I went to the doctor today. I had hoped to have my cast taken off. It has been five weeks. The good doctor says that there are signs of healing, but not very much. They will re-evaluate in two weeks. He insists that things are going good. He did not take the cast off.
The hardest things about a cast have nothing to do with my broken foot.
For one, it is hard to have a hot cast and a heat flash and a husband who is always chilly in the same bedroom.
Another thing that isn’t nice is that the foot that isn’t broken has had to work so hard compensating that it has something wrong with it, now, too. Today the doctor gave me a shot in the “good” foot because it has gone so bad. My lower back has been extremely out of alignment, too, so the pain medicine that I take has been for stuff other than the broken foot. I am very thankful for my chiropractor these days.
I must confess that I wasn’t surprised that they didn’t take the cast off today. Two weeks ago, they had to change it because I had gotten it wet. I entertained the thought then that maybe they would put on the “removable” cast that they had promised me “when things were a little farther along.” After all, it had already been three weeks.
It turns out, I didn’t even ask They had no more than gotten that cast cut off than I was silently begging, “Please, please, please, just get it back on. Quickly!” I didn’t say anything, but the beads of sweat on my brow or the panic in my eyes must have betrayed me, because today the doctor said he knew that was how I was feeling. The cast went back on without discussion.
Today, I briefly considered doing a quick Dover shopping excursion, but decided that I maybe should just bring myself on home. I drove the thirty miles and made good use of my cell phone, planning food for yet another funeral. About the time I was coming into good old Milford, I had hung up my phone and was thinking about life and getting older and things that matter.
I was in the last residential district before the end of Canterbury Road when I saw an old, bald headed man on his mower by the left side of the road. I thought momentarily that he was a bit near the road, when I saw him raise his right arm and cheerily wave. His smile was broad, and he looked so happy. I looked over to the other side of the road, (to see what he was waving at) and there was another old man, on his mower as well. He was waving back as best he could around the big yellow dog that was riding on his lap. The dog sure looked like he was enjoying himself, though I’m not sure how the old man was able to see around him. It was a sight! It made me laugh and it made me all warm inside.
I thought about friendship then, and about how thankful I am for all the friends who have been cheering me on. I’ve had so many people who have gone out of their way to bless me. And I am so better off because of their prayers and friendship and helping hands. So much better off because of cheery waves that have come my way and the smiles that people give me inspite of the big yellow dog that insists on riding on my lap. Well, I guess it is a clumsy black cast that is on my leg, but it sure does get in my way. Sometimes I think I can hardly see around it. But my friends seem to know that I’m somewhere inside that cast, and they have helped me to keep perspective.
So thank-you, all of you! I am grateful for my precious friends! And maybe that removable cast can happen in another two weeks.
Delaware Grammy 
You’re something, Mary Ann. I love your analogy – so like you to think of it! I pray that you can have that removable cast in two weeks.
You some how manage to encourage us when we should be the ones encouraging you! I am sorry you can not be rid of that cast right now. Me thinks you must need to take it easier than you’ve been doing Dear BEG. Did Raph recover from his injury speedily?
Take Care
I like your sense of humor through it all! It blesses my soul! I hope it will soon be better!Miriam
I enjoyed the lawn mower story.
Ah Mary Ann. I am indeed sorry. When part of the body is aching or sick, the whole body compensates, even to the point of the other parts of the body growing weary. Feel hugged…and your big cast won’t even get in the way. 🙂 Have a tight week-end.
I am sorry you are still dragging around with that big cast! I loved the story of the old men on their lawn mowers-and that you were willing to see the broader picture and then share it with us! I hope the remaining cast time will soon be gone. I remember having a walking cast and how everything is thrown out of kilter when you are not wearing your own 2 comfortable (orthopedic) shoes. Take care, friend~
First, RYC on my site: Your thoughts and prayers mean so much. Thank you. We do have a deep faith and that is what is sustaining us. Don is 76 and feels he has had a wonderful life. He is not afraid. I admire his strength so much. We will go on with the same determination and trust in God that has been so dominate in our lives. Sometimes tests like this are just good reminders to cherish and honor each other with the intensity we should feel everyday even when there are no tests.
I am so sorry your healing is slower than expected. Does the doc know just how active you are? You are not a typical woman who pampers herself, but instead charges on not missing a beat of the music of your life! Did he tell you to slow down?
I’m sorry your cast didn’t come off, but I guess your foot and the dr’s know best. I like your optimism and determination to see the best. May these next few weeks go by fast!
sorry about the slow progress, hopefully, it will pickup the pace soon.
Whose funeral is it?
Hey.-EM here–When I comented yesterday wishing you a late Birthday did you also get the note sent to marykaygirl? It was a new kind-a thing for me.
Sorry about your foot and the cast –it sounds like something that would be very bothersome. I remember many years ago I had to ware a cast on my foot and it got sooooooo itchy. I would take all kind of long skiney things and stick in and scratch. It sure was good to get it off. I along with your friends will try to remember you regularly
hi sis. miss you these days. hope this is a wonderful weekend with your family. you are a blessing.
Checking in and wishing you well!
Hello , Hope you have agreat week now to. GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!!!!!!!