Are you whizzing through your day, getting frustrated if you’ve misplaced your phone charger because looking for it puts you behind in all of your many commitments for the day? If you answered an unequivocal “yes” to that question, we can talk. I too was that person, frustrated with any little insubstantial detour life had to offer me. I’ve never been sick or handicapped for any length of time in my life, and I want what I want NOW! That mind frame took a decided “change of venue” recently when I had foot/ankle surgery in the middle of July, eleven weeks ago. I was in a cast for 6 weeks and a “boot” for five weeks. That also meant I couldn’t drive for a least 10 weeks, until I received the okay from my doc after a confirmation x-ray (my “gas” foot was injured). My kids have left the nest. I’m thankful for that actually, shows they can stand on their own two feet! Randy, as you know, is a busy ob/gyn, but now, in my recovery phase, was asked to take the part of the interim-administrator of the hospital. He would typically leave at 7:00 A.M. in the morning and get home at 9-9:30. So we would then routinely dine at 10:00 P.M. That meant I had a great deal of isolation time at our home in Bible Grove, MO.
I couldn’t take the trash out, feed the horse, drive to the grocery store (which I love), swim (which I miss the most), climb stairs, take a shower (in the cast stage), clean or generally do a great many chores and fun things I really took for granted. Even walking to the mailbox (with a walker) in front of our house was a major accomplishment! I’m also fiercely independent, so asking for help to accomplish tasks was a supreme effort on my part (even though the loved ones around me wanted to help). This was unequivocally, one of the toughest periods in my life. I am a very active gal. I actually thrive on a great deal of activity, but now the brakes were being applied to my life for the first time and I can’t say I always handled them with graciousness!
You must know that I always believe things happen for a reason. I really believe I was supposed to learn something from this experience to apply to my life AND to help you when life throws you a curve ball (and it will happen, it’s just a matter of WHEN it will happen):
Here are the lessons I learned:
- Never Take Your Physical Health For Granted.
- Never Take Your Freedom To Come And Go As You Please For Granted.
- If You See a Handicapped Person, Know They Have a Tough Life In A Non-Handicapped World AND Reach Out To them With That Understanding.
- It Is Not a Sign Of Weakness To Ask For Help From Others.
- GOD Is Always There For You, Even At Your Most Miserable!
My appointment is this Monday for the x-ray that will tell the story. If it’s good news, I can drive and start to learn how to walk without a boot. I don’t need to go into the bad news scenario with you.
All I know Is that I Am Still Very Thankful For This Experience Of Life.
I Am (STILL) Counting My Blessings!!!
Heliene, you do speak from experience. But, actually you handled things quite well and seemed to progress faster than Dad and I thought. You really did take it easy early on, but then, as you felt you could do a little more, you did. Even figuring out how you still could exercise by doing some upper body exercises on the floor without damaging your foot. You really did well in finding ways to occupy your mind and body and doing the things you knew you could do, while letting go of things you were used to doing each day but knew they would have to be put on hold until your healing progressed. Great blog!