It's Really Funny..(If it didn't hurt so much!)

And so the other day the doctor said, "hang in there for six months and the pain and limping should be gone!" Okey, dokey then,...only three months to go! I have to find the humor in this somewhere, otherwise the nasties set in and those pests are way to hard to get rid of!

The knee pain began mid-summer. Come on Claudia, you can handle a bit of knee pain you sissy! (mind speaking to body part!) Not being one to give in to a little discomfort, I heartily agreed, and proceeded to try and ignore said pain. It was a little embarassing at times, like walking down the grocery aisle, or shopping for unneeded items at the local TJMaxx, when suddenly it would fold and I'd madly grab for the nearest solid item, therefore alleviating a meeting with the floor! I met many grumpy people that way...obviously not appreciating my strangle hold on their arms!
Biking was out! Too hot pedaling anyhow! Dropped out of tennis...no one wants a partner who's dragging a limb behind her, although I gave it a valiant effort! Now golf was another story...except when teeing off! If exercising the proper swing, I would end up on that knee and promptly find myself doubling over, but in the direction of the next hole, which wasn't so bad was it? Hobbling to the next green, holding up the foursome, I eventually gave in to peer pressure and gave up!

Ok, there go my summer sports activities, BUT, I still had my yard and garden to attend too and leaning on my newly acquired cane I figured this would be a piece of cake! Forget about the puzzled looks from uncaring neighbors...I could lean on that piece of carved wood and pull those weeds like no body's business...except of course when it was wet and hanging on to that thing meant nothing as it went zipping out from under me! I spent lots of time pretending to examine up close and personal, the flowers and the condition of the grass! Oh well, weeds have a place too, so I let them be!

Well now, I could still enjoy my grands sporting events, sans the jumping up and cheering part! Baseball went fine...then came football season. Love that game! Tough to just sit and not frantically jump up urging your grand to ruuuuuuuuuuuun! Yup, you guessed it! One such jump resulted in a pain that took my breath away! Said torn meniscus had now become completely ripped apart! Daughter Cami, (nurse), became a bit concerned when I tried to speak, breathe and move without success. "Should I call an ambulance, should I drive you home....what should I do?" Stubborness prevailed...she helped me get into my little red Escape and off I went towards home, thankful my driving leg was fine. The MRI that followed revealed known problem....and surgery was scheduled.

Following surgery, which by the way, was uneventful, easy, and I was able to successfully hobble out the surgery door with no assistance whatsoever, these words echoing in my ears..."you'll be riding that bike of yours in a few days with no problem!" Ok, here it is three months later, I have a 4 yr. old grandson that can now imitate my limp to a T, and is darn proud of it, and still no relief in sight! What gives? Well, that was answered this week with a followup MRI showing nothing more than a 'bone bleed'. BONE BLEED, I asked with elevated tone, what do you mean BONE BLEED!? With much confidence, and a stupid grin on her face, she replied, "nothing to worry about, it will heal on it's own in 3 to 6 months." Easy for her to say!

Ah, yes, it has been a journey (with a limp) to say the least! That, bundled with a back tumor removal, ovarian cancer removal with complete hysterectomy, it has really been a hoot! Not complaining mind you, (well a little!), it has given me time to reflect....yes, on my life, on my Christian growth, on my wonderful friendships and family, but mostly on the constant presence of my Lord, giving me strength to overcome, peace to rest in Him and the knowledge of His complete sovereignty in all things. Hey, what's a little limp as long as He's right there holding on! Gotta love it!