference?
This is not about perfection or following one particular diet. It is about better understanding your body and learning how everyday choices can support health, energy, strength, and independence.
Bring your questions! This gathering is designed to be a conversation as well as a review.
Tuesday, September 8th, 2026
6:30 - 7:30 PM ET
Meeting ID: 817 9144 2384
Passcode: Healthy
RSVP by texting your name to Barbara at 216-409-4906.
Advance registration is appreciated. Handouts and reflection materials will be emailed in advance to those who register before the gathering.
Reflections before we meet:
1. How well is my body serving me right now?
2. Do I generally have the energy I need for my day?
3. Am I maintaining the strength and mobility I want?
4. What do I know about my blood sugar, insulin, inflammation, and other markers of metabolic health?
5. Which of my current habits are supporting my health?
6. Is there one area where I already know I could make a change?
7. Who is helping me to reach a healthy metabolic state?
8. And perhaps most importantly: What do I want my health to allow me to continue doing five or ten years from now?
Enjoy from the comfort of your own home.
Bring your curiosity, your lived wisdom, and simply yourself.
I look forward to seeing you.
~Barbara
Are you ready to build your own healthier future? Reading about healthy aging is inspiring. Living it is life-changing. If you're ready to move beyond information and begin making practical, lasting changes, I'd love to walk beside you.
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Enroll by September 30, 2026, and receive:
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let's connect soon!
I have been helping others find their wholistic way since 1980. With my varied life and career experiences, I am ready to be a resource to you. Know that together we can discover lasting solutions!
The information contained herein is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to treat or diagnose diseases or medical conditions, nor is it intended to prescribe forms of medical treatment. Issues concerning health should be referred to qualified health professionals. You always have the choice on your health journey.