August 14, 2012 – Just The Right Words

Today when I was at physical therapy, there was a man that walked in when I did.  He was using a walker and was assisted by his wife.  We all found our way to be seated in the waiting area.  He asked me what had happened to me and I gave him the very very brief explanation saying that I had a spinal cord injury.  I asked him what had brought him here and he began to tell me that he’d had a brain tumor and the complications of the surgery caused him to have problems walking.

Well, in all actuality, he began to tell me but his wife finished telling me what had happened because he fell silent and could not seem to finish his statement.  I got the impression that this was from becoming overly emotional and not from an inability to speak.

As we waited to be called by our respective therapist, we chatted about our challenges.  We spoke about how fear is crippling and can prevent us from moving forward on our road to recovery.   We shared that we were both afraid of falling and breaking a bone and then have to deal with an additional set back.  I shared some of my same fears with him and it seemed that having someone who shares his challenges say that they shared the same fears was somehow encouraging.   I asked him if it were ok if I held his hand and he extended it to me.  When I took hold of his had I simply said… lets promise ourselves that we will stay encouraged no matter what.  He agreed.

Today I felt as if I said the right thing and I didn’t even have to try or think about what to say.  So I thank you God for your guidance and wisdom!

As far as my work out today…. We worked on different exercises to better my balance.  I’m  getting there.  I also walked with the canes as well as the walker.  I will not do any laps around the house today.  I am wiped out!

Ohhhh, one last thing.  CINDY FROM DOHC IS INCREDIBLE!!!!!!!!!!!  She was here today and worked her magic.  I love you Cindy!!!!!

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