I don’t have much time left on my knee. Each year I can see the degenerative progression. And while I’m managing the pain pretty well, there is no way to stop the ravages of time.
But it’s not like I haven’t had a good run.
In high school, after I was hit by a car, I was told to quit sports instead I ran track at the University of Connecticut.
Three times I was told I would never be able to walk independently following surgeries, instead I simply got up and left my doctors in the dust.
I was told that my body could never hold the weight of pregnancies, instead I went ahead and had 6 kids.
I was told that eventually I’d need a knee replacement to which I said – “we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it.”
I think I’m very close to that bridge.
It seems like I’m losing a little more stability each day.
When I see seats reserved for the elderly and/or handicapped I now use them preferring to sit rather than stand.
I have to be careful about what shoes I wear.
How high steps are.
Whether the ground is level.
This weekend I had a discussion with Marc about using a cane in crowds so that people won’t bump into me – the curse of death for someone with balance issues.
I’m going to do my Cape Cod walk this summer and although it’s going to be fun, it’s not going to be easy.
That bridge is within my sights and it’s getting closer and closer.
But it’s all good – no one expected me to get this far.
And just think how much father I’ll go when my knee no longer protests.
Lesson Learned – Resisting is good, but sometimes it’s okay to take a seat. Use the time to be quiet and listen to the world.
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Wendy Thomas writes about the lessons learned while raising children and chickens in New Hampshire. Contact her at [email protected]
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