Have Walker Will Travel

Sunday was as close to a perfect day as they come.  My oldest daughter, Jessica, called in the morning and we had a lovely chat about her week spent on vacation with friends.  (Later I found that one of her friends posted photos of the week on facebook, so I got to "see" her, too!)

David dropped me off at church before heading out to the fairgrounds to work on the Bee Barn in preparation for the fair next week, and Kailyn met me at the car to walk into church with me.  (She teaches preschool at the first service.)  I enjoyed the service and seeing friends and former students who attend, as I've been gone for a few weeks during my recovery. Three people volunteered to help me set up my classroom, so that was an added bonus!

After church I asked Kailyn what she wanted to do, and she said, "What do you want to do?"  I wanted to go for a drive out to Lucia and Moulton Falls, and take a short "hike".  As David wasn't home to tell me not to, we packed up some ice bags in a cooler, a few snacks and water bottles, my walker, and headed out of town.

Oh, the drive was gorgeous!  The sun was shining, and traffic was fairly light.  We both love the drive out along the Lewis River, and have spent many hours hiking the various trails and visiting the many falls in the area, but the last time we'd been out there together was New Years Day. Finally, we have something that looks and feels like summer around here and we were loving the warm breeze through the open windows as we puttered along.

We drove past Lucia Falls and turned off on Hantwick Road, as there is a wheelchair assessable trail leading from the parking lot that we remembered from previous trips.  After parking, Kailyn brought me the walker and we set off toward the trail.  As we started down the paved pathway, my eyes filled with tears and turning to Kailyn,  I told her, "Thank you for bringing me out here.  I appreciate you so much."  She snapped a picture of me "walker hiking" when we got a bit further down the path.

I was one happy momma!  I still tear up, remembering the earthy smells of the trees, listening to the gurgling of the river near by, and the smiles and "hellos" we received from those we passed on our "hike".  It wasn't very long, as I am more careful about overdoing, now that I've learned it just sets me back.  We walked, Kailyn as always matching my pace, over the little bridge and along the path, soaking up the sights and sounds of nature.  The path had a few hills and dips, not significant in my pre surgery days, but more than I've attempted as yet, so after about 15 minutes, when I began to feel the tell tale effects of discomfort in my knee, I told her I needed to turn back.

By the time we returned to the car, I was more than ready to slap an ice pack on my knee, but thoroughly thrilled at having my little adventure.  We drove back toward Lucia Falls and parked.  Kailyn wanted to walk over to look at the falls, and I thought I'd take the wider upper path for a short walk, but quickly decided I had done enough, as it was not paved and pretty bumpy.  I returned to the car and kept the ice on, and people watched while I waited for Kailyn to get her fill of the falls.  

Stopping for sandwiches and shakes at Dollar's Corner, we talked about our "hike" and Kailyn told me she was proud of me for not insisting on going farther.  I even took a couple of short rests on my handy walker seat!  I thought about what a change I've gone through, forced by the recovery journey, to pay attention to my body, and really listen for how I should be caring for this new knee.  I desperately wanted to go on a real hike, however, that's just not reasonable just yet.  Kailyn, in her willingness to drive me in the van, (which she doesn't care for!) allowed me to experience my love of nature, and a mini hike, which soothed my soul as not much else has the past few weeks.

This week I feel confident that full recovery is near enough to taste.  I'm experiencing little pain, except after "strenuous exercise" (the hike pain actually didn't last . . . but after physical therapy, as they are adding new exercises every time now, I do feel the pain!)  I'm making sure and steady progress on my range of motion (now 115 degrees, goal 120!) and I can stand longer periods of time.

I am eternally grateful for the continued support and encouragement I've received from friends, family and my blogging friends.  I am looking forward to future topics other than my recovery journey, yet acknowledge the "rightness" of being here today.  I am grateful for my walker, but can't wait to trade it for a cane, and eventually be free of both.  However, for now, "Have Walker Will Travel" is my mantra and my ticket out the front door!

My driver and hiking pal, Kailyn, and me!