Hoping for a new beginning in many ways

I returned to Sparkpeople after a long time to get back into shape. But soon after I returned my life was turned upside down with my brother's diagnosis of cancer in summer of 2014 that was followed by his death a year ago on April 30,2015. I finally got the courage to start taking care of myself and get back to normal in the fall of 2015. I started walking and doing some exercise DVD's at home. However, I was faced with another challenge in December of 2015. My back started hurting and I was diagnosed with a bad disc that kept me out of work for 2 months. I finally returned to work in March. And I am slowly starting to walk. My doctor prohibited me from any cardio exercises including walking on hard surfaces. I was only to do physical therapy and water therapy. While I was on short-term disability, I went to water therapy classes three times a week and they were wonderful. Unfortunately, they don't offer the water therapy classes in the evenings. I can only go to physical therapy once a week since I returned to work. But I am doing the exercises at home and I started walking on my own. I started with 10 minutes a day and I have increased it to 20 minutes a day. I am going to start going to the rec center and do the bike for 20 minutes a day. I have to take it very easy so I don't have my back problems come back. I had a message today in my inbox from one of the Spark teams about walking away the pounds in May.

I replied to that message and I am hoping for a beginning in May to a healthier me both physically and emotionally.