Progress

Yesterday, during PT, I was able to take another brief stroll along the seawall. This was just my third trip to the water since last March's brain surgery and November's spine extravaganza. I didn't attempt to walk a greater distance—instead I laser beam focused on my balance, taking even, regular steps and moving in a straight, steady line.

Who knew that learning to walk again (twice in one year no less) would be such an all-encompassing, painful, SLOW ordeal? OK, the docs and PTs knew and made sure I was well aware of what I was up against. There's a difference between hearing the words 'recovery will take six months to a year or more' and accepting them.

Now, finally, I'm in less pain, getting stronger/less feeble and my stamina is on the rise. As blind as I can be to my own progress, I can see this.

HUZZAH (and about fucking time)!

Coco's both shaking me down for treats and
making sure I rest before the next challenge.

I'm not at the finish line by any means but at least I'm able to see light at the end of the tunnel.

From the ashes a fire shall be woken,
A light from the shadows shall spring;
Renewed shall be blade that was broken,
The crownless again shall be king.
~ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring

Melodramatic much, Donna? 

He knew you can't really be strong until you can see a funny side of things.
~ Ken Kesey, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

Maintaining my warped (or any) sense of humor—that's surely been a struggle. 

A man on a thousand mile walk has to forget his goal and say to himself every morning, ‘Today I'm going to cover twenty-five miles and then rest up and sleep.’
~ Leo Tolstoy, War and Peace 

Yup.