I think I grossly overestimated my so-called abilities.
It seems that the longer this &^x*@#! cast stays on my arm, the tougher it’s getting to work and to type. What’s changed? Not sure…certainly not the hardness of the cast nor the uncomfortable position of my arm – but perhaps my patience and fortitude. Have I lost my ability to look on the bright side?
(The good news: the cast is coming off a week from tomorrow!)
What I miss:
Cooking*
Washing dishes*
Folding laundry*
Putting in my contact lenses without contorting my body every which way
Shaving my right underarm
Buttoning my pants
Wearing gloves
Blo-drying my hair
Typing on my computer without having to down painkillers
Driving without fear of losing control of the car
Lifting weights at the gym
Tying my sneakers
Putting on a necklace; wearing a watch; wearing my wedding band
Flossing my teeth
Wringing the water out of a washcloth and sponge
Carrying grocery bags in both hands
*While I’m fortunate enough to have a husband who is – valiantly and without complaint – taking on most of these responsibilities, I can’t help feeling pangs of guilt, remorse and longing each time I witness him “indulging” in the tasks I used to, at times, feel were tedious and boring. And while I must admit that in the beginning it was nice to cede these thankless chores to someone else, right now I’m beginning to miss being able to do life’s simple things, you know?
What I won’t miss:
Repeating the story of how I broke my wrist to curious strangers
X-rays
Pain
Feeling helpless
Sleepless nights
Being cranky
Taking a shower with a big plastic sleeve (that looks like a giant condom) that fits over my cast
What I’ve learned
Credit: Photos.com
- Do not ever – under any circumstances – take any body part for granted. Sounds simple, I know, and perhaps a bit corny when I say things like this. But with Thanksgiving looming, I can’t help thinking about being…thankful.
- Thank your legs and your feet for taking you where you want to go. Whether or not it’s fast enough or as fast as it used to be- that’s not the issue.
- Thank your fingers for moving, grasping, touching, clutching, opening and closing; for being able to return a handshake or hug someone close.
- Thank your mouth for chewing, opening and closing, getting the words out, pulling the air in.
- Thank your shoulders for supporting the weight of your problems (and maybe other people’s, too); for letting your arms move smoothly, for shrugging and stretching.
- Thank your spine for keeping you upright even when you feel like falling; for letting you fall gracefully when you must.
Linda says
Good post, Sheryl. I realized the same thing after experiencing a nasty bug. I don’t think I take my health for granted, but I guess I do to some extent. As I was sitting in my house feeling awful, I thought about all the things I like to do on a daily basis and didn’t have the energy to do. Now that I’m feeling better, I’m more thankful and appreciative of the little things- good night’s sleep, no congestion, etc. 🙂
Glad to hear you get your cast off soon!
SherylK says
So glad you’re feeling better, Linda, and happy that you are now able to carry out your daily routines!
Irene S. Levine says
Thanks for reminding us that we should never take our good health and abilities for granted. We are especially fortunate when an illness or problem is acute and will ultimately heal. I’m more and more mindful of what I have as I age.
SherylK says
I agree, Irene. Getting older certainly puts a lot of things into perspective, doesn’t it?
Nancy Monson says
I like how you focus on the positives first! This sucks, but this too shall pass.
And, by the way, you were pretty impressive typing on your ipad with your broken wrist!
SherylK says
Well, Nancy, we do what we need to do…and learn to adapt!
Brette Sember says
My father-in-law says that health is a crown on the head of a healthy man that only a sick man can see. Hope you are better soon!
SherylK says
That’s a great saying, Brette; I’ll have to remember it. So so true.
Melanie @ Frugal Kiwi says
Having been chronically ill for several years, I know you’ve hit the nail on the head. I often can’t do as much as I want, but I’m thankful for what I do manage.
SherylK says
Sorry about your chronic illness, Melanie, but happy that you can manage some things and keep it in perspective.
ruth pennebaker says
What a lovely and timely post, Sheryl. You are so right — we shouldn’t take anything for granted, especially our bodies. Thanks for reminding me.
SherylK says
Appreciate your comment, Ruth.
merr says
This is a beautiful post on many levels. It reminds me how the “all” of us is one,
Alisa Bowman says
So true. You often don’t realize what you have until it’s gone. Isn’t that a song or something? Glad what you lost will eventually come back so you can appreciate it all over again.
Rosalba Gordon says
Very good post Sheryl, don’t worry a week flies and soon you’ll be the same as before (cooking, doing the dishes and the laundry).
SherylK says
Yes, Rosalba – when I think about how fast the YEAR has gone, what’s another week, anyhow?
Kerry Dexter says
a fine and timely post, Sheryl. having had an out of the blue serious eye issue several years back, I would add eyes to your be thankful for list. I am thankful that I can see.
SherylK says
Oh, yes, our sight! How could I not have included that? So, so important of course; and glad you’re able to have yours.
Living Large says
I’ve learned that we really never appreciate something until we cannot do it. I hope your arm heals back to its full ability!
SherylK says
Thank you, LL. With some hard work I hope to be back in fighting shape in no time!
Alexandra says
“Do not ever – under any circumstances – take any body part for granted.” This is so true. We do take our body for granted. Glad that your cast will be off soon.
Jane Boursaw says
Thank YOU for the reminder not to take our body parts for granted. So glad the cast is coming off soon (or maybe it IS off by now).