Pursuing Goals

The Climb 

The first time I heard Miley Cyrus’s "The Climb," it became my personal anthem. Over the last few weeks, as I’ve started walking again, I’ve felt myself growing slowly and steadily stronger. I’m incredibly grateful for this progress, but I know there is still a long road ahead. As the lyrics remind us, it isn't about the destination—it’s about the journey.

 

Below is a video from my walk this morning, set to the song that keeps me moving. "There's always gonna be another mountain... It's the climb."

I Can Only Imagine

Inspired by MercyMe’s 2001 hit "I Can Only Imagine," 

I created this music video in 2006 using a collection of images found online. The song is a powerful tribute to meeting Jesus in heaven, and I hope these visuals do it justice.

I Can Only Imagine
by MercyMe

Cats Playing to Music

I hope you enjoy these five cat videos as much as I enjoyed filming them! These were captured about four years ago, so the stars are a bit older now.

 

Our "cat journey" began in November 2005 when a pregnant Tuxedo cat arrived on our doorstep. We took her in to give her a warm place to deliver, and while only two kittens from that first litter survived—Betty (named after Betty White) and Patches—they and their Mama still hang around the neighborhood today.

 

Mama eventually had a second litter (featured in the "In the Mood" video) before we had all three females fixed. Don't worry—the wrestling you see is just play; no cats were harmed, and in "Maple Leaf Rag," they’re simply having a blast with a stuffed mouse! 

 

An Eye for Detail!

Yesterday, my 11-year-old niece, Abby, came over for a visit. While I can’t draw to save my life, Abby is the complete opposite. She wanted something to sketch, so I grabbed the little stuffed tiger I received from the Versailles nursing home a few years ago. Since the tiger is their mascot, they give one to every patient as a parting gift.

 

In just five minutes, Abby produced this sketch. We’ve included a photo of the original so you can see her incredible eye for detail!

2010 Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Fitness Challenge

The Winner Is...

Between January and March, the Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Center held a 12-week fitness challenge. My surgeon, Dr. William “Will, not Bill” DeCarbo—the man behind my successful foot surgeries—took home the top prize! I initially assumed his trophy was proudly displayed in his living room, but he humbly admitted it’s tucked away in a back office.

 

 Final OFAC 2010 fitness challenge post....WINNER!!!!!!!!

Week 12 challenge, part I complete!

Week 7 Challenge...a glimpse into the winning

 contestants lunch: 1/2 cup cottage cheese,

banana, protein shake, water.
345 calories, 43g proteins, 37.9g carbs, 3g fat!!!

 

Week 9 challenge complete!!!!!
Criss cross, double jumps...BRING IT!!!

 

A Competitive Spirit

Dr. DeCarbo was already in great shape, but this challenge proved he loves a physical test (and perhaps enjoys a bit of friendly ribbing with his colleagues).

 

Congratulations!

It was a tremendous "feat" to accomplish in just 12 weeks. While the trophy is nice, I’m sure he’d agree that staying healthy and strong is the ultimate reward.

Making Progress

Walking Again

On June 15th—seventy days after my April 6th surgery—I stood up for the first time. Using elbow crutches, I managed a five-minute walk that left me exhausted. Today, I’ve built up to 45 minutes of indoor walking daily (three 15-minute sessions). For the past week, I’ve moved my practice outside, gradually increasing my stamina from 15 to 30 minutes a day.

 

Slow but Steady

I’ll be the first to admit I’m not breaking any speed records. In the time it takes me to finish my daily walk, a professional runner could cover over seven miles! But for me, every step is a victory, and I am incredibly grateful for the progress.

The "Boot Scootin’ Boogie"

Before I was cleared to walk outside, I used my wheelchair to "scoot" down the sidewalks, keeping my right foot elevated and pushing with my left. I enjoyed the fresh air for about 90 minutes a day until a run-in with some itchy chiggers convinced me it was time to move back to walking in the house!

 

Healing Progress

The nurses from Comprehensive Health Network have successfully cleared the dead skin and debris from the bottom of my foot, revealing healthy new skin underneath. During my July 12th appointment, Dr. DeCarbo also removed a patch of necrotic skin from the inside of my foot. Because the Achilles tendon had been lengthened to reach that 90° angle, the area was numb, and the procedure was completely painless.

Back to Westerville for Another Appointment

On Monday, July 12th when I went back to see Dr. DeCarbo, he removed the black necrosis skin, which was on the inside of my right foot. The area was about ¾ by ½ inch and fortunately it was numb and didn’t hurt at all when it was cut away, because the Achilles tendon had already been cut allowing the halo to return the ankle to a 90° angle.

Before and After

Below are some pictures showing how my foot looked on Wednesday, June 9th and how it looked on Friday, July 16th – five weeks and two days later. It’s quite a big improvement and proof that the body does heel when given time and the best possible care, which I definitely received from Dr. DeCarbo and the nurses from Comprehensive Health Network.

Looking Ahead

My next goal is to walk without crutches indoors and use only one crutch outside by late October. Before that happens, my heel needs to fully heal and my toes still need to be straightened—which likely means another six weeks off my feet. But I know that by Christmas, I’ll receive the best gift ever: a completely healed foot and a brand-new lease on mobility!

 

Nature Shots

Swan Lake and Over the Rainbow

Glenna, a nurse from Comprehensive Health Network, shared these beautiful photos with me. The swans have taken up residence in a wetland near her home, where she also captured this stunning rainbow on Thursday, June 15th.

A Heart for Healing

In addition to being an excellent nurse and nature lover, Glenna is a dedicated foster for the Animal Protection League of Mercer County. Since 2007, she has fostered 31 dogs—usually one or two at a time—on top of caring for her own three pups. That is certainly a lot of dog food!