Since I Broke My Leg… Part 1

Almost 3 months ago, I broke my leg in two places while learning a new roller skating trick. It was going so well until it wasn’t and I have never broken anything in my almost 40 years on this earth. At first, I was really embarrassed about my fall, especially because I was getting so much crap from everyone for doing something outside of THEIR comfort zone. The move I was trying was technically difficult but my fall really was just bad luck and not so much me being risky or “doing too much.” I had successfully executed the move several times before I lost my balance and went down. My fellow skaters understand what I’m saying, as many of them have also broken bones in there skate journey.

Anyway, my attempt to add to my skating repertoire is going to cost me 6 months of recovery time and then a couple of weeks of rehab. These first couple of months have been an emotional rollercoaster for me. By now, it should be obvious I’m a person who seeks a lesson in every situation or experience. My recent soul tapping session, helped me realize I was angry with myself for not taking care of my body and I needed to forgive myself. What happened was out of my control? Everyone has to pay the wood tax, everyone will fall. Maybe if I fell more, I would know how to fall without hurting myself.

Here is a short list of things I have observed while on the mend:

• I took for granted how easy it was to take my morning shower. Hot water falling across your skin is like receiving small kisses from angels. It was one of my favorite parts of my day. Purchasing a waterproof cover for my cast and a shower chair from Amazon has eased some of the pain of washing. I highly recommend them if you find yourself in this situation.

• We have to do better as a society with providing more accessibility for our handicap citizens. Going to the bathroom in public places is a nightmare. Just getting in a door that doesn’t automatically open is a chore.

• My husband didn’t know how to make coffee. Like, he said he didn’t but I didn’t believe him. Now everyone in my house can make coffee. But I miss making my own. It was my morning ritual, shower, drink coffee, poop, be great. My baby boy makes it the best, hands down. He gets the creamer-to-coffee ratio right every time.

• Being 100% reliant on others when you have been self-sufficient for over 30 years is tough. I hate it enough to never take my body for granted again. Having an injury that prevents you from being able to move around independently, makes you feel like a prisoner in your own body. I’m marking the days until I’m free. I just had to break a bone that takes a very long time to heal. Ugh!

• I’m learning my personal quirks. I now have a new list of pet peeves I never noticed before my injury. Top of the list has to be trash. Walking on crutches and having a non-load bearing injury means it is incredibly difficult, if not impossible, to carry things to the trash can or put dishes in the kitchen. It means at times when no one is around to help me, I’m surrounded by my own trash. Plates of half-eaten food, dirty cups, used napkins all around me. It’s awful.

• Most people are kind, contrary to our perception of society as being mostly cruel. There is plenty of good left in this world. Everywhere I go, people help me when I need it or show concern for my condition. So, to anyone who has held a door for me, given me a sympathetic smile, said an encouraging word, made me a plate, picked up my trash, thank you.