I am participating in the March Slice of Life Story Challenge. Thanks to the co-authors of Two Writing Teachers for creating this supportive community.
January was a blur. February was a little better. Now it’s March, and my sights are set on March 30 when it will be a full three months since I had my right knee replaced. I am getting better every day, but for many weeks I did nothing more than exercise and rest (Allan would say I also sighed a lot). But with lots of time to think, here are ten things I learned over the past two months.
- Physical therapy is grueling.
- Being a good care-giver does not necessarily mean you will be a good care-receiver. In other words, I’m a terrible patient. (Allan should probably be elevated to sainthood).
- Get-well cards and phone calls really do lift your spirits.
- Friends who stop by with meals and/or other assorted goodies are angels.
- When you are told it will be a full three months of recovery and physical therapy before you are feeling back to normal, believe it.
- Physical therapy is grueling (worth repeating that one).
- Even after forty years of not having much to do with meal planning and preparation, your husband can learn his way around the grocery store and the kitchen.
- You know it’s time to start getting out more and doing more when “The Price Is Right” becomes the highlight of your day.
- Learning to nap well is an art.
- Being helped into your pajamas, tucked into bed, and kissed good-night is comforting at any age.
Imagine the Possibilities 
Oh, Rose. How well I appreciate your list! I broke my ankle in October, and I concur with ALL of the above. Joe, too, should be canonized. I just completed physical therapy, and I think therapists are magicians. Thank you for your reminder that help from friends and loved ones fortified us all. Happy recovery!
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So glad you are doing better, Diane!
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Yes, Rose, physical therapy is grueling. It is a hassle getting to it, Depending on the time it disrupts the day. But in the long run it is well worth it. Wishing you continued recovery.
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Let me knock on wood and hope I never need to encounter physical therapy. All are important points to keep in mind when you know someone who has just had surgery. Glad you are not having major issues.
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Great list! I love making lists…not sure why. Maybe because you get everything down and then can review it and prioritize what’s important or meaning full. Physical therapy is tough but can be a godsend. Hope your knee recovers quickly.
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Hope this means that you are feeling stronger. Winter is a hard time to recuperate.
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Yes, thanks. Getting better every day and looking forward to finding some warm sun in Florida soon!
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That sounds lovely!
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Recovering from surgery is a grueling process! My husband was amazing through it all. Get-well cards, phone calls, texts, and meals definitely lift your spirits. I’m glad you are getting better each day!
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Loved your last line — how lucky to have someone who makes it comforting. Reminder to appreciate what and who we have in our lives. Look forward to seeing you better in MA in April. Are you flying? Let us know – we can pick you up.
Clare
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Thanks, Clare. Yes we are flying. I’ll send you the info as we get closer. That would be a real treat for you to pick us up.
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I loved reading your list. You are such a doer. Being a patient and a care-receiver is definitely not your cuo of tea. I laughed out loud about your The Price is Right comment. So glad you are healed and enjoying a Florida trip. I see many long walks with Cyrus and in Longwood’s wonderful spring and summer gardens in your future.
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