Mrs. was dining on sunflower seeds at my Birdbuddy AI bird feeder over the weekend. I abandoned my Birdbuddy because of my injury until this weekend. It was one more thing I didn’t want to ask my husband to do — charge the camera and fill the feeder with seeds. It waited until I could handle it myself.
My physical therapist told me to come in my tennis shoes for my next appointment, which was last Thursday — and to leave the boot at home. It was the first time I’ve been in tennis shoes since I fell wearing them!
I was more than a little nervous at the prospect of walking into my appointment without my boot. I survived the experience and my husband and I celebrated with tacos afterwards.
I’m reflecting on how far I’ve come in six weeks since surgery.
Never did I think taking a shower without help would be a luxury. It is. At first, I wasn’t allowed to shower and the nurses in the surgery center told me to take “bird baths” at the sink. After a week or two using the sink and splashing water all over the bathroom, my baby step was to take a shower with a plastic sleeve and saran wrap around my leg. My husband had to encase my leg in plastic and help me in and out of the shower. I also had to get in and out of the shower wearing that blasted boot!
This morning I filled the Birdbuddy and the bird bath. I also washed the casita window after a major rainstorm so I can sit and take clear photos! Woohoo! Who knew I be so thrilled to do household chores.
Baby steps, but I’m making progress! Sometime next week, I’m looking forward to hosing off the patio, pool bar and outdoor furniture. I also hope to get in the pool — hopefully at the end of this week after I see my surgeon.
It reminds me of the old saying, “This too shall pass.” Also, I’m thankful for what I have and my health!
What experience have you had that you began with baby steps?
What minor things in life are you thankful for?
I know this feeling very well. Two knee replacements and one foot surgery had me taking a bath like you did. Congratulations to be boot free. But do take care. Hugs
I’m sorry you went through this too. But here’s to health and gratitude!
Amen. Each experience- bad or good shapes us into who we become.
Thank you for reminding me. 💕
I learned it the hard way
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I’m pleased to know you’re doing better, showering on your own. You’re right it’s a small thing, but when it is taken away from you it’s a big thing. Perspectives change in an instant.
I went through this change in perspective before and wrote about it several times. When I was 20, I was hit as a pedestrian by a pickup truck and lost my freedom and college and so many months of my health. It isn’t a great challenge, but it does remind me to be thankful of little things.
So glad for you that things are improving and life is near normal again EA!
Thanks. It’s been an up and down road so far. But that’s life!
Baby steps still count as progress. So glad you are boot free, Elizabeth!
Thanks! I’m boot free in PT and around the house according to instructions. Funny thing, my life so far is around the house and PT. Not much else going on to wear the boot! 😅
It’s amazing how much we miss doing the simple things until we can’t do them. Glad to hear you’re progressing so quickly. Yay to tennies and unassisted showering!
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Isn’t that true. We take so much for granted in our daily lives!
It must feel sooooo good to get back to a normal routine – including tending to yourself and the birds, the patio. I miss my routine when I fall out of it – for any reason. Cheers to your continued recovery and time in the pool – soon! 🥰
Thank you, Vicki! Yes, the first few weeks were difficult for both me and my husband. It feels good to not ask him for every little thing, including getting in and out of the shower. Here’s to more independence and gratitude!
It is gladdening to read of your progress. The shower thing I get – my wife had 4 hip surgeries and showers were a nightmare.
Wow. Four hip surgeries sound brutal. I’m sure she needed you!
Just call me “Nurse Dan”
Good for you. You could give my husband some pointers.
My husband felt the same way you did after his first outing without the boot. He still walks stairs one at a time to this day. I’m glad you’re making progress!
By the way, we also celebrated by going out for tacos.
Awesome about your tacos, too! 😊
It really is the “little things” isn’t it? I remember not being able to take a proper shower… and how wonderful it was when I was able to again.
It is truly one of my highlights of the day! Count our blessings — while we can!
Sneakers again. Wahoooooo. Bet your flock of birds is happy again. Ha, ha. Small wins. Before you know it, you’ll be looking back and laughing about how far you’ve come!!!
Thank you, Brian! It is something to be able to charge the AI Birdbuddy and put out seed and make sure Red and Mrs. are not neglected. Also, I’m looking forward to going to the grocery store. I’ll ask Friday when I can drive again. I have never seen the fridge so bare since my husband took over. Yet, we aren’t throwing out any waste! Imagine that!
I think everything starts with baby steps…cooking, blogging, gym, etc. I tend to test the waters. I’m thankful for things like hot water, mass transit….
You’re right. We have to start somewhere. It reminds me of the song from Sound of Music. “Let’s start at the very beginning…”
Exactly
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Woo hoo! You are making great progress.
I am thankful for every flower that blooms in my yard and beyond. I wait all winter and spring to appreciate these little delights of color. I’m grateful for our dogs and all they add to our lives. Much more, of course.
Those are wonderful “little things” to be thankful for.
Yay for tennis shoes and being able to do things
Thanks! I’m ready to be over this!
I bet you are
I see my surgeon Friday. I got delayed one week because of our nation’s holiday.
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So glad you’re boot free, and baby steps are good. Just be careful. 🙂