Life is never really half empty — or half full

Don’t take your feet for granted. I know this and so do you. And yet it is a privilege to have them work without any thought on our part. That is until they don’t.

So, here’s my latest challenge and learning experience — a heel reconstruction that means six weeks of no weight bearing, so I’ll be using a knee scooter or a wheelchair. They don’t recommend crutches for my age. (Ouch.) Neither will a walker work for my age because it would require hopping. At 79, hopping on one foot is not my strong suit.

After the first six weeks, I will be fitted with a fiberglass walking cast for another four weeks and then in one of those lovely “boots” for four weeks. That is 14 weeks before I am in two shoes again.

Do I think I can do that? Absolutely. Do I have to be excited about it? Absolutely not. However, I do want to keep the whining to a minimum.

So, how do I work with this? I remind myself that 39 years ago that heel was crushed and fused. In addition, there were other multiple broken bones. Early on, the prognosis for my living was bleak, but for the last 39 years, I have lived and loved and walked. And when I realize what could have been and how it actually has been, I am filled with gratitude.

Following the surgery when I have limited mobility and am feeling sorry for myself, I will remind myself of the gratitude.

Does that mean I won’t complain at all? No. But I will remember the glass is never half full or half empty, it is always both. I am determined to keep an eye on both.