A Fellowship of Frailty

It would be great if I could promise that this is the final word on my recovery from surgery in November in these pages (it’s tiresome, isn’t it?) but since I’ve been told that the “full recovery” for my surgery of foot reconstruction can take up to a year, that’s not a promise that I can make.  So, as always, scroll on, if you can’t manage another missal from the sickbed.

I am much better.  Seven weeks out, now, I’ve been given the green light to begin walking and driving!  That was a little shocking since I went from a doctor’s appointment at 4 weeks telling me that I was still non-weight bearing and could only put my foot (in a boot) down on the floor to steady myself…to my 6-week x-rays that showed complete healing of my bones and the doctor’s proclamation to “do some work and start walking…”. Wow.  In one appointment the cumbersome boot that had been my constant (unwelcome) companion and my silver scooter that was my only mode of ambulation was traded in for a sock, extra-large sneaker and a crutch under one arm to steady me!

I haven’t tossed my crutches to the side yet, though.  I’m still waiting for my Lourdes moment.  In a particularly low moment of discouragement two weeks ago I anointed myself with healing oil in the bathroom.  It felt strange and I had an insight into the need for community for sacramental efficacy.

In the path of this recovery, I have stumbled upon (pun intended) some allies online among my community on social media who, for one reason or another, disclosed that they, too, were going through recovery from surgery that had affected their ambulation.  And, another friend had surgery recently and has been texting with me.    There has been a tender connection for me with these friends.  We haven’t shared lots of details (well, one of them swapped some best practices on how to reduce swelling) but it’s just been nice to know that there are others who are accustomed to leading an active lifestyle who are equally frustrated by being sidelined for a few months.  A fellowship of frailty, if you will.  It has included prayer. And, it has been a gift.

I am approaching the age where there is the temptation to discuss health at every social gathering and I pray that I can resist that.  (Apparently the governor on that temptation does not extend to my blogging habits.)

For now, I am measuring my return to health in literal tiny steps.  Today I have a plan to drive to the bottom of the driveway (it’s too steep for me to negotiate with crutches) and to “walk” (crutch) a bit down our street.  My morning routine used to include a 4-5 mile walk every morning and even if I can only get 50 feet and turn around again, it will be a beginning …

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”  (Chinese proverb)