REFLECTIONS

It’s often been said that one must experience an event to really understand it. I’m beginning to think God put me on this earth to see how it is put together.

Each of us is made a special way, and that’s what makes us different. In my last Reflections column, I begged you to agree that “getting old is not for sissies.” I emphasized the importance of being kind to your body. It is the only one we have, although we can have special parts as needed.

My wife claims I have broken every bone in my body except my head. She’s almost right. I’m sure I can find another bone to break. I chronicled some of my broken bone misfortunes last week. Now, this week, I relate some of my experiences on my way to rehabilitation. It goes like this:

• Picked up by Blooming Prairie Ambulance
• Five days in a southern Minnesota hospital
• Ride from point A to B - $350
• Admission to local care center
• Beginning of rehab project

My rehab partners are excellent. They explain why they are putting me through torture (not really). I have been working with five physical therapists, who have my welfare at stake. I have finally come to the conclusion that a broken body can become a “healed body.”

There was no OT (occupational therapy) or PT (physical therapy) on Saturday and Sunday. The therapists need rest, too. I did cheat today and rolled by myself. This is a “no, no.” Oh well! The warmup scheme is the same:

• These are OT
  • Arm Stretches
  • Finger Warmups
  • Arm Swings
• These are PT
  • Foot Stretches
  • Leg Stretches
  • Foot Massage

I scored some major victories when the two therapists teamed together to make me walk. I used a handrail but managed to do 10 steps, 16 steps, and 24 steps. Completing a practice transfer to our car was another victory. I had to do this because I was to see a doctor. Judy, her cousin Joan and I did it going from the car to the clinic. We then treated ourselves to a visit to the Olive Garden.

The trip home was uneventful. Another day is coming at the gym.