One step at a time

I used to take walking for granted. Then, one year ago, I lost my ability to walk.

It was soccer Sunday and I had played well all game, assisting several goals and playing solid defense. The sun had set over the mountains which meant I had only a few minutes left to score a goal before it got too dark to continue playing. A teammate passed me the ball and I dribbled down the field, until suddenly, it felt as if someone kicked my ankle. I collapsed. 

At a doctor's appointment the next day, I was informed that I had a ruptured Achilles tendon and would need surgery. There was a long road ahead: after surgery, he said, I would be on bed rest for at least two weeks, out of work for about two months, not driving for several weeks after returning to work, in physical therapy for about a year, and might not be able to walk or dance at my wedding in three months. He explained that I might never regain 100% mobility of the joint but would probably come close. 

 It was a silly question but I asked anyway: "Do you think I'll be able to walk the Camino this summer?" He answered with a strong and definite: "NO. Definitely not."


As we left the doctor's office, I kept telling myself "It could be worse." After all, it is a common injury, acute, recoverable, I was in good hands, and I knew what I needed to do to encourage my body's natural healing process. But I admit that I was scared and nervous. I had never had a surgery like that before. And I was new to Los Angeles, far away from most of my friends and family. Also, it was the end of the school year and I didn't want to let anyone down by missing two months. I felt uneasy. There was so much uncertainty ahead.
The most beautiful flowers!
Once I digested the news, I started telling people about what happened. Almost immediately, I had such a humbling outpouring of support from my Curtis community, family, and friends. The most beautiful bouquet of flowers sat front and center on my table and cheered me up, friends popped over with meals or to just pass time with me, care packages full of tea and heartfelt cards, guitar accessories, and coloring books helped me get through this trying time. Each of these gestures meant so much to me: they helped me to stay active and patient, they reminded me that people were cheering me on, and that we were still connected despite the distance. Thanks to many of you, I felt stronger, more focused, and more determined to take the next step. 

After following all of my doctor's orders and doing physical therapy every day, I walked down the aisle at my wedding and danced, danced, danced! 



Thank you for the cards!                         My first cast!                                    My second cast!



 
  My dad and I walked down the aisle.                Tim and I on our wedding day.

 I was able to keep up with my grandpa on the dance floor!



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