The day before yesterday I stood on both of my prosthetic legs for thirty-one minutes, a new record for me. I was talking to my best friend and I told him a couple of days ago I was able to stand for thirty minutes. He said that must have been awful, just standing there. I said no, it was wonderful. I continued to explain that for me, under my circumstances, it was quite an accomplishment. Of course he immediately understood, he went on to say people take walking for granted and don't even give standing a second thought, they just do it.
I think we all take a lot of things for granted, unless we are faced with a situation where a previously simple task becomes a victory of sorts. Human nature is a funny thing, we don't think about all the things we are given, like any one of our senses; sight, hearing, smell, touch, and even taste. Take away our ability to walk or even stand and it can be quite unnerving.
It has made me appreciate all the things I can still accomplish. I find myself watching people walk down the street, I observe the ease with which they move. I would never have done that before the loss of my legs, it would never have occurred to me.
Standing upright is something no one thinks about until you can't do it, then it becomes something you treasure. My ability to stand at my kitchen counter for thirty minutes made me realize I am on my way back to being able to move more freely. Think about when a baby is beginning to walk, first they must learn to stand. At fifty three years old I am learning to stand. My ability to stand on my prosthetic lower limbs for half an hour, for me, is an indication of great things yet to come. I am thankful for that.
Another friend stopped by and that was when I stood and talked to him for thirty-one minutes, telling him I was trying to set a new record for myself. One day thirty minutes and a few days later thirty one minutes, tomorrow who knows? After standing for thirty-one minutes we cheered for my accomplishment.
I said to him I thought it was quite a feat. He said excuse the pun, and we both laughed....
Your perseverance is truly inspiring, Glenn. Whenever I get frustrated or start to feel down in the dumps, I think of you. I think of your determination to "get back on your feet," both literally and figuratively, & it gives me strength. I dust myself off and say, "Delpha, you got two legs so get moving already..."
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