Yesterday in training the crutches went much smoother. Much like with the walker, it’s going to be easier and easier with the more confidence I gain. Wednesday I just walked back and forth a few times before I was exhausted (see the video I just posted). Yesterday (Friday), I walked back and forth for a while, had a conversation with Jeremy while doing it, and he also had me try a side-stepping exercise. The side-stepping was extremely hard due to the “tone” in my groin muscles. When my legs lock out (which allows me to stand and walk), my feet also like to act like magnets to each other. So side-stepping was a challenge. The plus is that after that, walking normally seemed like a breeze.
Yesterday was Jeremy’s last day. He definitely helped me a lot these last several weeks. I’ll be interested to see who fills in for him. He’s headed up to Ravenswood for the RIC therapy center there, where he’ll be one of just 3 therapists.
I didn’t mention in my last post that I walked (with walker) from my apartment all the way to Bar on Buena. It’s not a record for distance, but it’s the first time I’d walked outside of the building. I encountered uneven sidewalks like in Michigan, but also very steep corners into intersections that are even hard in a wheelchair. I also went across a high traffic crosswalk (across Broadway) for the first time. I ALMOST made it across before the light turned green again. Almost. Thank you Erik, for spotting me.
Worth noting from the walk is that 3 separate people all encouraged me along the way. One woman on a porch across the street was talking on her cell and stopped to say, “You’re doing great! You got it!” A car was driving by and the driver yelled out the window, “Nice job! Keep going!” and a guy walking the opposite direction on crutches stopped to fist bump me. He also said a prayer in arabic. I’m assuming he’s muslim. I said a quick prayer for him, as well. I have a feeling we had a mutual understanding that we were from different religions and also that we didn’t mind. Pretty cool.
Last night we saw a show at Second City with Emily and Ryan, who was in from North Dakota. It was really hilarious. I was a little bummed because the show coincided with a talk by John Piper at Moody that I really wanted to see. Next time, I guess.
On the way out of Second City, I was waiting on the crew at the bottom of the escalator. They had all gone to the bathroom. All the other people were leaving the theater and going down the escalator. I had to take the elevator - normally I’d take the escalator but it was too narrow for my wheelchair. It’s always a great reaction from people when I jump on, though!
All these people were heading down - couples, groups of friends, etc. Some were clearly heading home and some were gearing up for a night out. I got jealous again. I watched them effortlessly hop off the escalator, bounce around, goof off, boys chasing their girls, doing dips on the escalator, etc. It was kind of hard. I’m getting used to it, but at the same time you never really get used to it.
I am realizing I have a much greater respect for the human body now. Whereas before I would just be jealous and get angry when I saw people walking/running/biking/whatever, now I see their muscles and am in awe. I still get jealous, but it’s also now more an appreciation of movement. Watching people walk, move their legs while sitting - watching the muscles flex so effortlessly…. it’s really quite beautiful. For me, moving a leg is like heavy weightlifting. I know, because I used to do a lot of weightlifting. It’s exactly like that - grunting, straining, pushing… I see my calf muscle flex just a LITTLE BIT and it’s exhilarating. Then I head out to Michigan Ave to hop on the bus and the strangest things amaze me now. If someone stands on their tip-toes to get a better view, they come across as an expert gymnast to me. God really created something beautiful in the human body. Now I get more upset when I see people NOT using this gift. If I had my legs fully return to normal, I’d be overcommitting myself to all kinds of activities. I get frustrated when I see people that don’t really appreciate what they have.
When Jeremy left he said he hoped to see me around town and that if he saw me in a year, I’d probably be…. (he paused, being careful what to say) on my feet. I knew what he meant and that he was just being careful with his words. Liability and all that. I told him I hoped he was right! I hope I can walk again. I am not accepting anything less than that right now.
Dear Lord, please give me strength, healing, wisdom, and energy. Fill me with Your holy spirit. Be with Kurt and his family as his mother just passed away. Give us all a clearer path so that we know we are correctly following Your will. Thank You for my life. Thank You for my determination. I love you, Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Have a great weekend -
Chip
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