Memory Monday Part Three...

The big blue beast.

Me and my chair, cause that's how I roll. September 2007

July 14, 2007

Home at last! The flight was a bit of a nightmare. I kept fainting in the wheelchair at the airport and told Tom to tell them I was sleeping so they would let me on the plane.

My neighbor Shelly had found a wheelchair at the thrift store for $40. It is retro and functional and has made the rounds. When I was finished with it a High School girl used it for a leg injury. It is now being used by a woman expecting triplets who was put on bed rest.

We hired my friend Jennifer to be my care taker. She was more like my nanny, not my kid's nanny, mine. She did everything for me, laundry, chauffeur, cook and therapist. She kept me sane and laughing. She's the best! She even let me pretend that I was Victoria Beckham and she was my personal assistant. I was on drugs...major. Say that with an English accent.

I received physical therapy at home for the first few weeks. At first I wasn't sure if my physical therapist was G or E. He was european and I enjoyed his accent. Of course I learned all about his girlfriend and personal history...I'm good at that.

Going to the Center for Physical Therapy and exercise became my job. I spent two and a half hours there three times a week. I fondly refer to them as my physical terrorists. I advanced to aqua therapy. It felt so great to walk in the warm pool. I was non weight bearing for 10-12 weeks. I progressed to partial weight bearing of 10 pounds a week until I was full weight bearing. They actually have you stand with one leg on the scale so you can see what it feels like to add weight each week. Learning to walk was the hardest thing I've ever done. I was fascinated with babies, they make it look so easy. I was slowly regaining independence and couldn't wait to drive.