Six weeks of being on crutches, unable to carry things, or perform the basic human function of walking, I can say I'm frustrated. Sadly, I knew it was going to be like this when I opted in to getting surgery on my foot. It wasn’t a super invasive surgery but it really put me out of the real world for awhile, and really took a toll on my emotional state. I’ve been home by myself, watching TV, gaining back the six pounds I lost before surgery, and writing articles. But after needing help to get out of the bath or not being able to keep up with my boyfriend just walking into a restaurant, I've realized some things.
One, that my family is amazing and would do anything for me when I needed help without hesitation. My mom has had to help me out of the bath tub, and my dad always made me food and carried things and put them away for me. My brother even brought me Jimmy Johns when I was having a really rough day. They’ve taken the time to bring me out to Grand Haven and to get ice cream, just to get me out of the house. They’re really great.
Two, it's okay to be upset that you have the mobility of toddler, but to try to not act like one. It’s annoying being 19 years old and needing help getting out of the bath tub and getting food, and I have caught myself having a temper tantrum on more than one occasion.
Three, my boyfriend is probably the best thing to happen to me thus far in life and I can't see myself in a life without him. He’s done everything I’ve asked him to (even things I need but won’t ask for), and goes out of his way to make me comfortable and help me have a good time. He’s let me throw a fit from being bored and annoyed at myself, and hugs me and tells me to try again when I start getting frustrated from walking. This summer of being on crutches has really showed me how caring and loving he is, and I really want to keep him around.
Four, when people seem annoyed with you it's probably all in your head. Anytime I sensed any kind of annoyance, I immediately shut down thinking “I shouldn’t have come”, “I shouldn’t be here”, but really it was all in my head. Even my boyfriend’s friends were offering to do anything to make sure I was having fun or was comfortable.
Five, who actually cares to see how I've been doing, and for that, I really appreciate it. Not much more I can say.
Lastly, six, to never ever take walking for granted. I seriously mean that. Everyone learn number six. It's so frustrating learning to walk. To fail over and over again on something you learn so young. Some people get hurt and can never walk again, and some people are born unable to ever learn to walk. And today I am grateful that I am able to learn to walk again, and that in just a few weeks, I will be walking fine once again.
