Thursday, October 07, 2010

A Potpourri of Topics

Abby’s Artwork
My 11-year-old niece, Abby, has added three new drawings to her gallery. If you have a moment, please check out her latest work here: [Abby’s Artwork Blog].

Reflecting on Six Months of Recovery
Yesterday marked exactly six months since my April 6th surgery. Dr. DeCarbo removed the nodules from the bottom of my foot and applied a halo to realign my ankle to a 90° angle.

The recovery has flown by, which is a blessing considering I spent 70 days on bed rest. While my computer, TV, and the view from my window helped pass the time, I still feel that summer ended too quickly. Winter always seems to drag on, perhaps because the cold keeps us indoors, but I’m grateful I spent my non-weight-bearing months during the brighter days of spring and summer.

Faster Strides
My walking continues to improve! Even in the walking boot, I managed a mile both yesterday and today. Using my wristwatch to track my progress, I’ve made significant gains:
  • Yesterday: Finished in approximately 54 minutes, shaving 5 minutes off my previous record.
  • Today: Pushed myself a bit harder and finished in roughly 50 minutes.
 
A Legacy of Gratitude
I never take a single step for granted. Thinking back to 1977–1979, when I could only stand for 30 seconds at a time, being able to walk like this 31 years later is a true blessing. I am incredibly grateful to God for His grace and for the strength to keep moving forward.
 
Looking Ahead
I expect to receive my new right shoe in about two weeks. It will likely take another two weeks to adjust after four months in the boot, but I’m aiming to film one more walking video by mid-November before the cold sets in.
 
In the meantime, I hope you all enjoy the beautiful autumn leaves while they last. I’m already looking forward to next spring!