On fancy purses and living in the moment
I surprised myself when I was in Montreal for a hemophilia conference in 2022. I decided to stay an extra day after the event to explore the city. I have to say, I found the most amazing gluten-free French pastry shop! The croissants and pain au chocolat were to die for, and I brought home a generous supply.
There’s a lively part of town near the port filled with wonderful shops and restaurants that attract many tourists. I was particularly drawn to the stores showcasing local artists. When I look for a memento, I want it to be unique and representative of the area. I wasn’t searching for anything specific and felt no pressure to buy unless something truly caught my eye.
Those who know me understand that I’m not exactly a fancy person. I dislike the feel of makeup on my skin, and I find heels to be torturous. My nails often end up chipped just days after I’ve painted them, due to my art and home-improvement projects.
A surprise purchase
Imagine my surprise when I entered a shop and spotted the most incredible souvenir that I simply had to take home: a gorgeous leather purse. It was gray, adorned with flowers, and versatile enough to be used as either a shoulder bag or a backpack. I was completely in love! I should mention that I have never purchased an expensive purse for myself, ever. Yet, this purse was coming home with me.
When I got home, I hung the purse on a special hook in my closet, where it remained — for three years — while I continued to use my inexpensive small backpack purse. I couldn’t bring myself to use my new purse. It was crafted from leather, and it rains too much here. I might get it dirty! So I kept it safe from the elements and my clumsiness for three years. Then, something changed.
This past spring, as my health deteriorated and I struggled to find answers, my perspective shifted. At one point, I truly wondered if I was facing my own demise. As I grew weaker and thinner, I realized how fragile life can be. When your health declines, you come to understand the importance of celebrating each day. While it may sound cliché, tomorrow is never guaranteed.
Using my purse
Recently, while getting ready for morning church services, I spotted my purse. I didn’t hesitate to pick it up. Since then, I’ve used it regularly, and it always brings a smile to my face.
It shouldn’t take a health scare to motivate me to use my special purse. We should wear that fancy dress, put on our pearl necklaces, flaunt our diamond rings, and wear designer shoes — even if they might get scuffed. We should use our nice dishes, even for an ordinary breakfast or a simple lunch.
What are we saving these things for? We can incorporate our special items into our daily lives and make ordinary things feel extraordinary — because perhaps, the ordinary is indeed extraordinary. We take so many things, such as our health, for granted. We can enjoy our special possessions and celebrate the gifts we encounter each day.
Tomorrow, I could be laid up on my couch with a calf bleed from hemophilia A. But today, I rise and am thankful. I will tackle the day with gratitude for all my blessings — and I’m bringing my purse!
Note: Hemophilia News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Hemophilia News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to hemophilia.
About the Author
Leave a comment
Fill in the required fields to post. Your email address will not be published.