This summer
has been the most unique summer I’ve ever experienced, aside perhaps from the
summer I spent in a different culture. I
say that because one would think that replacing a small little ligament in a
knee would be a relatively simple fix.
It was a simple fix… a quick surgery and a textbook recovery. What I
could never have imagined is how upside down living and rehabilitating this
little ligament could be. Here are a few
of the big things that have been a challenge:
- At first, literally moving. A trip up 8 – 10 stairs would tire me to the
point of napping. Then it was bending,
getting that range of motion to what my other knee is capable. I’m still working on that, but it’s better
every day. Now, it's strength training in the muscles around my ACL. Stairs still pose a mighty
obstacle as I’ve begun overcompensating in various ways to make up for the
weakness in the muscles surround this little ligament.
- Secondly, actually moving. My lease was up in July, as was my former
roommate’s planned stay in Stevens Point.
So, just two weeks after my surgery, a new lease and a new roommate
started to be a part of my life. I’ve loved everything about this new place and
the new roommate, but I tell ya what… organizing, unpacking, decorating,
shopping, assemblying and repurposing is hard work without a recent surgery! It’s
taken at least twice as long and I’m still not settled to the desired
level.
- Have I mentioned that my business office moved along
with my physical address? Again, restructuring, organizing, finding, assemblying,
unpacking… with insurance files and leads.
It’s all been a challenge.
Of course,
there have been bright spots amidst the challenges.
- My younger brother loves to pack and unpack things into
a van and trailer. This man not only
took everything I own down a flight of stairs to our van, but up another flight
of stairs at my new place. Spending this time with Cody (and having his help!)
has made this move possible and 3,000 times more fun.
- Time to relax. I’ve
really had to slow down this summer physically.
I haven’t been biking, slacklining or playing ultimate or doing any sort
of physical exertion beyond stair-climbing. This is much harder than it looks
or sounds. At first, it sounded like a
vacation of sorts, until exhausting 3x a week physical therapy and daily leg-strengthening
exercises were added to the routine. At
times, this is frustrating, but I’ve also been trying to see it as an
opportunity for rest, recuperation, and retooling. I’ve read a lot, learned a
lot about the Milwaukee Brewers (and baseball in general – fascinating), and
got to vacation and reconnect with friends… all at a slower pace, mind you.
These are huge blessings behind what was disguised as an obstacle.
So, this summer
has felt like no other. In some ways, I
feel like I’m in a different culture because of the new experiences I’ve faced!
I’m more thoughtful about a lot of what I do (mostly because every step is an opportunity
to reinjure myself) and I’m excited about what the fall will bring as far as my
schedule goes. Again, there will be some new experiences and chances to explore
more of life and what it means to be Jaime in it.
PS – one of
my goals is more frequent posts here so stay tuned.
